Chapter 383 Be Friends or Strangers
Soon, Anastasia recalled her father’s words, remembering her mother had been urged to save an innocent life due to the urgent situation. After all, she knew her mother wouldn’t have stood by and watched while a six-year-old kid was about to get killed. Convinced that everyone had an instinct of protecting the weak, she believed her mother was motivated by the same reason before she risked herself to save an innocent life.
“I don’t blame you and your grandma.” Nonetheless, Anastasia couldn’t convince herself to let go of the past as Riley’s words made her realize she could never fall in love with Elliot. After all, she couldn’t get over the fact that he had indirectly caused her mother’s death, which held her back from falling in love with him because she thought it would be unfair to her late mother if she did that. “We could be friends,” Anastasia said.
Meanwhile, Elliot was annoyed by Anastasia’s reply, finding it ironic to hear because he was just trying to comfort her a few moments ago.
Friends? No way! I’ll never accept our relationship as friends!
“Well, I suppose friends can become lovers and marry each other later on. Don’t you think so?” Elliot emphasized his point.
Anastasia looked away and replied, “No. We’ll either be friends or strangers.”
Despite her cold reply, Elliot was able to empathize with Anastasia, knowing that Riley had said many unpleasant things to her that made her reject him. “Alright, I respect your wish. We’ll be friends then.” Elliot took a step back, but not before he demonstrated his authority over her by giving her an order. “However, if you’re ever going to marry someone, it’s going to be me and only me!”
Anastasia was rendered speechless by the man’s words, thinking his domineering and possessive character hadn’t changed one bit.
“The same goes for me. I’ll marry no one else but you,” Elliot soon added.
Anastasia’s face blushed as her embarrassment overwhelmed her even though she didn’t meet Elliot’s eyes. “My decision to get married is none of your concern. The same goes for yours,” Anastasia answered.
Elliot smiled and said, “Fine, we’ll just stay single for each other for the rest of our lives!”
Fine, he wins. While Anastasia helplessly patted her forehead, Francis entered the building from the rain. When he heard Elliot was in the lounge, he quickly came over to greet him. “I didn’t know you’d be here, Mr. Presgrave. Please make yourself at home.” Francis approached Elliot to shake his hand.
“You’re too kind, Mr. Tillman,” Elliot politely replied.
“Anastasia, please receive our guest, Mr. Presgrave.” Francis turned his attention to his daughter. Deep down, he sincerely hoped that her daughter would end up being together with Elliot upon leveraging the situation as a businessman. After all, Tillman Constructions would be backed by Elliot’s powerful influence if they got together. Besides that, he believed his grandchildren and daughter would be loved and treated well by the people of the Presgrave Family, considering their guilt for his wife.
“Sure, Father. Please leave me to it,” Anastasia answered. Just when Elliot was wondering how Anastasia would receive him after Francis left, he saw the lady looking at the rain that was letting up outside the window before she shifted her gaze to him. “Alright, the rain has let up. It’s time for you to go.”
Wait, what? Is this how she is going to receive her guest? By showing me the door? Elliot was rendered speechless. “I’m not leaving yet. I’m going to have lunch with you and accompany you to pick up Jared. Then, I’m going to have my dinner at your place later at night.” In fact, Elliot had figured out his plan for the day. His phone rang just then, whereupon he picked it up and said, “I’m not going back to the office today. Please cancel all my meetings.” Before Rey could remind Elliot about his work, the latter ended the call.
At the same time, Anastasia looked at the man with a stunned expression while wondering what he was up to. What’s this guy thinking? He still has a ton of things to handle back in his office! “I don’t need you to keep me company here, Elliot. Go ahead and attend to your business!” Anastasia didn’t want Elliot to waste his time accompanying her, only to work overtime at night.
“It’s okay. I’m willing to waste my time keeping you company.” Elliot raised his eyebrows slightly, telling the lady with the tenacious look on his face that he wasn’t about to give up. In the face of his stubbornness, Anastasia felt helpless without knowing what else she could do about it.
“Bourgeois is shifting to a new location, but we’ll be keeping your office space nonetheless. You’re welcome to work with us anytime.” Elliot offered Anastasia to return to Bourgeois so that no other man would get close to her.
“I’m going to stay in my father’s company to learn about business management for the time being.” Anastasia revealed her plans to remain in Francis’ company.
“Alright, I respect your decision,” Elliot said in a chivalrous manner.
“By the way, who is Aliona? The client that I was supposed to meet belonged to her, but I was kidnapped after that.” Anastasia mentioned Aliona to Elliot. Although she didn’t blame her, she was still mad about what had happened earlier.
