Chapter 111 Don't Push Me Away
Audrey's jaw tightened.
Her heart was already shattered from Catherine questioning her marriage. Now Bruce was doing the same?
She didn't need this.
Without another word, she pressed the elevator button and stepped inside, not looking back.
During the descent, her fingers gripped her bag strap.
Does everyone see my marriage as a mistake? As something that shouldn't have happened?
Catherine said I don't deserve him. Bruce said I married out of obligation. Who else will doubt me tomorrow?
The thoughts spiraled until the elevator doors opened.
She walked through the lobby, and when she reached the exit, her eyes found him immediately.
Elliot stood by the black sedan, hands in his pockets, waiting.
He looked perfect. Untouchable. Anyone would doubt that someone like him could truly love someone like her.
She tried to control her emotions. But the darkness in her expression was impossible to hide—even after she got in the car and fastened her seatbelt.
"What's wrong?" he asked once they'd pulled away from the building.
She stared out the window. "Nothing..."
He sighed, glancing at her. Then he turned the wheel, taking a different route.
She finally looked at him. "Aren't we going home—"
"No." He glanced at her briefly. "As long as you don't trust me, we're not going home."
Her eyes widened. "What?"
He didn't answer. Just kept driving.
She opened her mouth to protest—then closed it. Because deep down, a small voice whispered: Maybe he's right. Maybe I'm the one who doesn't trust. Not him. Not us. Myself.
Elliot drove calmly through streets growing emptier, heading toward the hills on the city's edge.
Audrey glanced at him occasionally, wondering what was on his mind—why he'd suddenly taken her out like this at night. But she didn't ask. She just sat quietly, watching the scenery pass.
When they arrived, Elliot stopped the car and got out first. He opened her door, taking her hand gently to help her down.
Audrey looked around.
They were on a hill overlooking the city. Lights from buildings, streets, and houses stretched below them like fallen stars.
Beautiful. Peaceful.
Without a word, Elliot led her to the front of the car. He sat on the hood, then patted the space beside him.
"Sit."
She sighed softly, then obeyed. The cold wind hit her skin. She wrapped her arms around herself.
He immediately took off his jacket and draped it over her shoulders.
She smiled faintly. "Thank you."
They sat in comfortable silence for a while.
Then she turned to him. "Why did you bring me here?"
He looked at her, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "No reason. Just wanted to spend time with my wife. No interruptions."
Her heart fluttered. She bit her lip, feeling warmth spread through her chest. Then she looked away, focusing on the city lights below.
Elliot watched her for a moment, then slid off the hood and walked back to the car. She followed him with curious eyes.
Minutes later, he returned with a paper bag.
She tilted her head. "What's that?"
He sat beside her again, offering the bag casually. "Emergency dinner."
She opened it slowly—two wrapped sandwiches, still warm. Two cups of coffee.
Her eyes softened.
She looked at him, expression unreadable. "You really prepared for this?"
He shrugged, taking one coffee and sipping casually. "You forget to eat when you're busy. And I know you haven't eaten tonight. I don't want my wife cold and hungry."
She smiled, biting her lip, feeling so valued.
He turned to her, serious now. "But if you don't like it here, we can go somewhere else—"
"No. I love it." She cut him off quickly, looking at him with genuine sincerity. Her eyes sparkled—enough to ease some of the doubt from before.
He studied the happiness on her face. Something warm bloomed in his chest—something that made him want to pull her closer.
But he only smiled softly, reaching out to ruffle her hair gently. "Then eat before the sandwiches get cold."
Audrey took one and bit into it slowly. Then she sipped her coffee, eyes still fixed on the glittering city below.
Elliot glanced at her, arms resting behind him on the hood. "You like the view?"
She nodded, glancing briefly at him. "Yes. It's beautiful."
He smiled faintly, then looked at the city. "You want it?"
She frowned, turning to him. "What do you mean?"
He met her eyes. "Everything down there. Yours. You want it?"
Her eyes widened slightly, surprised by the absurd question. Then she caught his serious tone and pouted, shaking her head lazily. "Don't joke like that."
He chuckled softly. "Well, I can't give you all of that yet..."
She rolled her eyes, about to respond—but he spoke first.
"But I'd give my life if you asked." His voice dropped—lower, serious, intense made her froze.
She turned quickly, eyes wide.
She didn't know if he was joking or serious. But the way he looked at her now... so deep, so intense. It stole her words.
Before she could find them, he moved closer. His hand reached for her face, touching her cheek gently before leaning in to kiss her neck—brief.
"That's how serious I am about you, baby..." His whisper was deep, certain.
She felt his warm breath on her skin before he pressed another kiss—longer this time, deeper. Her eyes fluttered closed.
"Do you still doubt this?" he murmured against her neck.
She opened her eyes slowly, breath uneven. He was so close—like he wanted to consume her with that gaze.
"I..." Her lips parted, but no words came. She didn't even know how to answer.
He smiled faintly. "I don't need an answer. I just need you to know—I've never played games. Especially not with you."
Her chest warmed. Her heart pounded. Her hands clenched in her lap, trying to hold back something building inside her.
Then he kissed the corner of her mouth.
And she knew—she couldn't resist him.
He pulled her closer, arm wrapping possessively around her waist.
"Elliot..." she whispered, breath hitching as his lips found her neck again. The warmth made her tense—then she leaned into him.
He smiled against her skin. Unhurried. Enjoying every reaction.
"What should I do to you, baby?" His voice was rough.
She bit her lip, looking down, unable to meet his gaze. Maybe his tenderness softened her—but the worry was still there.
"You don't have to do anything."
He chuckled softly, tightening his hold. "Don't lie. I can read you, baby."
His fingers slid into her hair, cupping the back of her neck gently before pressing his forehead to hers.
"Don't think about anything. I'm here. With you. Always."
She finally looked at him—eyes soft, vulnerable.
"Why are you so patient with me?"
He smiled, then closed the distance.
His lips met hers—soft, tender. Pouring everything he couldn't say into that kiss.
She didn't resist. Slowly, she kissed him back, letting herself drown in his embrace.
She gasped as he gently lowered her onto the hood. The cold metal mixed with the warmth of his body pressing against hers.
"Elliot..." She tried to push against his chest. He just smiled—not stopping.
"Shh..." His whisper was soft against her ear. "Don't push me away. Let me take care of you tonight."