Separate Weddings, Separate Lives novel Chapter 16

Elijah's composed expression didn't change at all. Thaddeus' sudden arrival clearly didn't affect him in the slightest.

Yet, with a single sentence, he made it obvious that he knew exactly what kind of past Louisa shared with Thaddeus. That only made her more unsettled about his motives.

"Elijah, you know I have a past. So why did you still choose to marry me?" Louisa asked. She didn't want things to be left unclear.

If this marriage were simply a mutually beneficial arrangement, she could accept that without hesitation. But if there was something else behind it, she refused to let herself become a chess piece on someone else's board.

"You needed to get married, and I needed a bride."

The explanation was flimsy at best. Louisa studied him, trying to see through him, but Elijah was impossible to read.

He brushed a few strands of hair off his forehead and spoke casually. "If you really want a reason, then just assume I've had my eye on you for a long time."

Did he think she was stupid enough to buy that? Had his eye on her? There was nothing about her that was worth wanting.

It wasn't self-pity, but reality.

A man like Elijah stood far too high. The women around him were all heiresses and socialites. In terms of talent, looks, family background, any one of them could outshine her without effort.

"Stop teasing me, Mr. Holten," Louisa said. "This has already gone this far. We'll see it through, but I hope we can at least be honest with each other."

His smile deepened. "I told you the reason, but you don't believe me. What if I say I'm marrying you to make things difficult for Cromwell?"

Louisa fell silent.

Neither answer sounded believable. But given the situation, she couldn't afford to push him further.

His gaze fixed on her, dark and deep. He didn't move, nor did he raise his voice. Yet, Louisa felt as if she had been backed into a corner.

"I invited every influential figure in Galaton today. If you walk away now, I'll look ridiculous."

Louisa's heart clenched. "But…"

"There is no but," Elijah interrupted. "Just answer me. Do you still love him? Do you still want to be with him?"

There was no pressure in his tone—only focus—as if he would truly respect her answer.

Louisa shook her head. Her eyes were clear, steady, and serious. "The moment I sent that message, I'd already put an end to everything."

Elijah held out his hand to her. "Then you don't need to worry about anything. I've got this."