Chapter 61

Elena’s POV:

“A solo date won't hurt,” I said, and she smiled at me from the mirror.

“You look good, ma'am. It has been a while since I saw you look happy and this elegant,” she spoke.

“Thank you, Irian. I won't let what has happened to me weigh me down. It is better to be happy than to wallow in sorrow,” I said,

I looked at my reflection in the mirror, and I admired how beautiful I looked. This wasn't the Elena I used to know for a few weeks, but now I look way prettier and happier.

“Where would you like me to take you, ma'am?” Nicklaus's driver asked.

“Yes, please. I would like to go to the mall,”

He walked to the other side of the car and opened the white Rolls-Royce for me. He drove into the streets of Los Angeles, and I glanced through the window.

After a short drive, we arrived at the mall. I walked into the spa and had a nice spa session and a body massage. I walked into the salon and got my hair and my nails done. 

I decided to get my lashes done and illuminate my brows. I soon walked into the boutique and decided to do some shopping. 

I parked my stuff in the trunk and decided to go on a solo lunch date. I crossed to the other side of the road to go into a fast-food restaurant when a black SUV pulled up in the driveway and a man stepped out.

The face looks familiar. Is that Alex?

“Elena?”

“Yes,” I answered and narrowed my eyes,“Alex?” I asked.

He nodded his head in excitement. “It's so good to see you,” he said.

“Same here,” I said, his blue eyes sparkled.

“You look different,” he said.

I nodded my head. “A little bit,” I chuckled. Yeah, I am different.

“What are you doing here?” I asked.

“I was driving by looking for where to eat lunch,” he explained.

“What a coincidence! I was just about to have lunch right now,” I said.

“Really? Then we should have lunch together,” he said.

“Sure,”

“Shall we?” he said, gesturing his hands to the entrance. We got to the restaurant and ordered our meal. Alex was my childhood friend. We did everything together with Zoey back then in high school. He went to school in New York after high school. 

We had a great time together and caught up on a lot of interesting stuff. We chatted and laughed.

We got out of the restaurant and stood in front of the building, still catching up and giggling.

“Would you like me to drop you off?” he asked.

“No, my…” I spoke, trying to object, but he cut me off.

“I insist,” he said.

“I would have loved to, but that's my driver over there,”

“Oh? That's great,” he said. I just hope we can do this another time. Elena, let’s have dinner together,” Alex said.

I smiled, lost in thought. “Are you free today?” I asked,

Alex creased his brows and narrowed his eyes. “Why did you ask?”

“Because we still have a long day ahead of us, and we could use that time to have fun together,” I said. I didn't want to go back home yet.

Alex moved closer. “So where do you want us to go right now?” he spoke.

“I don't know... "Maybe we could go somewhere quiet,” I said.

Immediately, the paparazzi showed up and started taking pictures of me.

“Mrs. Elena Coleman. Is it true that your marriage with Nicklaus is rocky?” they asked.

“Mrs Elena,”

No way, damn it!

“What is going on?” Alex asked,

I looked around, but I couldn't see Nivklaus’s car or the driver. They were nowhere to be found. “Help me get out of here.”

The paparazzi kept coming closer to me, and Alex shielded me. “Come with me, Elena,” he said, quickly opening his car door for me.

I rushed into his car, and he zoomed off. I turned around to see them rushing to catch up with us, but his speed stopped them.

I turned around and relaxed in the chair. “That was close,” I said. I sighed with relief as I opened my eyes and exhaled.

“That was close,” I sighed.

“Yes, it was. I didn't know you were married,” Alex said.

“Yes, I am,” I said.

“Wow! I never knew. And you are famous,” he said.

“That's right.” I said, I opened my purse and searched for my phone. I let out a frustrated sigh. “Fuck,” I said, placing my hand on my forehead.

“What's wrong, Elena?”

“I think I left my phone in the car while keeping my stuff in the trunk. What do I do now?” I lamented.

“You mean locating your driver?” he asked.

“Yes,”

Alex arrived at the minibar and parked his car in the driveway.

“We could stay here for some time; it will be easier for your driver to locate you. Or I could take you home,” he said.

“I don't believe you are single. You are hot and handsome. I'm sure every woman will want a man like you.” I laughed as I sipped my drink.

“It's not my fault that I am handsome, but I don't want them,” he said.

“Really? What do you want then?” I asked.

“Yes, at least not just any woman,” he says, pouring himself more wine.

“You are right,”

“Want more wine?”

“Sure,” I said, and I handed him my glass without thinking much about it.

He handed it to me, and our fingers brushed against each other. He looked up at me, and our eyes met.

He leaned close to me and said, “You are beautiful, Elena.” He whispered in my ear.

He raised his hands and pulled out a strand of my hair by my ears.

“Thank you!” I laughed. He leaned in and planted a kiss on my neck. 

“Urm, it's getting late,” I said, looking around. “I have to get going. Maybe I could reach out to my driver when I get to the house,” I said.

“You are right,” he said. We stood near his car as he ordered a ride for me. “Your ride will be here shortly, but I can take you home myself,” he said.

“A cab will be just fine,” I said. I didn't want to complicate issues between me and Nicklaus by bringing another man into our house.

“It's okay. Elena, I wish we could do this again. I had a good time, and I want to spend a lot of time with you,” Alex confessed.

“Uh…”

“You can't have a good time with my wife,” the voice spoke out loud from behind.