Episode 146

As she took a leisurely sip, she stated with a sly grin, “This drink is hardly worthy of someone with such refined tastes as yourself, Mr. James.”

Elijah’s witty retorts failed him, a blush coloring his cheeks as he recalled his own snide comments about Stewart's beverage choice. Elizabeth's lips curved upward, her eyes twinkling with amusement at his embarrassment.

Suddenly, thunder roared, a brilliant flash of lightning illuminating the darkening sky, followed by a torrential downpour. Startled, Elizabeth's attention momentarily shifted from their banter, a lapse Elijah swiftly exploited to snatch the cola from her grasp. He noticed a faint lip print where her mouth had been. As he sipped from the same spot, unexpected memories of her soft lips lingered.

When Elizabeth recovered, she found Elijah smirking, the cola can nearly empty. He flaunted it, saying, “Sometimes, trying something new isn’t so bad.”

“Childish,” she retorted dismissively, rolling her eyes. She pulled out her phone. “I’m calling Oliver to take you home.”

His expression soured as she dialed, her voice brisk in the damp air. “It’s pouring outside. Can you come and pick up your boss?”

Oliver’s response was unexpectedly noncommittal. “I apologize, Mrs. Norris, but I’m tied up right now.”

Standing nearby, Elijah overheard. He shifted deeper into the sofa, sipping his cola with a relaxed air. Elizabeth glanced at him, her skepticism evident. She pressed the issue. “Isn’t there a driver or an assistant who could fetch him?”

Oliver replied with measured respect, “Every car is under maintenance, and everyone’s gone for the day.”

The coincidence struck Elizabeth as improbable. She realized, however, that she’d never checked the vehicle maintenance schedule and lacked evidence to dispute his claim.

Retreating toward the bathroom, she lowered her voice, her words for Oliver alone. “If this is your attempt to set us up, it’s pointless. His presence will only escalate the conflict.”

Oliver’s voice remained calm. “Mrs. Norris, you might be overreacting. I truly am busy. Could he possibly wait a little longer? I’ll be there as soon as I can.”

Elizabeth, unable to conceal her irritation, retorted sharply, “Oliver, the audacity to make your boss wait is quite bold.” With a scoff, she ended the call.

Returning to Elijah, her expression blank, she declared, “I’m weary of this charade. This apartment is leased. I can leave whenever I choose.”

Elijah eyed her with surprise. “You really think I’d waste my time following you?” he asked, his voice laced with disbelief.

Elizabeth was taken aback. She paused, scrutinizing him carefully, but his expression remained genuinely perplexed. Hesitantly, she asked, “So, this is just a coincidence?”

He shifted, his tone gentle. “Actually, I’m here assisting Albin’s cousin in her apartment search. She’s studying at the international school down the road.”

A wave of embarrassment washed over Elizabeth as she realized she might have again overestimated her importance in his eyes.

Without speaking, she moved toward the door to unpack her shopping bags. Elijah, meanwhile, retrieved his phone and began attending to business. They retreated to opposite corners of the room, a silence settling between them that was both awkward and oddly comforting.

As Elizabeth arranged her purchases, she momentarily forgot Elijah’s presence. The rhythmic motion of stocking the cabinet provided a reassuring sense of order.

After about half an hour of tidying, her stomach rumbled loudly. Retrieving a pack of noodles from the newly stocked cabinet, she headed to the kitchen.