The Billionaire Who Saved Me

“I hope I can go back there someday. I will definitely miss Hawaii.”

The sweet and unforgettable honeymoon is over. Marked by the landing of the jet that brought the newlywed’s home. Exactly at eight in the evening.

Knowing for sure that she had returned to her home, Elice’s lips moved reflexively. She expressed her heart’s content and Garrett smiled.

“Luckily, I brought home a hula dancer.”

Elice glanced over and saw the amused look in her eyes. It seemed that the jokes about the impromptu hula dancer continue for the next few days. Elice obviously had to be prepared to hold back her laughter at every opportunity Garrett would tease her.

Leaving the airport, Garrett, who kept Elice at his side, found Amber waiting for them. She took their luggage and greeted them warmly.

“Welcome, sir and madam.”

Previously, Elice had been addressed as Miss. To be called Madam now made her feel a little awkward. Especially since the address was given by someone older than her.

“Please.”

The couple followed Amber. They made their way to the car that was waiting for them. Behind the wheel, Dariel took the time to greet them.

“Are you both okay?”

Garrett nodded. “Nothing is missing.”

The car glided smoothly over the asphalt. Merging with other vehicles. Trying to drive as fast and as safely as possible, considering how tired Elice was at the time. He didn’t mean to be rude, but Elice couldn’t help but yawn. Seeing that, Garrett understandably raised the partition immediately. The barrier ensured that Amber and Dariel in front couldn’t see if Elice had to yawn again.

“Sorry. My body is really tired.”

Garrett reached for Elice. He brought her to lean against him. “Although someone wanted to stay there longer last night.”

A small laugh echoed from Elice’s lips. Her eyes were closed, though she wasn’t asleep.

“I think it’s because I was hula dancing,” Elice said amusingly, greeted by Garrett’s chuckle. “My body isn’t used to it.”

It’s not surprising that it took quite a while for the luxurious black car to pull up to the Morales’ front gate. Considering the busy streets at that time.

Elice and Garrett’s return was greeted with joy by the family. Not only Daphne and Norah, but also Wilda and Rita. They obviously couldn’t wait to meet Elice.

“Oh, God. I miss you, Elice.”Belongs to (N)ôvel/Drama.Org.

Wilda hugged Elice while the others sat in the family room. They gathered around the dinner that was being served. Tea without sugar and light snacks were their companions at this time.

“Tell us, Elice,” Rita said enthusiastically. “How was it?”

Releasing her mother’s embrace, Elice turned to her aunt. Not answering the question immediately, Elice seemed a little confused. What should she say? What was how?

“The situation there.”

Ah, of course. It’s not like Rita wants to know about Elice and Garrett’s honeymoon. A faint smile appeared at the corner of Elice’s lips.

“They say Hawaii is beautiful.”

Elice nodded. “It is true. What they say is really true. It really is like paradise.”

There was a hopeful gleam in Rita’s eyes. Maybe she wanted to take a vacation there, too. And coincidentally or not, Daphne suddenly chimed in.

“I think it’s been a long time since I vacationed in Hawaii. What if we go on vacation together later?”

Rita’s face brightened immediately. But Wilda quickly interjected. Rita immediately smiled stiffly.

“That’s a good idea, Madam. An occasional vacation for a more relaxed atmosphere.”

Daphne nodded at Norah’s words. “Later, I will ask Carolus to check Garrett’s schedule,” she said, looking at her grandson. “We should have a family vacation by the end of the year.”

Daphne’s words made Elice and Garrett look at each other. Only they understood the meaning of the looks they exchanged. And in the room, they laughed.

“It may have only been an hour or two, Elice. But look. You got your wish.”

It was Garrett’s room. With some changes that had taken place. Thanks to the touch of the housekeepers while the man was on his honeymoon. In the dressing room, Elice’s clothes were already arranged. There was a special wardrobe for shoes, bags and other accessories.

Elice lay down on the big plush bed. She had once thought that the bed in her apartment was the most comfortable, but she was wrong. The bed she was lying on now fulfilled all her fantasies of a princess’ bed.

“You should be careful with your words, Elice. It seems like your words have some magic in them.”

Thanks to Garrett’s words, laughter managed to make Elice’s throat vibrate. Even though she wanted to set foot in Hawaii again, it didn’t mean that God would grant her wish anytime soon.

“It would certainly be nice,” Elice said later, glancing at Garrett. The man was across the room, taking off his watch and setting it carelessly on the table. “I’ve never been on vacation with mom and aunt before.”

“Mom and I never went on vacation with Nana either,” Garrett chimed in as he unbuttoned his shirt. “I want to take a shower and then go to sleep. What about you?”

Elice stood up, leaning on her elbows. “I’ll join you in a bit.”

“All right.”

Garrett got up and went to a door where the bathroom was. He left Elice, who took a deep breath. She looked around the large room.

Elice was happy in her marriage. Of course, she was. Garrett loved her, and his attitude towards her was truly caring. But, as in any marriage, there were fears that accompanied it. And for Elice, it was certainly Garrett’s family wealth.

Deep down, if she could ask, she would want to live apart from her husband’s family. But alas! Her husband was a man who had responsibilities everywhere. Not only at work, but also at home.

Elice tried to accept it. But every time she imagined living under the same roof as Daphne, her body instantly tensed. Thanks to the recent incident about the article, Elice’s anticipation increased every time they met. On the other hand, Elice felt something else.

Daphne’s words on her wedding day made Elice think. Despite Daphne’s truly surprising actions, what she said made Elice think. Maybe Daphne wasn’t really what she’d pretended to be all this time. Unconsciously, Elice’s curiosity about the older woman grew.

Getting up from the bed, Elice let out a sigh. It was clearly too early for deep thoughts. Instead, Elice decided to focus on other things. Like someone waiting for her in the bathroom.

So Elice went there and joined her husband who was waiting for her. Right under the glowing shower.

*

The days of work resumed. That morning, activities returned to normal as they had been before the wedding. They got ready and had breakfast together. But this time there was a new addition to the table.

Elice sat right next to Garrett, a place that had been occupied by Norah. Now the middle-aged woman happily sat on the other side, directly facing Garrett. It wasn’t a bad position, considering she could see her child and daughter-in-law sitting side by side. Instead, Norah was happy to enjoy her meal while watching the love that radiated from the way the couple looked at each other.

There was a car with a driver ready to take Elice. The woman couldn’t refuse. She could only resign herself and couldn’t predict what gossip she would hear later in the office. An editor-in-chief with a luxury car and a chauffeur?

“Don’t worry about what people say.”

It seemed that Daphne, who had decided to accompany her grandchildren and in-laws to the farm, understood Elice’s thoughts.

“They are not you. And they are not in-laws in this house.”

Elice nodded. “Thank you, Nana.”

“Better than you refusing,” Daphne said. “What time are you coming home today?”

Elice couldn’t guess. But she gave a sure answer.

“Probably around five in the afternoon.”

A small sigh came from Daphne’s mouth. “That won’t be enough time.”

“Not enough for what, Nana?”

Daphne took a deep breath for a moment. She exhaled slowly with a slightly tired expression on her face. Maybe she wasn’t happy because her wish hadn’t come true this time.

“I want to take you somewhere.”

Elice furrowed her brow. “Where?”

“Tonight, there’s a meeting with some of my friends. As usual. To discuss some important and unimportant matters.”

This was her subtle language, Elice was sure. The blunt version would be that Daphne wanted to take Elice to meet her friends. For what purpose, Elice didn’t dare to guess. Could it be like a grandmother wanting to introduce her granddaughter-in-law to her friends?

“I’ll try to get home early, Nana.”

Daphne shook her head. “No need. We can meet them later,” she said. “But at least tomorrow night, you and Garrett can accompany me. There’s a charity event to attend.”

Elice had never participated in such events before. Could she do it? Was it appropriate? Because in that moment, Elice might have truly realized what it meant to be married to Garrett. And from that day on, whether she wanted to or not, she would have to adapt. To every change that would happen to her.

So, when Elice finally left with her driver, Daphne let out a long sigh. She remained silent, even though the car had disappeared from her sight.

Regina approached Daphne. She held her hand gently.

“A beautiful granddaughter-in-law, madam.”

Daphne nodded. “She’s beautiful indeed, but she’s like glass. Easy to break,” she whispered to her personal nurse. “She lost someone very dear to her once.”

“Her parents?”

Daphne’s breath was long. But she shook her head.

“But do you know, Regina?” Daphne asked without waiting for an answer. “A glass becomes dangerous when it’s broken.”

*