Filed to story: Sweetheart Do You Still Love Me
“Give me a break. Why are you all acting strangely today?”What do they mean it’s my fault? Is Yelena seeing someone now?”Don’t you know, Max? Yelena is going to meet up with Matthew tomorrow and discuss their marriage. The March Family is well-to-do, so Matthew is a perfect match for Yelena.”Max frowned.
“Yelena doesn’t like him.””Familiarity breeds fondness. I didn’t use to like Callum, but I still fell in love with him in the end.”Max’s expression darkened.”Yelena won’t do that.””Why wouldn’t she? Yelena and I visited Harvey’s wedding dress store today and came across Emma. If you don’t believe me, you can go to their store and ask them. Yelena has always wanted to get married. She was envious when we shopped around for wedding dresses. I believe she’ll likely agree to get together with Matthew.”When they were done with dinner, Callum cleaned his lips with a napkin and rose from the chair.
“I’ll deal with work matters now so that I’ll have some free time to go out with you tomorrow.””Okay.”After Elspeth and Callum were gone, Max couldn’t take it anymore.As he glanced at Theodore and Margot, he asked doubtfully,
“What’s going on? Have all of you joined forces to say such things?””What are you talking about? You’re so silly. Do you think you’ll get what you want by doing nothing? What did I teach you growing up?”Theodore rolled his eyes and headed to the bedroom with Margot.Max was left standing there on his own, looking dumbfounded.The next morning, Elspeth got out of bed and washed up before heading out with Callum.After they entered the car, she put on some makeup and asked,
“Do you think Max will follow us? It seems that he’s more patient than I think.”Callum took a look at the rearview mirror and replied confidently,
“Look who’s behind us.”A car that obviously belonged to the Winthrops was following them, and it was rather conspicuous.”Gosh. Why didn’t he use a less conspicuous car? He’s so silly,”
Elspeth said dismissively.”Perhaps he isn’t planning on hiding anything. I guess he’ll make a big fuss out of it.”Callum knew Max’s temperament all too well.Max was someone who would retaliate against those who harmed him, let alone when someone was trying to snatch his woman from him.I wonder if Matthew is strong enough to take a beating.As they each got lost in their thoughts, they soon reached their destination. Yelena had been waiting for them and beside her stood a tall Matthew in casual clothes. It was Elspeth’s first time seeing Matthew, who was Callum’s best friend.She knew that Matthew was a lawyer, and the truth was, he looked dapper.In fact, Matthew was just as good-looking as Max. His aquiline nose added a layer of delicateness to his appearance, and his golden-framed glasses made him look somewhat sexy.At any rate, he wasn’t Elspeth’s cup of tea.Elspeth’s impression of Matthew changed the moment he started speaking.”Callum, I think it brings no benefits to me by helping you with the act.”
Matthew frowned and put on a bitter expression. He didn’t look as elegant as before he started speaking.He’s so different from what I thought he was like.”I’ll invest 700,000 in your law firm.”Instantly, Matthew’s eyes brightened.
“Are you serious? You mustn’t go back on your word!””Of course.”Elspeth couldn’t help but laugh.
“What’s wrong? Doesn’t your grandfather give you money? Why are you short on money?”At the mention of this, Matthew seemed to be on the brink of breaking into tears.
“I don’t have a choice. I’m the only grandson in the March Family and my grandfather insists that I inherit the family business. However, it’s always been my dream to be a lawyer. As such, I can only rely on Callum.””Have you ever tried to come up with a solution?””Yes. Back then, I had a discussion with my grandfather and told him to sell the March Group to the Winthrop Group so that I’d have more money to develop my law firm, but he was so furious that he almost wanted to burn my law firm down. Since then, I’ve never dared say such nonsense.”Matthew is so silly and na?ve! Fortunately, Yelena isn’t really in love with him. Otherwise, she would’ve beaten him up.After some small talk, they entered the restaurant.From the looks of it, they seemed to be going on a double date. Elspeth and Callum were like their seniors while Matthew looked lovingly at Yelena. On the other hand, Yelena hung her head bashfully, looking as though she was satisfied with this man.”Why hasn’t he appeared yet?”
Elspeth asked.Callum coughed and took a look at her.
“I suppose it’s because there’s no intimate interaction yet. They have to do more.”Elspeth signaled for Yelena to be more intimate with Matthew. As such, Yelena rose from the chair and went over to take Matthew’s hand.”Yelena!”Yelena stopped what she was doing when she heard someone roaring at her.From a distance, they could see Max standing there, his expression thunderous. The people around him were terrified.”Why are you dating another man behind my back? Don’t you remember I’m your boyfriend?”
Max strode forward and grabbed Yelena’s hand as he glared at Matthew.Matthew shuddered as the smile on his face froze.Why is he looking at me like this? I’m only doing this for the money. I don’t like a brusque woman like Yelena! Moreover, I’m forced to do it!A furious Max was ready to punch Matthew. Seeing that, Matthew hurriedly closed his eyes.It’s over! My handsome face will be gone for good! I haven’t managed to seduce many women using my advantage…Nonetheless, he soon realized he wasn’t in pain. He cautiously opened his eyes and saw that Callum had intercepted Max’s fist for him.An enraged Callum snapped,
“Since you’re not marrying Yelena, what right do you have to stop her from getting engaged to another man?”Max barked,
“Who said I’m not marrying her?””When?”When Max saw how cautious Yelena looked, he felt his chest tightening.
“As long as she wants to marry me, we can do this anytime.”Elspeth laughed.
“Mission completed! Let’s celebrate!”Meanwhile, Callum put on a smile as well.However, Matthew wiped the cold sweat off his forehead as he wasn’t very pleased.Only then did Max realize he had fallen into their trap.
Although Max had been fooled, he couldn’t bring himself to blow his top when he saw how piteous Yelena looked.
“Are you sure you’re not eager to get engaged on a whim?”
Max looked at her face and asked seriously.”I’m not acting on a whim. I’ve been meaning to marry you since I was sixteen. It’s been three years now and I’ve never changed my mind.”Yelena had been waiting for him for three years. During this period, she encountered too many things, which strengthened her belief that she was in love with Max. She would never have a change of heart.”Alright, then. From now on, you have to obey everything I say.”Max sounded serious, but his words made Yelena feel vexed.She knew that she would be restricted by the man in many ways, but she didn’t mind it, for she would be engaged to Max. I’m on cloud nine!The others broke into laughter as they were happy for the young couple.Then, they discussed the date for the engagement party and confirmed that it would be on 20 May at 1.14PM, which was deemed to be an auspicious date and time in Chars.Elspeth then brought Yelena to the Azure Corporation’s underground exhibition hall. As Yelena looked at those stunning evening gowns, she finally realized that she had been foolish to fight Emma over the wedding dress in Harvey’s store.She almost missed a chance to get one of these beautiful dresses.”You can just take any dress you want.”Clothes were supposed to be worn anyway. Furthermore, Yelena’s build was similar to Elspeth’s. As such, she would probably fit into one of these dresses.Yelena nodded and picked out a dress before joyfully entering the fitting room.When she reappeared, her face was reddish even though she hadn’t put on any makeup. She turned around in front of the mirror as the pink hem expanded like a flower.”It’s gorgeous, Elspeth. How do I look?”Yelena chuckled, thinking that Max would be besotted if he saw Yelena in this dress.Elspeth nodded.
“You look wonderful, but there’s one more thing you need.”She then took out a pearl necklace from a box and wrapped it around Yelena’s neck, which added a hint of elegance to the young woman.”Alright. You can wear this on the engagement day.”Yelena asked curiously,
“What about you, Elspeth?”With a smile, Elspeth pointed at a pure white dress that was without any embroidery.The design looked simple but unimpressive. Furthermore, it didn’t look like a wedding dress at all.”Don’t you think it’s too plain?”
Yelena was baffled.”Don’t worry.
You’ll find out on the engagement day.”
Elspeth winked at Yelena and it set her mind at ease.Although Elspeth could be silly sometimes, there was no way she would make a mistake on her engagement day. As such, there was nothing to worry about.Then, Yelena turned to the mirror again and observed herself.Soon, the engagement day arrived.Since it was the engagement party of the two sons from the Winthrop Family, the daughter from the Sullivan Family, and the granddaughter from the Joneson Family, it was big news in Damoria.Although Elspeth wasn’t close to the Joneson Family, they still sent a gift to her.Naturally, it was a gift from Frank, not Michael. There was also a letter attached to it.’Elspeth, I can’t believe you didn’t invite me to your engagement party. Anyway, with Grandpa around, I can’t possibly attend the party. You have no idea how furious he is. When you get married, I’ll sneak out of the house and attend your party. This time, I’m sending you a gift first.’Frank sounded humble in the letter.Elspeth smiled and accepted the gift in silence.There was no denying Elspeth was the star on this day.Her already alluring face was made even more charming with this pure white dress. Everyone was stunned by her beauty. Due to this engagement party, Elspeth had been nicknamed the ‘White Rose of Damoria’.Max and Callum greeted the guests at the entrance. Since Yelena didn’t have anything to do, she asked Elspeth to keep her company and waited in the villa. She also gossiped with other ladies.These ladies were all Yelena’s friends and they looked haughty.”Hey, Yelena. Now that you’re finally engaged to a wealthy man, I hope you won’t forget about us.”
One of the ladies sounded jealous as she said that.Elspeth instantly realized that this woman was arrogant and crafty. Perhaps she was jealous of Yelena because the latter had found happiness.”I won’t, Camille. We’re all good friends. We said that we’d make a lot of money together.”
Yelena giggled, looking silly.Elspeth shook her head and wondered what was on Yelena’s mind. She was always fierce to others but whenever she was with these cunning people who were her so-called friends, she would be as meek as a sheep.Just as Elspeth expected, the woman named Camille Parks went on to say,
“You’re different now. You’re engaged to a Winthrop, so you’re affluent. We wouldn’t dare compare ourselves to you.”Yelena put on an embarrassed smile.Just as Elspeth was ready to stand up for Yelena to teach Camille a lesson, a gentle voice was heard saying,
“You can also find yourself a wealthy man. No one is stopping you.”The response was sarcastic but also somewhat comical.Edmund is still as sharp-tongued as ever.Elspeth hadn’t met Edmund for a long time. After he was done taking care of Theodore while the older man was sick, he joined a subsidiary to get some training. The moment he returned, he saw Yelena getting mocked.Edmund’s words made Camille flush. The Winthrop men were all handsome and brilliant. If she could get together with one of them, she would make her family proud.”That’s not what I meant, Mr. Winthrop.”Despite the smile on Edmund’s face, he appeared distant and aloof.
“Although I don’t get what you mean, I’m amazed by how eloquent you are, Miss Parks. I suppose no one in Damoria will be a perfect match for you.”Camille initially thought that he was complimenting her, but her expression soon changed.The man seemed to suggest that she was arrogant and ambitious but didn’t have the qualities to secure a decent man for herself.She initially wanted to attract Edmund’s attention, but she soon cast the idea away. After a snort, she turned around and left.If she stayed there any longer, she would probably become a laughingstock in all of Damoria if word got out.When the others saw how embarrassed Camille looked, they ran away as well so as not to be humiliated.Elspeth took a look at Edmund and flashed a smile at him.
“We haven’t seen each other for a while. It seems that you’ve become even more sharp-tongued.””I’m nothing compared to you, Miss Lynwood. You managed to render me speechless back then. I was impressed.”
Despite his languid voice, Edmund was still as annoying as ever.Elspeth smiled as she was used to the man’s mockery. She decided to stop talking to him.Gifts continued to stream into the place.When Elspeth realized that the rest were swamped with work, she decided to lend them a hand and accepted the gifts with them.All of a sudden, a delicate box caught her attention.A familiar floral pattern had been carved on the wooden box. Elspeth’s father used to be a carpenter, so she instantly recognized it was her father’s signature floral pattern.She felt her chest tightening as she opened the box with trembling hands. There was nothing else in the box apart from a silvery gray necklace.Elspeth pulled out a heart-shaped pendant with a hollow center from her clothes and placed it beside the gift.When the two heart-shaped pendants were put together, they matched perfectly.
Elspeth’s heart skipped a beat. She looked up and realized there was a long line of people waiting to pass them their gifts, and there was no end in sight. Meanwhile, the people who had presented the gifts already disappeared into the crowd.She asked the butler beside her anxiously,
“Mr. Wade, do you remember who passed us this gift?”Craig Wade was startled for a moment. The box looked special, so he remembered who gave them the gift.
“It was from a lady in her forties who had a veil over her face. Why are you asking about it-“Before he could finish his words, Elspeth stood up straight and lifted the hem of her gown. Then, she dashed out of the place.When everyone saw Elspeth running away, they were shocked.Even Callum, who had always been calm and collected, turned gloomy.”What is Elspeth doing, Callum? She looks like she’s running away from all this.”
Max was astounded by Elspeth’s action.Callum felt his chest tightening as a sense of unease rose within him.”We have to trust her. Let’s wait for her return.”It was their engagement day, so Elspeth must be fully aware of the matter’s seriousness. Since she still decided to go somewhere else, she must have her reasons for doing so.”Why don’t you run after her? I’m worried she’ll fall into danger.”
Max frowned, riddled with anxiety.Callum nodded and pulled his tie before racing after the woman.Seeing that, everyone at the venue was astonished. What’s going on?The stars of the engagement party subsequently left the place. Have they been fooling us just to get our gifts?Many of them started speculating and whispering among themselves.Left with no choice, Yelena and Max could only face the pressure and appease everyone. At the same time, they prayed that Elspeth and Callum would come back sooner…. Meanwhile, after Elspeth left the place, she realized that the gift’s owner was nowhere in sight.Disappointed, she turned around and was ready to return to the engagement party. All of a sudden, someone called out to her from behind.”It seems that your mother is truly important to you, which is why you left the venue in a dazed state.”Elspeth felt her back stiffen. She turned around and stared at Arthur. All of a sudden, she had a premonition.Arthur never appeared again after Eric taught him a lesson previously.Elspeth initially thought that he had learned his lesson, so she was surprised to realize that he had discovered one of her weaknesses.”What are you trying to say?””Haven’t you been curious about your mother’s condition? I’m here to give you a clue.”Arthur smiled faintly. If Elspeth hadn’t seen him acting ruthlessly before, she would’ve thought that he was a pushover.”What is the clue?”Arthur spread his hands.
“Haven’t I already given it to you? I tried very hard to get the necklace. Doesn’t it belong to your mother?”Elspeth balled up her fists, but she never let her emotions show on her face. With a grim expression, she questioned,
“Where did you get this necklace?””Well… Haha. It took me a lot of effort to get it. Do you want to know?””Stop keeping me on tenterhooks.”
Elspeth cracked her knuckles as though trying to threaten him.
“Tell me straight away if you’re tactful. Otherwise, don’t blame me for being harsh on you.”Instead of getting frightened, Arthur laughed arrogantly.
“Come on, then. If you dare beat me up, you’ll never find any information about your mother.”
Arthur was confident that Elspeth wouldn’t dare to make a move on him, so he was at ease.”What do you want, then?”It had come to a point where Elspeth no longer needed to be polite with him.”Don’t you know what I want?”
Arthur looked at her and put on an inscrutable smile.
“Break up with Callum, and I’ll tell you everything.”Elspeth put on a comical expression.
“You have lost the right to inherit the Winthrop Family’s wealth. What’s the point of you making me break up with Callum?””You’ll never get it. I hate Callum. As long as you break up with him, he’ll be downcast. I love seeing him suffer, and I’ll be pleased that way.”When Arthur envisioned Callum looking miserable after the breakup, he felt thrilled.”If that’s your plan, forget it. I won’t agree to it.”She wasn’t in a rush to look for her mother.At any rate, she wouldn’t want to affect her relationship with Callum for a so-called clue.Just as she was ready to leave, Arthur broke another piece of shocking news to her.
“Your mother is in danger. Don’t you want to know where she is?”Elspeth’s face fell.
“How do you know?””Hahaha, I said that I’ll only tell you everything after you break up with Callum.”Elspeth hung her head low as a hint of hesitation flashed across her eyes.”Don’t listen to his nonsense, Elspeth.”The moment Callum arrived, he saw Arthur trying to brainwash Elspeth.How dare Arthur try to make Elspeth break up with me?! Is he sick of living?Callum’s gaze darkened as he looked coldly at Arthur.”Callum.”
Upon the man’s arrival, Elspeth stood beside him and lowered her head meekly.
“I didn’t mean to run away. I just discovered a trace that might lead me to find my mother.”Fortunately, Elspeth didn’t fall into Arthur’s trap. Otherwise, she would’ve been caught red-handed by Callum.”Don’t worry. I understand.”
Callum stroked her head and motioned for her to calm down.”Haha. I knew you wouldn’t-“”I’ll punish you when we get home.”
Callum directly announced that she was guilty.Elspeth was petrified, thinking that the man wouldn’t let her off easily this time.”You’re here as well, Callum. What a coincidence.”
Arthur wasn’t afraid at all. Perhaps he now had a powerful backer, so he was more confident.Callum hummed and said,
“Arthur, if you dare lure Elspeth out again like this and play any tricks, I’ll dump you at the downtown of Damoria instead of just any road.”Arthur didn’t expect Callum to mock him by bringing up the humiliating incident back then.As such, his expression turned gloomy at once.It was the most humiliating thing that ever happened to him.At that time, he was stripped bare and dumped onto a street. The passers-by criticized him for being shameless. Regardless of how hard he tried, he could barely conceal his private parts. He would never want to experience that again in his life.How dare you, Callum?!”Callum, since you’ve said such things, I won’t tell you anything about Elspeth’s mother.”He wasn’t a pushover. Since he was humiliated in such a way, he had to defend his dignity.”Whatever. We don’t need your help finding Elspeth’s mother.”Callum turned to Elspeth and said calmly,
“Let’s go back. Everyone is waiting for us at the engagement party.”
Elspeth was caught in a dilemma. On one hand, she had a concrete lead about her mother; on the other, there was the engagement party that they had prepared for a long time.As such, she kept quiet and lowered her eyes.”See, Callum? Elspeth’s torn apart. Stop interfering with her decision.”
Arthur raised a brow since he was certain that Elspeth would choose him.”Callum, I really want to figure out that lead…”
She had an uneasy expression on her face.
“Can you give me some time to find out more before we return to the ceremony?”Callum couldn’t bear to look at her dainty expression and let out a chuckle.
“I got it. It doesn’t need to be so complicated. Come with me to the engagement party, and I’ll get my men to interrogate him.”Arthur’s smile gradually disappeared. What? Are they going to proceed with the engagement party while I get interrogated? This is a joke!He raised his arm, and a few burly men came out from behind him.
“I wanted to play nice, but you’ve left me with no choice!”It didn’t matter if Callum and Elspeth were good fighters. He wasn’t afraid of them with the number of men he brought with him.”Go! Catch them!””Arthur, bring your men and have tea with Blake.”
Callum wasn’t overly nervous and waved his hands confidently. With that, a bunch of people also showed up behind him.A sense of dread climbed up Arthur’s back.”It’s an even matchup, Callum. Are you sure you want to fight? It’s hard to tell who the last one standing will be.”Elspeth smiled as that wasn’t the case at all.
“Come on out.”At the end of her order, another group of people appeared out of nowhere.Shocked, Arthur wondered who those people were. They were so well hidden that even his men couldn’t sense their presence!”Now, are we still even?”Elspeth looked lazily at Arthur and snickered as she saw the blood draining from his face.
“Be more prepared the next time you’re trying to catch someone, Arthur. It must feel terrible to have this backfire on you.”Arthur’s heart dropped. He was done for this time.”Let the boys play, Callum. We should head back to the engagement party.”
Elspeth didn’t want to waste time there since they had the upper hand with the number of men they had, especially since her men were top-notch experts who had gone through vigorous training. As such, Arthur’s men probably wouldn’t last long.Callum nodded and ordered his men,
