Chapter 19
Victor fell silent, his gaze fixed ahead, while Eleanor’s eyes were drawn to the dark mole on his right earlobe–a tiny, black gem that seemed like a natural earring, lending him an air of irresistible danger. “Are you looking at me like that because you’re inviting me to kiss you, hold you, or…”
Eleanor stifled her nerves and bravely linked her arm through Victor’s, avoiding his heated stare. “Before we head to our new place, could you take me somewhere else
“Will we be able to finish what we left unfinished last night after that?” Victor asked with a teasing lilt, and Eleanor couldn’t hide her tension, fully aware that she wasn’t sure she could summon the same courage she had the night before. Victor did not press her for an answer, simply allowing her to cling to his arm as a smirk formed at the corner of his mouth in the dim light of the evening
Instead of heading to Victor’s home, they followed Eleanor’s request and made their way to Cherry Blossom Grove, a famous spot in Shining Capital where she and Percival had often met in the past. But today, she was determined to excavate those old feelings for Percival from her heart. Finally, she answered the phone, her voice low and deliberate. “I’m at Cherry Blossom Grove, the place where we used to meet. If you still want to see me, it’s now or never.”
“Okay, I’ll be right there,” Percival answered instantly. Even though he was entangled with Celeste, he had never intended to give up on Eleanor. After all, where else could The find a woman as easily captivated as her? She had always been devoted to him, coming from a good family and possessing a fiery temperament.
After hanging up, Eleanor raised her gaze to meet Victor’s as he sat across from her. Her voice was sincere but choked with emotion. This is the last time I’m calling him out of personal feelings. After this… there won’t be anymore.”
Victor raised an eyebrow but remained silent, patting the seat beside him as a gesture of possessiveness for Eleanor to move closer.
Eleanor complied, shifting next to him. Together they watched through the restaurant’s glass windows as a figure appeared beneath the cherry blossoms–a flustered Percival, just as she had once stood anxiously waiting for him in that very same spot, often for hours at a time, and half the time he never showed up. Reflecting now, she realized the heart she had poured into him was treated so cavallerly. So.
She was determined to let Percival experience his own share of disappointment, betrayal, and mockery at her hands.
Is this really how you’ll get even? Victor asked as he wrapped an arm around Eleanor’s shoulders, peering down at the shadowy figure below.
Of course not. I’m holding him accountable for everything, big or small.”
Victor gently tilted her chin, their eyes locking; despite her delicate appearance, he could see that this woman, when faced with emotional pain, could cut ties cleanly without a hint of theatricality
I just ordered us some foie gras. The waiter mentioned it was flown in from Frankia, so it should be good.” he said, letting go of her chin, a look of surprise mixed with a smile appearing on his face, “How did you know I like that?”
Knowing my husband’s preferences isn’t that hard,” she teased, signaling the server to bring their dishes. “Let’s eat while we chat.”
Victor’s gaze lingered on her rose–petal–soft lips, something dangerous flickering in his eyes. “But… I don’t want to chat. I just want to… kiss you.”
Who said he was the deadliest man in the entertainment industry? The woman in front of him was just as addictive, wrapping him in her allure without him realizing it. Percival stood waiting below, while inside the restaurant, Eleanor and Victor were dining together. Eleanor preferred not to talk about her job in front of Victor, who understood without needing to verbalize it. He had already helped her twice before, but from how she was handling herself this time, it was evident that this little woman was no pushover.
But… even if she were strong, she was still Victor’s wife. As long as she was his wife, it was only fitting that Eleanor would have the upper hand when it came to dealing with others.
