All I did was give Olivier a light push, but heck he stumbled dramatically backward and straight into Eliane’s arms.
“Jerome, will you stop already?” she scolded me.
“Can't you see Ollie’s devastated? He’s not asking for much—just to hold a small memorial for his dog here, in the corner of your party. You seriously can’t bring yourself to allow that?”
“You’re usually more empathetic. What’s wrong with you today? Why are you being so bitter and mean?”
As she said it, she shoved me hard, as if she poured her anger into it. I staggered back and slammed into the corner of the table. A sharp pain exploded through my arm and I instinctively clutched it as I felt the bruising rise.
Despite all that, I couldn't fully keep the creeping laughter. She said I was being mean?
So what? Was I suppose to keep smiling while someone tramples all over my boundaries?
I met her glare with a cold laugh. “Eliane, don’t play the saint when it’s not your sacrifice to make.”
“You want to help your assistant throw a funeral for his dog? Fine. But do it on your dime and your property. Why the hell does it have to hijack my birthday party?”
I didn’t mean any disrespect to Olivier, but respect goes both ways. He crossed a line and I wasn’t going to let anyone guilt-trip me for pushing back.
Eliane’s face twisted. “Do you think I have time to organize another venue? You’re just being difficult.”
I shot back, “If you’re that committed to Luffy’s memorial, why not host it at your place? I hear your living room’s a decent size.”
She looked like she was about to argue again when Olivier suddenly dropped to a crouch on the floor, shoulders trembling, tears hitting the framed photo of his dog.
“Luffy, I’m sorry… this is all my fault,” he murmured through sobs. “You were my only family and I swore I’d give you a better life. But before I could… you were hit by a car and taken away from me.”
“I just wanted to say goodbye. That’s all. I thought borrowing Mr. Carrington’s space for half an hour wouldn’t hurt anyone.”
“But clearly, I was wrong. We’re not welcome here.” He wiped his eyes, picked up the photo and staggered toward the door. As he reached it, he paused and looked back at me with tearful eyes.
“Mr. Carrington… I’m sorry. I hope I didn’t ruin your big moment. Please, go ahead and enjoy your birthday.”
Before I could say a word, Eliane rushed forward, grabbed his hand and pulled him into her arms.
“Ollie, you’re not going anywhere. I promised you a proper farewell for Luffy and I meant it. We’re going to honor him right here.”
The tenderness in her eyes hit me like a punch to the chest. That unguarded affection used to be reserved for me.
Suddenly, I remembered what my best friend warned me more than once...
“Watch that new assistant of hers. He plays innocent, but I’ve got a feeling he’s not just there to fetch coffee. He’s way too close to Eliane.”
I laughed it off back then.
“Eliane and I have been together for eight years,” I told him. “She’s not interested in other men.”
But now… watching her clutch Olivier like she’d rather lose me than let go of him—I felt something in me break.
When Eliane turned to face me again, her eyes were icy. She actually ordered the guards to take me out and send me away.
“Elijah, since you’re too petty to let Luffy’s memorial happen here, I’ll have security escort you to a hotel where we can rearrange your birthday party.”
“I’ll stay here with Ollie and help him say goodbye. Once it’s done, then I’ll join you.”
