Chapter 46
Elizabeth ran into Franklin five days later.
She’d been hitting the music hall for practice, relishing the quiet without the Jones family’s chaos. Spotting Franklin wiped her good mood right
Chatter filled the air, but it didn’t register.
Standing on the staircase, with the dim light of the hall, she eyed Franklin by the black sedan. He cut an impressive figure in his dark silhouette on the ground
Music students zipped around Elizabeth, most sneaking peeks at Franklin.
pricey coat with a
Elizabeth stood frozen, wondering how much blood he would ask her to donate. She aimed to dodge him, but Franklin’s soft gaze had found her.
“Elizabeth,” Franklin said to her, passing by
Startled, Elizabeth wondered what the persistent guy wanted. She feared that folks might guess their relationship, especially since she had tokl Thera that she was unmarried. She was not a tycoon’s wife, and she didn’t jump off any buildings.
But if Franklin kept pushing, she might just jump…
Irritated and flustered, she hissed. “What are you doing?”
“Just picking you up,” Franklin replied, easygoing. “Is that an issue?” It was Sharon’s idea.
But Elizabeth wasn’t thrilled, her face falling. T’m only feeling better now. Can we push the donation to next month?”
Franklin stopped her. “I’m only here to drive you home. That’s all”
“Why?” Elizabeth asked, her brow furrowing in confusion.
However. Franklin’s response was laid–back, yet deliberate, as if he was certain she’d never turn down his offer. “No reason, just here to pick up my wife. What other reason do I need!”
As more onlookers caught sight of their exchange, Elizabeth wanted no part of it. She wriggled her wrist free from Franklin’s hold, shot him a gaze. and slid into the car. The warmth was instant, and the cold on her body quickly vanished.
“Where’s your cello?” Franklin inquired, his tone casual.
She wasn’t lugging the heavy instrument like usual, thinking that she could flee easily like this.
But Franklin saw her. She hesitated and then admitted honestly, “I didn’t bring it. I’m coming back tomorrow, anyway,”
“Aren’t you worried it might get stolen” Franklin asked
“No” Elizabeth replied, her voice steady.
They found themselves in the rare moment of calm conversation.
Elizabeth aimed to avoid conflict, replying to his questions and hoping just to reach home safely.
The car roared to life, its headlights cutting through the darkness. As it curved outside the building, the light swept across the faces of students leaving, each weighed down with their instruments.
“Why practice here? Can’t you do it at the Taylor residence?” Franklin asked out of the blue.
“Mom doesn’t like me being so visible, Elizabeth said, her voice barely above a whisper. “You do know that, right”
When they married, their parents had been against her staying in the orchestra.
And Franklin He hadn’t stood up for her then.
He missed the deeper meaning in her words. “Even so, you don’t need to be here. It’s busy and full of all sorts.”
“So what? I’ve been around such places since I was young” Elizabeth said, her gare fixed ahead.
She was born in a small, remote town, not a bustling city. There were no dazzling nights or spoiled young masters like Franklin.
Seeing the devolation in her eyes, he asked, “I didn’t stand up for you back then. Were you disappointed?
Chapter 40
“Stand up for what?” Elizabeth shrugged it off. “To keep playing the cello?”
She shook her head. “No. I luiew marrying you would mean giving things up.”
“And divorce is one of those things?” Franklin asked, his voice soft
“Absolutely,” Elizabeth replied, her voice resolute.
In Franklin’s view, being on display on stage was just like a clown show. No matter what, it wasn’t a job to brag about. “Playing the cello! Could it be bester than being a laid–back lady in the Jones family!”
“Isn’t that better than being the Jones family’s blood bank!” Elizabeth’s fire sparked up again,
Franklin couldn’t argue with her anymore. Their relationship was a cycle of silence and bickering
The car’s air was stale. The AC ran quietly. Only its warmth was noticeable. As they got caught in the traffic flow, Franklin dialed down the heat and said softly. “The other day. Grandpa phoned to ask when we’re thinking of having kids”
Elizabeth scoffed. “What did you tell him?”
“I said it depends on you,” Franklin said.
“That’s not happening” Elizabeth said firmly, without a beat of hesitation, as if she’d already accepted their relationship was on its last legs. Trapped in the jam, Franklin, gripping the wheel, asked her, “Elizabeth, why did you marry me three years back?”
“Because I liked you, Elizabeth repeated, not sure how many times she had said it.
“Does your liking for someone come
ne come with a best by date? Franklin asked.
Abad feeling washed over Elizabeth, and in the flickering light, she turned to Franklin, catching a teasing grin playing at the corner of his mouth. I’ve heard you’ve been with that person for nearly a decade together, so what’s the deal?” he scoffed.
“You’re nuts!” Elizabeth was furious at his prying into her history.
“I’m not,” he said, all cool and collected.
Elizabeth was furious. She could’ve torn off his fake facade. I never bothered with the women you’ve hooked up with, so why can’t you just let go of my par
place. She dashed out of the car, moving
Before he could spit out his rehearsed lines, Elizabeth lunged, hit a button, and the car locks snapped into pl faster than lightning, as if she couldn’t bear to be there another second.
That choking agony lingered, stretching all the way until she reached the chaotic street teeming Her phone kept buzzing. No need to check. She knew who it was
ming with tr
Ehzabeth despised him so much. She wouldn’t even think of picking up the phone. To avoid him, she wasn’t planning to go back to the Tayl residence. But in a city as big as Yaville, there was only one place she could hide
Taylor
She’d made plans to meet Joanna at a barbecue restaurant, a place she’d never returned to after marrying Franklin. The heavy smell of cooking smoke would make him sick, so she stayed away. She’d loved him with all her heart for three years, but all she got in return was his constant nitpicking
A glass of marky, golden liquid slid down her throat, but it was like drinking air. Elizabeth stared out at the noisy night market, the buzz of the crowd a constant drone in her cars. She couldn’t take it, so she drank to numb the pain.
Joanna was silent, only able to soothe her breathing, trying to console her. “It’s just a lovers‘ quarrel. No big deal. Though Franklin is really out of lime.”
Especially that last time he treated her like a harpy, leaving her out in the cold at the Jones residence. It was unforgivably vile.
A tinge of drunkenness clouded Elizabeth’s eyes. She rested her chin on her hand, gazing around with a dared smile. “A quarrel? I don’t want to fight with him”
“What’s up then?” Joanna asked
She rubbed her eyes, her tears breaking out, and she couldn’t hold them back, covering her face with both hands. “He’s been digging into Mr. Evaine
ay shocked. “Find anything?”
Joanna was
Elizabeths shook her head. “I was too scared to ask,”
