Chapter 627 Are You a Mute?
Olive feared the water droplets would seep into Elvisโs wound and cause inflammation, so she gently wiped them away with a towel. Elvis's back faced Olive; he couldn't see her. She opened the medicine cabinet, retrieved a sterile cotton swab, and began treating his wound.
Elvis remained focused on the person behind him. His throat worked, and his waist straightened subtly. Olive sensed his shift. Had she hurt him? Thinking sheโd been too rough, she leaned closer and gently blew on the wound.
Elvisโs eyes flushed. He suspected the woman behind him was flirting.
After treating the wound, Olive took out a bandage. Kneeling on the bed, she wrapped her small hands around his body to secure it. Elvis watched her hands, aware of her nearness. He recognized a familiar, alluring scentโher perfume. She finished bandaging the wound, tying a bow. Her hand brushed his waist.
Elvis felt his suppressed feelings ignite. He seized her wrist, pulling her into his arms. Startled, Olive instinctively wrapped her arms around his neck. He held her close, their posture intimately close. Their eyes met.
Elvis's gaze sharpened. "Why are you here? Who let youโ"
Olive saw his anger and opened her mouth to speak, only to remember her inability.
"Are you dumb?" he asked, frowning.
Olive blinked and nodded, admitting her muteness. Elvis noted her unremarkable features but bright, lovely eyes, now wide with panic. His handsome face hardened. He pushed her away.
Olive almost fell but recovered her balance. His voice, cold and harsh, cut through the air, "Get out!"
Dazed, she didn't immediately react. He clasped her arm, opened the door, and pushed her out, slamming it shut.
She knew he was angry, but why? Was it because she wasn't Clara?
In the bedroom, Elvis stood before the floor-to-ceiling window, hands on his hips. He hadn't expected it was Sadie, Olive's attendant. Olive had warned him of Sadie's vanity and desire for a wealthy man. The girl had clearly tried to seduce him. It was audacious.
He swallowed hard, his Adam's apple bobbing. His body temperature was high, his arousal fueled by Sadie. He went to the bathroom for a cold shower.
The cold water washed over him as he closed his eyes. Olive's face filled his thoughts, along with the memory of her hand on his back. He opened his eyes. Olive was the only woman he'd ever loved, yet he'd been seduced by someone who resembled her. Sadie's eyes, scent, and touch mirrored Oliveโs.
He refused to admit infidelity; it was a simple mistake. But he still thought about Sadie, her presence controlling his mood. What was wrong with him?
Clara had watched from upstairs. She was pleased Elvis had dismissed Olive, concluding he hated her. She approached Olive with a mocking laugh, "Olive, is it painful to be hated by the man you love?"
Olive ignored her and went downstairs. Clara, seething with hatred, followed. Oliveโs composure only fueled her anger.
The bedroom door opened, and Elvis emerged. Clara, devising a new plan, quickly poured tea and took Olive's hand. "Sadie, have some coffee with me."