<b>Chapter </b>112
As soon as Elissa stepped out of the elevator, she spotted an elegantly wrapped gift box waiting at her apartment door.
A boldbel read: For Elissa.
She carried the box inside, curiosity piqued. Lifting the lid, she found a stunning, custom–made evening gown inside.
Frank’s handiwork, no doubt.
It was exactly the sort of thing you’d wear to an auction.
He wanted her there, so naturally he’d provide the dress. It made perfect sense.
Elissa didn’t bother with modesty. After a quick shower and a touch of light makeup, she slipped into the dress and headed downstairs.
A sleek ck Maybach was already waiting at the front entrance. Frank stood casually against the car, his gaze lighting up the moment he saw her. He didn’t hesitate to praise her, “That dress really was made for you.”
With a gentleman’s flourish, he opened the door for her.
Elissa slid in first. The gown’s high slit revealed a sh of dazzlingly pale skin as she sat, and Frank’s throat tightened at the sight. “Are you cold?” he asked, a hint of
concern in his voice.
She shook her head. “I’m fine.”
The apartment and lobby were both well–heated, and now she was in the car.
Frank shrugged off his suit jacket and, before she could protest, draped it over her legs with genuine care. “You know, with your cycleing up, you should really keep
warm.”
Elissa was caught off guard.
She couldn’t put her finger on it–Frank seemed different tonight. He wasn’t just offering words; he was actually showing her kindness.
She let out a quietugh. “This is the first time you’ve ever given me your jacket.”
The first time he’d actually done something like this.
“Before…” Frank trailed off, unable to defend himself. “That was my mistake. From
11:11
now on, I’ll-”
“How far is the hotel?” Elissa cut in smoothly, smiling.
There was no “from now on” for them.
She didn’t need promises about the future.
Frank caught the hint of strain in her smile and felt a pang. His eyes softened as he replied, “Not far. We’ll be there in about ten minutes.”
With her makeup done, Elissa’s delicate features looked even more striking, a subtle allure shining through. Yet she still carried an air of quiet innocence–soft peach fuzz on her cheeks visible in the gentle light–making her seem at once vulnerable and untouchable.
But she’d chosen a seat at the far end of the backseat, keeping a gap between them wide enough for two more people.
She was keeping her distance.
“Elissa…” Frank finally couldn’t help himself. He leaned in ever so slightly, his voice low, searching for forgiveness. “You’re still upset with me, aren’t you?”
Elissa wasn’t sure what had gotten into him. In the past, as long as things looked peaceful on the surface, that was enough for him.
Tonight felt different.
“No.”
Elissa was good at saying what she didn’t mean.
What would holding a grudge change, anyway? He’d just send a few more gifts. They’d go back and forth, wasting time she’d rather spend back at the clinic, helping her patients.
Before Frank could press her further, the limited–edition Maybach glided to a stop in front of the hotel.
Frank’s sharp features and tall frame drew plenty of nces as he stepped out, but he seemed not to notice. Instead, he bent down patiently, straightening Elissa’s dress as she climbed out.
Elissa caught the envy in the eyes of several women nearby.
“Let’s go,” Frank said, offering his arm with a warm, inviting smile.
<b>2/3 </b>
<b>11:11 </b>
Elissa lowered her gaze, hesitating. But before she could move, a sleek 911 pulled up
behind them.
Marcia stepped out in a morous dress, moving with practiced poise. She walked right over and looped her arm through Frank’s. “Frank, I saw an extra invitation at home and figured you must have saved it for me. So I came along.”
She turned to Elissa with a bright, innocent smile. “You don’t mind, do you?”