Chapter 3: A Face From The Past

Elena’s POV

The glittering hall was a testament to the Host's wealth and influence. Crystal chandeliers cast golden light across a sea of well-dressed elites, their laughter and chatter filling the air. I stood with my arm linked to Adrian’s, my designer dress and flawless makeup doing little to hide the turmoil I was feeling inside.

“Try not to embarrass me,” Adrian muttered, his lips barely moving as he smiled at a passing elite.

I gritted my teeth, resisting the urge to snap back. The humiliation of my new reality was bad enough without adding a public scene.

Adrian had insisted I accompany him tonight, not out of affection, but to maintain appearances. The Hawthorne family was negotiating a major partnership with Everhart Enterprises, the host of the luxurious dinner event, and Adrian was desperate to prove himself capable of closing the deal.

“Stay right here and don’t do anything stupid. I’ll be right back,” Adrian said before walking away.

I glanced around the room, my eyes scanning for a quiet corner where I could retreat. But then, a familiar voice cut through the room, interrupting my thoughts.

“Elena?”

I froze, my breath catching in my throat. Slowly, I turned toward the voice, and my heart slammed against my ribs.

There he was. Lucas Everhart.

He looked even more striking than I remembered—taller, broader, his tailored suit accentuating his commanding presence. His piercing blue eyes locked onto mine, filled with a mixture of shock and something deeper... hurt.

“Lucas...” I whispered, my voice barely audible.

Before Lucas could continue speaking, I felt Adrian’s grip on my arm, tightened as he followed my gaze. His expression shifted, from a flicker of annoyance to a forced smile.

“Ah, Mr. Everhart,” Adrian said smoothly, extending a hand. “ I'm Adrian Hawthorne. It’s an honor to finally meet you.”

Lucas shook Adrian’s hand briefly, his eyes never leaving mine. “Adrian, is it? And... Elena?”

Adrian’s smile faltered. “You know my wife?”

“Wife?” Lucas’s voice dropped, his shock evident. He turned back to me. “I didn’t realize...”

“How would you? After what happened?” I said, my voice strained. I could feel Adrian’s gaze boring into mine, his irritation barely concealed.

“I'm sorry... it's been so long,” Lucas said softly, his eyes searching mine. “We should catch up.”

Adrian let out a sharp laugh, breaking the tension. “Don’t mind my wife’s tone. Elena’s been a bit busy lately. Marriage and all.”

His condescension made me flinch, but I forced a tight smile. “There’s nothing to talk about, Lucas. Not anymore. It’s nice to see you.”

Lucas nodded, though his expression remained guarded. “Likewise.”

Sensing the tension, Adrian quickly changed the subject. “I believe we have some business to discuss, Mr. Everhart. Perhaps we can set up a meeting?”

“Perhaps,” Lucas replied coolly. “But first, I’d like a word with your wife. If you don’t mind.”

Adrian’s jaw tightened, but he plastered on a fake smile. “Of course. I’ll be at the bar.”

As Adrian walked away, Lucas stepped closer. His voice was low and steady. “What’s going on, Elena? Why are you with him?”

I looked away, my throat tightening. “It’s… complicated.”

“Complicated doesn’t explain why you’re married to someone like Adrian Hawthorne,” Lucas said, his gaze softening.

“Lucas, please,” I whispered, my eyes darting around the room. “I can’t talk about this here. And should we even be talking about this? You suddenly left, and the only thing you’re curious about is my marriage? Who are you now? You’re so different from the Lucas I knew. What happened?”

His hand brushed my arm gently. “Then meet me somewhere else. You said you don't want to talk about this here. Let's meet somewhere else, just the two of us, then you can tell me what happened to you.”

“Lucas—”

“Elena!” Adrian’s voice cut through the air, sharp and accusing. He strode toward us, his face dark with anger. “Sorry, Mr Everhart. Time's up. I need to be with my wife. I'm a family man, so I can't stay long without my wife, right, love?”

I stepped back, my pulse racing. “Of course,” I said quickly, avoiding Lucas’s eyes.

Adrian’s hand gripped my waist possessively as he steered me away. He leaned down, his voice a harsh whisper. “What the hell was that?”

“Nothing,” I said, my voice steady despite the storm building inside me.

“It didn’t look like nothing,” Adrian hissed. “ How are you two related and what were you telling him? Stay away from him. Do you hear me?”

I nodded, my nails digging into my palms. But as Adrian turned to greet another guest, my gaze drifted back to Lucas, who stood across the room, watching me with a mix of concern and determination.

---

The Next Day

I couldn’t shake the memory of Lucas’s face from the night before. The shock in his eyes, the gentle concern in his voice—it all lingered, tugging at a part of me I’d tried to bury. But as much as Lucas’s sudden reappearance unsettled me, it was Adrian’s reaction to it that made me nervous.

“Explain yourself,” Adrian barked as soon as he approached me.

I didn’t flinch. I already knew he would ask about it, but I pretended not to know. “About what?”

“About why you were so damn cozy with Lucas Everhart last night?” Adrian snarled, his eyes blazing.

“I wasn’t cozy with anyone, Adrian. You asked me to follow you to the dinner and act like a wife. I did just that. What else do you want from me?”

“What were you thinking, talking to him like that?” he demanded, pacing the living room.

“I wasn’t thinking anything,” I said calmly. “We’re old friends. That’s all.”

“Friends?” Adrian scoffed. “Do you think I don’t know what you’re playing at? You think you can charm him into sabotaging me? Do you know what’s at stake here? That man could decide the future of this company. Do you have any idea how damaging it would be if he heard something bad about me? Did you tell him that I’m irresponsible? Did you give him details about this house just to get revenge on the Hawthorne family?”

I frowned. “You think I’d ruin your chances to close a deal on purpose? What do you even take me for? I have no interest in Lucas’s opinion of you or your company, neither can I influence his decision.”

Adrian snapped, “I think you don’t know how to keep your mouth shut, and you’d love to use every means possible to screw me over.”

My chest tightened, but I refused to let him see my hurt. “I didn’t say anything, Adrian. Believe it or not, I don’t enjoy humiliating myself or others.”

“Good,” he said coldly. “Because if I find out that you’re feeding him dirt about me and I lose this deal, I’ll make sure you regret it.”

As Adrian stormed upstairs, I sank onto the couch, my mind racing. Lucas’s sudden reappearance had stirred feelings I thought I’d buried long ago. But Adrian’s threats lingered in my mind, a reminder of the fragile ground I stood on. If Adrian lost the deal, it would be all my fault. I had to stay away from Lucas, by all means.