Filed to story: Sweetheart Do You Still Love Me
“You should go back early. If a public figure like you gets photographed while lingering at a bar… Surely you don’t want to appear on the news tomorrow.”Emma leaned over to him.
“I’m not leaving, Callum. I’m staying here with you.”
Seeing that only half of the man’s drink was left in the glass, she checked the time as her lips curled into a smile. The drug will take effect very soon.
Elspeth returned to her booth nearby and began to chug her drink.
“Don’t drink that much… Oh, Elspeth, you really don’t have to drink that much!”She wished fervently that she could drink herself silly; that way, she wouldn’t have to think about what just happened.At the sight of her wasting herself away in this manner, Harper felt as terrible as she did and began to criticize Callum just as fervently.”I’m telling you, Callum really is cold-blooded. If it won’t work out with him, we’ll ditch him and find someone else. You aren’t married anyway, so changing your partner won’t even hurt you!”Before he was done criticizing, he felt a pinch on his arm.
“Ouch!””Don’t badmouth him!”As Elspeth looked at Harper, her eyes were exceptionally fierce, but her face was flushed from the alcohol, giving her a trace of daintiness.”All right, all right, I won’t interfere, but you have to remember that if that man lets you down, I’ll destroy his entire company.”Harper had always thought of Elspeth as his own sister. Although he usually acted playful before her, he would definitely be the first one to take matters into his own hands if something happened to her.”Callum… He’s just a fool. I know he’s having a hard time, but why won’t he tell me? Say, isn’t Callum a fool?”Elspeth was drunk, and her words were weak and disjointed, but her mouth never stopped talking about Callum.Harper rolled his eyes and conceded,
“Yes, yes, you’re a fool, and he’s an idiot.”However, none of his words entered Elspeth’s ears. As she looked at him in a daze, his features slowly overlapped with Callum’s. The next second, she pounced on him with a grin, demanding,
“Callum, tell me, do you like me or not?”Harper’s eyes widened, but Elspeth was too strong. He was afraid to push her away, which led him to remain frozen in place instead.”Okay, okay, I like you! Now, hurry up and let me go!”As if Elspeth only heard the words ‘I like you,’ she leaned down and homed in on Harper’s lips to kiss him. A second later, someone seized her from the back by her collar and lifted her. With hazy eyes, she turned around and immediately saw a cold yet fuming Callum.”Huh? Callum?”He didn’t say anything to her and only looked at the befuddled Harper and lowered his eyes.
“I’m taking her home.”Although Harper was not a fan of Callum for the time being, leaving Elspeth to continue drinking here was not an option either, so he nodded and allowed him to take her away. After all, he was Elspeth’s boyfriend, so it shouldn’t be much of a problem.After hoisting
Elspeth to his car, he tossed her into the passenger seat and fastened her seat belt but did not start the car immediately.At that moment, she had sobered up for the most part. She looked at Callum’s glum face and asked in surprise,
“What’s this about?””You kissed him?”
The tone of his voice quirked upward like his eyebrows.”Kissed who?”Callum leaned forward and said,
“Elspeth, I know you’re not drunk.”As Elspeth had drank with him in the past, he was aware of her alcohol tolerance. Besides, the spot where Elspeth sat allowed him to see everything clearly, and he knew that she wasn’t anywhere near being tipsy enough to be unable to tell who was who.Elspeth smiled, her eyes immediately becoming awake again.
“You’re quite smart.”Holding his anger back, Callum asked in a calm voice,
“Why did you do that?”As if she had been greatly wronged, Elspeth pouted and retorted,
“Would you have come over if I didn’t do that?”She had deliberately chosen a position that was visible to him to drink, her sole goal to have him watch her actions. As it happened, she won the gamble. Not only that, but Callum was also smarter than she thought. Though he had seen through her tricks long ago, he was still willing to take the bait.
“You like me, Callum. Your eyes can’t lie, and the way you looked at me earlier was different.”A trace of cold sweat emerged on his forehead as he explained,
“Someone put something in my drink.”Only then did he calm down and realize his body was behaving differently; he felt incredibly hot.Elspeth fell silent, thinking that she’d been too ahead of herself again.
“Then, what are you going to do?”
she asked helplessly.
“Why do all these women like to put things into your drinks? Does sleeping with you come with any insurance?”Callum had also guessed that it was Emma who laid the trap. If that were the case, it was no wonder why she was so furious when he could not resist going to Elspeth earlier. It was because she had tampered with his drink, and the drug was about to take effect.”Take me to the hospital.”He closed his eyes, his expression a little pained.Elspeth asked in surprise,
“What, you don’t even feel anything when a beauty like me is in front of you?”Truthfully, she was only fooling around. If something happened between her and Callum, she wouldn’t be able to handle it.However, he shook his head.
“No.”Inexplicably, Elspeth felt a little irritated by his words.After taking Callum to the hospital, the doctor gave him a brief treatment and kept him in the hospital for further monitoring. Elspeth was about to stay in the hospital with him when she was given an eviction order.”You should go back. I’m fine alone.”However, Elspeth refused and remained seated, pretending to be dizzy.
“My head hurts from drinking too much. I was careful enough when I came here, but if I get caught for drunk driving when I go back, it’ll be against the law.”Upon saying this, Elspeth turned to look at Callum’s face with a sly smile. Left with no choice, he closed his eyes and said nothing.At midnight, Elspeth sat on the bench by the bed, slowly nodding off.Seeing that she was about to collapse, Callum offered,
“Why don’t you sleep on the bed?”Instantly, she shot awake and refused,
“Don’t mind me and get your IV. I’ll just take a short nap like this.”Knowing how stubborn she could be, he could only turn off the lights in silence.In the dark, he lay with his eyes open, unable to fall asleep. A long while later, Elspeth suddenly heard a soft voice as she was drifting off to sleep.”Elspeth, it’s not worth it.”While Elspeth was sleeping, she vaguely felt a piece of clothing draped over her body. The action was done very lightly as if it were out of love and affection.When she woke up the next day, the bed was deserted, leaving only herself sitting on the bench and feeling as if her bones were about to break. The clothing draped over her body was not Callum’s coat, but a hospital gown.When the doctor, while making his rounds, walked in, upon seeing that Elspeth was awake, he smiled.
“I see you’re awake, Miss Lynwood.””Where’s the patient of this ward?””Mr. Winthrop left for work early this morning. He also reminded me to not wake you up, but to wait for you to wake up on your own.”Elspeth nodded and stood up to stretch her body before she went to the company as well. It was only after going to the company that she learned that Callum was going to Waterside on a business trip to invest in a film project for three days. He was already on his way to the airport by the time she arrived.She lowered her gaze, unable to shake the feeling that Callum’s every action was to avoid her. With that thought, she turned on her phone, and a news story popped up on the screen. The international superstar, Emma Walker’s, first new drama after returning to Chars had officially commenced in Waterside. So, that’s how it is.
As Emma and Callum both left Damoria for Waterside, Elspeth’s world went quiet all of a sudden. She was too lazy to tackle the issue as well and took a leave of absence from the company before moving to Luminous Entertainment. Timothy was surprised to see her.
“What wind blew you over? You never cared about Luminous Entertainment in the past; your heart and mind were all on Callum and Winthrop Group.””Haven’t I come back to my senses now?”
After her motives had been exposed, Elspeth could only chuckle lightly.”By the way, we’ve already signed the contract for the show I told you about earlier. Filming will probably commence tomorrow.”Elspeth nodded.
“You can do as you see fit.”Timothy parted his lips a little hesitatingly and said,
“All right, but the collaborator listed a condition.””What is it?”Truthfully, Timothy had no idea if Elspeth would be angered by what he was about to say.
“That person said… he would only agree to work with us if you went over.”Elspeth’s head began to ache at his words.
“Who is that?””The chairman of Carr Group, Jordan Carr.”It’s him, huh.Elspeth was taken aback for a moment and did not return to her senses immediately. Thinking that Jordan was an old acquaintance of hers, Timothy let out a sigh of relief.
“It’s good that you know each other.””I don’t just know him as we even go way back.”At the end of her sentence, her voice subconsciously hardened. Since Jordan knew that she had left Damoria and was in Luminous Entertainment, it meant that Michael had known long ago as well. However, why wasn’t he sending anyone after her?”What are you going to do? Will you go or not?”Although Elspeth couldn’t wrap her mind around her thoughts, she noticed the excitement on Timothy’s face that showed how much he cared about this collaboration, so she ended up nodding.”I’ll go.”Hearing that, Timothy was elated.
“In that case, we should make use of our time to rest. If the filming starts tomorrow, we’ll have to go to Waterside today.”Waterside? Subconsciously, Elspeth’s thoughts drifted to the place where Callum and Emma were. She had never taken part in anything related to filming and thus was unable to come up with a response in time.”That’s right, the filming set is in Waterside this time.”Now that things had come to this, Elspeth had no other choice but to nod and resign herself to her fate. On the plane, Yelena sat beside Elspeth while Blake sat behind the two, looking somewhat melancholic.”Elspeth, I heard that this film is directed by Mr.
Aiden. I’ve worked with him before, but only once, unfortunately. There weren’t many opportunities, you see. However, he’s really nice, and all of his films are always a huge hit!”Yelena chattered profusely next to her, as excited as a bird that had just escaped its cage. Elspeth nodded, knowing the director she was talking about, and listened to Yelena with a smile.”But… It’s just that Emma will be at the filming location too. She’s filming something as well, but it’s for another film.”Upon mentioning Emma, Yelena recalled everything she did to Elspeth, and she only felt distaste toward her.Elspeth’s hand jolted.
“What about Emma?””Nothing. I just don’t like her because she seems fake.”As Yelena was still young, she was unable to keep her mouth shut. Fortunately, they were sitting in first class, and only Blake and Timothy were listening. Timothy rubbed his nose, pretending he heard nothing.Worried about what Blake would think, Elspeth turned to look at him and explained in a whisper,
“Yelena only said that out of…”
Before she could finish her sentence, Blake gave her a gentle smile and assured her,
“I understand.”Elspeth froze for a moment before she returned the smile. After getting off the plane, the four stayed at a hotel next to the filming set.As the hotel specialized in receiving celebrities, the staff showed not the slightest hint of reaction at the sight of them and immediately gave them four rooms. However, Yelena refused to relent, insisting on sleeping with Elspeth. In the end, only three rooms were booked, and Yelena entered the room with her arm around Elspeth’s.Seeing this, Elspeth couldn’t help but tease,
“What’s with you? Why do you want to stay with me at your age?”Yelena huffed.
“I just want to sleep in the same room as you. When you went to the bathroom earlier, I heard someone say that Emma is staying here too. If she tries to bully you, I’ll teach her a lesson!”Upon saying that, she raised her fist, baring her sharp teeth.Elspeth couldn’t help chuckling at the sight of this. I appreciate the thought, Yelena…Later that night, Elspeth headed downstairs with Yelena for dinner. As she watched her gobble her food, she realized that Yelena had been starving.Before she could speak, a taunting voice sounded beside them.
“How uncouth. Even the way you eat is improper.”Although the voice was pleasant, it was incomparably shrill and, in turn, lost some of its charms.The voice had Elspeth stiffening up.When she raised her head, Emma was looking at Elspeth and Yelena, feeling a pang of revulsion in her heart.Elspeth really is everywhere!”What a coincidence to see you here, Miss Walker. I didn’t know you were capable of such a piercing voice. It is because
Callum isn’t around you?”Instantly, Emma went red in the face.”Whom are you saying has a piercing voice?”Although she was extremely unhappy from the mockery, once she thought of Callum, Emma became smug.
“Do you know who invested in my first drama after coming back to Chars? It’s Callum! I know you like Callum a lot, but you should know that I was his favorite woman before you. Even Mr. Winthrop is urging Callum to marry me!”Elspeth narrowed her eyes and rebuked,
“Since Callum and Mr. Winthrop like you that much, why aren’t they letting you into their family?”This matter had always been a thorn in Emma’s side, and her face darkened before her smile turned scornful when she suddenly recalled something.
“Oh my, I dare not compare myself with the likes of you, Miss Lynwood. You’re staying with your fianc? before marriage; no wonder you’re being disliked.”At that moment, Yelena was unable to hold her tongue any longer. She leaped to her feet and berated,
“You’d better watch what you’re saying. Everyone knows that Mr. Winthrop likes Elspeth, and the fact that Callum shields her openly and privately speaks volumes. Who do you think you are to judge? You’re acting so high and mighty for an ex-girlfriend. What, are you trying to play the pregnant mistress in their relationship?”Elspeth had never expected that Yelena had such a sharp tongue.A smile surfaced at the corners of her mouth before it morphed into one of mockery.
“Miss Walker, if you don’t want to embarrass yourself in front of everyone, I’d advise you to keep your voice down.”It was only then that Emma noticed many of the restaurant’s patrons were looking at her oddly, particularly those who knew what was going on between them. Upon hearing the word ‘mistress,’ they looked simultaneously enlightened, contemptuous, and disdainful.Despite Emma’s face flushing red, she lowered her voice and threatened,
“Remember this, Elspeth, I won’t let you off easily!”After saying this, she glanced around before leaving in a huff.
Although she had angered Emma enough for her to leave, Yelena’s anger still did not dissipate. At the sight of Elspeth’s distraught state, she assumed that she had been hurt by Emma’s words and hastened to comfort her, saying,
“Elspeth, don’t worry too much. Just think of what Emma said as pure bullsh*t.”Elspeth knocked on her head and chided,
“How can a young girl speak so crassly?””I just forgot because I was busy trying to comfort you.”Moments later, Elspeth suddenly realized something.
“Yelena, did you tell Max that you’re here?”Recalling this matter, Yelena nibbled on her fork and replied,
“I did. He said that he wanted to submit a leave of absence at school and come over with me, but I refused and came over secretly without telling him the date.”Elspeth let out a chuckle.
“What’s wrong? Don’t you want him to stay by your side all the time?”Yelena furrowed her brow and sniffled.
“That’s what I thought at first, but Max really is like my dad. Do you know that he even nags me about putting on hand cream before I go out? I can’t stand him!”Although she said that, Elspeth knew that Yelena still liked Max. However, her feelings were no longer pathetic and were gradually being reciprocated.”If you say that, I’m going to tell Max to start ignoring you,”
Elspeth teased.Yelena’s face fell.
“Hey, don’t do that, Elspeth!”At those words, Yelena suddenly realized that she had been teased. Her face immediately flushed red and she rushed back into her room.Elspeth had just eaten and did not want to go back yet, so she went for a walk alone in the back garden of the hotel. While walking, she suddenly received a message from Jordan.’Where are you? Can we meet up now?’Immediately, she turned her phone off, pretending to have not seen the message. However, right after that, Jordan appeared before her out of thin air.”Hi, I’m so glad to see you.”Elspeth let out a dry laugh in response.
“I’m not.”Upon saying that, she turned around and made to leave.Jordan immediately grabbed her wrist. Upon feeling the frailness of her wrist and seeing her pale face, he asked dubiously,
“What’s this? Why have you lost so much weight after going home? Is Callum not feeding you?”Elspeth rolled her eyes.
“You think I need to rely on him for my meals?”Jordan rubbed his nose. She’s got a point.”You know, I heard something big when I came to Waterside this time.”
He looked at her, revealing an eerie smile.”What is it?”He loosened his hand and stood by the pond, gazing at the fishes as he said,
“I heard that Callum is in Waterside as well.”Elspeth had already known this and didn’t have much of a reaction.”Besides… he specifically came for Emma.”Elspeth remained silent. Although she had already expected this, she still felt her heart skipping a beat upon hearing the confirmation.”Callum… Whatever he does and however he does it, it has nothing to do with me.”Jordan raised his eyebrows, thinking that Elspeth’s reaction was rather baffling. It made sense, though. She was simply different from other women, and because of this, it made her all the more fascinating.”I can’t believe you’re not angry. How are you so calm when your fianc? is getting together with another woman right in front of you? Elspeth, you really are amazing.”She squeezed out a smile and said,
“I wouldn’t say I don’t care at all, but if you say something like that in front of me again, I’ll push you into the pond.”It was now December. If he were to be pushed into the pond, it would be freezing.Jordan paused for a long moment before he slowly said,