Elias’ Crimes and Punishments of Romance

Elias stepped into the elevator and pressed the button for the 17th floor. As the elevator ascended, he pondered over what this woman named Melissa Walters could possibly want. She had come all the way from Esmos, rented a place for half a year, and it was evident that she wasn’t planning to settle down. permanently. Whatever her purpose, it had captivated his curiosity.

Ding! The elevator door opened slowly.

He walked out of the elevator and headed straight for Unit 1702.

While standing outside the door, he contemplated for a few seconds before pressing the doorbell. Seconds. ticked by, but there was no response from within, causing him to arch his brows. Yacob insisted the woman would be home, so why had she not answered the door? She must be avoiding me on purpose.

Elias pressed the doorbell again, but his patience waned as the seconds dragged on without a response. A sly grin crept across his face, and he spoke with unwavering determination through the door. “I know you’re inside. If you don’t open the door, I’ll find a way to make you do so.”

After what felt like an eternity, the door slowly creaked open, revealing a woman in a bathrobe. He was spellbound as he caught sight of her true face, a breathtaking beauty that radiated charm from delicate feature.

“Who are you looking for, sir?” Melissa inquired.

However, he cut in abruptly, and his tone was icy, “You don’t know my name? You didn’t know my name when you followed me to the hospital?”

“Who followed you? It’s common knowledge that people visit hospitals for medical care. Do you think your family is running the hospital? Why don’t you mind your own business?” she countered with a smirk.

Elias maintained a serene composure, his voice steady as he confirmed, “Indeed, it is.”

A hush fell over Melissa as she pondered the rumors surrounding the formidable Winters Family-an affluent and influential force in the country whose wealth was woven intricately into various industries.

the door open and walked in without scruples. He didn’t

behind him and asked, “What do

standing before him, a tinge of suspicion colored his expression. “Care to explain why you were tailing me to the hospital? Spare me the excuse of seeking medical treatment, as

locks, Melissa responded nonchalantly, “Can’t I visit

visit any patients. Do you think I wouldn’t check that information?” His patience was wearing

you’re talking about. I was just passing by and accidentally bumped into that nurse. Why are you so persistent and even following me to my house? Are you

smile danced across Elias’ lips. He settled onto the couch and stated, “I’m not too busy

appropriate? You, a married man, staying alone in a single woman’s house? Won’t your wife be jealous?”

I have a wife? Have you investigated me,

herself for giving it away but maintained a calm facade. “I have at secret

storm clouds. Soon, a scornful chuckle escaped his lips, carrying the

heard those words, Melissa felt a tingling sensation surge through her scalp. This man is too arrogant! Am I not even worthy of having a secret crush on him? “Then, who is worthy? Your ex-wife? Didn’t you divorce her?” she retorted

he found himself echoing the same question he had posed earlier. “What’s your purpose in following me? Does my paternity test have anything to do with

I

extracting valuable information from her would be an uphill battle. Resigned to reality, he knew he had to entrust Yacob with further investigation. With that realization, he stood up, peering down at the mysterious figure before him, and inquired, “You went to Esmos four years

tense situation, Melissa maintained a stoic silence as she gazed at the man before

other ordinary men, upon receiving such shocking paternity test results, would have hurried home to confront their wives. Yet, Elias

to close the door firmly behind him. The weight of the situation pressed upon her, and she knew she could no longer linger here as she had to find a new place to