Chapter 110 Walking Besides Her
Elliot leaned back in his chair, expression calm—but his attention never left the woman sitting across the room.
Audrey, as always, looked professional and in control. But to Elliot, who knew her more deeply than anyone, something was different today.
Her gestures were stiffer. Her voice lacked its usual firmness when she spoke with the other assistants. Even during the discussion, her eyes would drift—blank, unfocused—like her mind was somewhere else entirely.
He exhaled silently.
He knew exactly what was troubling her. Catherine's words had burrowed deep. And despite his efforts to show he was there for her, it would take more than a few touches or kisses to make Audrey believe she truly belonged at his side—not just because of a marriage certificate.
Damn it.
He hated seeing her like this.
But pushing now would only make her retreat further.
So for the rest of the day, Elliot gave her space. He watched without pressing. Besides, he had another agenda to handle.
As he prepared to leave for an external meeting with Liam, he glanced toward the assistants' room. Only Audrey was there.
"Liam. Go ahead and wait in the lobby."
Liam understood immediately and left. Elliot walked toward his wife.
She was so focused she didn't notice him until he was standing right there.
He smiled faintly—a mix of admiration and sadness.
Even Elliot Harrington couldn't break through her concentration when it came to work.
He tapped lightly on her desk. She startled, then looked up—surprise flickering across her face.
"So serious..." One eyebrow arched.
She stood quickly, glancing around. "Can I help—"
"I have a meeting." He moved closer.
Before she could respond, he leaned in and kissed the corner of her mouth.
Quick but enough to leave her frozen.
He straightened, satisfied by her stunned expression.
"Behave yourself, baby. Unless you want to be punished again." His whisper was low, half-teasing.
She blinked, then huffed. "You're too much..."
He chuckled softly, cupping her cheek. Then his expression shifted—serious, almost sad.
"And don't overthink things. Remember—you're my wife. And I love you."
He said it so calmly. So sincerely.
Which only made her heart ache more.
She searched his eyes for doubt. Found only certainty.
Silence stretched between them.
Finally, he brushed her cheek once more and walked away without waiting for an answer.
Audrey stood there, watching his back until he disappeared.
Her chest felt heavy.
She wanted to believe him. She really did.
But why was it still so hard?
In the car, Elliot stared out the window, expression blank.
Audrey's state troubled him more than he wanted to admit. He hadn't expected this. Never thought his wife would doubt herself like this.
Liam glanced at the rearview mirror, sensing his boss's mood. After a moment's hesitation, he spoke. "Sir, something on your mind?"
Elliot exhaled slowly. "Liam. Do you think... Audrey's always been like this? Like she can never fully trust anyone?"
Liam glanced briefly at the mirror, considering the question. "I don't know for sure, sir. But..." He paused. "Audrey's always been the type to handle everything herself. She was forced to be independent early on. Whatever happened in her life, she faced it alone."
Elliot turned, listening carefully.
"Maybe," Liam continued, "having someone so... dominant in her life, someone taking over some of the burden she's carried alone... feels strange to her. Maybe even feels like weakness."
Elliot's eyes narrowed. "Weakness?"
Liam smiled faintly. "To most people, sir, you look more like a threat than someone to rely on."
"Me? A threat?" Elliot almost laughed.
"Yes, of course. What do you lack?" Liam's slight exaggeration made Elliot shake his head.
"I'm not perfect, Liam..."
"But everyone sees you that way, sir. Including me." Liam grinned, trying to lighten the mood. "You're strong, wealthy, powerful. You always get what you want."
Elliot fell silent, processing the words.
Liam continued, more serious now. "All her life, Audrey's fought to stand on her own. She's not used to depending on anyone. Maybe she doesn't even believe anyone could truly stay without some hidden motive."
Elliot's gaze sharpened. "So you think she doubts me?"
"Not you, sir. Herself." Liam's tone was careful. "Maybe she doesn't believe she deserves this. All the attention, the protection, even your love. Her life experience taught her that."
"What do you know about her family?" Elliot asked quietly.
Liam shook his head slightly. "Not much. She never opened up completely. But I know her relationship with her father wasn't good. Especially when money was involved."
Elliot sighed heavily, rubbing his temples. "Then what should I do?"
Liam chuckled softly. "I'm no relationship expert, sir. But if you want my opinion... let her realize for herself that your presence isn't about controlling her. It's about walking beside her."
Elliot raised an eyebrow. "Walking beside her?"
Liam nodded. "Not as a threat. Not as someone who'll make her lose herself. But as someone who can stand next to her without forcing her to change."
Silence filled the car.
Elliot exhaled again, staring out the window.
I've told her she's perfect for me. But she doesn't believe it. She believes strangers' empty words more than mine...
He'd thought marrying Audrey would protect her from all the pain and fear haunting her.
But maybe his presence was making her doubt herself even more.
It was nearly seven in the evening. Audrey was still buried in work, the only one left in the bullpen.
When she finally stopped to stretch, her phone buzzed.
\[Elliot: I'm in the lobby. We're going home together.\]
She sighed. Part of her wanted to go home alone—her mind was still tangled with everything unsettling her thoughts. But Elliot was already waiting. Refusing wasn't an option.
She packed up and headed for the elevator. Just as she reached for the button, a familiar voice stopped her.
"Audrey."
She turned. Bruce stood a few feet away.
"You're still here?" she asked.
He shrugged. "Packing my things."
"MGC didn't renew your contract?" A small part of her wondered if Elliot had anything to do with that.
"Apparently not. So our dinner wasn't completely wasted." He tried to sound casual, though the tension between them was palpable.
She barely smiled.
"Did he do something to you?" Bruce's question caught her off guard.
"I don't understand."
"Elliot. Was he angry about our dinner?"
"Of course he was angry. He's my husband." Her voice was firm, hoping to establish boundaries.
Bruce stepped closer, studying her. "Why did you marry him?"
The question hung in the air.
She frowned, fighting rising emotions. "Why should I answer that?"
He held her gaze, like he was searching for something beneath her words. "I just want to know... was it really because you love him? Or because you had no choice?"
She exhaled, trying not to react. "Bruce, my marriage isn't your business."
"I know." His voice softened. "But I know you, Audrey. You're not the type to easily attach to anyone. You even rejected me. And Elliot..." He laughed quietly. "He's not the kind of man who marries without reason."
Her hands clenched at her sides. "What are you implying?"
He looked at her more deeply. "Are you sure this isn't because of circumstances? Or maybe..." His gaze swept over her, deliberate. "Something more superficial? Physical, perhaps?"
Something snapped inside her.
"You think I married for something like that?" Her voice was ice.
Bruce didn't look away. "I just want you to think, Audrey. If you're truly happy, I'll stop asking. But I won't stop trying as long as you're suffering."