Bye, My Irresistible Love

Helen's POV:

I remained holed up in the meeting room till all my colleagues left.I was clueless about where to go.Perhaps I should book a room in a hotel for a few days.I needed to hide my red swollen cheek from George.I thought the office was deserted, but when I stepped out, I found Phil still sitting at his desk, busy as usual.

He had obviously remained behind out of concern for me.He looked up at me when I finally came out of the meeting room, turned off the computer, and approached me.

"Where are you going? I'll drop you off." Phil was always such a caring and considerate man.I was greatly touched by his compassion so I gave him the name of the hotel I planned to stay at.

"Okay! Let's go." Phil picked up the car keys and we walked to the garage.

He was so understanding that he didn't ask about the unpleasant incident involving George's mother earlier.

After entering the elevator, Phil suggested, "Helen, instead of going to the hotel now, may I suggest that we pop in at my home? You can visit with my mother for a bit.She hasn't seen you in a while and really misses you."

"Thank you, but I'd rather not.I'm afraid the sight of my swollen face will give rise to too many questions." I had finally managed to calm down after spending hours alone in the meeting room.

"Okay."

Phil didn't insist and opened the door for me like a true gentleman.I fixed my gaze out of the window as we traveled to the hotel.I was in a stupor and my heart felt like a deep, dark, bottomless pit.

It was not until Phil called my name that I returned to the present.

"Helen, your phone is ringing.Answer it."

Actually my phone had been ringing for quite a while but I really didn't hear it.My mind was so far away.

When I saw George's name pop up on the screen, I was hesitant to answer it.

Finally, I took his call.

"I'll give you one more chance.When will you come back?"

George's voice was sad but firm.I couldn't hold back any longer and I shed bitter tears.I felt so aggrieved by the incident that I almost choked on my heavy sobs.

"I don't want to come home tonight." I couldn't let him see his mother's handiwork on my face.

was torn between his mother and me.He was already deeply saddened

he would do.I was not afraid of his mother’s threats.I just didn't want George to

close enough for

think the car behind us is George's.I noticed him following us for

up at the rearview mirror and saw that George was

slowly ease like

caught up with us.He

braked in time to avoid

jerked forward and then

seat belt.I looked out and realized

his car

window and gestured

the seat belt obediently and got

held my face in his hands and stared at me.He then asked with much angst, "What happened

recall the tight slap.I held his hand

doesn't hurt

mother do

hard to accept our marriage." I quickly recounted

and paler as he tried to digest the information I shared with him.He tried to touch my cheek

it's much better

a high threshold for pain.But I was very sad.I knew that

if she were the wolf and I was little Red Riding Hood, ready

bit his lips, took my hand, and helped me back

and drop Helen off at home."I

"Don't worry.Go home and

going back to your parents’ home?’ I asked

too much.I'll be back

sensibly and peacefully with them, okay? They're you parents

at me and drove

George's POV:

calm, and I know the way I tried to communicate with my parents backfired.I had talked to them several times and had told them how much I loved Helen.I