Chapter 26: Chapter 26

“Nothing.” I denied but then again, without thinking much I paused, “No actually, I’ve been thinking about everything Ajax.” I ended up blurting out my thoughts.

He nodded, his eyes were patient, and I could see that he was willing to listen to me, willing to do anything for me at this moment, “Tell me, what is bothering you and I’ll solve it.”

I averted my gaze from him and looked at the wall beside us.

“You. You’ve been too kind to me. Too sweet, and too..loving.” I couldn’t bear to stare at his eyes now. Seeing how his happy eyes turned confused felt like someone is grabbing my heart.

“Isn’t that normal? I already told you how I love you. I am not expecting anything in return, I just want to stay-”

“I know.” I smiled bitterly, cutting his sentence off, “But it’s weird Ajax. I’ve never been loved so dearly by someone. I know that you know pretty much everything about me, how I was pushed to a fucking loveless marriage, got cheated on, and got divorced. and my career is going downhill, yet here you are, staying beside me and doing everything you can.”

He nodded, “And? Isn’t that my job? As someone who loves you-”

“Yes!” I snapped at him, “Because I am not used to all of this! I am not used to someone loving me! And I am scared that I might get hurt again if you continue this. Ajax, I am slowly getting attached to you. And that is what I worry the most.”

His eyes almost lit up at what I said but then he frowned, “Then let it. Let yourself get attached to me. Let your head lean on my shoulder, you know that I will catch you.”

Catch me? I know that damn well. He would do that for me. He would even kill for me if I order him to.

I shook my head, facepalming myself now. Does he even understand what I am saying?

“I can’t. I’ve been hurt too much, Ajax. And I don’t think I could even learn to live again if I will end up hurting again.” I heard my voice cracking at the last words, my throat dry, and a lump forming. I could feel the tears coming up, and I let them fall right in front of him.

Ajax instantly came to my side and tried to wipe my tears away but I pushed him away.

“See? Even with small things, you are letting me used to your presence. I can wipe my own tears, Ajax.” I fought back and he sight.

His hands gently rested on both of my cheeks and stroked it carefully, "You want me to prove my love for you? Let me court you, Ellaina. Just give me three months, and I know you'll love me too.”

“I can’t. I am not worthy of your love, Ajax.” I answered in defeat. What more should I say? He’s too persistent, and could’t even understand how I wanted nothing but to not receive his love.

His jaw clenched at that, “Tell me, who told you that you are not and I’ll hang them. I’ll cut their throats and remove their nails once I know them.” He said in anger. “You are a diamond to me. My precious little angel. I'll burn any devil who dares to harm you.”

Another tear escaped from my eyes. How could he say all of thos things to me? He’s torturing me. He would risk it all for me, he would even fight off the evil if I order hi to.

"I'm sorry, Ajax, I can't trust any men in my life. After eveything I experienced, I'm done dealing with any men."

He put his hand son my lips to silence me, "It's alright. I'll have to earn your trust then."

I shook my head, “No, you don’t have to do that. Just don’t.”

And with that, I instanlty walked out and went to my room, leaving him there. I expected him to walk and chase me behind but he didn’t, which I was thankful for. Because I know it damn well that one more word from him and I might run back to his arms.

I know that what I said was out of line. He was nothing but good to me, which was bad for me and my heart.

As much as possible, I have to cut I, especially now when it’s still early.

Now that I know that my heart is slowly letting him in.

I looked at myself in the mirror one last time, watching how the diamond glinted as it rested on my neck. The letter A tickled me as the cold jewelry numbed me.

I grabbed the lock and unlocked the necklace before carefully placing it on the table. I bit my lip, not wanting to cry now as I looked around the whole room for the last time.

I guess resting and going out of my fan’s way is stopping for now.

Hiding is a cowardly thing to do.

I have to face them now. I should not just disappear like this.

Suddenly, my phone rang and I could see Manager Smith’s name on the dial call. I instantly pressed answer and placed it on my ear.

“Took you long enough to answer my calls.” Said my manager, and I could almost hear him smirking all across from here.

I cleared my throat, whipping my face for any left tears before saying, “Hi Manager.”

“How are you, child?” He asked.

“I’m doing well here,” I answered. “How are things there?”

“Well, I’ll answer your questions if you are ready to face them now….are you?”

I nodded, “Don’t you think I would even answer your call if I was not even ready?”

He chuckled, “Witty as ever, my dear. I missed that, and I’m sure your supporters missed that too. Make sure you really are well rested because I’m waiting outside the door of Ajax.”

I gasped, “That fast?”

“It’s just my instincts that you need me now. Now get dressed and face them. I’m sure your supporters are waiting for your comeback. And those haters, we’ll rub on their faces how strong you are.”

I smirked at him. Manager Smith is always there to support me. He had always believed in me.

“I’ll be there in five minutes.” And I ended the call, going to the bathroom to wash my face, making sure my face wasn’t all that puffy or Manager Smith might notice it and might sue Ajax for this.

I grabbed a concealer to hide some of my puffy cheeks and redness from crying before grabbing my phone and going out the door. I peeked and checked if Ajax was even outside before going downstairs and down the door. As soon as I opened it, I could see the grinning face of Manager Smith.

“Lovely to see you again, my favorite model.”

“You too, my favorite manager,” I replied and we giggled.

“Say goodbye to Ajax.” He said, glancing around and frowning, “He’s not here?”

I gulped, “Oh. I already did. Let’s go.”

He nodded, “I guess I’ll just thank him later then.”

And with that, Manager Smith gently escorted me to his car and drove me all the way back to his place.

“Say goodbye to your condo for the last time. You won’t be returning there for while now.” He said as we passed by the building. “I already moved your things to your new place, I apologize dearly if this might have shocked you, I just couldn’t contact you there…”

I nodded, not even wanting to see it anymore. “It’s alright if that’s what’s for the best.” I’m guessing the place is not too safe at my condo anymore for Manager Smith to even resort to this without consulting me but I trust him and his plans. He wouldn’t put me in danger.

I just closed my eyes throughout the drive and when we finally arrived at my new place, Manager Smith toured me there first.

“You know you could just buy a whole permanent house. It’s not like you lack the money dear.” He suggested, “I’m just too tired of seeing you move around.