Chapter 149 - Unsaid Feelings.

Baldwin's Mansion

Savannah's paintbrush moved smoothly across the canvas, leaving soft, pastel strokes that blended together under her touch. The fresh smell of earth and blooming flowers filled the air, and the greenery of the patio made it feel like the perfect spot for a relaxing Saturday morning. Sunlight peeked through the leaves above, creating golden patterns on the stone floor, making everything look almost magical.

Blaze had left early in the morning for an important business meeting in another city. He had asked her to join him, but she had gently refused, knowing full well that if she were there, his focus would be divided. He would spend more time looking at her than handling his business.

"I won't be at peace without you," he had said the night before, holding her close in bed, sounding reluctant.

She laughed and stroked his face. "Come back early then. I can't stay away from you for too long either."

That had sealed the deal. Blaze had promised to return as soon as possible, though he had still looked at her as if leaving her, even for a day, was the hardest thing he had ever done.

Now, sitting on her garden bench with her art stuff all around her, Savannah smiled thinking about it. She dipped her brush in a soft blue color, her hands moving smoothly as she got lost in the quiet morning peace.

An hour passed before her phone vibrated beside her, breaking the serenity. She glanced at the screen and saw an incoming FaceTime call from Blaze.

A soft laugh escaped her lips, as she wiped her hands on a little towel before answering. "Couldn't go a few hours without seeing me, huh?" she teased when she picked up.

Blaze's face popped up on the screen, his deep eyes full of warmth. He was sitting in what looked like the backseat of a car, dressed neatly with his tie a bit loose, like he just finished part of his meeting.

"Do you blame me?" he asked with a smirk, propping his chin on his hand. "I had to see you."

Savannah's heart swelled. "Well, here I am," she said, tilting the camera so he could see her painting and the lush garden behind her. "I've been keeping myself busy."

Blaze's gaze softened as he looked around. "You look beautiful," he said softly, his voice dropping to that deep, honeyed tone that always made her stomach flutter. "The sunlight makes you glow."

Savannah shook her head and bit her lip. "Flattery won't make me miss you any less."

"Good," he replied with a small smile. "Because I miss you too much already."

She sighed playfully. "How's your meeting going?"

"Boring," he admitted. "I took care of most of it, but there's still another session to sit through. And honestly? I'm tempted to just leave early."

Savannah arched an eyebrow. "Blaze."

"What?" he defended, leaning back in his seat. "Nothing here is more important than you."

"You're impossible," she laughed, shaking her head. "Finish your meeting, love. I'll be right here waiting."

Blaze let out a breath and looked at her through the screen for a long moment. "I hate being away from you."

Savannah felt her chest warm up. "Then come home soon," she whispered, her voice soft.

"I'll be waiting," she said.

Blaze's eyes got darker, full of promise. "I will. And when I do, I'm not letting you out of my sight."

She smiled and tilted her head. "I wouldn't have it any other way."

With that, Blaze ended the call, not too happy about it. Savannah put her phone down with a smile still on her lips. Even with miles between them, their love never faded. It just got stronger.

The afternoon sun climbed higher, bathing the lush patio in a golden light. Savannah remained engrossed in her painting, the colors blending beautifully under her skillful touch. Stray strands of her hair had fallen loose from her messy bun, framing her delicate features, and her apron was now stained with smudges of paint. She barely noticed the passage of time, completely lost in her artistic world.

Just then, the sound of footsteps approaching made her stop for a moment. A familiar presence entered the patio.

"Mrs. Baldwin," Elijah's deep voice carried a touch of hesitance as he stood a few feet away, holding a plate full of food.

Savannah, however didn't even look up from her canvas. Her brush moved steadily, adding the final touches to her work. "How many times do I have to tell you to call me Savannah?" she asked, her tone casual but firm.

Elijah stood there, momentarily at a loss for words. When no response came, Savannah finally lifted her gaze, meeting his.

Now he could fully see her face—soft, glowing, effortlessly beautiful. There was something about her that was undeniably charming. Even with paint smudged on her hands and cheeks, she looked ethereal. Elijah wouldn't lie to himself, she was breathtaking. But as quickly as the thought entered his mind, he pushed it away. She was his boss's wife. The woman Blaze Baldwin loved beyond reason.

Clearing his throat, Elijah straightened up. "No, Boss didn't tell me to call you that. It's my way of showing you respect," he answered honestly.

Savannah sighed and shook her head. "If you call me Savannah, I doubt I'll lose any respect from you, Eli."

"I can't—"

"Call me Savannah," she cut him off again, looking right at him with a playful challenge.

Elijah shook his head stubbornly, not budging.

Savannah's gaze narrowed slightly. "Call me Savannah, or I won't touch the food you brought," she declared, then went back to her painting.

Elijah exhaled, frustrated. "You need to eat. You haven't had anything since morning," he said, moving closer.

Savannah, still painting, smirked. "Exactly, Elijah. Think about it."

Elijah sighed. He knew what she was doing. She was using his weakness at this point.

"Boss would be angry-"

She cut him off again. "With you, of course," she said with a chuckle, her eyes sparkling.

There was a moment of silence, the tension thick in the air. Finally, Elijah let out a resigned sigh.

"Come on, Savannah, please eat." he said, his voice softer this time, almost gentle.

A slow, triumphant smile spread across Savannah's face. "That's more like it. Remember this, from now on." she said before taking the plate from his hands.

Elijah watched as she picked up her fork and took her first bite, looking satisfied. It was oddly calming to see her like this. He stood there with his arms crossed, watching her, not quite sure what he was feeling.

She had a warmth about her. Even when she was just sitting there, eating in the afternoon sun, things felt lighter. He'd seen her fiery side, her boldness, and her sharp wit. But there was also a quiet grace, a natural elegance that made her effortlessly captivating.

Once Savannah finished her meal, Elijah instinctively moved to take the plate from her, but she pulled it away at the last second.

"I'll take it myself," she insisted. "I'm not a kid."

Elijah just chuckled. There was no arguing with her.

"Oh, and before I forget," she added, standing up and stretching slightly, "I ran out of paint. If you're not too busy, maybe you can give me company to the store?"

Elijah opened his mouth, likely to say that he should ask Blaze for permission. But before any words came out, he found himself nodding right away.

"Sure," he said without thinking.

Savannah smiled and headed inside. Elijah followed, shaking his head at himself. He had just agreed to something without even thinking about the consequences.

If Blaze found out?

He was as good as dead.

Author's Note :

Thankyou for reading<3

Have a good day/night <3<3