One Night Surprise

Chapter 360 Are You Taking Her Hostage?

When Courtney got out of the car, she was slightly surprised to see the familiar courtyard in front of her. “Lilian, didn’t I sell this house?”

At that time, Lilian was asking her assistant to bring the luggage into the house. “President Grant was afraid that you might not be used to staying in other places when you come back, so he asked me to repurchase the house after you left,” Lilian explained, giving Courtney mixed emotions.

The furnishings inside the house were almost the same as before. The only difference was probably the Christmas tree by the fireplace. It was decorated with colorful decorations, filling the place with Christmas vibes.

“He decorated this place himself before Christmas.”

“Did he invite any friends over?” Courtney touched the bell decoration hanging on the Christmas tree. Then, she went on, “He used to love having parties every year. The garden used to be crowded with guests.”

“No.” Lilian’s voice sounded from behind. “He stayed here all night alone on Christmas Eve.”

Hearing this, Courtney froze and slowly turned to look at Lilian in astonishment. “Alone?”

Those few years when Courtney was in America, Elijah would prepare a month in advance for every festival, selecting and roasting the turkey for Thanksgiving, picking and wrapping gifts, and planning games for Christmas. Hence, it gave Courtney the impression that he liked to celebrate festivities.

“Mm-hmm.” Lilian nodded with a subtle hint of sadness in her eyes. “President Grant doesn’t have many friends in America. Most of them are just acquaintances from work. All festivals were just like any other day of the year to him after you left.”

Unlike Courtney, Lilian had accompanied Elijah for many years and noticed that he was frowning most of the time. Yet, he smiled every time he saw Courtney, even though he was overwhelmed with troubles.

Courtney and Tina decorate the Christmas tree and go Christmas

past, Lilian always thought that Elijah and Courtney would stay together forever; no matter where Courtney went, she would never find another man who treated her

was staring at her, Courtney said, “I

to carry her luggage to the bedroom on the second floor. “You don’t have to bring it upstairs. Just give it

is more convenient than the hotel. Everything’s the same as before,” Lilian told

Courtney pulled the luggage to her side, she turned slowly and replied, “It’s not the same. We all have

Lilian’s gaze turned

you’re being too cruel? Why didn’t you say anything like that during those five years? You let him open up his heart to you, took whatever you please from him, used him, and then dumped him.

relief, Courtney deduced, “Elijah didn’t ask you to bring me here. It

“So what? I had to let you know how he felt about you. You know that he treated you so well all these years, but do you know the things he did for you and why he did them?

I

wouldn’t leave? Should I say that I know that he treated me so well because he had feelings for me and that I felt the same way too? Do you want me to respond this way?” Courtney asked flatly. Then, she glanced at Lilian. “You keep thinking that he treats me so well and gives me whatever I ask for, but have you ever wondered why he

Lilian stared at

afraid of losing them, then you’ll feel the same way even if they’re yours. It will only make you even more insecure. His heart is troubled, and he doesn’t believe in love. What he placed on me is hope which he can’t lose—not love, as you had thought. As for what’s troubling him, you

Lilian didn’t know how

look for a hotel. Tell him that I’m too tired

felt for the first time that Courtney understood Elijah more

met; I didn’t expect that it had scarred him so deeply. He became defensive and buried his past because he had suffered too much already. After