Episode 59

“Thanks, but no. I can go back alone,” Elizabeth countered, her tone sharp and unyielding as she turned away.

Elijah refrained from pressing the issue. He slightly tilted his head and softly called, “Oliver.” Oliver promptly darted to the roadside to hail a taxi.

Turning to Elizabeth, Elijah said with a hint of insistence, “I’ll pick you up tomorrow. Get my number off your blacklist, will you?”

Elizabeth responded resolutely, “No need. An ex should stay out of sight and out of mind. If anything’s urgent, Mr. James, you can contact Oliver via email.”

A chuckle escaped Elijah as he regarded her with amusement and frustration. “Elizabeth, must you always be so sharp? Doesn’t this constant bickering weary you?” Before she could reply, he swiftly snatched her phone.

Jolted, Elizabeth lunged for it. Elijah, a slight smirk playing on his lips, held it high, just out of reach. He easily bypassed her security, using his birthday—a code she’d forgotten to update. She cursed her oversight. She repeatedly stretched, trying to reach the phone, but their height difference foiled her. Finally ceasing her futile attempts, she stood quietly beside him, her resolve waning.

Elijah not only removed his number from her blacklist but also added himself back as a contact in her WhatsApp before returning the phone. Considering she might need to contact him the following day, she hesitated, but decided against blocking him again.

She pocketed her phone and walked towards the taxi. Oliver gracefully opened the rear door. “Mrs. James, please get in.” Elizabeth exchanged a brief, unreadable look with Elijah before entering the vehicle.

“Mrs. James, your flowers,” Oliver said, breaking the silence as Elizabeth settled in. Before she could refuse, he placed an extravagant bouquet of roses beside her. He closed the door and instructed the driver, “You can go now.”

Resigned, Elizabeth gazed out the window, the conversation fading. The cityscape blurred as she lost herself in thought, only to be jolted back to reality by the roses. These were the first flowers Elijah had ever given her, yet the gesture failed to kindle the warmth she’d hoped for. It was like those long-anticipated moments that lose their luster upon arrival, leaving no room for surprise.

The following day, just after three in the afternoon, Elizabeth was adjusting her outfit when her phone buzzed—a call from Elijah. She paused, her thoughts swirling, before suggesting a casual meeting spot nearby. About ten minutes later, a message from Elijah appeared: “Come down.”