Chapter ten

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 turned to Secretary Ann with a curious expression.

"Did you find anything about Ethan Nelson?"Elena's voice was low and urgent.

Ann's expression turned serious, and she nodded curtly."Yes, I did some digging. It seems you have a powerful weapon against Alan. But let's talk about it, when we get to your place, okay."

The car pulled out of the prison gates, with Elena's gaze drifting out of the window.

**********

Elena's car pulled up to the mansion. The front doors opened and a guard sprang forward to open her car door.

Mr.Wellington hurried down the steps with Lucas and the maids to welcome her.

"Ah, my dear Elena!" he exclaimed, beaming with pride, as he enveloped her in a warm embrace."Welcome home, my child."

Lucas, her brother came forward."Hi sis."He placed a kiss on her cheek.

The heiress of the Celestial Empire is back. After facing humiliation, heartbreaks and hiding her identity for a while.

The maids bowed as Elena walked into the house on the red carpet. Her boots clicked on the floor as she went inside.

In the bedroom...

Elena slipped into the plush white robe, its soft fabric covering her like a cloud. She wrapped it tightly around her and began to prepare for the night ahead.

Tonight, the world would finally learn the truth about her identity, and she would take her rightful place as Wellington's daughter.

The gentle knock on the door interrupted Elena's daydream. She looked up to find Maria, her maid entering.

"Miss Elena, I've come to help you dress. The party will be starting soon."

"Thanks, Maria, I 'd love your help."

Maria glided across the room, her footsteps quiet on the plush carpet. She reached the wardrobe and grasped the handle, pulling out a packaged box adorned with the elegant script: "Elena Wellington."

She placed the box on the bed and began opening it softly.

With admiration, Maria lifted out a gown. The fabric was a masterful blend of velvet and sequence.

Maria bustled over, her hands deftly untying the sash of Elena's robe.

She helped Elena into her gown. The sound of Maria's hand moving, the soft whoosh of the fabric, and the gentle creak of the corset as it was tightened filled the air.

Finally, Maria stepped back, a satisfied smile on her face."You look stunning, miss."

Elena's gaze met Maria's."Thank you, Maria." her voice barely above a whisper.

Elena looked at the mirror. She was the beautiful daughter of the Wellington indeed.

Elena's eyes sparkled with curiosity as she leaned forward, her voice barely above a whisper."How much longer until the party starts?"

"Not long now, miss. The guests are already arriving."

This was it, the moment she had been waiting for.

Elena settled into the velvet-covered chair, her gaze meeting her reflection in the mirror. It was time for Maria to put some touches on her beautiful face.

Maria picked up a brush and began to sweep it across Elena's eyelids, the gentle strokes blending the shadows and hues with Elena's eyes fluttering closed, her lashes casting a soft shadow on her cheeks as Maria worked.

Next, Maria's hands moved to Elena's lips, tracing the curves with a rosy hue that matched the gentle flush on her cheeks.

As Maria worked, Elena's expression transformed.

With a final touch, Maria stepped back, her eyes meeting Elena's in the mirror."You can now open your eyes, miss."

Elena's eyes opened, and she met her reflection in the mirror with a hint of anxiety. As her gaze settled on her face, her expression transformed. Her eyebrows rose in surprise.

Elena has never thought that there will be a beautiful lady, in there. She looked as though she was beholding a work of art, her eyes tracing the gentle curves of her face.

Elena's heels glinted in the light, as Maria placed them on the floor in front of Elena.

With a gentle movement, Elena lowered her feet into the heels, her toes sliding into the sleek interior.

She stood tall, her leg extended as the heel seemed to mould itself to her leg, its glass surface glinting as she moved.

Maria's hands went up and down, then came to rest to her sides, her eyes cast downwards as she bowed her head.

"You look breathtaking."Maria's lips barely parted, her voice a soft sigh that seemed to dissolve in the air.

Elena's gaze met Maria's, a soft smile playing on her lips."Thank you, Maria. You've outdone yourself."

"My work is done, miss. It's time for me to take my leave."

Maria's skirts swayed as she turned to depart, her footsteps quiet on the floor. She reached the door, her hand extending to grasp the handle, when suddenly...

"Ow!" Maria's voice burst forth in a sharp, startled cry.

Maria's hands shot up to her forehead, her eyes screwing shut as she winced in pain.

Damn! She collided with Secretary Ann at the door. Secretary Ann's eyes were fixed on the iPad, and she did not even notice Maria on the door when she grasped the handle too.

Secretary Ann's hands lifted, her fingers crossed extending like delicate wings, before settling gently on Maria's forehead.

Secretary Ann's face was twisted in regret."Oh, Maria, I'm so sorry!"

Elena's face was etched with empathy, and her eyes locked on Maria's face as she ran to help her.

"We should get some ice right away."Elena's voice was calm and soothing.

Maria's words flowed like a soothing melody as she calmed Elena's concerns."No need, miss. I will do that when I get to the kitchen. I can handle myself."

"I am sorry, Maria. I was too engrossed in what I was doing."Secretary Ann's voice cracked like a fragile vase, her apology barely audible.

Maria's face radiated a soft, Serene joy, a warm smile spreading across her face. She bowed her head, a subtle nod that she acknowledged Secretary Ann's apology.

As she turned to leave, her smile still lingered. The door closed with a whisper when she left.

Secretary Ann hurried quietly, locking the door with the keys to avoid an invasion.

"I am sorry, boss. I think you need to see this."

Secretary Ann handed the iPad to Elena, Elena's gaze never leaving hers as she collected it.

Elena's eyes widened as she gazed at the iPad.Her eyes scanned the text with a hunger that seemed to devour every word. She read the words "Victoria Lockwood "and "Alan Morgan"leapt out at her. Her eyes darted to the phrase "set to walk down the aisle."

Elena's legs gave way. She fell onto the bed, her body going limp. Her eyes grew wide, her mouth hanging open.

Secretary Ann rushed over, worry on her face."Boss, are you okay?"

Elena gripped the bedsheet tightly, her hands shaking with anger. She pulled it hard like she wanted to tear it. Her eyes flashed with fury.

Then, she looked at the door."It's time to strike back, time to make him pay."