Hellbound Heart novel Chapter 54

Here's a bunos chapter dedicated to @Sacogun and @Babsia! Thank you so much for the supergifts!

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"That's too bad then." Elijah sighed and then he leaned closer to Elle. "Your presence truly imparted such color and light to my usually uninteresting parties, Elle." His tone changed into something seemingly serious and genuine. His words were effective enough to distract her from the chaos and shock that was rampaging around within her mind at the moment.r

"Oh… you do flatter me, Prince Elijah." Elle shook her head with grace, trying her best to ignore the casual way he was addressing her. She doubted he actually meant what he said. Perhaps he was just trying to make conversation and being nice. "I'm sure you are just being kind in saying that."r

Elijah shook his head in disagreement. "It's not flattery, my lady. I meant every word that I said. I will never forget the fact that you still honored my invitation despite my family's warnings." He chuckled and winked at her knowingly. It seemed that even without her saying anything, he had already known how his family would have reacted to his invitation.r

Elle did not know how to respond now. She was at a loss for words on how to respond to him too. She had not expected him to say that. Was commenting on his own family that way not too straightforward? And dear lord… he knew that his family had tried to stop her from attending… r

Even after a couple of seconds, she still did not know how to react. Elle finally decided that she could only express her gratitude.r

"Thank you for inviting me to your party. I've really enjoyed the night." Elle walked towards Lucas and took out a box from inside the bag that was sitting next to Lucas. "Please accept my small present. And… happy birthday to you, Prince Elijah." r

Some kind of inexplicable silence reigned as Elijah stared at the box that was sitting in Elle's hand. She was not certain, but it seemed as though Elijah was not expecting to receive a gift from her. Though the mask shielded his face from being seen, Elle could feel the shocked aura radiating from his person. Was it so strange to present a gift to the birthday man at his own birthday celebration? Elle was a little puzzled.r

Just as when she thought that he was not going to accept it, Elijah extended his hands and plucked the box from out of her palms. "How thoughtful of you…" was all he said in what she thought was a much weaker tone than his usual voice.r

"Oh, don't mention it. Please enjoy the rest of the night and I would like to apologize for leaving early." r

"No. It's already a surprise that you've come and stayed this long actually. So, there is truly no need to be sorry." His response was generous and his tone courteous.r

Elle was about to respond again when Sebastian suddenly took his coat off and then draped it around Elle's shoulders, covering her exposed back, causing her heartbeat to once again increase its pace. r

"I can see the goosebumps rising on your skin…" Sebastian whispered, "how could you forget your coat huh, Iza?" Sebastian once again used the personal nickname he had decided on for her.r