The Billionaire Who Saved Me

Elice was not unaware that Farrah was looking into her room. However, the woman pretended not to notice, adopting an indifferent posture when in fact the opposite was true. With her eyes fixed on her husband, Elice still managed to observe Farrah’s unusual behavior out of the corner of her eye.

Elice smiled. At Garrett, of course. Trying to calm the man’s worries. But it seemed that the smile wasn’t only effective for Garrett. Instead, it also seemed to bring out Farrah’s true nature.

In front of others, Farrah appeared to be a caring family member, seemingly deeply affected by the tragic events. Especially since Daphne was her own biological mother.

But look at that. Elice wouldn’t be wrong if she noticed the smirk forming on Farrah’s face. The cynical expression that appeared there wouldn’t escape Elice’s notice.

Farrah hadn’t come to comfort the grieving family. Quite the opposite.

“So…”

Garrett’s voice caught Elice’s attention. Coinciding with Farrah’s retreat from Elice’s bedroom door. Slowly closing it behind her.

“… you really don’t feel anything anymore?”

Elice nodded. Garrett’s hand stroking her cheek made Elice feel at peace. That touch managed to make her forget Farrah’s earlier behavior for a moment.

“I’m fine,” Elice reassured Garrett. “Just normal cramps. Nothing to worry about.”

Elice turned to her biological mother and mother-in-law. The two middle-aged women promptly reassured Elice as the cramps made her whimper in pain. They also immediately called a doctor to check on Elice’s condition.

“Thank goodness.”

Garrett breathed a sigh of relief. Even though Norah had told him that Elice was fine, it wasn’t enough for Garrett until he saw it with his own eyes.

Garrett grabbed Elice’s hand. At that moment, Norah and Wilda wisely decided to leave the room. To leave their two children alone. To give them the time they needed.

Elice’s fingers against Garrett’s lips. Receiving a loving kiss. There, he whispered softly.

“I know this is a hard time for you. But I hope you’re okay, Elice. Not just for our baby. But for yourself. That’s the most important thing.”

Elice’s feelings at that moment were indescribable. But that’s what Garrett felt. He was indeed worried about their baby’s condition. But most of all, he was worried about Elice’s well-being.

“Sometimes I still can’t believe this is happening to us, Garrett.”

The whisper carried various pains. The ones Elice felt when she realized that Daphne was no longer with them.

“Sssh.”

Garrett pulled Elice into his embrace without giving her a chance to finish her words. Garrett clearly knew what his wife was feeling because it was truly heartbreaking when reality hit them. On the day they learned of Daphne’s death, several baby items that Daphne had ordered arrived at the house.

Daphne had everything prepared. She had contacted a famous architect to design the baby’s room. She had listed all the necessities that Elice and the baby would need. And who knows what else Daphne had done.

Among the people who were happy about Elice’s pregnancy was Daphne herself. She had hoped to have a chance to see the baby. But fate had other plans.

“He won’t get to meet Nana.”

Elice closed her eyes, her hand resting on her belly. She realized that her child would never get this precious chance. To meet a grandmother who had truly cared for her.

Like Garrett, Elice was filled with regret. But with everything that had happened, how could Elice not be suspicious of Daphne? In the end, however, Elice understood. Everything Daphne was doing was for her and Garrett. The woman protected them in a way they hadn’t expected. And now Elice regretted it.

Daphne was gone. They didn’t have much time. And by the time they learned all the truths, it was already too late.

“We’ll tell her later.”

Garrett’s voice was heavy. He tried to be strong for Elice, but the grief was still deep in Garrett’s heart.

“She’ll know what Nana was like.”

Garrett’s words were like an oasis of comfort for Elice. She nodded. She rested on Garrett’s chest and in his embrace.

“So,” Garrett asked later. “Take care of yourself, Elice. She deserves to know what Nana was like.”

Elice would do it. She would take care of herself as best she could. Trying to stay strong when grief still hung heavy in their home.

Isn’t it strange? At first Elice didn’t like Daphne. But somehow the grief felt so intense that it made her chest tighten.

The way they met, the tragedy that happened between them, and the pressure Daphne put on her often made Elice feel that Daphne was a person to be wary of. But did Elice realize that everything that happened between them had changed over time?

Elice spent a lot of time with Daphne. Accompanying her to different meetings. And did Elice realize that her companionship with Daphne changed something in her?

Elice didn’t realize it then. And she didn’t realize it now. But one person certainly did.

It was dinner time. Elice, feeling stiff from lying down all day, decided to take a short walk. Nowhere in particular, just to the room that would be her baby’s room.

Elice saw it. There were many boxes. Filled with baby clothes and toys.

Sitting in a chair, looking at the toys within her reach, Elice didn’t expect someone to accompany her. Someone whose presence she hadn’t anticipated.

Farrah picked up a toy and sat down next to Elice.

“How are you?” Farrah asked with a smile. “Is your stomach okay?”

For a moment Elice didn’t answer the question. Instead, she just stared at Farrah intently. There was no expression in her eyes, so Farrah could not guess what Elice was thinking.

Then Elice smiled.

“I’m fine. Everything’s fine,” Elice replied calmly. “Thank you.”

Elice’s demeanor made Farrah feel more at ease. “Many things can happen unexpectedly during pregnancy. Including cramps. But luckily, everything is fine.”

If only. If only Elice could forget Farrah’s behavior all this time. Even during the wedding Farrah tried to drive her into a corner. Maybe then Elice would be touched. But no. Especially after what Elice had seen with her own eyes. Elice came to a conclusion. That Farrah was never to be trusted.

“Your pregnancy is still young, Elice. Still too vulnerable. And I wouldn’t be surprised if you had a cramp or two. Recent events must have stressed you out. You know, stress can really affect a pregnancy.”

Elice sighed. Farrah’s words sounded so sincere. Strangely enough, it made Elice wonder.

“How come?”Material © of NôvelDrama.Org.

Farrah blinked. She did not understand Elice’s question. With eyes that seemed almost empty, devoid of expression, Elice gave Farrah a look that couldn’t be deciphered.

“How come Auntie’s words sound so sincere?”

And at that moment, Farrah was stunned. Speechless as she slowly realized that there was something different about Elice’s expression.

Slowly but surely, a smile crept across Elice’s face. But this smile was something different. Something that caused Farrah to take an anticipatory stance.

“What do you mean?”

Elice took a long breath. She wouldn’t answer the question. Instead, she said, “I know Auntie understands what I mean.”

No. Farrah didn’t understand what Elice meant. At least not until Elice continued a moment later.

“That’s why I hope Auntie doesn’t even think about hurting my family.”

Elice rose from her seat. Her gaze was fixed on Farrah. Intense and unblinking.

At that moment, Farrah could only remain silent. Not because she couldn’t respond to Elice’s words with her usual theatrics. But because there was something about the way Elice faced her that truly stunned her.

“I used to give in, Aunt. But from now on, I won’t give in anymore.”

*