Chapter 59

Elena’s POV:

I woke up in the middle of the night to an empty bed. I turned on the headlamp, hoping that Nicklaus would be on the bed with me, but he wasn't.

It's been a week since I set my eyes on Nicklaus. He hadn't come to the house, and the last time I saw him was when we last made love. 

I thought things were going to get better after that night, but they only became worse.

I was empty, and I needed someone to fill me. 

I turned and moved to his side of the bed. I held his pillow tightly to me. I perceived his soft scent on the pillow.

I remembered his face and his sparkling eyes. They were his smile and his deep voice.

I had missed him so much, and I am craving his presence. I remembered all the times we were happy. When we just got married and how close we became. I remember how he would tease me and always become jealous when he saw another man close to me.

I remembered how we made love on our honeymoon and how our bond started becoming strong.

I have been doing everything alone for the last few weeks. I ate alone, slept alone, and healed alone.

Zoey had been the only person keeping me company and making me smile. Nothing else seemed to make me smile. Irina always tries her best to keep me company too. 

I needed my own space. To think and clear my head. I also needed to look for a way to clear my name before things got out of hand, but I had nowhere to go.

My family wouldn't accept me back. It felt like I had been abandoned and the world had turned its back on me, but I managed to stay strong and encourage myself.

I lay back in bed and went back to sleep. 

****

I blink my eyes after a few hours to see that the sun had risen. I felt energetic and strengthened. I stretched my body on the bed and yawned. 

There was a knock on the door. “Come in,” I said, and the door was swung open.

“Good morning, Madam Elena. I hope you had a wonderful night's rest.” Irina asked.

I felt sad for a moment when I remembered how I had slept alone. I smiled and nodded my head to keep my happy energy. “Yes, I had a wonderful night's rest. Did you sleep well?” I asked.

Irina nodded her head. “Yes, I did,” she said. “Would you like me to clean your room right now or should I come back later, ma'am?” she asked.

“Yes, you can clean my room. "You were just about to take my bath.” I said that and walked into the bathroom.

“Can I help you prepare a warm bath so that you can have a relaxing time in the bathroom?” she asked.

“Yes, please. I will appreciate that so much.” I said.

She added essential oils, lit the scented candles, and added rose petals to the bathtub. The bubbles were foaming, and everywhere smelt heavenly.

The nice fragrance seemed to improve my mood, and I started to feel relaxed.

“Your bath is ready, ma'am.” she announced.

“Alright,” I smiled. “I love the nice fragrances. You are the best, Irina. Thank you,” I said, undressed while I made my way to the tub.

I sat in there and rested my head on the board while I closed my eyes. I allowed the warm water to relax my muscles.

Irina cleaned the bedroom and moved to the closet.

“Irina,” I called.

"Yes, ma'am,” she responded.

“I am sure you are aware of all the issues I have been having with my husband, right? Every worker in this house knows about it,” I said.

  

“Well, ma'am. I can't deny that you both are not as close as you used to be,” she said.

“That's right,” I nodded. “Can I ask you a question?” I asked.

“Yes ma'am. You can,” she responded.

“If you find yourself in my situation right now, what would you do to make yourself happy and forget about your sorrows? Remember, there is nowhere to go. You just have to stay in this house and get over the pain. What would you do?” I asked, looking at her curiously.

“Wow! Ma'am, do you need an honest opinion?” she asked.

“Yes, why not? Advise me like my best friend,” I said.

“Okay. First of all, I will try to stay positive, and since I cannot leave the house for some days, I will just go out in the morning, have fun, and come back later in the day,” she said.

“I could go on solo dates, visit the spa, and maybe go clubbing. Those are satisfying. I will make sure I have all of this fun and get exhausted before nightfall so I can have a good night's rest,” she said.

I narrowed my eyes and watched her explain. 

“This is great advice, Irina. Do you know what I will do today?” I asked.

She gave me a questioning look. “I will go on a spa day and go to the cinema,” I spoke with a satisfying smile on my face.

I want to be happy and for once forget about all of the pain and torture. It would be great to take time for myself and remind myself that there is still a lot to see and enjoy in this life.

Nothing, not even Nicklaus or Sarah, would stop that from happening. I know that I am innocent, and I believe strongly that I will be vindicated.