Chapter 19 Stay Away from Him
Elodie's POV
My question was like a pebble tossed into his deep blue eyes, yet it didn't create even the slightest ripple.
Nelson, or should I say Lorenzo, just quietly looked back at me, his face completely expressionless.
As if the name I called wasn't his at all, just some meaningless syllable.
The restaurant fell so quiet that all we could hear was each other's breathing.
After a long while, he finally moved.
He calmly picked up his silver fork and cut a small piece of perfectly cooked foie gras. The sauce was rich, the aroma filling the air.
Then, under my gaze, he brought the fork to my lips.
"Try it." His voice was still low, emotionless.
A wave of anger mixed with hurt crashed over me. What right did he have to treat me this way? To ignore me completely and act like our history meant nothing?
Coward! Who wants your stupid foie gras!
I turned my head away, dodging his attempt to feed me.
His hand paused in mid-air, but he showed no sign of annoyance, patiently holding it there.
Those blue eyes landed on me lightly, the invisible pressure making it hard to breathe.
I knew perfectly well that any resistance from me was useless in front of him.
This man always had a way of making me surrender.
In the end, I gave in and opened my mouth, eating the piece of foie gras.
The delicate fat melted on my tongue, carrying a unique sweet fragrance. It really did taste good.
But I just didn't want to give him the satisfaction.
"It's not good."
He looked at me.
The next second, he suddenly leaned toward me without warning.
That stunningly perfect face grew larger and larger before my eyes. My heart skipped a beat, my breathing stopped, and I froze completely.
What was he doing?
Was he going to kiss me?
Damn it, I felt a hint of anticipation.
My mind went blank. All I could do was watch helplessly as he got closer and closer.
Just when I thought he was going to do something, his fingertip merely brushed lightly across the corner of my mouth.
The warm touch lasted only a moment, sending a faint electric current through me.
"You had sauce on your face." He straightened up, as if that suggestive gesture had just been my imagination.
He withdrew his hand, methodically wiping his fingers with a napkin, then gestured to the manager waiting nearby.
"This foie gras, make another one."
The manager immediately bowed respectfully. "Yes, sir."
I panicked. This restaurant clearly wasn't cheap, and the head chef was obviously someone important. Making them redo it just because of my petty comment was way over the top.
"No need!" I quickly changed my tune. "I... I didn't mean it like that. I like it, it's really good!"
I explained urgently, afraid he'd actually make the kitchen redo it. "I was just... just in a bad mood earlier."
Nelson's gaze returned to me. He looked at me quietly for a few seconds, making my heart race.
"What would make you happy?" he suddenly asked.
I froze.
Was he concerned about me?
But meeting those still-cold eyes, the tiny flame that had just sparked in my heart instantly died out.
I turned away, looking at the night view outside the window. "Nothing. It's none of your business."
My words brought the atmosphere back to freezing point.
Just then, my phone rang at the worst possible moment.
My heart sank. I instinctively glanced at Nelson across from me.
He was raising his water glass, drinking elegantly, seemingly unconcerned about my phone call.
I hesitated, then answered.
"Elodie, how did it go?" Taryn's urgent voice came through. "Are you with Alex? Did he agree to get back together with you?"
"I..."
I was about to say I'd already broken up with Alex when Taryn heard the manager's voice on our end.
"Miss, would you like your dessert served now?"
Taryn's voice instantly became delighted. "You're having dinner at a restaurant, right? See, I told you! A spoiled guy like Alex just needs a little coaxing. Remember, you have to hold onto him tight, or our family will end up like you know what!"
With that, she hung up without waiting for me to explain, completely satisfied.
Listening to the dial tone, I felt utterly helpless.
In Taryn's eyes, I was always just a tool to exchange for family benefits.
I put down my phone, my mind in chaos.
Taryn's call reminded me of something else.
I looked up at Nelson, opening my mouth hesitantly. "Alex... how is he now?"
I regretted it as soon as I asked. The question sounded too much like I cared about him.
Would Nelson mind?
I carefully glanced at him from the corner of my eye. Sure enough, Nelson put down his water glass and looked up at me. "What, worried about him?"
"No!" I immediately denied it, rushing to explain. "I just don't want to cause you trouble."
I wished Alex would disappear from this world, but I didn't want Nelson to get involved in any unnecessary lawsuits because of me.
His current identity was so mysterious—he must be hiding from something. If he got exposed because of Alex, the consequences would be unthinkable.
My nervousness and concern were written all over my face.
Nelson looked at me, and the mocking smile in his eyes seemed to fade a little.
"Don't worry," he picked up his fork again, cutting the steak on his plate. "Just scared him a bit. He won't die."
Getting this answer, the weight on my heart finally lifted.
For the rest of the meal, I ate absentmindedly.
Nelson seemed to see through my distraction but didn't ask any more questions. The meal ended in strange silence.
On the way back, Rod drove again, with Nelson sitting beside me.
The car was filled with that familiar cedar scent, but I could no longer feel the comfort I once did.
This man was like a huge mystery. The closer I got, the deeper I sank, unable to see the truth.
The car stopped downstairs from my apartment. I unbuckled my seatbelt, quietly said "thank you," and prepared to get out.
"Elodie." He suddenly called out to me.
I turned back. Those deep blue eyes looked at me quietly in the dim car interior. "Stay away from him from now on."
His tone was very calm. I was stunned for a moment, then realized he was talking about Alex.