Elspeth's calm reaction reassured Aldea. Regaining her composure, she broke into a bright smile to hide the awkwardness in her eyes. "It's an accident. No worries."
Jethro did not catch anything while standing outside of the glass door. He strode to Elspeth's side, sliding his arm along her shoulders so naturally. "Elspeth, I've been calling you these days, but why didn't you pick up?"
His gaze did not fall onto Aldea for one second.
Elspeth took a step back to free herself from his arm. "I'm busy."
"It's fine as long as I have time. If you don't mind, I can come here every day." The ladies in the area fell for his innocuous smile.
Now that he had set his untrammeled side free again, she massaged her forehead. "Enough. Stop bothering us."
"How am I a bother? I'm just here to see you." He seated himself on the couch.
"Are you not leaving?" She had never seen anyone as shameless as him.
Jethro languidly crossed his leg. "What's with the rush? I'm here for a visit. I won't get in your way."
Elspeth ignored him, treating him as a transparent person because it did not seem like he was going to leave any time soon.
"Proceed with the shoot."
Since then, Aldea was not in her best condition as she kept making mistakes with her postures, expressions, and script.
Elspeth noticed her uncoordinated self. "What's wrong, Aldea? Are you feeling under the weather?"
That question received no reply, but she could guess that it had something to do with Jethro for sure. Still, it would be tactless of her to pry one's private affairs in front of so many eyes, so she decided to set it aside first.
"I'm fine, Miss Lynwood." The beads of sweat on Aldea's forehead could prove how nervous she was.
Frantic ran through her veins the moment she caught sight of Jethro, yet she could not avoid the man because she was in the middle of working. Her heart was squeezing in pain.
She peeked at the man on the couch to observe what he was up to, but she could not tell what she was feeling at the moment. They had broken up, so it was pointless to pester him again. After all, he accepted her feelings in the beginning only after she approached him many times.
"If you're not feeling well, we can call it a day. We can continue when you're all better." That was the best Elspeth could do for Aldea, for she could relate to that same feeling.
"Thank you, Miss Lynwood." Aldea nodded gratefully.
They would not be able to obtain the best results if she pushed herself in such a state anyway. Therefore, she went straight to the fitting room to change her clothes. At the same time, Agnes returned to her company after they notified her about the delayed filming.
As such, Elspeth and Jethro were the only ones left in the area. He might seem focused on his mobile game, but he was paying attention to the shoot as well. He happened to finish the game when they decided to put off the filming and then came up to her. "Elspeth, why did you stop once I'm here? Is it because you miss me and wish to spend time with me?"
Wow, he's really 'funny'.
"Talk about shamelessness, you're second to none." She was utterly speechless.
He deepened his voice. "That's because I wanna get close to you."
"No, thank you. I don't share the same notion as you."
Not wanting to waste her time any longer, she intended to leave. Yet, he grabbed her wrist. "Come on. Don't give me the cold shoulder."
"I believe I've made myself clear."
No one backed down, leaving silence to inflate the air. Although they looked each other straight in the eyes, they did not know what was on each other's minds.
"Miss Lynwood." The abrupt voice broke the silence. Aldea, who was in her casual clothes, looked at the duo with a troubled expression. "Miss Lynwood, I'm all good to go."
"Oh—"
"Since the filming is postponed, I shall return to my agency first." Aldea interrupted before Elspeth could finish her words.
Seeing how she was all alone, Elspeth frowned. "I remember you came with your assistant. Where is he?"
Aldea tried to recall her memories. "Something came up, so he left. He told me to return alone."
"What? That won't do. This area is secluded. What if something happens to you?" Elspeth turned to look at the drizzle out of the window. "It will be difficult to call for a cab now." Then, she shifted her gaze upon the guy. "Jethro, why don't you give her a lift?"
"No!"
"Nuh-uh."
They refused simultaneously.
"I'm serious. What if you get hurt again?" Elspeth looked at the flustered Aldea seriously.
Aldea's voice became low instantly. "I don't think I should be troubling anyone."
After hearing her cautious, mosquito-like voice, Jethro displayed disgust. "She said 'no' already. Why are you pushing me to others? Can't you see that I like you?"
His rejection and blunt confession drained the color from Aldea's visage, and Elspeth could notice that change with her naked eyes. "I'm just asking you to send her home, not anything else. Why are you acting so petty? Can't you be a gentleman?"
Elspeth's disdain and insistence left him no choice but to show concession. "Fine. I'll send her home, but I'm doing this for you, Elspeth."
She waved her hand. "I don't care whom you're doing this for, but make sure to drive her somewhere safe."
He shoved his hands into his pocket, glancing at Aldea contemptuously. "Aren't you coming? It's a free ride here."
"I'm coming," replied Aldea meekly.
Watching their leaving figures, Elspeth held her chin, wondering if she had made the right decision. To her, it seemed like Aldea had yet to get over him or they had not straightened things out between them. Anyway, it was a relief for Elspeth because Jethro, that annoying dude, was not around anymore.
She shook her head and entered her car to return to her company, yet it was out of gas.
"Wow. Lucky me."
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Love's perfect match novel (Elspeth and Callum)