Filed to story: Sweetheart Do You Still Love Me
“What were you working on? I don’t remember giving you any tasks.”
Nervously, Skylar replied, “It’s just something I did myself. I can’t stay idle, after all.”
Elspeth nodded. “True. Tell me what you were working on. If you have done well, I can reward you.”
Skylar knew Elspeth must have found out about something, but she wanted to bet on the off chance that Elspeth knew nothing. “Miss Lynwood, I-“
Elspeth chortled. “Calm down. I’m not blaming you.”
“Um, did you…” Skylar wanted to ask if Elspeth had found out about something but didn’t have the guts to do that.
Elspeth didn’t intend to expose her. Instead, she said, “You’re still working for me. If you try to start anything you shouldn’t, I will come down on you.” She was not a kind woman. She was fair but not kind. Anyone who tried to hurt her would be hurt in return.
Skylar felt her back drenched in sweat. I knew it. She knows.
Elspeth smiled and fiddled with her ring. Nonchalantly, she said, “You did well. I’m going to give you 150 grand. Take it from the finance department later.”
Her words confused Skylar. I tried to sabotage her, so why is she giving me a bonus? “Miss Lynwood, I -“
Elspeth interjected, “You what? You shot a video with Jethro and settled the impending crisis of the photo, didn’t you? You deserve a reward.”
Oh, she’s just playing dumb. “Thank you, Miss Lynwood.”
“Sure thing. But you should learn a bit of computer stuff from me. You didn’t even hide your IP address.”
Skylar’s eyes went wide with shock. Sh*t. I almost forgot. The president might look friendly, but she used to be one of the most fearsome hackers around. “I-I understand.” She hung up nervously and looked at the logout screen, conflicting emotions stirring in her heart. Feels like I just got out of a certain death.
After she got off work the next day, Elspeth saw a conspicuous red sports car stopped by the roadside. She never really paid attention to the cars around the building. All she knew was that Jethro would usually pick her up in modest cars. This wasn’t his style, but then Jethro came out of it. He was wearing a deep brown shirt, a big, devilish smile curling his lips.
Then, he said, “I’m here to pick you up, Elsie. Now, can you come home with me?”
Elspeth harrumphed. And I thought he’d be more mature. I see the change of clothes didn’t change his attitude. He’s making it sound like I’m his fianc?e who’s going to meet his parents. Fine, I’ll play along. She said, “I still have to get changed and buy some presents.”
Jethro pointed at the back seat. It was filled with all kinds of presents. “I’ve bought everything you might need. And you’re a guest. Drop the formalities. Now, get in.”
She shrugged and got into the car.
Not too long later, she was taken to the Wilstone Residence. It was a resplendent place, the doors high and mighty. There were circular windows all around, and stone structures littered the corner. I see why Jethro doesn’t care about money. This whole place reeks of wealth.
Even before she got out of the car, Elspeth saw a stretch of a red carpet draped over the field outside. Standing at the sides were the residence’s servants holding a tray filled with petals of flowers. Why does this look like a wedding ceremony? Carefully, she got out of the car. The moment she stepped onto the carpet, the servants quickly tossed the petals into the air, and all of them rained down on her. She was shocked, but she could do nothing about it.
Elspeth turned around, but Jethro looked calm. In fact, he looked delighted. Why is he looking like that?
She shot him a look, but the man only gave her a look that said, ‘Calm down.’
“Alright, come with me.” He stepped forth and held her hand, trying to take her in.
Elspeth liked the old mon, so she went up to him. “Do you know me, sir?”
She didn’t like the man holding her hand, but she couldn’t break free.
“Come on, stop struggling. You don’t want even more surprises, do you?”
More? This is already bad enough. Elspeth smiled and quickly changed her attitude. She held Jethro’s hand and went inside. Once she was in the lounge, she caught a whiff of something that smelled like perfume. However, before she could even see who it was, a woman was already happily holding her hand.
“You must be Elspeth. Oh, you’re prettier than I imagined.” The woman was plump, but she was still beautiful. And she looked at Elspeth like she was her daughter-in-law.
Elspeth was at a loss. “Hi, Mrs. Wilstone. You must be Jethro’s mother.”
The woman grinned, wrinkles creasing the corner of her eyes. “Yes. You have a good eye, Miss Lynwood.”
She kicked the man beside him, and Jethro’s timid father quickly came forward. “Yes. You’re gorgeous and gentle, Miss Lynwood. I can see why Jethro likes you,” Moriarty said honestly. The comment he made was exactly what was on everyone’s mind.
Dammit, this is all a trick! Still, I can’t yell at Jethro right now. His parents and grandfather are here. Thus, she could only smile. “It’s not what you think, Mrs. Wilstone. We’re just friends.”
However, Jessica didn’t mind. She only smiled gently. “It’s alright. After you guys spend some time together, you’ll eventually fall in love.”
Moriarty quickly nodded, worried that his wife might lecture him again. Old Mr. Wilstone was all smiles a while ago, but the moment Elspeth said they were friends, his face fell. “What is going on, Jethro?” I thought she was your fianc?e.
Jethro expected that, so he said, “We have to take it slow.”
Old Mr. Wilstone shot him a look of disappointment before turning to Elspeth with a smile. “Come, Elspeth. Let me have a closer look at you.”
Elspeth liked the old man, so she went up to him. “Do you know me, sir?”
Melancholily, Old Mr. Wilstone responded, “Of course. Your grandfather and I are friends. We used to run a business together when we were young, and he promised he’d marry his grandkid to mine.”
Melancholily, Old Mr. Wilstone responded, “Of course. Your grandfather and I are friends. We used to run a business together when we were young, and he promised he’d marry his grandkid to mine.”
Another one? First the Carrs, then the Coles, and now the Wilstones? How many friends do you have, Grandfather? I’m just one woman.
“Oh, right. Are you married, Elspeth?”
“No,” she answered honestly.
Old Mr. Wilstone’s eyes shone, and he looked at Jethro. “Good. Good. Jethro’s not engaged, either. So, why don’t you get hitched?”
Elspeth chuckled. “That’s just a promise between you guys. It’s not to be taken literally.”
Old Mr. Wilstone was smart enough to get the refusal, but he really liked this girl. He wanted her to marry Jethro. “Well, let’s put the marriage talk aside. Why don’t you stay for a bit? I’ll make sure you get the best treatment you can imagine.”
Oh, he’s trying to make me stay now. Elspeth was a little annoyed. Why does everyone want me to marry their kid? Am I that popular?
She wasn’t sure if Jethro was upset, but the air around him felt depressed.
“It’s not every day Elspeth visits us. Take her around the house,” said Old Mr. Wilstone. And make sure you get closer to her.
Jethro nodded and looked at the woman. Despite what she said earlier, he couldn’t stay tense with her. Thus, he smiled. “Let’s go. I’ll show you around.”
Elspeth was reluctant to be alone with him but staying in the lounge would make things even more awkward. So, she nodded. “Sure.”
With that, they left.
All of a sudden, Jessica said, “Oh, by the way, your cousin is here as well. Bring Elspeth to see her. You guys should spend more time together.”
His cousin? Elspeth gulped nervously but kept her smile on. I have a bad feeling about this.
Melancholily, Old Mr. Wilstone responded, “Of course. Your grandfather and I are friends. We used to run a business together when we were young, and he promised he’d marry his grandkid to mine.”
If my memory serves me right, Jennifer Qistrin-Jethro’s cousin-is a little devil. She started playing violin when she was little and got some big accolades overseas, which contributed to her haughty, arrogant attitude. Everyone knows she has a short temper. My men got me that intel, so there shouldn’t be any false information.
Just when Elspeth was wondering how she should deal with Jethro’s cousin, he came to stand beside her. “You’re spacing out. Are you scared of my cousin?”
“No. Why would I?”
“Oh, so that means you’re nervous.” Jethro bent over and noticed the frown on her face. Then, he chuckled. “I see you’ve heard of her attitude problem.”
“Yes, but I need to meet her to see if the rumors are true,” she said, trying to change the subject.
“True. She’s beside the flower bed. Want to go say hi?”
Elspeth shook her head. “No. You say hi to her. I’ll stay out.”
Their conversation attracted the girl beside the flower bed. The moment she saw Jethro, the girl pounced at him, her eyes gleaming. “Jethro!” When she noticed Elspeth, her face fell. “Who is she? Why is she with you?” she asked, jealousy filling her voice. It felt like Elspeth had taken her boyfriend away.
“Hi, I’m Elspeth.”
Elspeth extended her hand, but the girl smacked it away. “Don’t touch me. Who are you?”
“Your cousin doesn’t seem to like me very much. I’ll wait for you somewhere, then.” Elspeth shrugged and moved aside.