Filed to story: Sweetheart Do You Still Love Me
Elspeth looked at him intently. “What if I agree to date you, then?”
“Nope. You’ll still be with me after I kill him anyway. And I might just cut his body up to pieces just because you’re defending him now, you know.”
Dammit. Screw you, Arthur. She took another approach. This time, she pouted, hanging her head low.
Arthur was a little nervous seeing her upset. “What’s wrong? Why are you upset? Okay, I won’t cut him up to pieces. He’ll be in one piece. Dead, but in one piece.”
And you call that kindness? Elspeth cursed in silence, but she had to put on an act of agony. “I admit that I do like him.”
As soon as those words left her mouth, Arthur’s face fell, his eyes filled with anger.
“And I’m his wife. If he dies, I’ll be a widow.”
Arthur held her hand tightly. “Then, marry me. I won’t mind.”
“Your opinion isn’t the problem here. If we get a divorce, then everyone’s just going to chalk it up as relationship problems. But if you kill him, then I’ll be a widow, and nobody’s going to let me live that down. They’re going to say I’m unlucky. An omen, even. Even if I were to marry you, they’d still curse me.” She heaved a sigh and forced a tear. “You won’t let that happen to me, will you?”
He narrowed his eyes. “If anyone says that about you, I’ll kill them.”
“Even when it’s a whole city of people? It’s the Internet Age. If someone makes a viral post about this murder, I’ll never live it down.”
She has a point. “In that case, why don’t you just ignore them?”
“How can I ignore them? This is my reputation. I’ve never had any scandals before. I could explain all the scandals I’ve had. But if Callum dies, I won’t have any explanation to defend myself.” She stared down and shivered in fear. Though, it was a mere act, of course. “I’d rather die with Callum if the alternative is to live with that kind of fear.”
Arthur finally realized the severity of the problem.
“You said you want to date me. If you kill him, then I’ll live in agony forever. And I might just hang myself one day.”
He patted her hand to comfort her. “I get what you’re trying to say. Now, calm down. I’ll spare him.”
Elspeth smiled. “I know you’re nice to me. Fine, I trust that you love me now.”
Arthur felt warm and fuzzy inside. She had never been this kind to him.
Oh, god. He’s being blinded by love. The driver spoke up, “Sir, I think you should just go ahead and kill Callum. This woman is more cunning than you think. She wants you to spare him so she can meet up with him and escape. This is another lie of hers.”
Damn him. He’s smart. Elspeth raised her head, murder filling her eyes.
Arthur snapped out of it. He noticed the murder in Elspeth’s eyes, and it made him uneasy.
“You won’t do that to me, will you? Not after I spared his life?”
She shook her head. “I just want you to spare his life. Not release him. If you don’t believe me, you can lock him up and let him go after we get married.” She then held Arthur’s hand. “It may be true that I’m agreeing to this arrangement right now to save him. But who knows? Maybe one day I might fall for you.”
Elspeth was being real. Arthur wouldn’t have believed her if she had told him she wanted to be with him anyway. On the contrary, he would feel better if Elspeth told him the truth. It was annoying that she still liked Callum, but at least she wasn’t lying.
Good. He’s wavering. He’s taken the bait. She told him the truth because she knew Arthur was a paranoid man. He wouldn’t believe her if she lied. And he might be on guard, too. That would make saving Callum a hassle. However, now that he believed her, things would be easier.
Smiling, Arthur stroked her cheek, but this time, she didn’t dodge. Instead, Elspeth put on a sheepish smile and made sure she didn’t look too passionate. Only a hint of affection showed in her eyes.
Arthur loved it, but he didn’t pull her into his embrace. He knew taking her by force wouldn’t work. If he wanted her to fall for him, he must convince her that he was stronger. That way, she would start to admire him and date him willingly.
Elspeth said calmly, “Then, call your men and ask them about Callum.” She was actually panicking inside. If this kept on, Callum might die.
Oh, right. Arthur whipped out his phone and made the call.
Someone picked it up a while later. He was huffing and puffing, perhaps because he was running. “Mr. Winthrop? What is it?”
“Did you capture him?”
The man answered with resignation, “I’d love to, but he’s running real fast. And he can run for a long time. We can’t catch up.”
“You useless bums!” Arthur’s face fell. If they can’t capture Callum, then I will never get Elspeth.
Elspeth was delighted, but she didn’t show it. If Callum did make his escape, she would no longer have to deal with Arthur. She put her hand behind her back and twisted her ring. A little blade popped out. If he refuses to let me go, I’ll just take him hostage.
Just when she was about to take action, the man on the other end of the phone gushed, “Got him, sir!”
Elspeth’s heart sank, and she retracted her blade.
Arthur was annoyed seeing her getting pale. “Why are you worried about him?”
“I told you I still like him. Of course, I’m worried about him.” She smiled weakly.
He was angry about that but didn’t complain. He knew Elspeth was the kind of person who would pour her whole heart into a relationship, and that made him want to take her away from Callum even more. He said, “Change of plans. Do not kill him.”
“Why not? We already have him.” The man wagged his knife before Callum.
The knife’s glint was blinding Callum. He was pinned on the ground and looked worse for wear, but he composed himself and tried to think of a way out.
“Just do as I say. You’ll still be paid.”
The gang leader smiled. “Alright, sure. We’ll do as you say. So, where do you want him?”
Arthur looked around. “Bring him to the abandoned warehouse in the west.”
“Sure thing.” The man kicked Callum. He bit down on his cigarette and bellowed in laughter. “C’mon, run. Why aren’t you running anymore? Do you have any idea how much I’ve had to run just to catch up to you?”
“Don’t touch me.” Callum was at his boiling point. If looks could kill, this man would be dead.
“Trying to be tough, are we? Do you think you’re still the high and mighty Callum Winthrop? If it weren’t for your brother, I would’ve killed you.”
“You filthy pig.”
“Who are you calling a pig?!” The man spat his cigarette and kicked Callum again. He held up his knife against Callum’s face. “He said not to kill you, but he didn’t say I can’t hurt you. Say one more word, and I’ll ruin your pretty face. Let’s see if the ladies still like that.”
Collum sneered. “I’ll remember this.”
Callum looked at the man without fear. “What is your name?”
The man’s lackey burst into laughter. “Hey, Canine. This guy isn’t afraid at all. He even has the guts to ask for your name. Just so you know, not everyone’s worthy enough to know Canine’s name, Callum Winthrop.”
Canine crouched and grinned toothily, the smell of tobacco wafting in the air. “Chestnut. That’s my name, son.”
Callum sneered. “I’ll remember this.”
It’s getting late. Chestnut then told his men to pick Callum up, and they made their way to the west. The rain kept falling on their heads.
When they met up with Arthur, Elspeth saw footprints on Callum’s shirt, and her eyes turned red with fury. If I find out who did that, I will kill them.
“He’s here, Mr. Winthrop.” Chestnut shot his men a look, and his lackeys shoved Callum ahead, making him kneel.
“So, about the payment…” Chestnut chuckled, his eyes filled with greed.
“I will pay you. In fact, I’ve already done that. Check your accounts.”
“Thank you, sir. Call me if you need my services again. I’ll do anything for you-“
“Alright, shut it. Leave.” Arthur waved Chestnut down. He wasn’t interested in formalities. He was tired of them, in fact.
Chestnut knew that, and he quickly obliged. The rain was pouring heavily out there, so there was no need to clear their tracks. Happily, he led his lackeys away.
Then, only Callum was left. Arthur crouched and patted his face. “Callum, oh, Callum. I bet you never saw this coming.”
The rain was heavy, forming numerous puddles on the ground. Arthur crouched and held Callum’s chin. Trickles of rain trailed down Callum’s cheek, drenching his shirt. “Look at you, Callum. You look so pitiful that even I start to feel sorry for you.” Though, his words and actions didn’t match at all as he tightened his grip.
“What do you want? Just spit it out.” Callum broke free of his grasp and stared at Arthur without fear.
“Still stubborn as ever. I might just kill you, you know.” Arthur whipped a knife out and smacked it against Callum’s cheeks. His movement was slow and elegant. It was as if he was holding a handkerchief rather than wielding a dangerous weapon.
