Running away

Did I know what I was doing? No. Did I have a plan to support myself after rejecting Nathan Sinclair’s second proposal? Hell no! Who needs a plan when you have courage? At least, that’s what made sense in my head as I hurried down the stairs to escape the stunned reaction of the cousins.  
That was the second time I had walked out on Nathan in a temper. I didn’t know how he would take such a massive rejection when he couldn’t tolerate a 'no' over trivial things.  
I clenched my fists fearlessly, pushing that thought away as I descended the stairs at an increased speed. What was going on in my head? Where would I go alone? I felt nothing except that I wouldn’t allow another man to play with my heart.  
“Stop, Miss Walter!” someone called from behind, and my feet stopped and stuck to the last step like glue. The voice didn’t belong to Nathan as I had expected. It was Elijah. “Where are you running off to? We’re in the middle of the woods. Did I or Nathan say anything wrong? I thought an apology and getting back together with Nathan was all you wanted.” 
I turned around in a fit of anger, gripping and digging my nails into the handrail. “Nathan is mistaken if he thinks people still want him irrespective of what he does to them. He didn’t have to put a ring on my finger when he had doubts about my identity, intent, and truthfulness. Why? Why did he do that, Elijah? I certainly didn’t beg him to marry me.” 
“Uh.” Elijah stared at me awkwardly with a gaping mouth. “Since I know nothing about your relationship, I can’t give you my opinion.” 
“Good!” I gritted my teeth. “Marrying a billionaire’s son may be the dream for most women, but I am not going to swallow my self-respect for money,” I said at the top of my voice, unafraid that it could reach Nathan’s ears. “Tell him I am not interested in becoming his play toy.” I deliberately raised my voice to let Nathan hear. “I felt better being his punching bag. What I can’t allow is for someone to play with my feelings. Go tell him that!” 
“Sure.” Elijah raised his hands, requesting me to calm down. “Is there a need for me to do that? The forest animals must have heard your words loud and clear.” 
“Ugh!” I grunted, looking away. A comic is the worst person to be around in a bad mood. “Thanks for finding humor in my suffering. If you’re entertained enough, can you drive me out of here? I don’t want to stay.” 
“Why?” Elijah moved down a few steps. “Amelia, I think you should sit with Nathan and sort this out.” 
"So it's a no?" I folded my arms, staying rigid on my demands. "I guess I will have to find a way out of here by myself. Since I don't have a vehicle, a bear might attack and kill me. I guess some things are worth the risk." 
"Why are you acting this way?" Elijah's expression became grim. "I thought you wanted to continue working at the Sinclair estate. And where do you want to go? To the police to seek protection from the mafia? Remember, they don’t guard people from imaginary threats. The police have their hands full. They don’t have the time to look after one lonely person for life, whereas the mafia has all the time in the world to keep grudges and hunt people like dogs. Are you sure running away is the right decision for you?" 
My stubbornness quickly disappeared upon hearing the truth—a logical yet bitter truth of my reality. As someone who had no friends or family to look after her and little to no money, I would only put my life in peril by leaving the Sinclair estate.  
"Amelia, stop running away. Sit and talk. I promise I won't let anything trigger another panic attack in you," said Elijah solemnly. He extended a hand for me to hold to move upwards together. 
Instead of taking Elijah's hand, I sat right where I was standing and buried my head into my lap. "Why I am desperate to run away from here is a half mystery to me as well. It might have something to do with my old habit of leaving every time things became difficult. I had decided to elope with my ex without giving my family a chance to accept him or talk me out of it. I walked out on John the moment I found out about his disloyalty, and coming to the Sinclair estate was also an escape for me. My body has programmed itself to flee from dangerous situations and potential mistakes. Nathan feels like a mistake, too. I can't help myself. Let me leave, Elijah. I am begging you." 
"But, Amelia..." Elijah began. 
"It's bad manners to stop a person who is in a rush to leave, dear cousin." Nathan's dominating voice made me stand up and look behind. My ex-fiance of a few days was standing at the top of the stairs. "If Amelia wishes to leave, we let her leave. She wants someone to drop her at my home. We are obliged to do that." Nathan paused, slowly descending the stairs. Since silence was the worst thing Nathan could do to someone, I couldn't predict his next move or emotion. He stopped at the same step I was standing, looking me dead straight in the eyes. I swiftly moved towards the handrail and gripped it as tightly as possible from behind. "And if Amelia never wishes to be my partner again, we have to respect that as well." Nathan finished. 
I couldn't help but stare at him dramatically. Elijah probably had the same reaction. My unblinking and wide were so busy trying to process Nathan's words that they didn't want to spare a second to look elsewhere. Why the hell would the devil respect someone's decision to reject him? My words must have broken his brain.  
"Amelia, Elijah doesn't seem to be in the mood to drive you anywhere, so I would like to volunteer to take you to my home. It's technically your home, too, as I am okay with rehiring you as my caretaker. Would that be okay with you?" Nathan asked with an angelic smile.  
He had left everyone dumbfounded yet again. Why was he being so nice and accepting? He wanted to throw me off a moving car or murder me in a secluded area. What else?