I Won't Dare

"Huh?" Ellie blinked her eyes. She then waved her hand hastily. "No, no ... It is not like that. We–"

"Don't lie to me, Ellie. You know, I can figure it out myself," Martha snapped.

Like a fish, Ellie opens and closes her mouth without making a sound. She licked her lips and patted Martha's hand.

"Mom, we do live together. You can ask Helen to confirm it. "

"But not in the same room, right?" Another question shoot Ellie in the foot right away.

Ellie opened her mouth. However, before she was able to respond, Martha had already asked her another question.

"Not in the same bed, and he's still with that bitch. Am I right, Ellie?"

Martha was so domineering. Her expression and voice were so firm, Ellie shuddered. Facing Martha's interrogation, she couldn't even move and could only respond with a nod.

Bam!!

Ellie jolted in surprise. Martha slammed the table with such force that she stood up. She squinted her eyes in anger. Her hands were clenched in fists, as if ready to punch someone.

"That bastard! How dare he!" Martha's body shook with rage as she felt her heart on the verge of exploding. "He needs to get a lesson!"

Martha grabbed her purse and was about to leave when Ellie grabbed her hand. "Mom! Please, stop!" Ellie exclaimed. "Mom, listen to me first."

Ellie led her mother-in-law back into her seat. She also took the mineral bottle off the table, opened it, and gave it to Martha.

"Mom, have a drink first."

Martha took the bottle and took a sip before turning around and staring at Ellie.

"What else do you want to say, Ellie? Defend your impudent husband again, huh? You know, it's because you're too sensible like this that he's become even more insolent. If you can't be firm, then let Mom –"

"Mom!…" Ellie shook Martha's hand and called her a little louder to get her attention. She sighed and smiled softly as Martha now looked at her. "Mom, you love Noah, don't you?"

"Of course! He's my son!"

Ellie nodded. "He's your son. Your only child." Ellie paused. Her blue eyes were fixed on Martha. "I'm sure you want him to be happy, right?"

"Ellie, stop! I know what you mean. But–"

"Noah is all grown up now, Mom. He is no longer your little boy; he no longer requires your guidance. He understands what is good for him and what is not. Who can make him happy, and who can't. I've been married to him for four years. However, Noah's feelings for Alexandra have not changed. Do you understand why, Mom? It's because his heart has decided to whom it will belong."

'Like I did.' Ellie says in her heart. 'Unfortunately, mine has left me with so many scars that the love I once felt is gone.'

Ellie took a deep breath, and caressed Martha's hand before she continued, "Mom, give Alexandra a chance to prove herself and open your heart to her. Please have faith in your son. He is aware of what is best for him."

Martha shook her head. She looked at Ellie with teary eyes and cupped her face. "Dear, why did you always defend that woman? Did she threaten you? Tell me, honey. I will surely defend you. No one is allowed to bully my daughter-in-law, not even that useless son of mine!"

"No one threatens me, mom. I'm just telling the truth." Ellie took Martha's hand, which was still holding her cheek, and squeezed it. "Mom, love... can't be forced... Please, don't make me the third person in other people's relationships. I... want to be able to hold my head up, Mom."

Martha's heart ached when she saw Ellie's teary eyes and pleaded with her. Has she made a mistake? All she wanted was for her son and Ellie to start a family together.

She was aware of Ellie's personality and was sure she was the ideal match for her son. Not only was she beautiful, but also intelligent and compassionate. But, after hearing Ellie's plea, she's filled with guilt.

"Honey, do you... don't love my son?"

Ellie choked up when Martha asked her a question. She was at a loss for words. Her heart has been attached to him since the first time she laid eyes on him.

But that doesn't mean she has to force herself on him while ignoring the fact that Noah has no feelings for her and is in love with someone else.

"Ellie, Dear?"

Ellie flinched at Martha's call. She looked at the middle-aged woman in front of her, who was looking at her expectantly, waiting for an answer.

Unbeknownst to Ellie, someone was watching her from the narrow gap in the door, waiting for her response along with Martha.

The man's jaw was tight and his hand by his sides clenched into a fist. Unexpectedly, he was eagerly awaiting that woman's response.

What's the point if I love him? He doesn't love me, Mom? However, Ellie can only say it in her heart and answers, "Mom, Noah, and I... it's impossible."

Disappointment could not be hidden from Martha's face. The woman lowered her eyes and sighed. Her hope vanished in an instant.

Meanwhile, the man outside was already trembling with anger. He tightened his fist and stared viciously at Ellie.

"Hypocritical!" he hissed and walked away, unwilling to continue eavesdropping.

Ellie embraced Martha tightly. Although she was aware that she had disappointed this kind woman, she was also at her breaking point. For four years, Noah kept breaking her heart, deepening the wound and erasing the love she had buried. Eventually, there was nothing left.

After some time, Martha finally permitted Ellie to resume her regular schedule.

As Ellie shut the director's office door and turned to leave, she inhaled deeply. "It is for the better," Ellie muttered and started to walk. As she turned into the hallway, her steps stopped abruptly.

Her heart stopped beating, and she unconsciously held her breath when she saw a man standing with his back facing her. It wasn't hard for her to guess that it was Noah.

But what exactly was that man doing here? Ah, forget it. Not to look for her, for sure. Ellie gave a dismissive head shake and carried on moving.

"Do you think that by attempting to convince my mother, you can gain my sympathy and pique my interest?"

Ellie was forced to halt in her tracks when she heard what Noah said. She snorted and twisted, turning her body to face him while flashing a faint smile.

"So did I succeed?" Ellie snarked.

"Dream on!" Noah snapped and glared at Ellie viciously.

Ellie chuckled. "I won't dare." She curved her lips as she turned around and headed for the elevator. Fortunately, the elevator doors opened a few seconds after she pressed the button, allowing her to enter right away. Her face turned cold as the door closed.

When he heard her, Noah's brow furrowed. What? Do not dare? Does that imply that she has no interest in attracting him?

Noah gritted his teeth. Never in his thirty years of existence has anyone dared to humiliate him like that.

Good! Very good! That woman tried to challenge her luck?

"Mr. Anderson."

Noah gasped. He looked over at his assistant, who motioned him to go to his uncle's office. Following a brief nod, he began to walk.

On the way, he was pondering and marveling at himself. Why was his heart somewhat displeased when he heard Ellie's words? Shouldn't he be relieved that Ellie has understood her position and is willing to withdraw from her and Alexandra's lives?

But why wasn't he happy about it?

'No! It's because I'm too tired to deal with a woman like her!' Noah convinced himself and took a deep breath as he made his way to Prof. Stanson's office to meet his mother.

When the sky darkened, Ellie returned to Noah's mansion. She went straight to work as a "maid". Wash "The Missy" clothes and tidy her messy stuffs, cooking and setting the table for their dinner.

"Ellie, the young master, won't get home until after midnight, and Alexandra has a photo shoot outside of town. I'm sorry for wasting your time and effort. The young master's assistant informed me just now."

Ellie turned to face Helen, who was apologetically glancing at her. "Oh, well, let's all share it. I've prepared a lot of food, you see. It wouldn't be wise to discard it, wouldn't it?"

Helen sighed. She nodded and assisted Ellie in returning to the kitchen with all the food and having dinner with her.

Thud!

In the middle of the night, just as Ellie was getting ready for bed, there was a sound like something heavy falling on the second floor.

"What the heck is that? Young master has not come back yet, then..."

Sensing something was strange, she immediately got out and slowly walked up the stairs while holding a frying pan in her hand.

Errgh….

Ellie's heart skipped a beat. She could hear a man groaning.

'Is that a thief? If he can break into this mansion, he must be a professional thief. Oh, God. Should I just go back to my room and pretend I don't know anything? But if anything goes missing in this mansion, I'll be the one to blame.'

Ellie gritted her teeth and forced herself up the stairs. In the dark, she could see someone lying on the floor. Sneaking, she approached the figure.

Errgh….

"Hey! Who are you? How dare you come in here!" said Ellie.

Grep!

"Aahh!"