The Billionaire Who Saved Me.

Elice McLean never thought there would be a sadness that could make her shed tears so intensely as she did now. Not only did her cries appear heartbreaking, but the repeated sobs shaking her shoulders also proved just how hurt she was. It was as if her world had been completely shattered without any trace remaining.

"I truly love you, Elice. Really. I truly love you."

Elice wanted to push that voice out of her mind. But the more drinks she took, the stronger the voice echoed. She could not get rid of it, no matter how much she wanted to.

You heartless scoundrel, Ariel!

Elice tightly squeezed the glass in her hand. The transparent object made of glass seemed to transform into the embodiment of her heartache. She needed an outlet. And perhaps soon, that outlet would turn into shards of broken glass.

"Ssst."

As it turned out, the empty glass was still fortunate. Suddenly, a hand gently took it from Elice's grasp. As if a hero was saving an innocent victim from senseless slaughter.

Elice turned her head. She blinked her eyes and shook her head once, trying to focus her slightly blurry vision. The effect of the drinks she had consumed and the flickering lights in the place.

There was a man. Dressed neatly in a combination of a black suit and an open-neck shirt. The top two buttons of the shirt were undone, revealing a bronze-colored skin that glistened with a thin layer of sweat.

"I'm Garrett. And you?"

The hand placed Elice's glass at a safe distance. Then, he offered a handshake, a gesture of introduction, which was met with Elice's disdain. Her hand went up and waved it away.

"Go and leave me alone. I have no business with you."

The man who called himself Garrett smiled wryly. He did not seem bothered at all by the ignored handshake. Instead, he was straightforwardly rejected, right in front of a bartender who was mixing his drink. The bartender snickered, signaling Garrett, who merely shrugged briefly.

"It seems like you have quite a big problem."

The disgusted expression on the bartender's face became even more pronounced. He shook his head repeatedly and decided to walk away. He did not want to witness the show that might start any moment.

"A problem that should never have come to make a beautiful woman like you cry alone like this."

Elice closed her eyes. Now it seemed she had managed to drive Ariel's voice out of her mind. Unfortunately, it was replaced by another voice, pretending to be concerned about her current state.

"Can't you leave from here?" Elice asked with a gruff tone. "Don't you know where the exit is?"

Garrett laughed, completely unoffended. Instead, he did something that made Elice widen her eyes.

Garrett pulled over a round chair nearby and sat down, right next to Elice. Seeing this, Elice growled.

She did not want to add to the mess of her day. Dealing with Ariel had already made her a wreck. She did not want to deal with a crazy stranger that night.

The chair Elice sat on spun. A clear signal that she was about to leave. But Garrett did not allow Elice to walk away from him.

Elice found her chair spinning back to its original position. She saw Garrett's hand do it.

"You."

Elice's eyes were not just wide now. Instead, they were glaring. And that should have been more than enough to signal that she did not appreciate what Garrett had just done.

Garrett grinned, pointing to his watch. "It's still eleven o'clock, Miss. It's too early to go home now."

"Why should you care? Even if I decide to go home at three in the morning, you have no right to stop me."

Garrett's grin widened. His eyes focused on the rosy red hues on Elice's cheeks. Whether it was due to the influence of the drinks or maybe because of her anger, he did not care about the cause. He only cared about one thing. The natural blush on her face made him want to gaze at Elice's face for a long time. She looked fascinating.

"I indeed have no right to stop you, Miss," Garrett said, moving a little closer. Closing the distance between them, he took the opportunity to look deeply into Elice's eyes. "But honestly, I can't bear to see a woman like you cry alone in a place like this."

Again, Elice snorted.

"Even more than that, a woman like you shouldn't be crying."

Hearing that, Elice blinked once, then a smile appeared on her lips, forming an expression that made Garrett furrow his brows. It seemed strange to him.

"If you want to woo a woman," Elice spoke again, "look for someone else, Sir. I'm tired of hearing sweet words from macho men like you."

Garrett could not help but marvel. He burst into laughter and did not seem offended at all.

"Hahaha."

Elice found his laughter annoying. And she had no plans to listen to it all night. She would leave there. Before her emotions inside her erupted and she could not control them anymore. Who could guarantee that Elice would not be provoked to smash the empty glass she held earlier on the man's head?

However, for the second time, Elice's desire to leave was thwarted. This time not because Garrett spun the chair she sat on back to its original position. Instead, now Garrett openly held one of Elice's hands.

Elice stared; her eyes wide. Seeing how daring Garrett was to hold her wrist. She tried to pull her hand away, but Garrett brought her even closer to him.

Garrett held Elice's hand and, using the wheels on the chair's legs, he effortlessly slid her closer to him.

Elice instinctively closed her eyes. When she felt how close they were, the warm breath from Garrett's lips brushed against her skin. When she opened her eyes, Garrett smiled at her.

"I'm not trying to woo you, Miss. But...."

Garrett took a deep breath, his eyes moved, observing Elice's disheveled appearance. Though she looked beautiful in her knee-length black dress, there was something odd that made Garrett's eyes itch every time he looked.

"I just want to know. Why a woman like you can cry like this all alone? Uhm... you should be enjoying life. Not crying over it."

For the last time, Elice tried to pull her hand away from Garrett's grasp. But the result was the same. Garrett made sure Elice would not leave. At least not until she answered his question.

"Do you want to know why I'm crying like this?" Elice repeated the question she was asked. "Do you want to know why I look so sad?"

Somewhat hesitantly, Garrett nodded.

"I've already told you," Elice said, gazing intently at Garrett. "... it's because of macho men like you."

"Do you want to talk about it?"

"With a crazy stranger like you?"

Elice's question made Garrett chuckle.

"Thanks, but no," Elice shook her head. "I have many other sensible things to do than discussing my private matters with a stranger like you."

"This stranger won't make you lose anything."

Elice was stunned by Garrett's words. Especially when she saw his expression. He looked so relaxed and carefree. And he smiled, creating an appealing impression on his face.

"You're sad. You need an outlet. And, coincidentally, I'm available," Garrett said lightly. "I have a few hours ahead to listen to all your troubles. Isn't that an attractive offer?"

Dramatically, Elice took a deep breath, her eyes then fixed on the flickering lights illuminating the place. It seemed like she needed pure oxygen to breathe smoothly. So, her mind could stay clear.

"Compared to someone you know, uhm... especially someone close to you, talking to a stranger gives you freedom. No judgment, no preconceptions. There's only one thing. Absolute listening."

Elice furrowed her brow. Now she wondered if she had drunk too much that night. Otherwise, why did the words of the stranger in front of her sound reasonable?

Meanwhile, Garrett, when he saw Elice silent, knew that his words had somewhat influenced her. Something that made him more confident and continued his words.

"And I can assure you that I am a good listener."

Taking a moment, not immediately accepting the offer presented to her, Elice used those few seconds to observe Garrett. He gave the impression that he was relaxed. And that's why Elice was certain about something. That Garrett was the kind of womanizer. Because it seemed like that was the law of nature. Womanizers had good social skills, especially when it came to greeting strangers without any awkwardness.

"Tell me, Sir," Elice finally said. "Is this how you usually try to seduce random women in clubs?"

"Hahaha."

Garrett laughed heartily, shaking his shoulders completely. His dark eyes even looked a bit watery.

"I never try to seduce random women in clubs, Miss," Garrett denied. "Feel free to ask everyone here. I always spend my time here, and I'm sure everyone knows me. And I can assure you that none of them have ever seen me trying to seduce women like I'm talking to you now." He smiled. "That is, if you consider my words as a form of seduction."

Elice's face felt hot. She could clearly sense the faint sarcasm in Garrett's words. Something that inevitably made her feel embarrassed too.

Oh, God! This doesn't mean that Elice is too confident, assuming that Garrett is trying to seduce her. But, what else could a woman like Elice think when she found a stranger approaching her and inviting her to talk? Of course, there was nothing else.

"If this is not a seduction..." Elice stared at Garrett. "... then why?"

Elice's gaze was met fully by Garrett's. For a few seconds, there was only silence between them. As if the music playing there failed to reach their ears.

At that moment, it was not only Elice who questioned it. Garrett did too. Why? Why did he have to leave his spot and approach a crying stranger? Was he bored? Or... what?

And now, as Garrett looked at the remaining tears on Elice's cheeks, he realized one thing. The reason why he was still holding Elice's wrist when she showed no signs of leaving. It was because...

"I'm curious. How great of a man can make a woman cry like you are now."

*

When Elice listened to Garrett's words, she was stunned. Her eyes widened with a dimming glint, and her mouth slightly opened as if she wanted to speak, but not a single word came out.

"I'm curious. How great of a man can make a woman cry like you are now."

Garrett said, waiting for Elice to respond to his words. But, in the end, she only let out a long sigh. Her eyes blinked once, then she turned her body to face forward, observing the bartender who had been busy working with his agile hands.

"Don't want to answer?"

Garrett seemed to show no signs of backing down from the curiosity that had taken root in his mind. He was curious. So, without feeling hesitant, he placed one elbow on the bar table. In that position, he could observe the sharp line of Elice's nose from the side. It looked so perfect, not overly exaggerated, and gave the impression that one look was not enough to satisfy the eyes.

At that moment, Elice took a deep breath. She briefly thought of raising her hand again to order another drink. But, for some reason, she refrained from doing so. As if she was already feeling fed up. It made her question herself. Perhaps what she needed was not another drink, but rather a pair of ears to listen to all the turmoil in her heart.

"He's not a great man."

Elice uttered the sentence, and it earned a slight twitch in Garrett's eye. He remained silent, waiting for her to continue.

"He's definitely not the kind of prince you find in fairy tales," Elice continued, shaking her head. "Definitely not."

Hearing that, Garrett nodded once, but still refrained from commenting. It was as if he truly wanted to prove to Elice that he was a good listener, and that her words were indeed the truth.

"He's just a man who happened to be born into an esteemed, wealthy family, and supposedly upholds moral values. But, as it turns out, he himself doesn't even know what those morals are."

Garrett's eyes sparkled as he heard Elice's words this time. Clearly, he could sense the emotions behind the words she spoke. Something that forced him to take a breath and hold it in his chest. Instead of giving in to his urge to question her, asking why all of this happened.

"He..."

Elice closed her eyes. When she was about to speak further, a spark of reason in her head stopped her. It made her unconsciously clench her hands tightly, causing her knuckles to turn white, as if there was no more blood flowing there.

That did not escape Garrett's eyes. He immediately reached for Elice's hand, carefully unwinding the clenched fist, one by one. With a gentle but effective gesture, he managed to release the tight grip of Elice's fingers.

"Do you remember?" Garrett asked then. "I'm just a stranger. A stranger who doesn't even know your name. So... what's making you hesitate?"

True. What Garrett said was true. He did not know Elice. He did not even know her name.

"He completely shattered my life into pieces. There's nothing left. Nothing."

Not letting go of Elice's hand, Garrett instead held her slender fingers. Feeling the smoothness there. Then, he let go, giving Elice a chance to wipe her face randomly.

"Tell me," Elice said, turning to Garrett. "Do men like you always born without a heart? Born without a brain to remember all the promises? Do you even say all those sweet words consciously?"

Garrett smiled and exhaled. Choosing not to burst into laughter at an inappropriate time, he only shook his head once. Then, he rubbed his slightly rough chin. He forgot to shave that day.

"Truthfully... we, men, are born with hearts. We also have brains to remember. But the problem is... sometimes we throw away our conscience."

Elice looked at Garrett, perhaps not believing that there would be a man who would say such blunt things to her. Was not that slightly touching the ego of Adam's descendants?

Garrett's smile widened. "No need to look at me in awe like that. I'm just stating the truth. That we, the male species, have a tendency for high ego. Sometimes, we feel superior by making others suffer. As if that is validation to prove that we are powerful beings."

"Unbelievable."

Garrett chuckled softly, scratching his temple with his index finger. There was a slight itch when he saw Elice's incredulous expression.

"I also sometimes can't believe it. But that's what happened. There are some men who take pleasure in hurting a woman. Uh... and it seems like you've encountered this type of man."

"You say it as if this is just my misfortune. As if I wouldn't be like this if I had met another man."

Garrett seemed to consider Elice's words. Then, without any doubt, he nodded.

"True. Maybe that's how it is."

"Now, I want to blame God rather than blame Ariel."

There was a piece of information that made Garrett furrow his brow. "His name is Ariel?"

Not denying it, Elice nodded. Besides, there was no point for her to hide that fact.

"His name is Ariel Sebastian Ramirez. Uh... you probably don't know him. But he's a man born into a wealthy family, the kind I should have avoided from the beginning."

Garrett furrowed his brow, appearing not entirely convinced by Elice's words. But he remained silent. He did not interrupt Elice when she continued speaking.

"I met him during the freshman orientation. Uh... I should have listened to Mom when she told me to choose business management over law. If I had followed her advice, I wouldn't have ended up like this today."

The wrinkle on Garrett's forehead disappeared instantly, replaced by a grin he could not contain.

"Your words remind me of my mother's advice," Garrett interjected. "She said that parents' words are like prayers."

Elice looked at Garrett in disbelief. "It doesn't make any sense, does it?" she asked, shaking her head. "Because I'm sure that if I had followed my mother's advice eight years ago, I wouldn't be shattered like this."

"But, there's no point in regretting it. Anyway, I'm sure that during these eight years, it hasn't been only misfortunes that happened in your life."

"Maybe yes. Maybe no."

Garrett decided not to argue about it. He did not want to reveal facts that could be an indication that his words were true. That during those eight years, it had not been all misfortune for the woman. He was certain, even though he did not know, he was sure.

"But, even if during these eight years it wasn't only misfortune I experienced, it seems that it's not worth it compared to what I'm going through now. All the happiness I once felt is gone. Disappeared without a trace."

"That bad?"

Elice let out a long sigh and then turned her head, looking at Garrett with an empty gaze. She seemed to smile, but it lacked any emotion.

Once, Elice nodded, with an assumption in her mind. That the man before her was nothing more than a stranger. A stranger she would never meet again. And at that moment, Elice realized it. That what she needed right now was just one thing. A place where she could vent all the pain, anger, and disappointment that almost drove her crazy.

"That bad," Elice answered bitterly. "To the point where I sometimes want to end my life."

Garrett's expression changed suddenly. There was no trace of amusement in his face anymore. It disappeared instantly when he heard that sentence slip so effortlessly from the lips painted with red lipstick. It was smooth, as if there were no burdens or considerations from the owner.

"You?"

Elice bit her lower lip, her face immediately lowered as she looked at her fingers. It was just a diversion. She tried to hide her eyes that were starting to well up again.

"I'm really worthless now. I've become a woman with no value at all."

Though not entirely sure, Garrett seemed to guess the source of Elice's problem. No woman would be this desperate if it were not related to a man and... her honor.

"He told me he loved me. I believed it. And for some reason, even after all these years, I still truly feel it."

Elice closed her eyes, trying to push away the memories that immediately surfaced in her mind. The beginning of her encounter with Ariel. How they fell in love and entered a relationship that made other women envy her.

Then, their love deepened over time. And it was not strange that eventually, Elice completely surrendered her life to Ariel. Not just her heart and love, but everything about herself.

"I got pregnant."

Garrett held his breath. His guess did not miss the mark. It hit its target precisely.

"Then? He didn't want to take responsibility?"

"Hahaha."

A faint laugh escaped from Elice's throat. Her face lifted, looking at Garrett with teary eyes. Her smile seemed poignant.

"Worse than that," Elice replied, taking a deep breath. "He forced me to abort our baby. Even though a week before that, he promised to marry me."

Garrett would not be surprised if Elice was contemplating ending her life. Truly. He never expected that this would be the reason why a beautiful woman like Elice was crying alone in a club, accompanied by alcoholic drinks.

His eyes widened suddenly. "You drank."

Elice snorted with amusement. She looked at Garrett with her hand resting on her stomach, and the painful expression became evident. It was something Garrett had never seen before.

Elice nodded once. "Sorry. I mean, I was pregnant. Now, my baby is gone," she whispered softly. "He's gone. I couldn't keep him. Ah! I still often feel like he's still inside my stomach."

There was a visible lump in Elice's throat as she tried to hold back her sobs. Her beautiful face appeared hardened in the effort to suppress her tears.

"I thought I could be strong. I could keep him. But all the reality overwhelmed me, and in the end..."

Garrett reached out and grabbed Elice's hand, holding it tightly, then letting her take control of the grip. He willingly allowed her to squeeze his hand with all her might.

"But you know what makes me even more devastated?"

"Tell me."

Elice needed a moment. She took a deep breath, trying to strengthen herself. Because when she decided to answer that question honestly, it meant reopening old wounds.

"He was grateful. He thanked me. And he even laughed so happily in front of me."

Elice would never forget that. No. The image of Ariel being so joyful while she was in despair on the hospital bed flashed in her mind. It made her feel nauseous instantly.

Garrett raised his hand, signaling the bartender for a glass of water. He handed the cold drink to Elice.

Of course, it would take more than a glass of water to ease the tightness in Elice's chest. But, at least, she could breathe a little easier now.

"But, if you think everything ended there, you're clearly mistaken."

Elice looked at the empty glass in her hand, realizing that her life was no different from that glass. There was nothing inside it anymore. Now she was exactly like a person with nothing left.

"A few days later, Ariel's family came to my house."

Garrett noticed how Elice's fingers tightened around the glass again. Her body tensed. And he knew that this was the point where Elice was truly shattered. Which... was true.

"They said many things that made me unable to look at my mother's face again. Th-they..."

Elice's eyes suddenly closed. The memory was vivid in her mind. How Ariel's parents came and offered her money as compensation for leaving their son alone.

Then they said other things she had never imagined before. Doubts about herself, as if she had been involved with several men before finally ending up with Ariel. Their only son, who was adored by many.

Elice was truly broken. She might have endured losing her child and her dignity. Being abandoned by the man she loved. But when she saw her mother crying, she knew. She had loved the wrong man.

*

Now there was nothing Garrett could do but remain silent, giving Elice the time she needed for a pause. Garrett knew this was a truly messy situation.

Somberly, Garrett took a deep breath, realizing that being alive up until this point was a valid sign. Elice was not a weak woman; quite the opposite, in fact. She was strong.

For Elice, she had found herself helpless on numerous occasions. Countless thoughts of suicide crossed her mind. But when she saw her mother's face, a glimmer of rationality emerged.

I have already caused Mom suffering. Should I add to her tears? By leaving in a pitiful state?

So, when thoughts of suicide came, Elice would prepare herself. She would get dressed and decide to go to the club. Because she thought it was the only way to rid herself of those dark thoughts. During the crowd, where there would be no sanctimonious people to mock her tears.

But she never expected what she found today. Instead of receiving ridicule and accusations, she found a pair of ears that patiently listened to her story without uttering a word of judgment.

"At least now you're free from that man," Garrett finally said. He could not console her, as he had stated before. He was just a good listener, and he found no other words to say except for that fact.

"I don't know," Elice whispered sadly. "I don't know if I'm free from him or the other way around. I'm the one who has been discarded, and I'm worthless now."

Garrett furrowed his brow, disagreeing with what Elice said.

"Letting go of a man like him doesn't show your worthlessness. On the contrary, it means he's not worthy of you."

"You couldn't possibly forget that, I just said it a moment ago."

Elice said, looking at Garrett. Her eyes still held traces of tears, and her gaze seemed truly wounded, as if she believed her future was now as dark and uncertain as a path in the middle of a forest, without any sunlight or glimmer of hope.

"I am no longer valuable as a woman. I have been pregnant. I have had a miscarriage. And..."

Elice couldn't continue her sentence. Instead, she took a deep breath, resigning herself to her fate. Perhaps she would continue to live only for her mother. Her true life had already died.

"But that doesn't negate the fact that many eyes still look at you with admiration," Garrett responded, signaling with his eyes.

Looking around, Elice noticed a particular point of focus in Garrett's gaze. Several women seemed surprised when she turned her attention to them, probably caught in the act of gossiping about their fellow women, a typical female trait.

"I have been observing you all this time. Many have been secretly looking at you, probably because they find you attractive," Garrett continued, glancing back at Elice. "It's not just women; I have also noticed some men from my group who have shown interest in you. No need to thank me, thinking that my presence here saved you from other player."

Elice could guess the meaning behind Garrett's words, but it didn't quite register with her.

"They only know my appearance. They don't know anything about my past."

"And isn't that the point?"

Out of the blue, Garrett cornered Elice with a fatal question, almost causing her to flinch unexpectedly. What Garrett said made perfect sense.

"It's just the past. And what people see in us is... only our appearance."

For this matter, Elice certainly could not argue. After all, was not it true? What people saw in others was merely their appearance?

"I-I...."

"You're sad, undoubtedly. And even I'm not sure I could handle life in your current position."

It was not an empty phrase. Garrett was certain of this. Initially, when he saw a woman crying alone, he thought it was a case of a broken heart. But it turned out to be more than just a broken heart for Elice. It was despair.

"But I believe there are still many eyes that see you as valuable. Not just me, those women, or a group of men. Out there, I'm sure, regardless of your past, you're still valuable."

When Elice's sanity returned, Garrett's words sounded remarkably logical. But believe me, Elice had gone through this phase multiple times. Now, she might feel like she was climbing up again, only to fall back down shortly after.

"I don't know," Elice said uncertainly.

Garrett understood. "Don't force it. You need time. But I know, at least you realize that surviving until today proves that you still value your life."

In her own eyes, Elice felt completely worthless. She believed she was the lowest woman in the world. Discarded and looked down upon.

"Moreover..."

Garrett's voice interrupted Elice's thoughts. She looked at him, seeing his shoulders rise as he took a deep breath.

"... why should women lower their standards for men?"

It seemed like an ordinary question, but...

"Isn't it entirely up to you?" Garrett asked with a serious expression, locking his gaze onto Elice. "I just can't fathom why you allowed Ariel to dictate your worth. Uh... just because you were pregnant? You had a miscarriage? And that puts you in the category of low-value women?"

Garrett scoffed in disbelief at his own question. He shook his head, as if witnessing the most absurd circus performance in the world.

"You're not in a woman's position. No matter the case, we'll always be the ones cornered."

"That's why... from now on, don't let yourself get close to men like that."

"I can even be sure that no man would want to get close to me after knowing my past."

"Don't you see me right now?"

"You-"

Elice sighed. A faint smile played on her lips. She shook her head weakly.

"Perhaps you're the only man who stayed here after learning about my past."

"Maybe not the only one," Garrett said. "But anyway... I'm sure you didn't expect there'd be a stranger sitting with you, listening to your story. In the end, I gave in to my instincts to approach you."

"So... do you think I'm valuable?"

Without any doubt, Garrett nodded. "In my eyes... you're a valuable woman. And maybe that's the only reason I couldn't resist coming over to talk to you."

"Tell me, what makes me look valuable in your eyes?"

Taking a few seconds to answer the question, Garrett took the opportunity to observe Elice from head to toe. Starting with her black, sensually wavy hair, moving on to her beautiful oval face, and then down her body accentuated by a captivating black dress. Ending with a pair of nine-centimeter-high shoes that made her shapely calves look tempting.

"Because not many beautiful women like you come to the club alone without showing any signs of trying to seduce any man."

Elice burst into laughter.

"And you're oblivious to your surroundings. Regardless of a few people who intended to approach you, you got lost in your own world. In my eyes... that's a real sign that a woman is valuable."

Satisfied with her dry laughter upon hearing Garrett's words, Elice lifted her head, took a deep breath, and exhaled slowly.

"You have a different judgment for the category of valuable women," Elice commented. "You should add 'virgin,' 'well-behaved,' 'intelligent,' and 'from an esteemed family.'"

"Oh! Isn't that too harsh? Women aren't perfect creatures. Why set so many criteria?"

Elice laughed again. "Criteria or not, that's what builds confidence in our community."

"Find another way to build confidence."

"Like what?"

"By looking in the mirror and seeing how much you have."

Garrett's hand rose gently, pushing aside a few strands of hair that almost covered Elice's eyes, tucking the delicate strands behind her ear.

"I'm sure it's not hard for you," Garrett said, withdrawing his hand. "Because I, who have only been talking to you for half an hour, can feel it."

The words hit Elice like a breath trapped in her throat. Hearing Garrett's words, observing his manner of speech, and seeing the smile on his face left her speechless in a thousand languages. It made her realize she was cornered with one question. Was it true?

"If you don't believe what I said, you can see the truth in a month from now. And if a month is not enough to prove it, then look a year from now. In the end, you will realize that I'm right."

As if Garrett could read Elice's mind, he said something that made the air reluctant to reach her lungs. Elice could only respond with indifference.

"Let's just wait and see."

"Do you need evidence?"

"What do you mean by evidence?"

"That at least there's a man here who still sees you as valuable? Regardless of your past."

Elice was still trying to grasp the meaning of Garrett's words when she felt his fingers, which had briefly touched her hair, moving again. This time, they brushed softly against her cheek, causing Elice to instinctively close her eyes.

Her body tensed, unable to anticipate the touch, leaving her rigid. She could not even flinch.

Garrett could clearly feel how Elice's body froze when his fingertips grazed her smooth cheek. However, when he noticed she didn't pull away, he continued his action.

Garrett's face moved closer, positioning itself right in front of Elice's. Creating a reality where their breaths could caress each other.

Garrett gazed into Elice's eyes. In a few silent seconds that meant everything, he ignored the music that entrapped them both and paid no attention to their surroundings.

"Allow me."

Two words Garrett spoke as a form of permission. It was an expression that Elice did not have time to answer. As his fingers, which had initially touched her cheek, moved to her chin, he pulled her closer. Embracing the presence of Elice's lips, which then met his own.

Elice's eyes immediately closed, and her hands rose to rest on Garrett's chest, feeling its firmness. She wanted to push him away, but Garrett pressed his lips onto hers, and instead, she found herself gripping his shirt.

When Garrett felt Elice's hands on his chest, he was prepared for various possible reactions. A slap would be the most logical one to expect. But the reality was quite the opposite.

And that made a small part of Garrett's sanity think. The grip on his chest told him that what he had thought about Elice was true.

Elice was a valuable woman. And at least that's what Garrett wanted to show her. That when a woman is valuable, a man will kiss her with all his soul.

*