Henry felt a sense of panic as he considered her with someone else .  Another man arm and arm with her delicate body .  She was a husk of her former self still and if someone treated her poorly . . . he couldn't bear to see that .  It was a conflict that raged behind his cool eyes .  He was sure that love was an illusion it would not last for someone like him .  He knew that their friends.h.i.+p would as he had proven in many of his past dalliances .  It would stay sure for as long as they were near each other .  This he could hold in his hand and trust that it would stay .

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He tried to phrase in a way that would not hurt her .  "No, no, that's not what I mean .  I mis-spoke my intentions .  I very rarely have this closeness to others . " His words tumbled after each other as he tried again .  "I do like you too Ellie .  But, I'm not really in the heads.p.a.ce right now to pursue a relations.h.i.+p with anyone .  The idea of being someone's boyfriend or even more being a husband isn't something that at this point in my life is something I'm ready for .  I will be happy to be by your side always, but not as your partner .  At least, not yet for me, marriage is too much for me to consider right now . "Find authorized novels in Webnovel，faster updates, better experience，Please click www . webnovel . com for visiting .

Henry looked at the red and puffiness that had appeared around Ellie's downcast eyes and wondered what he should do if she was going to cry .  It was not something he was good at dealing with or really ever had much want to .  Instead she surprised him she wiped her eyes quickly and looked alright .  She seemed to be more capable than he had previously thought .  

"It was a bit too good to be the same for both of us . I'm not offended that you don't feel the same . But I knew I would regret it if I didn't at least shoot my shot .  I wanted to at least consider this possibility .  I'm glad that I did . " She took his hand warmly as she turned him .  "Do you think you could help me find some more cookies? I'd love to get the recipe from your chef, but I have no idea where the kitchen is in this big house . "

 Henry looked like he had been very delighted with her response . Ellie noted this with mixed feelings as she was unsure whether this would bode well or ill for her in the future .  There was a barely discernable spring to his step as he continued to steer her in the direction she had indicated with her previous speech . On Henry's mind he was jovial .  It was a prize to him that he had not lost her .  Henry had not really thought how much his companions.h.i.+p with her was important until she had pointed out it could be rescinded .  He did not want to think what it would be like without her here .