Chapter five

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."