Chapter 81 Showing Up
Chapter 81 Showing Up
“Tyler.” Chris suddenly felt a wave of fear for no reason. Tyler was always cold and stone–faced at home, and Chris was used to that.
But right now, the chill coming off Tyler was even more intense. His eyes weren’t angry, not exactly–but the pressure in his stare felt suffocating. Tyler walked toward him, and Chris instinctively took a step back.
“What are you so scared of?” Tyler stopped right next to him, speaking slowly and early. “You were acting pretty tough just now. Looks like you really forgot your place. She’s your aunt now–watch your mouth and remember who you’re talking
to.”
Chris clenched his fists and took a deep breath. “Tyler, I grew up with her. We dated for seven years, and I never even knew she was involved with some pretty boy. This isn’t the only thing she’s hiding from you. Don’t let her fool you.” “Then why didn’t you know?” Tyler shot back. “How much do you really know about that guy?”
“He’s just some rich kid from the capital,” Chris said. “Those people only care about marrying their own kind–they look down on outsiders.
“Eleanor knew that, so she never got with him. But now, just to get back at me, she’s using you, and even Angust is just her backup plan.”
Tyler’s face darkened. “And who told you all this?”
“Serena did. She pays attention to everything–she wouldn’t be wrong,” Chris said. “Tyler, I thought someone else had saved me, not Eleanor, and I felt guilty when I found out the truth.
“But now, I think there’s a reason I can’t stand her. Even if I’d known it was her, I still wouldn’t have fallen for her.”
Tyler gave a casual smile and patted Chris on the shoulder–then suddenly clamped down, hard. Chris flinched as the pressure kicked in. He tried to shrug Tyler off, but the grip didn’t budge.
“Tyler, what are you doing?” Chris shouted.
“Well, I just think if one can use one’s hands, there’s no need to waste words. I really don’t get how your mind works. But if you’re willing to apologize for your wife, that’s something,” said Tyler.
Chris’s eyes went wide, but before he could say anything, Tyler handed him Tyler’s phone. The video playing was of Serena talking to Lila, saying all those things.
“No way,” Chris muttered as he watched the video. Serena didn’t look gentle at all–her face was full of calculation, nothing innocent left. “She’s insecure, that’s all. She just cares about me way too much.”
“So, you think Eleanor should apologize to her?” Tyler said. “Fine, you stay here and reflect. Once Eleanor feels better, then maybe you can leave. I know you’re not happy about it. Doesn’t matter. I can always make this video public.”
“I will,” Chris said quietly, eyes down. “Tyler, Serena’s still young. She’s inexperienced. Why are you being so hard on her? She just doesn’t feel safe, that’s all.”
Tyler let out a cold laugh. “Well then, I’ll leave you to it.”
*****
Tyler walked into the bedroom, spotting Eleanor busy with something. “What are you doing?”
Eleanor picked up what she was working on and handed it to Tyler. “I made you a sachet. Now you don’t have to be jealous
- of anyone else’s.” Tyler took it–the sachet gave off a sweet, pleasant scent.
“There are herbs inside–ones you can only find in Puwa,” Eleanor said. “Doesn’t it smell amazing? Just having it around puts you in a good mood.”
Tyler took a sniff of the sachet. “You’re right. It really does.”
“I heard everything you guys were saying just now,” Eleanor said. “Aren’t you worried about what people might say about you?”
“Not at all.” Tyler pulled Eleanor into his arms. “He’s the one who’s clueless and can’t read the room.” As he spoke, Tyler leaned in, about to kiss her.
“Wait.” Eleanor pushed him away and whispered, “Angust asked me out tonight.”
Tyler’s face immediately darkened.
“I told him to bring Lila along. Want to come with us?” Eleanor said. “It’s better to talk things out than keep second- guessing each other. I don’t think Lila is that unreasonable.”
Tyler nodded. “Alright.”
“I knew you’d say yes.” Eleanor grinned. “Funny, Angust thought you wouldn’t be interested.”
1/2
Chapter 81 Showing Up
Eleanor slipped into a pale green silk dress, let her long hair fall loose, clipped a lilacs–shaped hairpin to the side, and put on a pair of purple silk butterfly earrings. With a touch of makeup, her delicate features looked even more fresh and pure.
She grabbed a blue robin–patterned mulberry silk purse. “Let’s go.”
Even with makeup on, Eleanor had none of that sultry vibe–she was all poise and grace, like someone raised in a well–off family. At first, she might seem pretty average, but the more one looked, the more one realized how charming she really
was.
Tyler looked at Eleanor and leaned in a little closer to her. She had this light floralent on her, and something about it hit him harder than expected. He hadn’t been with anyone in years, but just then, desire flared up out of nowhere.
Tyler thought, ‘Two people in love, having sex should be natural. Honestly, if I knew it’d feel like this, I wouldn’t have bothered pretending to be the gentleman who waits until the wedding night.”
“Why are you looking at me like that?” Eleanor touched her cheek. “Do I not look good or something?”
“No.” Tyler brushed her cheek. “I regret not doing it sooner. The moment I knew how I felt about you, maybe I should’ve already made love to you.”
Eleanor’s cheeks turned pink. “Seriously, what do you guys even think about all day? Not tonight–I’ve got my period.” A flash of disappointment crossed Tyler’s face, but he quickly asked, “So… you’d actually be okay with it?”
“We’re a couple now,” Eleanor said softly. “And even our agreement never said we couldn’t… you know. You never even tried, so I thought maybe you just weren’t interested.”
Tyler shook his head. “I just didn’t want you to feel pressured. And I was worried you’d regret it. But after Angust showed up, I realized losing you is what I’d really regret.”
Eleanor slipped her arm through his and smiled. “I’ve always seen Angust as just a friend. Tonight, I just want to set things straight with him.”
Eleanor opened the door and saw Chris still standing there. “Well, would you look at that. Still here?” Eleanor said. Chris looked at her. “I’ve already apologized to you for Serena.”
Eleanor scoffed, “You think you can apologize for her? Both you and Serena owe me an apology. Yours is the bare minimum, but don’t think this means Serena gets off easy. Oh, and tell her–the Donovan family doesn’t have an adopted daughter named Serena anymore.”
Chris raised his voice. “I know you hate me, but do you really have to take everything away from Serena?”
Eleanor laughed. “That’s funny. I didn’t know she had anything that was actually hers.” She turned to Tyler. “Let’s go, babe.”
*****
Angust and Lila were already waiting in the café. Angust had made a point to sit a little farther away from Lila, looking pretty annoyed. But as soon as he spotted Eleanor walking in, his face lit up and he waved excitedly. “Eleanor, over here.”
Subscribed
