Eleanor stepped out of the car and onto the driveway, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. The cool night air enveloped her, filling her lungs with its crisp, refreshing scent. She closed her eyes, letting the gentle breeze caress her face, and took a deep cleansing breath.
Her visit to Mia's house had been just what she needed - a chance to talk through her feelings and clear her head. She had been feeling so overwhelmed and anxious lately, but after talking to Mia, she felt like she could finally breathe again.
The tension that had been building inside her for weeks began to dissipate, replaced by a sense of relief and calm. Her conversation with Mia was a chance to unburden herself of the secrets and worries that had been weighing her down.
As she walked towards the house, she noticed that Liam's car was already in the driveway. She hadn't expected him to be home so early.
She made her way up the marble steps and through the grand entrance. As she walked through the familiar halls of the mansion, she hesitated for a moment, dreading the thought of going back inside. She knew what was waiting for her: Liam's stern face.
Eleanor walked into the house, dropping her purse onto the couch as she made her way to the kitchen. Liam was standing by the counter, a glass of scotch in his hand. He looked up as she entered, his eyes narrowing slightly.
"Where have you been?" he asked, his voice firm but controlled.
Eleanor felt a flutter in her chest as she met his gaze. She hadn't expected him to be so confrontational, but she tried to stay calm.
"I went to see Mia," she said, trying to sound casual. "We just grabbed coffee and caught up."
Liam's eyes seemed to bore into hers, as if he was trying to read her mind. "What did you talk about?" he asked, his voice still firm.
"We just talked about stuff," she said, trying to sound vague. "Nothing important."
"Why did it take you so long to return?" Liam asked, his voice cold and accusing.
Eleanor swallowed hard. "I lost track of time."
"Did you go somewhere else before Mia's house?" he asked, his eyes narrowing.
Eleanor felt a shiver run down her spine as she met Liam's gaze. She felt her discomfort growing, as Liam continued to question her. She tried her best to remain calm and composed.
Liam's eyes narrowed slightly, and for a moment, Eleanor thought she saw a flash of anger in his eyes.
As Eleanor finished explaining her evening with Mia, Liam's expression darkened. He took a step closer to her, his eyes narrowing.
"I don't like it when you go out without telling me, Eleanor," he said, his voice low and menacing. "You're my wife. You should be here, waiting for me, not gallivanting around town with your friends."
Eleanor felt a shiver run down her spine as Liam's eyes seemed to bore into hers. She tried to take a step back, but Liam was too quick. He reached out and grasped her arm, his fingers digging into her skin.
She excused herself, pretending she needed to use the restroom. She needed some air.
She climbed upstairs to her room and headed to the bathroom. When she came out from the bathroom, toweling her hair dry, she froze in horror.
Liam was standing in her room with a twisted smirk on his face.
She instinctively wrapped the hotel around herself, as if that would somehow protect her from his gaze.
"What are you doing here?" Eleanor demanded.
Liam shrugged. "Eleanor," he said, his voice low, he reached out and placed his hands on her arm.
Eleanor's heart racing, she tried to pull away, but Liam's grip was too strong. He pulled her closer, his breath hot against her ear.
She stiffened at his touch, and her anger rose. "Liam, don't," she said.
But he didn't let go, he tightened his grip. "I can't help myself, Eleanor. You have to perform your wifely duty tonight."
Her heartbeat raced. "Liam, stop," she said, trying to push past him.
Liam's expression darkened. "Oh Eleanor, you'll do as I say, or you'll be facing a very unfortunate situation.
Eleanor's heart raced faster, her palms became very sweaty. She knew that she couldn't give in to his demands, but he wouldn't hesitate to hurt her if she didn't comply.
Liam continued to press Eleanor, but just as he lunged towards her, the bathroom door flew open.
Eleanor gasped as Sebastian stood in the doorway, his eyes were dark.
He had been trying to reach Eleanor through the phone, but she wasn't picking up and he decided to drive by. Agatha had told him about the situation before he rushed upstairs.
He heard all their conversations before he burst into Eleanor's room.
Sebastian's eyes burned with anger, and he turned to Eleanor. "What did he do?" He asked.
Eleanor's face was pale with fear, her breath short. "He tried to…." She gestured to Liam.
Sebastian's gaze shifted to Liam, his eyes blazing with anger. "You're supposed to protect and care for your wife, not terrorize her."
Liam sneered, his face reddening with rage. "Mind your own business, Sebastian," he snarled. "This is between me and my wife."
Sebastian took a step forward, his fists clenched. "You're not going to touch her again," he growled. "Not while I'm here."
Eleanor watched in amazement as Sebastian stood up to Liam, his eyes flashing with anger. She had never seen him like this before, and she felt a surge of gratitude towards him.
"You're just using her to satisfy your own twisted desires. You don't care about her feelings or her well-being. You only care about yourself." Sebastian spat.
Liam's face burned with rage, and he took a step forward, his fists clenched. But Sebastian stood his ground, his eyes flashing with anger.
The two men stood there, locked in a silent standoff, until finally Liam backed down. He turned and stormed out of the room, slamming the door behind him.
Sebastian turned to Eleanor, his eyes softening with concern. "Are you okay?" he asked, his voice gentle.
Eleanor nodded, still shaken. "Ye..yes," she stuttered. "Thank you, Sebastian. I owe you one."
Sebastian smiled and put a hand on her shoulder. "You don't owe me anything, Eleanor," he said. "I'm just glad I was here to protect you. You're safe now."