The Surreptitious Mr. Wolfe

Part 11- Serendipity

❇❇❇ SERENDIPITY ❇❇❇"

"How did you get involved with Max?" Mr. Wolfe asks Ella as he was driving.

"Max just kind of...appeared." She truthfully replied

The car stopped and they were parked in front of the lush, enclosed city park.

"Let me see the scar, Ella." He gently says, turning his gaze to her. She diffidently meets his stare, she cannot refuse as she sees the concern in his eyes. She turns her head and he manages to get a closer look. He tenderly clasps her face and leans in closer. Ella felt something she had never felt before- not even with Jace, she felt an odd feeling of comfort and significance

"That bastard..." Mr. Wolfe quietly murmurs. "I see you've already cleaned it, wait, let me find a Band-Aid. I think I have one in my wallet." Mr. Wolfe rushes. Ella watches as he frantically searches for one.

"Sir, please calm down. I'm fine." She says as she notices frenetic behaviour.

"I just- I just wish I was there. Look, everywhere I take you- something happens. If you're not almost getting crushed by rubble, you're dealing with lunatics and haughty tarts." He sighs, "I just want the best for you, don't ask me why, the answer is anonymous to me too, I just do." He trails off.

Whatever thought she had of Mr. Wolfe using her as a means of publicity had now departed. He was sincere in his words, and selfless in his actions.

"Lift your head, Sweetheart, I found a Band-Aid." He soothingly says, finally breaking the silence, and she complies. He opens the Band-Aid, but before he places it on her cheek, he leans in closer and gives her scar a light peck. Ella felt the temperature in her face rise as he pulled away.

"So, Ella, what did you eat at the country club?" He asks with a smile. She reaches for her bag and removes the idle stack of money he gave her, slowly sliding it to his side of the dashboard.

"I didn't eat anything..." She sheepishly replied. He sighs and gives her a fond smile.

"I should've known, it's not in your nature to accept things like this. You're always fighting me, Ella. You truly are different." He dotingly says.

"I have my own money, Mr Wolfe. It may not be much, but it's all I need. " She says with a beaming smile.

"You are an inspiration, Ella." He says in wonder, she let's off a shy giggle, which causes him to light up. "Now, let's go for walk. Coniston Park is my favourite recreational area in perhaps the entire world." He says and looks towards the park.

"Then let's go."Ella chirps.

***

"Mr. Wolfe..." Ella hesitantly calls out as the two are seated under a tree on a park bench.

"Sweetheart." He confirms.

"D-do you have anger issues, sir?" She timidly asks. He is a bit taken aback by her question.

"Why do you ask, Ella?" He asks nonchalantly.

"W-well I heard you yell at your employees, sir. It was incredibly...crude." She says, giving him a quick glance to inspect his expression.