The Billionaire Who Saved Me

When Elice turned on the computer that morning, she remembered something she had not told Garrett. It had to do with the profiles of Dirk and Dakota that she had found in her husband’s desk drawer. She had almost forgotten her curiosity about why Garrett had kept them. But later. She kept reminding herself not to miss the opportunity to ask Garrett about it.

Elice worked as usual. Despite some gossip she heard occasionally, she remained relaxed. She had learned a lot during this time. That something that did not affect her life was not worth thinking about. This included gossip from people.

Exactly at four o’clock in the afternoon, Elice went home from the office. Together with her private driver named Rowan Smith. As the car they were in left the office security gate, Elice briefly saw another car following theirs. Rowan noticed it too.

“They’ve been instructed for your safety, ma’am. To avoid incidents like yesterday.”

Knowing what was on Elice’s mind, the driver explained even though he had not been asked, worried that Elice might get anxious about it.

“I know.” Actually, Elice had seen it the last few days. And she could already guess. “Besides, it’s been a while, hasn’t it?”

Elice could see Rowan blink once through the car’s rearview mirror. The man nodded.

“Yes, it has,” Rowan replied, nodding once. “Since the attack on Mr. Garrett.”

Rowan’s answer suddenly made Elice freeze.

*

“Elice.”

Garrett’s voice was heard as Elice opened the bedroom door. She walked in. She seemed startled for a moment and turned to see her husband sitting on the sofa. He had an open book in his lap.

Garrett greeted Elice’s return with a frown. He could clearly see that something had happened to his wife. Elice looked different.

“Are you okay?”

Elice put her bag on her desk across the room. Only then did she approach Garrett. She sat down.

From such a close distance, Garrett could clearly see that Elice did not look well. She was pale and a few beads of sweat adorned her forehead. When he reached for Elice’s hand, he could feel the coldness there.

“It looks like you really need to get checked out, Elice. You’ve been looking really pale lately.”

The concern really made Garrett worry about Elice’s condition. He did not want Elice to neglect her own well-being just because she cared too much for him.

Garrett reached for Elice’s cheek. He made her close her eyes rhythmically. Touched. But when she opened her eyes, it was a shake of the head that Garrett received.

“I just need more rest.”

It seemed Garrett could not count how many times Elice had used that excuse. Too often.

“I just need to sleep and rest.”

And this one thing was already memorized by Garrett. As the solution offered by Elice. But according to Garrett, it did not have enough influence on Elice.

However, the smile Elice flashed seemed so convincing. So much so that Garrett decided not to argue with her anymore, whether he liked it or not. Especially since Elice got up shortly afterwards. She disappeared behind the bathroom door.

Elice’s smile vanished instantly as the bathroom door closed. Being alone in there made Elice give up. Tremors shook her body that she had been trying to hold back, instantly releasing. Fear overcame her. Drained her strength. She fell and sat on the floor. Rowan’s voice echoed in Elice’s mind.

“Yes, it has. Since the attack on Mr. Garrett.”

Not just once. But repeatedly. Until Elice clutched her chest with both hands. Her heartbeat irregular. In a terror that immediately reminded her of something.

“Elice’s fate is really something, huh? Just started working and already trusted to conduct interviews.”

“Close to the grandson of a conglomerate and married.”

“Now? Even her car is more expensive than the director’s here.”

“I wouldn’t be surprised if she had bodyguards following her.”

Elice would not forget. The whispers of her colleagues at the time. When she returned to work after her wedding leave.Nôvel(D)rama.Org's content.

Being talked about behind her back was something Elice had experienced on a regular basis. But this time was different. Because when she remembered the whispers that day, Rowan’s words became something to question.

Stay calm, Elice.

Elice tried to calm down. Although it was difficult, she tried to control the panic that was overtaking her. She had to make sure of everything first.

The next day, using her position, Elice called her colleague. One of those who had talked about her in the pantry the other day.

Neva entered Elice’s room after knocking on her door. She sat down in front of Elice. Being polite. After all, Elice was her superior now.

“What is it, ma’am?”

Elice looked at Neva. Not wanting to beat around the bush, she asked.

“Do you remember the day you and your friends were talking about me in the pantry? The first day I came back after my vacation?”

Neva’s eyes widened. Obviously surprised. She had no idea that Elice had called her because of that incident.

Neva stammered. Panicked. Not knowing what to say when the worry overwhelmed her. Afraid it would have a negative impact on her job.

But before Neva could prepare to defend herself or try to make excuses, Elice spoke again.

“You don’t have to lie. I know what happened in the pantry and I don’t mind at all, I promise. It won’t affect your job in any way.”

Elice let out a long sigh. Neva was taken aback, torn between believing Elice’s words or not.

“But there’s something I need to ask you about your conversation back then. And it is important. I need your help.”

For a moment doubt appeared in Neva’s eyes. Of course, she could not just blindly believe. But Elice urged with desperation in her eyes. Her face showed a panic that Neva could not ignore.

“I beg you.”

Finally, Neva nodded. “What is it you wish to ask, ma’am?”

*