Chapter: 78: Welcome Gifts
Elena
It took three days and several cups of strong coffee, but I was finally standing in my new apartment—a pristine, modern space nestled in one of the city's luxury buildings. High ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows, marble countertops… it was just what I was looking for.
I sank into the couch, staring out at the skyline, but my mind kept wandering back to my meeting with Cornell.
Even now, I could still hear the sharp edge in his voice as he threw my words back at me. This project was too big to let my personal matters ruin it so I tried to pacify him, redirecting our conversation back to the project proposal.
He hadn't been cruel, just… stern. Unyielding. Every point I made, he challenged. Every suggestion, he countered, making me double down on my explanations. When I tried to ask for confirmation on the deal, he calmly pushed the final decision to "another day." If he was trying to get under my skin, he most definitely succeeded.
I didn't push the matter any further in hopes that he would make the right decision and not let our earlier conversation come in the way of business. After all, I could tell that he knew my proposal was good and his company also stood to benefit from the project.
Shaking my head, I brushed the memory off. I had other things to think about. Like meeting my new neighbors. I stood up and stretched. I had made a small batch of my signature apple pie last night—something sweet to accompany my housewarming efforts. Since I was in a new environment, I might as well start on a good note with the neighbors.
Grabbing my carefully wrapped pies in a basket, I stepped out into the hallway and made my way to the first door.
The woman who answered was heavily pregnant, her dark curls tied back and a soft smile lighting up her face. "Hi, I'm Elena. I just moved in and thought I'd bring something sweet."
"Oh my gosh! You're the new tenant?" She said, still smiling.
"I am," I said, returning the smile.
"Co—Come in dearie." She gestured with her hand.
We settled down at her kitchen island. I brought out the pie I had prepared for her, handing it over.
"Thank you," she said taking the plate from me and opening it up. "This looks delicious. I've been dying for anything with cinnamon," she laughed.
"I'm Riley by the way."
I smiled. "I'm glad you like it, Riley."
We chatted for a few minutes, mostly about the building's amenities and how her baby was due in a month. It was nice. Simple.
I said my goodbyes, feeling just a little more grounded. I only had one pie left, and one more neighbor to greet—my next-door neighbor.
In high spirits, I knock on the door excited to greet my new neighbor hoping they would be as pleasant as Riley.
I hope they like my apple pie too.
In a few minutes, the door swung open and nothing could've prepared me for what I saw next.
It was a shirtless Cornell in grey sweatpants. He had changed a lot over the years. Even though I didn't want to admit it, he looked hotter. His toned abs kept staring back at me and with how long my eyes kept glued to his body one could think I was a pervert.
"Miss Kingston. Are you stalking me?" He cocked an eyebrow, passing his hand through his wet hair.
"You." I gasped still in surprise. How could he be my Neighbour?
Was this bad karma or an opportunity?
"Bringing me food isn't going to hasten my decision," he said looking at me warily.
'Oh my gosh. How could he think I came to bribe him over the project?'
"W—What, No, I didn't know you wer—" I stammered out before he cut me off.
He moved back into his house, creating room for me to enter. "Are you going to remain standing out there?"
Without thinking I walked right in as if I had planned this from the start.
His apartment was sleek and refined. Polished hardwood floors, black and steel furniture, art lining the walls that I didn't need to examine closely to know they cost a fortune. Everything about the space felt like he left his mark everywhere. Which only seemed he'd been living here before I moved in.
He gestured for me to take a seat on his couch. I turned headed there when I noticed the open bottle of wine on the center table.
Taking a seat, Cornell strode in behind me with a second glass cup. He placed it on the table before taking the seat adjacent to me.
Crossing his legs he spoke. "So… to what do I owe this pleasure?"
I didn't know if I should tell him I was now his neighbor. After pushing him away, I now looked like a puppy following him around because of a business deal.
"I—I came to see a friend—she asked me to help her distribute these," I said pointing at the basket on my lap. "She's not feeling too well so…"
He looked at me suspiciously but I averted his gaze. "I didn't know you lived here," I said low but to his hearing.
He kept still not saying a word. "Are you going to keep looking at me shirtless?" The words flew right out my mouth with no hesitation.
"Do I make you uncomfortable Elena?" He asked plainly.
"N—no. I just thought… it would be better if—" I was saying while looking down at my basket when his voice cut in. "I didn't distract you?" His words came right above me.
"What?" I turned my gaze up to see his chest up in my face. "What are you doing?" I jolted.
"Relax. I just wanted to hand you a glass to drink," he said, the glass cup he was holding now coming to light.
"Erm, thank you," I murmured.
He picked up the basket. "I believe this is for me."
"Ahh, yes,"
He took the basket headed for what I believed to be his kitchen. I had nervously gulped down the wine before he came back in view.
Taking a seat on the couch armrest he spoke. "You are quite the trusting fellow Elena." The grin on his face widened.
"What do you mean by that?" I questioned, confusion etched on my features.
"Oh, nothing. Aren't you a bit worried that I could have drugged you?" He spoke with no emotion.
Dread washed over me at his words but I tried to remain calm. I didn't feel anything or maybe the drugs were yet to kick in. "Yo—you wouldn't do that to me," I replied trying to appease whatever morals he had.
He chuckled. "YOU. Isn't that the more reason I would do that?"
"You should have figured how much I want you," he said walking closer to me.
"Here you are delivering yourself to my doorstep." His smile widened as his finger held my chin.
Anger surged through me and I slapped his hand away. "Don't you dare." My words carried weight.
But for some reason, he found my words funny. Laughing he took the seat beside me. "I was just joking with you my Love," he said reclining in the chair. "You shouldn't trust people so easily."
"Don't play those kinds of jokes with me, Cornell." I turned to look at him. "I don't appreciate it."
"I know that I want you," his voice turned serious. "But the last thing I want is to have you by force."
I don't know why but his words gave me relief.
He took my hand in his kissing it lightly. "I'm sorry," his words came out slow and steady.
"If you're truly sorry then sign our deal as soon as possible," I huffed getting up to my feet.
"Anything for you milady." He looked happy and relaxed.
"I'll be on my way," I said turning. "You don't have to see me of—" my words got cut off when a wave of dizziness hit me. I felt the floor go askew as my balance faltered.
Everything went black.