The Billionaire's Temptation: Love, Family and Revenge-Chapter 77: Promise me

Elena’s eyes widened in surprise. She hadn’t expected such a question, especially not from him, not at that moment, and certainly not with the seriousness in his tone. And then he said her name in full, Elena Lugard.

Hearing her name combined with his surname made her heart skip a beat. It reminded her, in the most subtle but powerful way, that she was his wife. She belonged to him. Not in a controlling way, but in a way that made her feel deeply connected to him, like they were one.

"What’s the matter? Why the sudden question?" she asked, a worried look spreading across her face. It was unlike Ford to act so unsettled. He was always calm, always in control. He had a way of making everyone feel like everything would be alright, no matter what. So seeing him this tense shook her.

"Please, just answer me, Elena," Ford said, his voice soft but filled with urgency. "I need to know if you trust me."

Elena looked at him closely. There was something in his eyes, a deep, unspoken fear. That alone told her that whatever was going on, it mattered more than he was letting on.

"I trust you, Ford Lugard," she replied without hesitation. And the moment the words left her lips, she noticed the tension begin to ease in his shoulders. His face relaxed a little. He leaned forward and gently kissed her hands, his grip warm and tender. She could feel the gratitude in that simple gesture.

"Let’s eat," he said with a small smile, just as the servants began to bring in the food. The aroma filled the room, but Elena’s mind was still spinning.

"Just like that?" she asked, tilting her head slightly, her brow furrowed. "You were about to say something, weren’t you?" Her voice was filled with concern and curiosity. She could sense there was more he wasn’t telling her.

"I will tell you," he promised. "But for now, let’s just eat. I’m sure you’re hungry."

He reached out and began serving her food, placing portions on her plate with care. His every action was gentle, as though trying to soothe her worries through his actions.

Elena found herself growing even more curious. Something was definitely going on, but she was also starving. She picked up the cutlery that had been neatly arranged in front of her and began to eat.

As she took her first bite, she couldn’t help but smile. The food was delicious, but more than that, she could feel Ford’s eyes on her. He was watching her quietly. Not in a possessive way, but with a quiet intensity that made her stomach flutter. He was clearly distracted, but still present in his own way.

They ate in silence for a while. But Elena noticed something about him. Ford wasn’t really eating. He was absent-mindedly holding an empty cup in his hand, lifting it to drink water, but forgetting to fill it first. That tiny detail told her his mind was somewhere else, clearly troubled.

And now, more than ever, Elena needed to know what he wasn’t saying.

Elena shook her head slowly, frustration building up inside her. The silence had dragged on for too long, and it was eating her up. She couldn’t take it anymore.

"Are you going to keep being quiet with me," she snapped, her voice sharp with irritation, "or are you finally going to say something?"

Ford looked up at her, his face unreadable. Then, from seemingly out of nowhere, he said, "Can you not check the news for now?"

Elena blinked, confused. At first, she thought he was joking. She let out a sudden burst of laughter, thinking it was one of his dry attempts at humor. "Are you joking right now, or are you being serious?" she asked between chuckles.

But the look on Ford’s face told her everything. He wasn’t smiling. He didn’t laugh with her. He was serious. Completely serious.

Her laughter died down slowly, replaced by a deepening concern. "Wait... are you actually being serious?" she asked, staring at him with disbelief.

Ford nodded, his expression remaining calm but tense. "Can you not go out for now either?" he added, his voice softer this time. "Anything you want, Morgan will get it for you."

Elena stared at him like he had lost his mind. "What? You’re telling me not to watch the news? Not to go out? Seriously?" Her voice rose with each question. "What does the news or stepping outside have to do with me? That’s literally all I want to do right now, to get some air."

She paused, shaking her head in disbelief. "Or have I suddenly become the most famous woman in the world overnight? Am I now the talk of the town or something?" She laughed at her own sarcastic words, but even as she did, there was an edge of nervousness in her tone.

Ford gave a faint, almost reluctant smile. "You never know," he muttered.

Elena narrowed her eyes. "Can you assure me all is well" she pressed.

Ford didn’t answer immediately. His silence said more than words could.

Elena sighed deeply and picked up her glass, drinking the last of her fruit juice. "Mr. Ford Lugard," she said, exasperated, "you’re asking for a lot this morning. And frankly, all of this is making me even more curious... and more worried."

Ford sat quietly, watching her. His mind was racing. Part of him wondered if he should’ve just stayed silent and let things unfold naturally. But the other part knew it would have come out eventually. The news was spreading too fast. And once Elena saw it, there would be no going back.

He only wished he had more time. More time to protect her, to shield her from what was coming. But deep down, he doubted he could control it. The story was already out there. Her name, her face circulating everywhere. And it was all because of him.

She had gotten involved with a man of power. And now, she was facing the consequences of his world colliding with hers.

Ford leaned in gently and used his thumb to wipe away the drop of fruit juice that lingered on Elena’s lips. It was a small gesture, almost innocent, but the moment his skin touched hers, he felt it, a slight shiver ran through her. It was subtle, but undeniable. His fingers paused, brushing softly against the warmth of her lips. He couldn’t bring himself to pull away just yet.

He slowly rubbed his thumb along her bottom lip, savoring the softness and the delicate feel of her mouth. Her lips were warm and tender beneath his touch, and something about that moment held them both still. Elena didn’t pull away. She didn’t flinch or move. Her eyes were fixed on him, calm but filled with something unreadable, something that made his heartbeat quicken.

He finally withdrew his hand, almost reluctantly, a small smile forming on his lips. There was something deeply satisfying about the way she responded to his touch, wordless, but It told him more than anything she could have said.

Just as the moment hung in the air, his phone buzzed sharply, pulling him back to reality. He glanced down, and his face shifted the instant he saw who the message was from his father.

The message he had just read darkened his expression. The peace he had felt a moment ago was gone, replaced by tension. But he quickly masked it with a smile, not wanting Elena to sense the change in him.

"I would’ve loved to spend more time with you," he said gently, standing up from where he sat, "but I have to leave now."

His voice was calm, but something in it felt hurried.

"Agnes will help you take your bath, and if you need anything at all, ask Morgan. I’ll be back before you know it," he assured her.

Then, without waiting for a response, he leaned down and kissed her on the forehead. His lips lingered there for a moment, soft and affectionate. He meant for it to be comforting. But as he turned and walked away, he didn’t see the look on Elena’s face.

Her eyes were still closed, waiting, expecting. She had thought, maybe even hoped that the kiss would land on her lips. It didn’t. And when she opened her eyes slowly, the room was already empty.

She sighed quietly, her high hopes gently crashing down into disappointment. Her shoulders lowered, and she folded her arms across her chest. Something wasn’t right. She could feel it. Ford was trying too hard to act normal, but she had seen the flicker of worry in his eyes.

Meanwhile, in his own room, Ford let out a quiet chuckle. After kissing her forehead, he had caught the tiniest flicker of expectation on her face. She was waiting for something more.

Was Elena falling for him too? he wondered with a smile.

Should he ask her? He thought.