Filed to story: Sweetheart Do You Still Love Me
“What? Do you expect me to watch as his men insult, abuse, and even kill you?”
He smiled bitterly. “But seeing you doing something against your will hurts me more. I don’t want you to do that to yourself.”
Elspeth felt a little moved. “I know. I’ll be careful next time.” She hung her head low, pouting. “But I defended you. Can’t you cut me some slack?”
Callum looked at her bandaged hand and could feel something squeeze his heart. The sight of her injured hand felt more painful than getting hurt himself. “Don’t do this next time. You know I would be fine.” Arthur was hurling his knife backward, so it was nearly impossible for him to land a blow on Callum. Besides, Callum could fight well and had good reflexes. There was no way Arthur could hurt him.
“But I don’t want anything to happen to you. If you were hit, the knife would’ve gone straight through your heart. I’d rather hurt my own hand to stop that.”
Her wound isn’t exactly shallow, either. If the knife were to cut a bit deeper, her hand would be done for. Callum took a deep breath and said, “Your safety matters most. No matter what.”
Elspeth paused for a moment. Then, she smiled. “What’s the second most important thing, then?”
The man blurted, “Our child.”
She was surprised he’d say that. “You want a child that much, huh?”
“No. Don’t let that weigh on your mind. What I mean is if we have a child, then…”
Elspeth pounced into his embrace and rubbed her head against his chest. Softly, she said, “In that case, we’ll have our own child.”
Surprised, Callum said, “What did you say?”
“Don’t you want a child?”
“I do.”
He was telling the truth. Most of his subordinates had gotten married and started raising their own families. He saw a few of their children, and they were adorable. He, too, wanted his own child. Most importantly, he wanted a child with Elspeth, the woman he loved. It would be their bundle of joy. Yet, when Elspeth brought it up, his heart still raced a little.
Callum held her unhurt hand. Slowly, he said, “Do you actually want a child with me, or do you just want to make me happy? I’d be delighted if it’s the former, but if it’s the latter, then it’s best you think things through. I’m fine if we don’t have kids. It’s not-“
“I’ve known you for four years, Callum.” Elspeth rested her head against his chest. “I know you too well. Yes, part of the reason is that I want to make you happy.” He’s always been the one to make me happy. I don’t mind doing something for him.
“You won’t regret this?”
“Of course not. I never regret anything.” She thumped him playfully. You don’t believe me? Though, she used the wrong hand to hit him. Her good hand was held by Callum, and now her injured hand was hurt again. She gasped in pain and almost cried.
Callum wanted to laugh, but he held it back. Worried, he said, “Alright, stop moving now. Let’s get this over with so we can go home.”
Elspeth was reminded of something. She asked, “Did you really strip him bare?” It’s raining outside. Arthur’s going to get a fever, and he’s going to get back at Callum real soon. He’s petty as f*ck. Not like we’re scared of him, but he can be a nuisance.
“No. I only ordered my men to strip his driver bare. As for Arthur, my men would toss him onto a crowded street with his clothes intact. But that would be embarrassing enough for him.”
The woman shook her head. “He cares about his image and reputation. He’s going to get back at you.”
“Let him. I don’t care. It’s already bad enough that he wants to take you. I’ll drill the fact that you’re mine into his head. Nobody can take you away.” Murder filled his eyes.
“I just want you to be safe. Arthur’s not terrifying or dangerous, but he’s still a hassle to deal with. Be careful. He’s going to take revenge.”
“Let him come.” Callum cocked his eyebrow.
“I know you’re not afraid of him, but be careful, okay?”
“I’ve known you for four years, Callum.” Elspeth rested her head against his chest. “I know you too well. Yes, part of the reason is that I want to make you happy.” He’s always been the one to make me happy. I don’t mind doing something for him.
He nodded, smiling. “Of course, Mrs. Winthrop. I’ll be sure to look out.”
It was amusing to hear the head of the Winthrops talking to her like that. He can be such a comedian sometimes, she thought with a smile.
A few days went by, but Arthur did nothing. For once, Elspeth thought she might have been too harsh on him. Callum thought it was weird as well, but then Arthur could hold back his rage well, so he knew a storm was coming. And a few days later, a piece of news went viral on the Internet.
Elspeth was annoyed when she saw the photo. It was the one where she and Callum were locked up in the warehouse. Arthur must be the one behind this. Just when she thought it was a scandal directed at her and Callum, she noticed a familiar name.
Jasmine? The article talked about how Jasmine locked the couple up and left. The photo had been captured very clearly. It was as if the whole incident was a set-up from the start. Elspeth read further and saw that the article made her and Callum out to be the victims. Pure victims.
It was surprising, to say the least. But he’s not doing anything bad. Elspeth heaved a sigh of relief. She wondered why Arthur went after Jasmine, though. He knows she’s part of the McGraths. Going against Old Mr. McGrath is going to be bad for him.
The comments were all cursing Jasmine. Some even went as far as to attack the McGraths for raising an evil daughter. Thanks to that article, the McGraths were now facing a wave of bad publicity.
Just when Elspeth was thinking that Arthur had made a wrong move, someone flung her office door open. Before she could even see who it was, Elspeth heard the person scream, “Elspeth Lynwood! Old Mr. McGraths has told you not to go after Jasmine! What are you doing? You guys baited her and framed her, didn’t you? I can’t believe you’d go so far! Have a heart, will you?”
He nodded, smiling. “Of course, Mrs. Winthrop. I’ll be sure to look out.”
“I’m sorry, Miss Lynwood. He barged right in. I couldn’t stop him,” Lily quickly explained.
Elspeth didn’t panic, though. She picked her teacup up and took a sip. She didn’t even bother with the intruder. There was nothing to be worried about since she wasn’t the one who did this.
Bobby had been the one who stormed into the office. He couldn’t stand the sight of Elspeth.
“Mr. McGrath, next time you want to accuse me of something, show your evidence. I don’t have time to play with you.” The woman initially thought it was Haris, but to her surprise, it was Bobby-Jasmine’s father. After saying that, Elspeth extended her arm. “If you’re here to demand an explanation, I must ask you to leave.” She smiled. “I have work to do.”
Bobby was surprised that Elspeth wasn’t even showing him an ounce of courtesy. And it was surprising that she didn’t look nervous at all. Is there more to this news? But if Elspeth didn’t do it, then who? Could it be Callum? They’re the only ones who have a grudge against Jasmine.
When Elspeth saw him deep in thought, she knew right away that Bobby had been tricked by someone into coming after her.
“I have no concrete proof, but I will find it someday. You’re not getting away.”
“Come at me whenever you please.” She smiled. Her carefree attitude was starting to make Bobby second-guess himself that he actually got the wrong person. “And you should look before you leap, Mr. McGrath. Do you think Old Mr. McGrath doesn’t know about this? He knows more than you think, yet he’s not the one who came. Try to figure out why.”
Bobby had no answer for that. Hey, I’m the older man here. Show me some respect, young lady. Elspeth’s attitude didn’t sit well with him, but he was in the wrong here, so he said nothing.
“I see you’re beginning to understand where you went wrong. I trust you’ll figure things out soon enough.” She smiled. “If nothing else, escort him out, Lily.”
Lily tugged on her hem and extended her arm. “If you may, Mr. McGrath.”
Bobby took a deep breath and straightened his collar out before he left.
“You’re awesome, Miss Lynwood. You made him leave just like that.” Lily was grinning happily. She was delighted to see Bobby lose the fight.
“I didn’t actually do anything. He just got the wrong person. There was nothing I had to do.”
Lily nodded. “True. You’re not the culprit here. But honestly, I can’t believe Jasmine. She tried to kill you, and now that she’s exposed, she expects you to give her an explanation instead. Unbelievable!”
“Not like the first time she’s done this. Just ignore her.” Elspeth stretched her arms. “If nothing else, you can leave now.”
Lily nodded. “Of course, Miss Lynwood.”
Before Lily left, Elspeth said, “Lily, call Edmund and help me arrange a meetup with him.”
“Of course.”
Elspeth was sure Arthur was behind this scandal. He wanted to push all the blame onto her. And here I thought he had forgotten about it. So, this is his plan.
At lunch break, she went to the third floor’s cafeteria and got a bowl of oyakodon. After she took a seat, she noticed someone taking up the seat across from her. She thought the person was just trying to share a table, but they weren’t moving for a long time. Then, she raised her head. The first thing she saw was an arrogant smile. “It’s been a while, Elspeth.”
“It’s only been a week. So, have you healed up, Mr. Winthrop?” Elspeth scooped up a spoonful of rice and popped it into her mouth, ignoring the upset Arthur.
Arthur had to stay at home for a few days to heal up. His arm was sprained after he got tossed out of the car. And the fact that Elspeth was using it to mock him annoyed him.
“So, to what do I owe the pleasure? Or are you just here so I can laugh at you?”
Lily tugged on her hem and extended her arm. “If you may, Mr. McGrath.”
Arthur stroked his chin as he looked around. When he saw no one was around, he said, “I heard Bobby came to you this morning.”
“Ah, your sources are fast. If I didn’t know better, I’d have thought there were spies in my company.”
“What? No. I just sent my men to tail the McGraths.”
Surprised, Elspeth put her spoon down. “Why?” To watch them start another drama with me?
