The Billionaire Who Saved Me

When Elice accepted Garrett’s invitation, she had no idea of the consequences of her answer. That by agreeing to be Garrett’s date to Brenda’s birthday party, she would have to go through a series of activities. From picking out a dress, shoes, and a bag. Then moving on to checking out the salon and identifying some specific allergies she might have related to beauty products.

“One of the advantages of having exotic skin,” Elice said with a stiff expression. “Usually more tolerant of allergies.”

The middle-aged woman serving Elice at the time was the manager. When she heard that an important person was setting foot in Cantique Beauty, she decided to take matters into her own hands. Especially since she also received a direct call from her boss.

Treat her well. Make sure there are no mistakes.

Two sentences that successfully made a woman named Tatiana adopt an extremely polite and friendly attitude. In reality, she and all the employees had always been like that, but for the current situation, they would undoubtedly raise the service standards to be even friendlier.

“Regardless of skin color, sometimes everyone has their own allergies,” Tatiana said with a smile. “Let’s check first, Miss.”

Elice nodded and let some devices, whose names she did not know, do their work. She lay down with her eyes closed, deciding that the late afternoon might be an impromptu opportunity for her to rest. And it seemed that no woman would miss a comfortable break when it happened in a salon.

Just as Elice had mentioned earlier. About an hour later, she consulted with the doctor there, and indeed, she did not have any allergies to certain chemical ingredients commonly found in beauty products. The appointment was made, and all of Elice’s wishes for her appearance on the upcoming Saturday night had been detailed to the best of her ability. From the makeup theme, to the hairstyle, to the concept of the jewelry that would complete her look. Without missing a single detail.

As Elice left the salon with Garrett, she let out a breath with an amused expression on her face. Garrett turned to her and opened the car door for her.

Elice sat down, and before the door closed, she said to Garrett, “Saloons are always a pleasant place.

As she enjoyed the ride home, Elice realized with certainty that it wasn’t the salon that made her feel happy. It was the service she received that made her feel like a queen being treated well. And that, according to Elice, was the most important thing.

Because when they gave her a massage, washed her hair and even cut her nails, every woman would feel how spacious and pleasant life could be. Without doing anything. For a moment, she could forget that there were routines or even problems to be faced.

Unconsciously, Garrett smiled as well when he saw the happy expression on Elice’s face. For the past few days, when he had seen a more somber look there, it was undoubtedly precious to Garrett to see that smile blossom so freely.

“On Saturday I will have my people pick you up. I’m not sure, but it seems like I have to meet you in the evening. There are a few things I need to take care of first.”

The feeling of joy was more than enough to bring a smile to Elice’s face. In fact, she unconsciously felt a sense of calm and relief that had almost disappeared from her since the tragedy Ariel had caused that night.

“It’s okay. Honestly, I didn’t expect you to accompany me to the salon all day. Even two hours for skin checks and such seems like a long time for you.”

There was a small chuckle that Elice could not hold back. It was torture for any man. Waiting for the woman who enjoyed her time in the salon was not easy.

“I don’t see it that way,” Garrett said, keeping his car’s speed almost constant. He glanced over and found Elice looking at him. “Sitting in the salon waiting for you is more fun than sitting in traffic for three hours.”

A comparison that, according to Elice, was truly incomparable. Until, reflexively, the chuckle turned to laughter for a few seconds.

When Garrett’s car stopped in the courtyard, Elice quickly unbuckled her seatbelt. She looked around and realized something. If Garrett was dropping her off, it meant he wasn’t stopping by.

“You’re going straight home?”

Garrett nodded. “I thought a couple of nights ago someone seemed reluctant to accept my constant visits.”

“Oh, my goodness. That’s not what I meant,” Elice said with a slightly flushed face. “But I…”

“I have something to do tonight. Since I took my break in the afternoon, I have to replace it with tonight.”

Garrett interrupted Elice’s words. He did not want to make her feel uncomfortable, and he certainly didn’t want to offend her.

“I was just kidding, Elice.”

Elice blinked. She nodded weakly with a smile. “Well then… be careful on the road and have a good night.”

“Thank you.”

Garrett made sure for a moment that Elice had indeed entered and left his sight, and only then did he drive his car again. While he occasionally rubbed his tired shoulders, his face actually showed the opposite. It didn’t show any fatigue at all. Instead, it radiated happiness.

*

Saturday night, Elice and Garrett had arrived. At the luxurious hotel, famous for its concept different from most hotels. Called the Grand Zamrud Ashford City, just like its name, this hotel was designed with a theme of plants and lush surroundings.

There were so many plants decorating it, a greenhouse that was one of its attractions, and also a collection of precious plants that would never fail to attract the attention of its visitors. It was one of those first-class hotels that offered not only a comfortable stay, but also a satisfying feeling for souls often constricted by the weariness of life.

Because when Elice set foot there, she felt as if she had been thrown into another world. A world of peace and tranquility. As if the hotel was in a different place. Not in the noisy Ashford City.

While Elice was mesmerized by the beauty of the hotel, there was a man next to her who was actually mesmerized by her. Truly, in Garrett’s heart, he said something ironic. Maybe this is why beauty salons will always exist in the world.

Elice wore a simple black dress, almost without any ornaments. In a cut that revealed her shoulders and collarbone, the woman’s slender arms were perfectly covered by the long sleeves of the dress. Curves in the right places and a slit that reached her left knee. Creating a gap for curiosity to arise from every eye that looked. For the slender legs under the long dress were elegantly accentuated by a pair of nine-inch heels.

Elice’s hair was styled with a subtle touch. She requested a modern low bun for her hairstyle. In a simple yet elegant touch, there were dangling earrings that made Elice’s appearance captivating. And everything became even more perfect with the presence of a sparkling eye make-up over the slight cleavage of her breasts. There was a beautiful necklace.Nôvel(D)rama.Org's content.

Garrett had to remind himself that he was at Brenda’s birthday party right now. Otherwise, he might spend the whole time just staring at her.

“Come. I want you to meet some of my acquaintances.”

As they entered the party room, Elice felt Garrett’s soft whisper in her ear. The man’s warm breath caressed her skin and she shivered. But when she absorbed Garrett’s words, her body immediately reacted differently.

If before it was Garrett’s breath that made her body react, now it was the opposite. It was the man’s words that made her hold her breath. And Garrett noticed.

“Calm down,” Garrett said as he gently stroked Elice’s left hand. “Everything is fine.”

Elice tried to believe Garrett’s words, even though it was difficult. She took a deep breath and calmed down. A smile she gave Garrett made the man feel relieved.

It was not surprising that Garrett took Elice to meet the main character of the party for the first time that night. And Brenda, who had heard rumors over the past few days, seemed to grimace at their arrival.

“Congratulations.”

Even the words of congratulations Brenda received felt like a sting in her heart. She took a deep breath and tried to keep a smile on her face. To forget that she had once tried to change everything, but in vain.

Brenda would not forget. That night, she deliberately searched for Garrett’s whereabouts in his usual place. And she found him. But it seems that everything she planned and hoped for didn’t work out.

In fact, Garrett no longer saw her as a woman. But Brenda had no choice when her father asked her to keep trying. One way was the birthday party, which unfortunately had to fail before the attack. Thanks to the gossip about Garrett and Elice’s broken relationship.

“You are… Elice?”

Trying to suppress the sudden pain in her heart, Brenda greeted Elice. The woman, who knew nothing of the past between Garrett and Brenda, nodded with a warm smile.

“Yes,” Elice replied, holding out her hand. “Elice.”

Brenda looked briefly at Elice’s hand, held her breath, and shook it. She nodded as well.

“I’m Brenda, and thank you for coming to my birthday party.”

“This is a lively party. Happy birthday.”

Without wanting to admit it, Brenda found Elice’s demeanor gentle and pleasant.

“Thank you. And please enjoy the party with Garrett.”

Brenda’s words unconsciously made Elice turn around. She lifted her face and looked at the man.

“Of course.”

There was clearly an unusual interaction between Elice and Garrett. All eyes that looked would undoubtedly agree, especially Brenda. She then decided to greet the other guests rather than deal with Billie, who seemed to be staring at her daughter, perhaps giving her a signal that she should not back down before she really fought.

Brenda decided that she was not that kind of woman. Even if she really fought, she at least had to know that Garrett still had feelings for her. But based on what had happened at the club a few months ago and recent events, she knew with certainty that her chances of getting Garrett were very slim. She was not going to humiliate herself for a man. For her, dignity was paramount. Although dignity might mean nothing to others.

Ariel’s eyes were watching. Since Elice and Garrett had arrived, she had not let these two people out of her sight. She saw clearly how Elice was with Garrett. Allowing Garrett to lead her steps. Allowing Garrett to hold her waist. And to allow Garrett to often engage in various actions that heated her chest.

Because in reality, Elice did not just allow Garrett to do those things. She did more than that. Elice reacted to Garrett’s words. Elice looked into Garrett’s eyes. And Elice smiled at Garrett.

Ariel could not accept it. The interaction between Elice and Garrett made her stomach turn. She felt how the sight tortured her. And that was more than enough proof for Ariel. No matter what happened, she would never let Elice and Garrett be together.

So, if there had ever been a trace of remorse in Ariel’s mind for hurting and frightening Elice, there was none left now. Everything. Of course. Anything would be permissible for her.

*