Chapter 130 When did You Start Liking Me?

Chapter 130 When did You Start Liking Me?
Being known as Mrs. Elliot Harrington wasn't as terrifying as Audrey had imagined.

Yes, there had been attempts to tear her down. The media never stopped digging into her past, trying to paint her as someone unworthy of the Harrington name. But Elliot—true to his word—never let it happen.

He was always at the front lines, deflecting every attack that came her way. Protecting her with everything he had. Without hesitation.

And it wasn't just Elliot. His entire family stood beside her, made her one of them. Unconditionally. Without doubt.

Being Mrs. Elliot Harrington wasn't the end of her journey. It was the beginning of something new.

Like tonight.

Audrey had grown accustomed to accompanying Elliot to company events. Where she once stood behind the curtain, she now stood at her husband's side, confident and steady.

The curious stares, the whispered speculation, the skeptical looks that once weighed her down—they no longer moved her.

She'd learned so much. From Elliot. From his family. From herself.

Tonight, they were attending the company's annual gala dinner.

As always, Elliot looked calm and commanding as he spoke with business associates. Occasionally, his hand would find hers, squeezing gently—a quiet reminder that he didn't want her far from him.

"Still nervous?" His deep voice was soft in her ear as they walked toward the main table.

Audrey turned, smiling slightly. "Not anymore."

Elliot raised an eyebrow, searching her face for the truth.

She laughed softly, squeezing his hand tighter. "I'm used to this now, Mr. Harrington. Besides, I have a husband who always stands beside me."

His eyes lit up for a moment before he leaned down, kissing her forehead briefly. "And I always will, baby."

In the distance, cameras flashed. Audrey knew the media would be talking about them again tomorrow. But this time, she didn't care.

She'd made peace with her past.

And more importantly, she'd found her home—right here, beside Elliot Harrington.



After spending enough time in the crowded ballroom, Audrey decided to get some fresh air, letting Elliot mingle with the guests.

She walked toward the side terrace, leaning against the railing, letting the night breeze wash over her face.

From inside, the murmur of conversation still drifted out, but out here, she could finally breathe.

Footsteps approached.

She turned to find Elliot walking toward her, two glasses in hand.

"Thought you might need this," he said, offering her one.

She smiled, taking it. "Thank you. Aren't you busy?"

He leaned against the railing beside her. "I can go back later. My wife is more important."

She shook her head slightly, watching him with quiet gratitude. He always knew when to be there for her.

They talked about the evening, about new investors interested in working with the company. Then, without thinking, a question slipped out.

"When did you start liking me?"

Elliot paused, as if reaching for the memory. "If I count when I first noticed you... it was when you were promoted to executive manager. The youngest one."

"Really?" Audrey raised an eyebrow. That was a long time ago.

He turned, smiling faintly. "I saw you as ambitious. Smart. And... interesting."

She laughed. "Interesting?"

He shrugged casually. "I didn't think much about it. I just knew you were different."

She played with her glass, considering his words. "Then... when did it grow stronger?"

He moved closer, closing the distance between them. "When you joined my personal assistant team."

She looked at him, waiting.

"I started seeing more sides of you. Not just someone with ambition, but someone hardworking. Responsible." He paused. "And without realizing it, I started watching you more than I should have."

She swallowed. "Why did you like me?"

He exhaled slowly, his eyes deep and certain. "Because you're you, Audrey. I liked the way you worked. The way you fought to survive. I liked the way you challenged me. The way you made me want to protect someone with everything I had."

She stared at him, speechless. She'd never realized he saw her so completely.

Before she could respond, he continued.

"And..." His voice dropped lower, darker. His eyes gleamed. "I used to dream about you."

She frowned. "What kind of dreams?"

He smiled, leaning close to her ear. "The kind I shouldn't have been having."

Her face went red. "W-what?"

He chuckled, enjoying her reaction. "Don't look at me like that. I'm a normal man. I liked you. I wanted you. And at the time, I couldn't have you. That's normal, isn't it?"

She was still stunned, but he cupped her face, looking at her seriously. "But I never looked down on you. It was just... the effect of holding back for so long. I didn't want to hurt you in real life, so maybe my mind found another way."

She looked down, face burning.

He smiled, kissing her forehead briefly. "But now I don't have to hold back anymore, do I?"

She looked up, uncertain. "What do you mean?"

He didn't answer. He just took her wrist and pulled her back inside.

Audrey didn't know where he was taking her until he opened a door—the private VIP restroom.

"Elliot, this is—"

He pushed her inside, closing and locking the door behind them.

Before she could protest, his mouth was on hers.