Chapter 47 Would It Kill You to Love Me?

Chapter 47 Would It Kill You to Love Me?
The car sped through the night, headlights slicing the darkness like a knife.

Tyler kept his eyes rigidly fixed on the road, knuckles white on the steering wheel.

Ellie stole a glance at him, her heart pounding as she searched his face for any sign of softness.

"Don't look at me," he said, voice flat and his jaw clenched.

She tore her gaze away and stared out the window, pressing her forehead against the glass to hide the heat of humiliation rising in her cheeks.

Has he known all along?

Is he playing along with my act?

Ellie closed her eyes, forcing herself to take a steady breath as her chest tightened.

As soon as the car stopped, Tyler walked around to the passenger side. He opened the door and lifted her onto his shoulder.

He didn't put her down until they had walked into the apartment.

In the pitch-black darkness, the passport fell to the floor.

The instant he saw it, Tyler's self-control snapped—he kicked the passport into the corner, his face twisted in anger.

He pressed her into the sofa, his heavy, aggressive scent engulfing her.

He yanked off his jacket and tossed it aside.

Then he reached out. He undid the top button of her blouse.

"No." Ellie pushed him gently.

He paused, voice low. "Now you're saying no?"

She turned her head away, avoiding his gaze. "I really don't want to."

He stared at her, fists tightening at his sides as a storm of betrayal and rage flickered in his eyes.

His voice turned cold. "You never took us seriously, did you?"

Silence spread through the darkness.

After a moment, she replied, "Yes."

"Fine."

He stood up, walked to the window, and lit a cigarette.

A long silence swallowed the entire living room.

After finishing the cigarette, he buried it in the ashtray and strode back.

He pinned her on the sofa, straddling her with his knees.

"Ellie, have you been playing me all along?"

Ellie paused for a moment, then said, "I'm sorry."

"Were you just using me?" he asked, eyes cold.

"Yes," she said calmly.

His grip on her wrists tightened violently, making her wince.

"You're quite honest with me. Should I be happy about that?" he asked in a low voice.

"Do you want to hit me?"

"Why don't you tell me what you want?"

Ellie pressed her lips together, her gaze dropping to her lap, her shoulders trembling.

"All right, then. Tell me about the scheme you devised."

"I'm the pawn you choose, right?" His grip tightened. "When did you start setting this up? Was it from the moment you realized I could control Peter?"

Ellie had no reply.

Tyler leaned in, close enough to hear her breathing. "You really played a brilliant game and managed to walk away unscathed afterward.

"Um... I'm sorry."

"You were using me from our third meeting, weren't you?" he pressed on.

"Yes."

"What about the surveillance?"

"I wasn't sure about tampering with it, but it was worth a try."

"And then? You've been using me the whole time. Was keeping me from having you truly part of your plan, too? For a month, you've manipulated me step by step. You're good at this." He spoke through clenched teeth.

"Delayed gratification keeps you more invested," Ellie admitted.

A chill ran through his chest. "What a clever move! Are you being honest now because I'm no longer useful?"

"It's no longer necessary."

He repeated, "So, Ellie, did I fit your plan?"

She averted her gaze. "I'm sorry."

"Show me your victory, then."

"I'm not in the mood for that."

"You used me. I could accept that. But were you ever genuine?"

"I'm sorry." She turned her head away.

A bone-deep silence fell, thickening the air; even breathing felt like an effort.

He pressed her forcefully into the sofa and planted a scorching kiss on her neck.

"Would it kill you to love me?!" he growled, suppressing his rage.

Ellie's voice was weak. "But I really can't bring myself to love you."

He froze, fingers digging into the sofa as if to ground himself.

Another long while passed.

Tyler sat up and cupped her face with one hand, forcing her to meet his gaze.

As he stared into her vacant eyes, something fragile inside him crumbled, and the anger ebbed into exhaustion.

"Ellie, this is pathetic," he said hoarsely.

"I'm sorry."