Elena
“Hubby, aren’t you done yet? I hope you haven’t forgotten about our plans.”
This should be my fourth message to Ronan in the last thirty minutes. I’ve been texting him all night, but no reply.
Today is our third wedding anniversary, and he was never free to celebrate the first or the second anniversary. My heart swelled with so much joy after persuading hubby non-stop, and he finally agreed.
The decoration I made could make anyone a hopeless romantic. I just can’t wait for hubby to get here. The white lace tablecloth, scented candles, and scattered rose petals looked so beautiful, but everything looked out of place since I was the only one at the table.
It’s already 10 o'clock , and the cream on the cake was almost melted completely. Even the candles were nearly burned out. “Hubby, where are you?”
[Ring!]
[Ring!!]
[Ring!!!]
Is that Ronan?
“Hello, Auntie?"
“Elena, dear, happy third anniversary! Time flies so fast, doesn’t it? You’ve been married for three years already, and Auntie is so happy for you.” The joy in my mother-in-law’s voice has caused all the alarm bells to start ringing in my head. When was the last time she talked this nicely to me?
“Is Ronan with you?” That question hit me hard because my husband should be with me at this moment. He already promised. I could only reply to her awkwardly, blinking fast to prevent myself from crying. “No, Auntie. Ronan is on his way.”
“It’s about time we heard the cries of a child, don’t you think so?” I knew this was coming. She has been this way since she convinced herself that I was barren.
“Auntie…” I had no retort for her words. I also wish I could carry my child in my arms.
“If you can’t give me an heir, get out of my family and stop pulling my son down with you.”
This was all my mother-in-law had to tell me on my third anniversary. I couldn’t even blame her, could I? After all, how was I supposed to get pregnant when her son rarely touched me?
“Madam, it’s getting late. Please don’t sit alone in the darkness. Can I turn on the TV for you?”
Had I really been sitting in the dark that long? I didn’t even notice the candles were out.
It’s already 10:45 p.m. “Okay. You can do that.” I can watch TV while I wait for my husband. “Thank you, Benson.”
“Don’t mention, madam.”
Benson changed the channel to a live entertainment broadcast and quickly left. I couldn’t help wondering about what could be so important that it needed to be broadcast live at this time of the night. Entertainment news like this usually comes with big scoops that sweep the internet by storm.
Suddenly, on the screen, was my husband, Ronan. As the camera shifted, it focused on his first love, Darcy Taylor.
“The CEO of Simpson Group just bought the one-of-a-kind Eternity and Beyond jewelry for Darcy. Could this be Mr. Simpson’s way of confessing his love for her?”
“Hold on, people. Does anyone else think that the Simpson Group is holding this high-end charity gala purposely for Darcy? Don’t mind my wild imagination, but I still think this event is mainly to welcome Ms. Taylor back to Lockwood? After all, they are an old couple that I remember from three years ago. If this is what love feels like, I want my own Ronan Simpson.”
Huh? Which Ronan Simpson? My husband?
My eyes remained glued to the television screen as I kept reminding myself that Ronan wouldn’t do that to me.
But… It’s Darcy Taylor we’re talking about here. She is his first love.
___
I don’t know how I got to the bedroom.
I just couldn’t get the image of Ronan and Ursula out of my mind. My husband was watching another woman with the same fondness that used to be reserved for me.
...
“Elena Jones is suspected of plagiarism. The work she provided was surprisingly similar to Darcy's—both in design concept and creative details.”
“Elena, our college can’t accept students like you who don’t uphold professional ethics. We’re discussing your expulsion.”
“This is shameful, Elena. There's no place for you here!”
I couldn’t stand up for myself because no one would believe me. To make matters worse, I had no evidence to prove my case.
“Ahh! I didn’t do it! I'm not a thief!” I dreamed of that night again—the plagiarism incident was my darkest nightmare.
[Click!]
The light turned on, flooding the room with a harsh brightness.
I woke up with a start. Cold sweat filled my whole body, soaking the bed and pillow.
I groaned, shielding my eyes, as I struggled to sit up.
Ronan stood in the doorway.
He was still wearing the same black suit from the gala. It was well-tailored, made of a matte fabric, elegant yet understated, emphasizing his tall frame and noble presence.
“You’re back,” My voice was hoarse, and I felt so exhausted. Looking at my husband, I didn’t even know what to feel anymore.
“It’s been three years, Elena. Now it’s time to end this marriage.”
No freaking way!
“I wasn’t captured buying jewelry for my ex, Ronan.” I didn’t even know why I said it, but deep down, I hoped he would tell me it meant nothing. Maybe Eternity and Beyond was his way of finally saying goodbye to Darcy.
But why was he laughing? Did I say something funny?
“Three years ago, if it weren’t for my parents pressuring me, using the company to force my hand, I wouldn’t have married you, Elena. Now that I’m in full control, it’s time to end this charade.”
Ronan’s voice was cold and final, and he just stood at the door, exuding that form of masculinity that always caused my knees to turn jelly. Gosh! I love this man and everything he represents, but it felt like he was speaking to a total stranger and not his wife.
“Is it because Darcy is back?” Again, I’m not sure why I asked, but there was nothing left for me to ask anyway, and the silence was stifling.
He only lifted his gaze slightly but didn’t answer me.
“My lawyer's already prepared the divorce papers. Sign them, and we’ll be officially divorced in a week. I’ll leave the house to you, along with 50 million dollars. You sure have nothing to lose, Elena. The sooner you sign, the better for all of us!”
“But, Ronan, why are you doing this? We’ve been happily married for three years…” I cannot lose Ronan. No. I would not survive without him. He is like my oxygen, so how could I let him run into the arms of another woman?
“Enough! Stop selfishly trapping me in this marriage, Elena. I never loved you, and I never will.”
R… Ronan… How could he say that?
“Why the heck did you sleep with me if you never loved me, Ronan? Why raise my hopes, only to crush them? Do I mean nothing to you? Answer me!” I didn’t need anyone to tell me I was hysterical, but I just couldn't see myself living without my husband.
I watched as Ronan walked out of the room without sparing me another glance.
It hurt so much. I could feel my heart twisting from all the pain and frustration.
“He never told me he loved me.”
It was all in my head.
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Elena I remained in the same sitting position, staring blankly at the divorce agreement. I didn’t even remember how long I’d been in this same spot.“Ronan, when I grow up, will you really marry me?” I was young and naive and allowed the words of the adults to influence me.“Yes. Let’s get married when you grow up.” Ronan replied cheerfully. His face was warm and innocent. He had the brightest of smiles that were only reserved for me. When the sun shone on his white shirt, my young heart wavered, and I knew he was the one for me. I was so little, yet my heart settled on him and never changed after that.Why didn’t I wake up from that childhood fantasy when he started dating Darcy? Why didn’t I wake up when his father had to force him to marry me three years ago?When did everything change?...I walked toward the dressing table, and grabbed the divorce agreement Ronan dropped and began to read.“For Mr. Ronan Simpson to gain his freedom from Ms. Elena Jones, Ms. Jones will be paid an
ElenaWhere am I? A soft bed, white ceiling, the smell of medicine, disinfectants… I’m in a hospital. At least I’m not dead, but I was in my room at dawn. How…“First of all, congratulations, Mrs. Simpson. You’re pregnant.” A young doctor walked into the room, dressed in a white coat, broke the news with a gentleman's smile, looking handsome.“Calm down, ma’am. Just take a deep breath, okay? You’re in the hospital.” “Doctor, you said I’m pregnant? Are you sure you have the right diagnosis? How did I get here?” I can’t believe this. When was the last time Ronan even touched me?“Mrs. Simpson, you passed out in your room last night. Your housekeeper brought you here. He’s waiting outside as we speak.” Oh, so that’s what happened, huh?“I’m sorry, ma’am, but we need to abort the baby. It’s the only way to keep you safe.”...?I just found out about my pregnancy, and now I need to abort the baby to keep me safe. Safe from what? Did I have an ectopic pregnancy? Was that why I didn’t feel
Elena"You should have walked out of our lives peacefully, but no. You wanted to take my husband down with you.” Those words coming from Auntie felt like a slap in the face. Am I so forgettable? Why do I always get rejected by the people I’ve come to trust so much?My father was a military man in the same unit as Uncle Simpson. The two were so close that my father didn’t think twice about saving Uncle Simpson when they went on a very dangerous mission. After that incident, Uncle Simpson felt like he owed his life to him. We were also neighbours, which made our relationship even closer.I grew up considering Aunt Delores my mother. We were incredibly close, even more so than she was with her daughter. I didn’t have a mother while growing up, and for the longest time, it was Dad and I. Mom left when I was only five, and I never heard of her again since then. Now, the person I grew to love as a mother was telling me to get out of her life.Why must Auntie treat me this way just because
Elena“Madam, welcome home.” I just got back to our home, but before I could walk through the front door, the butler rushed toward me and greeted me too enthusiastically for my liking. I didn't know what he was trying to do or say, but I was too exhausted to pay attention to anything else. I felt lightheaded and weak, hence, I only wished to take a warm bath, eat something, and have a shut eye. I need the peace and quiet for my peace of mind right now. “Benson, you're standing in my way. What's happening?” I could hear how faint my voice was. My situation was that bad, and I could pass out at any moment if care wasn't taken. I haven't had a single bite since yesterday's breakfast. “Madam, forgive my impudence, but it's not advisable that you go in right now. In fact, I suggest you sleep outside tonight.”What the heck! Could someone tell me what was happening here? “Benson!” I used all the energy I could muster in calling out to him, and he could tell I was exhausted. More so, I
ElenaThe charity gala was still being discussed online. I felt like a discarded shoe when I saw all the blessings and well wishes the two received. What broke me more was a comment that Darcy and Ronan should just get married already. “Dear, I’m so sorry; my boss just assigned me an impromptu client, so I can’t accompany you today. I’ll make it up to you, Elena. I’m truly sorry.” We haven’t seen each other in the past three years, and I was looking forward to having a good time with Nancy. “It’s okay, Nancy. Take care of yourself. I’ll be fine here.” Being a busy lawyer was much better than being a desperate housewife trapped in marriage.I was soon at a maternity and baby products store. The TV displayed pictures of babies and the various baby items available. It was so cute that I couldn’t help but walk in.“Welcome, madam.” A cheerful sales attendant approached me with a contagious smile plastered across her face. I smiled unconsciously, getting pulled into her jolly mood. Sp
ElenaThe clouds began to gather, and the streets of Lockwood were soon becoming empty. Everyone was hurrying toward their destinations, but a certain individual walked among the sea of people like a headless chicken. Her steps were sloppy, her eyes looked puffy, and her whole appearance screamed one word-pitiful! The lonely figure was none other than myself, Elena Jones. I didn’t know what direction my life would take from now?The more unloved I felt, the more confused I was about bringing a child into this cruel world, or should I just leave with the baby? Suddenly, I was jolted to my senses and moved out of the way reflexively. A few young men on motorcycles began to cackle provocatively while surrounding me. One of the riders nearly ran over me. Landing butt-down on the ground, my senses kicked in.I was in trouble!There were three men in total, and each one was scarier than the next. One of them had scorpion tattoos spanning from the right side of his face down to his nec
RonanSeveral Hours Ago: “What! Are you serious?” I blurted in shock, grabbing my phone tightly. I didn’t wish to believe what I was hearing, but it’s Elena and David Spencer we’re talking about here.“Calm down, Ronan. A college friend just gave me the information. I don’t know if that’s true, but many people know how close they were. Maybe someone just overreacted. Go and see for yourself..” Darcy’s voice sounded hesitant, and I felt it as she tried to hold back more information. Even at a time like this, she still tried to speak up for Elena. How could Elena despise someone as accommodating as Darcy?I disconnected the call without bidding Darcy goodbye, because her attempts at defending Elena were getting on my nerves. Those two had history, and I would be a fool to believe that this was merely a coincidence. Opening my tracker app, I quickly found where Elena was, and drove to the hospital after entering the GPS coordinates. Along the way, a thousand and one thoughts run thro
RonanMy mind conjured images of Elena in David’s embrace. How dare she do this to me? Yes, I don’t love her. However, I never led her on. In our three years of marriage, I never tried to raise her hopes. Elena, on the other hand, didn’t stop reminding me how much she loved me. She always told me I was her first and last in everything, and I felt my heart swell whenever she made those comments. I guess the only thing I beat that Spencer guy in was being the first man to take her virginity.“Why am I so pissed off about Elena being in the hands of her old flame?” It must be because she had been lying to me for the longest time. I wished I could get to hit that David guy once again. I should have beaten him to a pulp and broke some bones, even. Then I’ll see how he’d dare to touch my woman again. “Shit!”I quickly swerved an oncoming vehicle just now, and would have been involved in an accident if I didn’t react fast enough.“How dare you occupy my head like this, Elena Jones?” I pack
ElenaI walked out of the bathroom feeling refreshed. I had to take a bath, since my sweat soaked the bed and I couldn’t hide what was happening to my body either. My thighs felt sticky, and I felt like I had a bad itch down there that needed to be scratched-just that my husband could only do this scratch. The urge to get laid got so bad that I could have sworn someone drugged me if I had been outside the house. I have never touched myself before, but for the first time tonight, I felt like I could only get a peace of mind if I did so. I couldn’t tell if the next few months would be this difficult, but I was ready to sail through. Doctor Harold already informed me about how some pregnant women become extra sensitive and honey. I hoped I wouldn’t experience that, but I realized tonight that this prayer of mine hadn’t been answered. I couldn’t have everything, after all. I felt so ashamed of how my libido controlled me tonight, yet I was still grateful that no one else was here to wi
ElenaI lay motionless on the bed, shrouded in lust and confusion. My gaze was still a little clouded, but I could see everything. I knew who it was. I knew what she did, and I could see the conflict in Ronan’s eyes. I had never been this embarrassed in my whole life. Not only that but I was also unsatiated. These emotions made me frustrated, and angry, but not stupid. I quickly reached for the duvet and covered myself, taking time to allow Ronan to deal with the situation. How dare Darcy enter our room uninvited! A thousand emotions flashed through my head, but none of these made me angrier than the complicated look in Ronan's eyes. The woman he was about to make love to was lying silently in his bed, but his thousand percent attention was on Darcy Taylor-the person who rudely interrupted our couple moments. I was angry, but I didn’t cry. Darcy, on the other hand quickly began her waterworks. “Why did you do this to me, Ronan? Why did you touch her?” She began, and I could se
ElenaI didn’t know if I should laugh or cry. Here I was, walking into my house as if I was a stranger. I stared at the back of the young boy who startled me in the elevator, wondering if David had succeeded in making me paranoid.“I’m sorry we scared you, boss. It wasn’t my intention.” Ruth stood beside me, fidgeting uncomfortably. I knew my silence was stifling, but I was speechless. I was too embarrassed to say anything. However, the innocent woman felt I was too angry to respond.“Boss, Blake is really not a bad kid. He only looks so muscular because he’s on the football team and spends too much time at the gym. Please, don’t be offended.” If I didn’t stop Ruth, she wouldn’t stop talking about my non-existent anger. ‘What’s he doing here?” That just did it, huh? The woman was already startled, and I had to make her feel like her son wasn’t welcome in my house. I only wanted to know why he came around. “B… Boss, Blake lives here. With me. I promise he won’t cross your path again.
Elena“Mmmm!” My head hurts like hell. Ouch! What is happening to me?This pain is on a different level. I didn’t even do anything to aggravate my condition, so why would I feel this way? Remembering the last thing I saw, I lifted my hand to my nose and noticed the bleeding had stopped. However, I couldn’t tell where I was.“Where am I?” Shit! It was the familiar smell of disinfectants, the white ceiling, a bed, and a drip hanging up there. When I tried to raise my left hand, the pain from the needle finally registered in my mind. How could I be back at the hospital in such a short time? Why did my nose bleed? Was I deteriorating too fast? Lately, I haven’t stressed myself, and nothing stressful has happened to me. Why then would this happen again? How did I end up here?“Boss, you’re awake.” I turned my gaze toward the excited voice, and in came my housekeeper. I could tell she looked both flustered and relieved at the same time. Was she the one who brought me here? That made a
Elena“Yes, David. You have absolutely nothing to worry about. I reported the case to the police in Saint City. It was a good thing we reported it back in Lockwood. They just need to compare the case files and confirm my statement. You know I already gave them a portrait of the thugs, especially the leader.” David called earlier and said he wanted to check on me, However, after I mentioned that the thugs who attacked me were the same ones who vandalized the Saint City Number 1 High School, he couldn’t stop fretting. “I meant every word, Elena. You need to be extra careful. Those thugs may seem ordinary, but they are more connected than you can imagine. They got away with hitting you the other day, so what wouldn’t they do if they chose to destroy the CCTV footage that could incriminate them? Remember we had nothing on them at the time we went to the police station. It was only our word against theirs. You choosing to allow the police to do their thing because you didn’t wish to invo
Ronan“Dad, what are you saying? I didn’t do anything to her.”I just now got wind of the trending news about Darcy and me, only to have Dad call my line in the next minute. No matter what I said, he wasn’t ready to listen. “Why would a woman pack her bags and come to your matrimonial home if you didn’t encourage her? Ronan Simpson, is marriage a joke, or has Elena been too soft for you?” Why would Dad believe I did this just because Darcy showed up at my house? She came unannounced. I didn’t even know she was coming to my house. How could I say this without getting him more agitated than he already was?“Dad, please calm down. I didn’t invite her to my house. Trust me, Dad, I wouldn't...”“I am taking Elena out of your house, Ronan. She was my daughter before she became your wife. This has got to stop!” What the! I could feel a headache coming, but there was no way to make Dad stop his train of thought.“I’m sorry, Dad. Can we talk about this later? Please, I really need to go. I’
RonanI couldn’t call Darcy after she left. There were no other words to explain what happened, and why I took such a firm stance. Even though I had my reasons, I knew she wouldn’t understand.Even though I didn’t allow Darcy into the house, I had my driver drop her home. His only task was to drive me, and no one else. Even Elena was never driven by my personal driver, but Darcy was an exception last night. I expected Darcy’s mind to be at peace after extending my goodwill, but she was still angry because I didn’t allow her into the house. I can’t believe she chose to put me in such a tight spot without speaking to me first.Well, I was only comforted with the thought that the paparazzi wouldn’t blow this out of proportion. Even when I met Darcy for our lunch date earlier today, she didn’t look happy. I tried everything to make her smile, but Darcy still didn’t talk to me. When I had to leave for an emergency meeting, she didn’t even bother to acknowledge me. Throughout our lunch,
RonanI was here thinking about what Elena was doing at the moment—if she was in the arms of David Spencer or whether she was planning something major against me...What else could she be doing if not to be snuggled in the damn professor's embrace? I lay on her side of the bed, wondering if I could get an inkling of where she was. I needed to find Elena as soon as possible. My peace of mind depends on it. Elena’s mobile phone was proof enough that she planned to torment me as much as she wanted. I must get this phone working soon enough. The blaring sound of a phone’s ringtone jolted me up. I hastily grabbed the broken phone and stared at it from all directions, yet there was nothing in it that showed the sound was coming from within this crap. I looked around the bed and the headboard, wondering if Elena left some other phone that I overlooked. However, the call cut abruptly, and I couldn’t search for the phone. “Ronan, you fool! That was your ringtone. Shit!” Why was I so messed
RonanI drove back to the house I shared with Elena for three years, my thoughts on nothing else but Elena. How could she fill my head this way when she wasn’t even here? I had no urge to decorate the house, as no one else could do it better than her. She was the only one who took care of things here, and now that she wasn’t around, I had no reason to design the house. I could just leave this place and stay with Darcy if I wanted to. However, I felt a little hesitant, because Elena could come home and meet my absence. Who could tell what she would do if she returned and didn’t find me here. Anything was possible with Elena Jones. I bypassed the quiet Benson, who looked like he wanted to ask me something. However, when he noticed my icy gaze, he backed away. I knew what he wanted to ask. How could I tell my housekeeper that my wife left home without finding it necessary to inform me about her plans? Elena even left everything I gave her. No. She burned everything I ever got for her