Chapter 77 Lila Has Arrived
When they got home, Tyler’s face was still clouded with displeasure.
Eleanor brought back a few boxes of scented candles from the shop, planning to give them to Martha. Seeing Tyler stilf sulking, she decided not to call him and headed straight to Martha’s room.
“Mom, I got these for you,” Eleanor said. “They’re handmade and made entirely from natural plants.”
Martha’s face lit up. “You’re so thoughtful. I know Donovan’s Aroma Shop well. Ality perfumes and room sprays are from them.”
“I’m glad you like them, Mom,” Eleanor replied. “By the way, Mom, can I ask you something? Do you think Tyler’s… kind of sensitive?”
Martha chuckled. “Sensitive? Not at all. He’s never been one to care about what others think. Over the years, there’s only been one person he’s truly cared about. And it took me a while to figure that out.”
Eleanor didn’t dwell on that comment. Instead, she frowned and said, “Then why is he still upset over one little comment!
made?”
“What did you say to him?” Martha asked, her tone amused.
“Oh, nothing dramatic,” Eleanor said. “Just mentioned that older guys tend to know how to sweet–talk people. I mean, I get that some people are touchy about their age–and I respect that–but I really didn’t think he’d care.
“Mom, you know Tyler better than anyone, so I thought I’d come talk to you about it.”
Martha nodded in understanding. “If anyone else called him old, he wouldn’t bat an eye. But coming from you? That’s a whole different story.
“By the way, I haven’t asked–how are things between you two now? My son is capable in many areas, but when it comes to relationships, he’s inexperienced and lacks confidence. If you call him old, it’ll only make him feel even less secure.”
Eleanor blinked in surprise. She hadn’t expected Tyler to be this kind of person. “Wait, so… you’re saying he’s only acting like this because I said it?”
“Yes,” Martha replied with a smile. “Just go and cheer him up. That’s all it takes.” “Really? I can’t believe he’s this sensitive,” Eleanor muttered under her breath.
“Maybe it’s because he’s afraid of losing what he’s finally gained,” Martha said.
“Alright, I get it now,” Eleanor said as she stood up. “Thanks, Mom.”
*****
When Eleanor walked back into the room, Tyler was standing by the window, staring out as if deep in thought. Cheering someone up wasn’t exactly her strong suit, but she figured she’d give it a shot.
Eleanor took a deep breath, walked up to Tyler, and wrapped her arms around his waist. “Still mad? I never said you were old, you know.”
Tyler stiffened slightly. “I’m not mad.”
“Who are you trying to fool?” Eleanor said. “It’s written all over your face. Are you really that bothered by your age?” “Yeah.” Tyler grabbed her hand, spun her around, and pressed her gently against the wall, his eyes locking onto hers. “If someone younger came along, I’m scared I wouldn’t even stand a chance.”
Eleanor chuckled. “You’re seriously still holding on to something I did as a kid? Come on–I was just a dumb kid back then. I’ve grown up now. I know better. You’re amazing, Tyler. Why wouldn’t I want to be with you?”
She paused for a beat. “Back in those years… I was always the one who had to be the grown–up. The responsible one, doing everything for the other person. I’m honestly done with that. Unless… wait–are you hung up on how expensive the gift was?”
“No,” Tyler replied. “If I had to say what bothers me, it’s that I’m jealous Chris got something you made with your own hands.” Eleanor laughed. “Oh, that? Don’t be. I gave it to him at his birthday party, and he said it was too cheap to be worth anything. He dumped it.”
Tyler’s expression darkened. “He treated your effort like that? How could you put up with it?”
Eleanor gave a self–deprecating smile. “That’s Successfully unlocked!ur judgment. One loses oneself.”
Tyler brushed his fingers against Eleanor’s cheek, is eyes ieu with a mix of regret and longing. “Maybe I shouldn’t have stood by and done nothing.”
Eleanor shook her head. “Unless I figured it out for myself, nothing you said would’ve mattered. Back then, even if you’d confessed, I would’ve thought you were crazy.
1/2
Chapter 77 Lila Has Arrived
“Sometimes, losing something just means making room for something better. Everything happens at the right time–not too early, not too late.”
Tyler gazed at her, the weight of her words sinking in. That was why he hadn’t dared to act recklessly before. Sometimes, he thought, even if he couldn’t have her by his side, just being able to quietly watch over her was enough for him.
Tyler leaned in slowly, his lips just about to brush against Eleanor’s when the sharp ring of a phone broke the moment. Eleanor pushed him away gently. “It’s my phone.”
Tyler’s mood soured instantly, and seeing Angust’s name on the caller ID only made it worse.
Eleanor picked up the phone. “Angust, what is it? You need us to come over and sign the contract? Is it that urgent? Alright, I get it.” She ended the call and turned to Tyler. “Shall we go together?”
“Alright.” Tyler nodded.
****
As they reached the lobby, Tyler’s phone buzzed with a message. After glancing at it, he said, “Lila’s here.”
“Lila? Who’s that?” Eleanor asked.
“Angust’s fiancée.”
“Did she really chase him all the way here?” Eleanor looked at Tyler. “Was this your doing?”
“How would I even know her? I just mentioned it to Angust’s mother. Angust can’t keep running around like this forever. As for his acting career, it can wait until after he’s married. Are you in a hurry?”
“Me? Not at all. I just think it’ll be fun to see how this plays out.”
In the corner of the lobby, a shadowy figure stood silently, their presence unnoticed as they listened in on the conversation.
They met up at a coffee shop. Tyler spotted Angust sitting there, sunglasses and a baseball cap doing their best to keep him under the radar.
A flicker of sarcasm crossed Tyler’s eyes as he pulled Eleanor along and walked over. “All bundled up like that–do you really think you can stay hidden?”
Angust gestured to the contract on the table. “If you don’t have any objections, sign it. Then we’ll get started.”
“Signing the contract is fine,” Tyler said, “but starting work right now? Not happening. You’re getting married, and so am I. We’re both swamped.”
Angust yanked off his sunglasses and glared at Tyler. “Don’t you know you have to strike while the iron’s hot?” “Doesn’t matter to me,” Tyler replied. “This is just a side thing. My personal life is my priority right now.”
Angust turned his attention to Eleanor. “Eleanor, what do you think? You can’t keep letting guys push you around.” “Waiting a few days won’t hurt,” Eleanor said. “I heard your fiancée came looking for you.”
Angust hurriedly shoved his sunglasses back on. “Eleanor, you’ve got to help me. I can’t be tied down by marriage. Just pretend to be my girlfriend for a bit, okay?”
Tyler’s face darkened instantly, his icy gaze locking onto Angust.
“No way.” Eleanor refused. “Lying won’t fix anything. If you really don’t want this, just be honest with her. I’ve been hurt. before pretending to be someone I’m not, and I’m not doing it again.”
“But I’m not like those other guys,” Angust protested.
“If you can’t fight it, just deal with it,” Tyler interjected. “I’ll take the contract back with me. If there are no issues, I’ll sign it and return it to you.”
Angust was visibly annoyed but couldn’t come up with a rebuttal.
**
Angust had just got to the hotel entrance when he froze. Standing outside was someone he definitely didn’t want to see- his fiancée, Lila. Just as he was about to make a run for it, a familiar voice called out, “Miss Vance, are you here to see Mr. Marlov?”
The voice sounded familiar. Angust turned and saw Serena.
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