Elena's eyelids opened and closed quickly. She was met with the familiar sight of her childhood bedroom. Its walls were painted a soft, creamy colour and the bed was giant. The flowery carpet was so soft. Big curtains hung from the windows like puffy white clouds.
The room was filled with pretty things:shiny vases, and old books with fancy covers. Everything looked expensive and fancy. The grand castle-like mansion that was her family's home surrounded her in its warmth and comfort. As she sat up her gaze wandered around the room. Her eyes remained on the old portrait of her family. She couldn't reconcile the fact that she was back in her childhood bed, in her family's mansion, after all that had transpired. The memories of her marriage, her husband's betrayal, and the divorce that followed flooded her mind. It all felt like a dream, a nightmare that she couldn't wake up from. Just as she was lost in thought, a soft knock on the door broke the silence. "Miss Elena, it's time for breakfast," a gentle voice called out. The maid's words pierced through her, bringing her back to reality. Elena's eyes opened and closed fast, and she took a deep breath before responding, "Thank you, Maria. I'll be down soon." The sound of her voice was a reminder that this was her reality now -back in her family's mansion, starting anew. Elena's hand automatically reached for the bedframe and she attempted to hoist herself up, but her body felt like lead, refusing to cooperate. She made a painful face, her head spinning, and sank back into the pillows. After a few deep breaths, she tried again, this time managing to sit up. She swung her legs over the side of the bed, her feet dangling in mid-air as she waited for the dizziness to pass. Finally, she stood up and took a step forward as her knee hurt. The bathroom seemed like an eternity away, but she made it, holding the sink for support as she brushed her teeth. Next, she changed into a comfortable outfit, her movements slow. She popped a pain reliever into her mouth, washing it down with a glass of water. With a deep breath, she made her way downstairs, her legs feeling like jelly. The sun-drenched dining room was filled with the savoury aromas of a hearty breakfast. The long, polished table was set with fine China and crystal glasses, adorned with a centerpiece of fresh flowers. Platters of golden pancakes, crispy bacon, and scrambled eggs sat alongside bowls of fresh fruit and drinks. Mr.Wellington, sat at the head of the table, sipping his coffee. Lucas, Elena's brother, sat to his right, his eyes fixed on his phone. Elena entered the room, her steps light on the marble floor. She walked over to her father and gently kissed him on the forehead."Good morning, Dad, "her voice soft. Mr.Wellington smiled."Good morning, Sweetie. How are you feeling today?" Elena took a seat beside Lucas, who looked up from the phone and grinned."Hey, sis. What's up?" Elena smiled back, her eyes sparkling. "Not much, just a bit of a headache. But I'm okay." As they chatted, Elena reached for a slice of toast and began to butter it, her movements slow. Lucas pushed a glass of orange juice in her direction. "Here, Elena, drink this. It'll help with your headache." Their father watched them with a warm smile, happy to see his children reunited once again. Mr.Wellington cleared his throat, his eyes locked on Elena's. "Elena, dear, I wanted to discuss something with you... about your marriage." Elena's eyes dropped, her fingers fidgeting with her napkin, "Dad, I..." Mr.Wellington continued, his voice soft but firm. We've been monitoring you and we have seen how unhappy you have been. How much you struggled to make it work.The love you showed to Alan. And now ...it's over." He reached out, placing a gentle arm on Elena's arm."We are here for you, sweetie. Your brother and I will support you, no matter what." Elena's eyes welled up, her voice barely audible."Thanks, Dad." Luca's face darkened, his eyes flashing with anger."That bastard, Alan. I'll kill him for breaking your heart, sis." Elena's eyes widened, her face pale."Lucas, no!" Mr.Wellington's voice was calm but firm. "Lucas, allow Elena to sort things herself." "Okay, Dad," Lucas replied. Mr.Wellington's eyes sparkled with excitement as he leaned back in his chair. "I have an important announcement to make, one that will shape the future of Wellington's empire." He paused, his gaze sweeping across the table, meeting the eyes of his children. "Tomorrow at the annual shareholder's meeting, I will reveal the new heir to our family's business." Elena's eyes widened, Luca's brow widened too, his eyes fixed intently on his father. Mr.Wellington's smile grew wider, his voice filled with excitement."It's a decision I've thought long and hard about, and I'm confident that the future of our empire is in good hands." The room fell silent, as Elena and Lucas exchanged a curious glance. Elena pushed her chair back, her eyes glazed over."I 'm done," she murmured, her voice barely audible. She stood up, her legs trembling beneath her. Her vision blurred, the room spinning around her. She took a few steps, her feet feeling heavy. Suddenly, her body gave way, and she slumped on the floor, her head hit on the floor. Her father and brother rushed to her side, wondering what happened. "Elena!Oh God, Elena!" her father exclaimed, cradling her head in his hands. Luca's voice was urgent."Call the doctor, now!" One of the guards sprinted out of the room, his footsteps echoing down the hallway as he rushed to use the emergency telephone. Mr Wellington and Lucas gently lifted Elena, carrying her to the nearby sofa. They laid her down, her father touching her hair, his eyes filled with worry. "Elena, sweetie, can you hear me?" he whispered his voice trembling. Ten minutes later... The doctor's footsteps echoed in the silence as he entered the room, a stethoscope around his neck. He approached Elena, who lay on the sofa, her eyes closed, her face pale. The doctor examined her, his hands moving with ease. He checked her pulse, listened to her heartbeat, and asked her a few questions. After a few minutes, he turned to Mr.Wellington and Lucas, his eyes locking onto theirs. "Gentlemen," he began, his voice low."Elena is going to be there's something you should know." He paused, his eyes staring at Elena. "She's pregnant."Oh my God! I can't believe Alan did this to me after divorcing me.Elena's eyes were still fixed on her palm top which she held in her hands. A news with the headline: "DIVORCED WIFE COMMITS FRAUD "with her picture posted along with it.Her hands were shaking terribly, and she could not help but wonder what she did to deserve all this.Elena picked up her phone, her hands trembling as she dialled Alan's number. The phone rang and Alan's deep voice answered."Hello love, missing me already.""Alan, you need to stop playing tricks on me, bring down that article or else..."Alan's laughter boomed through the phone, making Elena's heart sink."Come on, love you already signed them and we got caught. I will settle you for taking the fall."Elena's grip on the phone tightened."How dare you? After ruining my life, with your useless mistress. You still blackmailed me". Alan's chuckles continued, mocking and annoying."Take the fall, Elena."The line went dead, and Elena was left staring at her
Elena's eyelids opened slowly, groggily taking in her surroundings. She lay on a hospital bed, surrounded by the smell of antiseptics, drugs and the soft beeping of machines. As she tried to lift her hand, she felt a pain and a cold metal digging into her wrist. Her gaze followed the handcuff chained to the bed rail.Her father and brother stood beside her, their faces filled with concern."Elena, thank God you are awake!" her father exclaimed, his voice trembling.Her brother rushed to press the call button."Doctor, she's awake!"Elena began to wonder how she ended up here. The last place she was in her ex-husband's office." W... what happened?" she stammered."How is my baby?" her voice barely audible.The doctor burst in, a warm smile on his face."Welcome back, Elena."Elena's voice trembled as she asked, "My baby? How's my baby?"The room fell silent, her family's faces filled with sorrow. The doctor's eyes dropped, his expression sombre.Elena's heart raced, her mind pleading for a
Ethan stood at the floor-to-ceiling windows of his sleek house, gazing out at the vibrant cityscape before him. He cradled a glass of champagne on his left hand as he unbuttoned his shirt. Undone to the midpoint of his chest revealing a glimpse of his strong chest, adorned with a gleaming silver chain.As he sipped the wine, his eyes never left the city. The door slides open breaking the silence as Bryan his Personal Assistant approaches him with a file in his hand, his footsteps quiet on the plush carpet.With a discreet nod, he offered the file to Ethan, his eyes never leaving his boss's face. Ethan's gaze flickered up from his wine glass, his eyes narrowing slightly as he accepted the file.With deliberate slowness, he opened the file, the papers rustling as they revealed their contents. A smile spread across his face as he gazed at the photographs of Elena. He leaned in, his lips brushing against the paper as he kissed her image."I guess you don't know about this?"Ethan's gaze
Elena's fist pounded the punching bag with anger. The bag swung widely, Alan's picture on it taunting her with every strike.Sweat dripped down her face, her eyes filled with hatred.Her mind wandered away, taking her to the past as she punched the bag harder.The other inmates watched her in awe, some nodding, while some watched her laughing."Hey, it's time for lunch."But Elena was too consumed by her rage to notice. She swung her fist again, accidentally striking the woman.The woman shouted, stumbling black. The environment fell silent, all eyes on Elena."Oh my God, I'm so sorry Jasmine! Elena said, her face pale with shock.Jasmine's eyes blazed with anger, her face reddening. Without warning, Jasmine's fist, flew towards Elena's face, giving her a hard punch.Elena's head snapped back, as Jasmine's fist made contact with her cheek. Her face stung, with the force of the blow sending a jolt of pain through her skin.Jasmine's fist clenched, her arm cocking back for another. Elen
As the heavy steel doors creaked open, Elena walked away from the prison. She felt the warm sun on her skin, a sensation she hadn't experienced in three long months.As she walked, the sound of the prison doors closing got fainter until she got to the main entrance.Elena's fingers grasped the collar of her jacket, pulling it back and over her shoulder, as she stepped out into the bright sunlight.As she emerged, a figure darted towards her. Her secretary's heels clicked on the pavement, a warm smile spreading across her face."Welcome ma'am, we 've missed you so much." her arms outstretched, enveloping Elena in a warm embrace.Elena smiled, her eyes shining with warmth."It's great to be seen, she replied, her voice gentle."Her secretary held her at arm's length, taking in the sight of her."You look free..."Elena's smile grew wider."I am. Now let's get out of here. I need to go home.""Of course, boss."Secretary Ann nodded taking Elena's jacket from her.As they settled into the car
Elena pushed open the door to the office hall, a hush fell over the room. The soft hum of fluorescent lights and the gentle rustle of papers suddenly seemed amplified as all eyes turned to her.Two days ago, Elena's life turned from grass to grace when her heiress status was revealed at the party, splashing her face across news headlines and billboards.Elena's heels clicked on the floor as she approached the receptionist's desk. Her gaze swept the room, meeting the stares of the office staff. A gentle hum of whisper rustled through the office, like a soft breeze stirring leaves."Wow..." someone breathed, the word barely audible."Stunning," another voice whispered, the tone hushed out admiring.She reached the receptionist's desk. Her lips curved upward, the corner of her mouth rising in a gentle arc, as her face relaxed into a soft, radiant smile.She slid her glasses off, revealing her eyes that shone in the fluorescent light."Welcome Miss. Elena!" she exclaimed, her voice full o
Elena stepped out of the limousine and onto the red carpet, the soft glow of the restaurant's entrance lights illuminating her stunning features. The chauffeur's gloved hands offered a gracious assist, and she accepted with a smile. As she walked on the red carpet, her dinner gown made of sequence shined in the evening light, drawing the gaze of passersby.The restaurant gleamed with elegance, its sign reading "Bistro Bliss".A woman in a tailored suit welcomed her with a bow, ushering her into the reception hall.At the reception desk, a hostess presented her with a card written "VIP" in silver foil."Right this way, ma'am, "she said with a smile, leading her to a section adorned with candles, fresh flowers, and plush velvet drapes.The soft lighting and jazz music welcomed her.Ethan turned the moment he saw Elena. His charming smile was overwhelming as he walked towards Elena giving a perfect look to his black suit. He hugged her. Kissing her on the forehead before he offered a gra
The hum of conversation and clinking glasses enveloped Elena as she swept into the hall. Her short gown with a sweetheart neckline revealed her breasts and a matching purse dangling from her fingers as she reached for a wine glass from the passing waiter's tray.Elena raised the glass to her lips, her gaze fixed on the couple at the front. She took a sip as she walked in the direction the couple were seated.Elena's glance fell upon Victoria's belly, her eyes lingering on the subtle curve of her belly. A warm smile spread across her face as she raised her glass in a silent toast."Congratulations to the latest couple in town."Alan's chair scraped against the floor as he shot to his feet, his face darkening with a mix of surprise and annoyance."Elena, what are you doing here?"Elena's fingers brushed against Alan's tie, her touch as light as a feather."Don't puff up like a doughnut, Alan." she teased, her voice dripping with amusement. Today's supposed to be joyful, remember?She sm