Chapter 22
A Glimpse of the past
After the dramatic confrontation with James, Sarah felt suffocated by the weight of
everything. the banquet hall with murmurs and watchful eyes felt constricting. She needed a
moment alone. Spotting a waiter passing by, she gently stopped him.
“Excuse me, where’s the bathroom?” she asked.
The waiter pointed toward the hallway to her left. “Just down that corridor, Miss.”
She nodded, muttering a soft thanks before making her way through the lavishly decorated
hallway. The sound of clinking glasses and polite laughter faded as she distanced herself
from the main event.
Once inside the restroom, she leaned against the marble countertop, exhaling deeply.
Her reflection stared back at her from the mirror her perfectly styled hair, flawless makeup,
an elegant dress hugging her frame. To anyone else, she might have looked poised and
composed, the image of a woman who belonged in a place like this.
She had spent years loving a man who betrayed her, wasted time on a friendship that was
nothing but a façade, and now, she was in a contract marriage with a man whose emotions
were as unreadable as ever.
She splashed cool water on her face, inhaling deeply before straightening up. “Get it
together,” she murmured to herself.
By the time she stepped out of the restroom, she had regained her composure.
She made her way back toward the banquet hall but didn’t see Elliott anywhere.
Since she didn’t know anyone at the banquet and wasn’t interested in engaging in small talk,
she decided to step outside for some fresh air. The grand balcony overlooked the city
skyline, and the cool breeze was a welcome contrast to the suffocating atmosphere inside.
As she walked onto the balcony, she saw him.
Elliott stood by the railing, his broad frame cast in shadows, his gaze fixed on the stars
above. The usual arrogance and cold indifference that surrounded him seemed to have
faded. Instead, there was something else.
Was it loneliness?
He looked so unguarded at the moment, almost vulnerable. She hesitated, debating whether
to approach him. Before she could take a step, he turned, sensing someone's presence.
His sharp, icy eyes snapped toward her, his usual alertness returning in an instant. But as
soon as he saw her, the coldness in his gaze softened, turning unreadable.
“You’re done?” he asked, his voice smooth but distant.
She nodded. “Yeah.”
Just as they were about to leave, a voice cut through the night air.
“Elliott!”
The familiar voice made Elliott freeze in place.
Sarah turned, her brows furrowing as she saw a woman rushing toward them. She had long,
wavy hair and was dressed in an elegant gown, her heels clicking against the marble floor as
she ran.
Before she could process what was happening, the woman tried to throw herself into Elliott’s
arms.
He pushed her away.
The movement was swift, decisive.
The woman staggered slightly, stunned. “Elliott…” she whispered, disbelief flashing in her
eyes.
Sarah stood frozen, watching the scene unfold.
Who was she?
Why did Elliott react this way?
Elliott’s entire demeanor had shifted. The cold, detached businessman was gone. His
expression was unreadable, his body tense, his eyes filled with something between pain and
anger.
Without sparing the woman another glance, he grabbed Sarah’s hand and strode away.
His grip was firm, almost urgent, and Sarah had to quicken her pace to keep up.
The woman’s voice rang out again, desperate this time.
“Elliott! I’m back! Please don’t ignore me! I need to explain”
But Elliott didn’t stop.
Sarah glanced at him as they walked. His jaw was clenched, his posture stiff. His fingers
loosened around hers as though he had suddenly realized he was still holding her hand.
They reached the car, and Elliott let go completely.
The silence between them was heavy.
Sarah hesitated before speaking, her curiosity outweighing her caution. “Who is that lady,
and were you two ever together?”
The question lingered in the air.
Elliott’s eyes darkened, but instead of answering directly, he turned to her, his gaze sharp.
“Me showing you attention doesn't mean you have the right to meddle in my personal life."
he said, his voice void of emotions
Sarah inhaled sharply at the iciness in his tone.
A bitter smile curled her lips. “You’re right,” she said, her voice quieter now. “I almost forgot
my identity. I’m just your contract wife, after all.”
She turned her gaze away, looking out of the window as the driver started the car.
Neither of them spoke during the ride back.
The silence was different this time, not tense, but heavy. Like something unspoken lingered
between them, something neither of them wanted to acknowledge.
When they finally arrived at Elliott’s penthouse, he got out of the car without a word.
Sarah remained seated for a moment, watching his retreating figure.
Then, with a deep breath, she stepped out and followed.
As soon as they entered, Elliott pulled off his tie, tossing it onto the couch. His expression
remained unreadable.
Sarah walked toward the bedroom without saying any word.
Elliot watched as she walked towards the stairs, and it looked like he wanted to say
something but stopped.