The Billionaire Who Saved Me

As the jet took off, both Elice and Garrett unintentionally did the same thing: they sighed deeply.

They both turned to each other and then laughed together. As if they felt the same. Exhausted. Thanks to a series of wedding events that really drained their energy. Speaking of which, it was no surprise that Elice and Garrett had not had their wedding night yet.

They were tired. And the need to stay fresh was their priority. So, it’s understandable that they felt relieved now. As if the jet had just taken them away from all the hustle and bustle.

“You’re tired.”

Garrett’s hand caressed Elice’s face. Despite her impeccable makeup, the signs of fatigue were not hidden from Garrett’s eyes.

“So are you.”

Elice noticed something similar. Especially in light of the fact that Garrett had been working tirelessly on several jobs before the vacation. Elice was sure that Garrett’s handsome face looked much more exhausted than hers.

“At least we have a few hours to rest during the flight,” Elice said, leaning back comfortably. “Precious time.”

Shifting his position slightly, Garrett was sure he would never get bored looking at Elice’s face for the rest of his life. Especially when Elice returned his gaze with the same look she was radiating.

“Maybe about fifteen hours of rest on the plane until we arrive. Not including the time the plane has to refuel.”

Fifteen hours. That’s more than they needed to rest. Especially since there was always a room available.

A flight attendant came in and brought them a spread of food and drinks, along with some snacks. Everything looked tempting.

“Eat and then sleep,” Elice said, pulling her plate closer. “That’s the plan I’ll be following soon.”

Garrett couldn’t think of a better plan. He agreed and happily joined Elice in carrying out the plan.

While enjoying their meal, Elice felt compelled to say something. Something quite amusing when she decided to be honest.

“This is my first experience in a private jet. I’ve only seen it on social media when some famous people travel by private jet, and I never thought I’d experience it one day.”

Garrett let out a long sigh. It seemed as if Garrett had already finished his plate. He briefly wiped his mouth with the napkin provided.

“Then we’re the same,” Garrett replied and managed to make Elice’s eyes widen. “This is my first time too.”

Elice seemed incredulous. “Your first time? Um… I thought you’ve traveled like this before.”

Garrett shook his head once and realized that he hadn’t told Elice much about his life and his family. Unlike himself, who knew almost everything about her.

“I’m not the favored child, Elice.”

It does not seem appropriate to say this phrase during a meal. Just look. The spoon in Elice’s hand suddenly stopped moving.

Garrett chuckled softly. “There’s no need to be like that, Elice. Just relax. Everything’s happened and everything’s fine.”

“I’m sorry.”

Still, Elice felt uneasy. Her words clearly had an indirect effect on Garrett’s confession. It was as if the man wanted to say that he had not been a favored member of the family in the past, that he had received no special privileges or loving treatment.

“It seems that we live in a slightly different family. Although our mothers love us equally, I think our fathers are different,” Garrett guessed. “What about your father? Does he love you?”

Elice blinked. Suddenly she felt full. Reluctantly she nodded.

“Very much. In fact, I always hoped to find a man like Papa.”

A small furrow appeared on Garrett’s forehead. “And now?”

It is said that a father is every woman’s first love in the world. Not to deny that there were some fathers who actually hurt their daughters and their families, but for Elice, the saying was true. An undeniable, absolute fact.

Peter was a good father and husband in the eyes of Elice and Wilda. Even when he was angry, he never raised his hand. He was loving and responsible. More than enough to answer Elice’s prayers all this time.

Elice smiled. “I have someone better.”

“I definitely missed not getting to know your father.”

“Of course,” Elice said. An idea crossed her mind. “It would have been very nice if I could have been with all of you.”

A hope that would never come true. But deep in Elice’s heart she was sure of it. At that moment, her father was smiling happily. He was at peace because his daughter had married the right man.

Perhaps an hour after they had finished eating, Elice and Garrett decided to rest in their room. They lay down on the soft bed and almost felt as if they weren’t on a plane trip.

In reality, however, they didn’t fall asleep right away. Lying side by side, the newlyweds faced each other. They looked into each other’s eyes. Elice stroked Garrett’s smooth cheek. The man had shaved exactly two days before the wedding.

“For years I lived without Papa.”

It seemed that Garrett had found one advantage to marriage. He had someone to listen to his stories. Something he hadn’t had all that time.

“We survived, but we didn’t really feel alive,” Garrett said, taking a deep breath. “You know? It’s like we didn’t feel hungry, but we didn’t feel full.”

For someone who wasn’t in Garrett’s position, it was impossible to know what that felt like. People say that. You can’t know what it feels like, but at least you can empathize.

“I can’t even remember the last time I saw Dad. We didn’t even know how he was. And when we got news about dad, it was news about his accident.”

Elice’s hand slipped from her husband’s cheek. This time she took his hand. To squeeze it. To give him strength. A small smile appeared on Garrett’s lips.

“All this time, all I had was Mama. I lived with Mama and I wanted to make her happy. Something Mama never got all that time.”

Elice didn’t ask any more. From Garrett’s account of living for years without a father, Elice was able to draw clear conclusions about Norah’s home life. It was obviously a heavy burden.

“I hate Dad, Elice.”

Silently, without saying a word, Elice didn’t blame Garrett. Human.

“I don’t hate dad because he neglected me. But because Daddy neglected Mom. What do you think? How could he neglect her when they got married knowingly and supposedly…” Garrett paused for a moment, “… they loved each other.”

Elice’s grip tightened. At that moment she felt Garrett’s hand tremble. His shoulders trembled slightly. In an effort to contain all the emotions in his chest. Hatred, anger and sadness.

“But I really don’t understand.”

There was something different in Garrett’s voice this time. Including his facial expression, which seemed to be grimacing. He seemed to be laughing weakly with bitterness.

“When all those inheritance papers were made out in my name,” Garrett said flatly. “I really don’t understand. It turns out Papa remembered my full name.”

Elice moved from her seat. She hastily hugged Garrett.

“Garrett.”

Garrett’s eyes closed. He had spent his childhood crying and now it was all over. His father was gone, and he had all the inheritance.

Garrett returned Elice’s hug. He was fine. He wasn’t crying. But still he felt a hole in his heart. A part that would always be empty. A part that would never be filled because his father was gone.

“I shouldn’t have told you that. At least not today.”

A bitter resignation sounded again. Garrett pulled away himself. He released the embrace between them.

“I’ve ruined our wedding atmosphere.”

Elice shook her head. “That’s what marriage is for, Garrett,” she said, smiling. “We share stories with each other. Just like you listen to all my stories, that’s what I hope. I want you to tell me.”

Elice’s words slowly changed the smile on Garrett’s face. The bitter smile changed to a relieved one. Garrett knew that what Elice had said was true.

Garrett shifted. He grabbed Elice and hugged her. He let his wife’s head rest on his arm while he gently stroked her back.

“Now you know why Ariel and I fought, don’t you?” Garrett chuckled. “I’ve long been branded the shame of the family, even though I’m a legitimate child. Just because Mom wasn’t from their circle. And Aunt Farrah always looked down on us. When all of Papa’s inheritance fell to me, they obviously didn’t accept it.”

Without looking, Elice could sense Garrett’s emotions. This time, there was no anger or sadness in the man’s voice. Instead, there was a hint of amusement.

“I’m sure you know how expert Farrah is at putting people down.”

Garrett laughed until his chest shook. Elice’s hand, which had landed there, trembled as well.

“That’s not a good example, Elice. Talking about others at the beginning of a marriage is definitely not something to do.”

Elice smiled playfully. “You’re right. But what can we do? Fifteen hours really does give us freedom.”

A kiss landed on Elice’s head. It felt soothing. So peaceful that Elice even closed her eyes. She really wanted to enjoy this touch.

“I can’t wait to see the hula dance.”

Garrett chuckled. “I thought you couldn’t wait to see the chickens.”

“No,” Elice shook her head, amused. “I want the flower lei. To see the beach. To enjoy the sunset there. And to taste the food.”

This time Garrett said nothing. The tiredness began to weigh on him. The rubbing on Elice’s back, which then stopped, showed that. It seemed as if he would fall asleep soon. He drifted off with a smile on his face as the memories of the honeymoon flashed through his mind.

Garrett was obviously happy. And so was Elice, who felt the same happiness. For one reason.

“I love you, Garrett.”

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