Ella had the impression that she was suspended in a state of incredulity, floating. The only sound in the room between her and the man who had just saved her life was the gentle hum of the car's motor. She was still attempting to reconstruct what had brought her to this point, away from the bridge's edge and into the unknown.
The man maintained his focus on the road and hadn't spoken since they had exited the flyover. His jaw was gritted, his hands tight on the steering wheel. He was so uptight that Ella couldn't help but notice. She couldn't tell why, but she could feel the weight of it in the air as if something had upset him.
Ella had never felt more out of place than as they pulled up to the big house—a mansion, rather. The immaculate driveway, the tall front door, and the sleek black automobile all shouted riches. Yet here she was, a girl driven to the brink by a world that never comprehended her, now being saved by a man who appeared to be from a whole different universe.
He broke the silence by saying, "Come on," and unbuckling his seatbelt. "Come with me inside."
Ella paused. Her mind was still foggy with bewilderment, and her legs felt weak. This man was unknown to her. She had no idea what his name was. However, there was something about him that, despite the circumstances, gave her a strange sense of security.
She dragged her feet across the threshold and followed him into the home. With its gleaming floors and simple furnishings that appeared to have never been touched, the room was large and immaculate. There was a peculiar elegance to the house, yet it also exuded coldness in every way.
He gestured to a soft leather chair beside the fireplace and said, "Sit down." Although he spoke firmly, there was a trace of worry in his voice. He was still digesting what had happened, what she had nearly done, and Ella could tell.
Her hands twisted uneasily in her lap as she slipped into the chair. She was unsure about where to begin. It was all too much—the questions, the words, the emotions.
The stranger sat down opposite her, his dark, piercing eyes intently examining her. He said, "What were you thinking?" in a tone that was quieter now but still full of incredulity. "Why would you act in that manner?"
Ella's throat tightened with breath. She was unable to describe it. She was unable to articulate it. The continual sense of loneliness, the harsh words from her stepmother, and the ridicule from her peers seemed to have just gotten too much to handle. In her own skin, she had felt like an outsider and a burden. She had been pushed to the limit by the weight of it.
However, how was she able to inform him? She felt like she didn't deserve to be here, and how could she explain that to the people who were meant to love her?
"I'm not sure," she muttered, her voice shaking. "It was excessive."
His expression was unreadable as he gazed at her for a considerable amount of time. Then he sighed and leaned forward, putting his elbows on his knees. His voice was low but firm as he said, "You can't do that again." "Your life cannot be thrown away in that manner. Even if you can't see it, others care about you. You must have faith in me for that.
Ella's eyes widened in shock as she glanced up at him. Were people interested in her? Could that have happened? She had been viewed as different and someone to be avoided her entire life. That had been ensured by her stepmother. She had never forgotten it because of the schoolchildren. Ella had mastered the art of remaining quiet and in the background. That way, it had been simpler.
She was unable to trust him. Not quite yet. He was merely a stranger who had saved her, a man who appeared to possess all the things she lacked: self-assurance, achievement, and a meaningful existence. How could he possibly comprehend her? About the overwhelming sense of the world?
The doorbell rang, cutting through the silence before she could answer. The man rose suddenly and strode toward the door, his face hardening once again. He gave the instruction, "Stay here," without looking back. "I will return immediately."
Ella's heart was racing in her chest, but she nodded out of instinct. She was instantly scared, but she had no idea why. Fearful of the unknown, fearful of being abandoned. The chair's cool leather made her body shiver as her hands grabbed its sides.
The man reappeared a short while later, followed by an unexpected figure that Ella had not anticipated seeing. A female. Tall, stylish, with a fur collar on a black coat. She held herself with an air of authority, and her lips were painted a vivid crimson.
Ella instinctively tensed. The woman's piercing, evaluating eyes swept over her. With an air of contempt in her voice, she questioned, "Who is this?"
After giving Ella a quick glance, the man returned his focus to the woman. His voice was tense when he said, "She's staying here for a while."
Clearly displeased, the woman arched an eyebrow. "Remaining here? How long? She glanced back at Ella as though she were an unwelcome visitor to her territory. "And to you, who is she?"
Suddenly feeling like an outsider in her own skin, Ella recoiled in her chair. This was not the place for her. She sensed that the woman was emitting judgment. Ella could feel the contempt, and it made her heart race. She wished she could completely vanish, and shrink into the chair.
The man's voice broke the tension before the woman could say another word. "She will remain. You only need to know that.
After a little pause, the woman gave a little, contemptuous laugh. "All right. However, don't count on me to support her in any way. With icy eyes, she turned to face Ella. "You'd better stay out of trouble."
She left a trail of disdain in her wake as she turned on her heel and left the room.
Unaware that she had been holding her breath, Ella released it. At least the woman was gone, but the tension in the room remained. For a minute, the man stood there, his eyes black with annoyance. Ella sensed the weight of the exchange, but he didn't appear to care much for the woman's attitude. The woman had made it clear that she wasn't welcome here.
After a long pause, the man continued, "Don't mind her," his voice grew softer as he turned back to Ella. "She is unfamiliar with you. She is unaware of your experiences.
Ella nodded, unsure of how to interpret the scenario. Even though she still didn't fully trust him, there was a tone in his voice that gave her the impression that he meant it when he assured her that she was safe here.
"I simply—" Ella started, but she was unsure of how to complete the phrase. What could be said? How was her life a shambles, and how could she explain it? She hesitated, but the man appeared to understand.
With a faint, barely noticeable smile, he added softly, "Let's just take it one step at a time." "You are no longer alone."
Ella permitted herself to think that perhaps—just possibly—she wasn't for the first time in a long time.