Chapter 337
Chapter 338
She could always say she’d signed that agreement to save Tanya Foster–really, she hadn’t been able to think of any other way.
But if she admitted she’d done it willingly, out of her own feelings, how was she supposed to explain that?
She couldn’t. There were no words.
If she confessed now, then the next time he left her behind, she’d be the only one to blame. People would only point fingers at her.
Just like before, when all the gossip had been aimed at her: Rowan had supported her for nine whole years–what more did she want? How dare she dream of clinging to Rowan for a lifetime!
Rowan noticed her silent, downcast expression and could guess what she was thinking. He gently cupped the back of her head, leaned down, and kissed her softly on the lips.
She was so soft.
He didn’t rush, didn’t try to claim her all at once. Instead, he kissed her patiently, lips brushing hers between words. “Little Nine, those things from before–they’ll never happen again p>
“Elissa and Rowan will never be separated, not ever again p>
For a moment, Elissa was caught off guard.
He remembered. He’d remembered her sixteenth birthday wish, all these years
later.
Clinging to his shoulders, she kissed him back, blinking away the moisture threatening to spill from the corners of her eyes. “Rowan, do you ever regret leaving me behind back then p>
Elissa realized she wasn’t às resolute as she’d always believed.
At least, not when it came to Rowan. When it came to him, she couldn’t quite live up to the old mantra–betray me once, and you’ll never get a second chance.
Maybe, deep down, all she wanted was for this proud, privileged man to bow his head just once in front of her, to admit that he shouldn’t have abandoned her. Maybe then, she could let the past go.
Maybe then, they could truly start over.
But this time, she didn’t miss the flicker of confusion in Rowan’s eyes.
It was just like that look he’d given her on her birthday, all those years ago, when she’d made her wish and met his gaze across the candles.
Before Rowan could answer, the car slowed to a stop. Just before the partition dropped, Elissa hurriedly pulled away from him.
Evan turned around from the driver’s seat. “Sir, Miss, we’ve arrived at the restaurant p>
“Alright p>
As Elissa lifted her eyes, she caught the flash of relief on Rowan’s face. She couldn’t help the
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Chapter 338
self–mocking quirk of her lips.
Absolutely pathetic.
1
Meanwhile, Marcia could hardly contain her good mood at the thought that, soon enough, Elissa would have thoroughly offended both the Wilkinson and Murphy families.
Frank was just leaving Atwater Manor when he saw Marcia step out of her car, a broad, satisfied smile on her face. He frowned, about to walk past her without a word, but she called out first.
“Frank p>
Marcia knew perfectly well that his thoughts these days were all wrapped up in Elissa, but she wasn’t about to let any opportunity slip by. “Why not stay for dinner before you go p>
Frank had barely been home at all lately. And every time he did show up, it was only to grab something or to check in briefly on Old Mrs. Atwater before leaving again.
He paused, not bothering to look at her. “I don’t want to eat at the same table as you. Isn’t that obvious p>
Marcia’s smile faltered for a second, but she recovered quickly, still beaming. “Then who do you want to eat with? Elissa? I wouldn’t count on it. There’s a long line of men around her these days–none of them very clear about their intentions p>
There it was again–Rowan. And Cliff Riley. And Jesse.
Everyone wanted a piece of her. What a little seductress!
“Marcia p>
Frank had never tolerated anyone trash–talking Elissa before, and now it grated on him even more. His voice was sharp. “You really think everyone is like you? I know exactly what kind of person Elissa is–far better than you ever will p>
“Oh, I doubt that p>
Marcia’s tone was righteous. “Just this afternoon, I saw her go to Wilkinson Group to see Jesse. The second son of the Wilkinsons himself came down to the lobby to get her p>
“They’re not family, not even friends. If there wasn’t something going on, would Mr. Jesse really be that warm and welcoming p>