5: Empty Handed

E L L E

I stared at the luxurious oakwood door I had always detested as a child.

The cab sped off as soon as I paid the, and I wished I could call him back because I was already regretting coming back to this place that haunted my childhood.

I was empty handed, coming back the same way I had left. I felt a wave of embarrassment, realizing that my parents were right after all. They saw what I couldn't see about Sebastian and now, I was back at their place, proving that they were in fact, correct.

I continued staring at the door, remembering the times when I cried to be outside, to have friends but was never give the chance to. 

It all changed the moment I met Sebastian at the very first event I was allowed to go to. I was only twenty then, and I felt awkward amongst hundred of people, but Sebastian made me feel safe.

I fell in love with him and rebelled against my parents, just so I could be with him. I snuck out, stole money, and did a lot just so I could have a little piece of happiness.

Happiness that ended up becoming my greatest doom. Happiness that cost me the life of my unborn child. It wasn't worth it in the end.

So many emotions ran through me all at once, but anger was the most dominant one.

Taking a deep breath, I gathered the courage and raised my fist to knock.

But the door swung open before my fist could make contact.

Two years didn't age my mom one bit. She looked the same, if not better. Her dark hair was still pinned up in a tight bun, her eyes, same color as mine stared at me shock and happiness, but I couldn't mistake the glint of guilt in them. 

"Elle? Oh, my precious girl. Where have you been?" She shouted, wrapping her arms around me.

I didn't return her hug, just stood there, frozen. 

She didn't seem bothered by my lack of response. And finally, she asked me the question coming, "What happened to you?"

"Sebastian and I are no longer together. That's all you need to know, mother." I said, walking past her into the house.

"Elle, sweetie, wait. What do you mean? You can't just say something like that and expect me not to be concerned. What has that boy done to you?"

"Why would you be concerned about your own daughter?" I stopped in my tracks and turned to look at her, narrowing my eyes.

She frowned.

"What are you talking about?" She asked, confused.

"Why  are you trying to act like you care about me after you went two years without speaking to your own daughter? Worried, you say, but did you try looking for me? No, because you were too busy living your best life. So don't act like you care. I didn't come here for your sympathy."

"Sweetie, I know that whatever happened between you and Sebastian, it's hard for you. But, I'm your mother. I love and care for you and your brother. It was never my intention to not communicate with you. Your father wouldn't let me no matter how much I tried. He kept saying that it was best if we allowed you realize your mistakes yourself. And now, look at what's happened. Sweetie, I'm really sorry."

My hands balled into a fist and I gritted my teeth, not wanting to believe a word she said.

"You're sorry? You're fucking sorry, mother? Two years, two whole years. Not a single phone call. Nothing. You didn't even know what happened to me, didn't even know if I was dead or alive and all you have to say is that you're sorry."

"We knew you were fine. Elle, we wouldn't just abandon you. Your father and I were worried sick, but after hiring a private investigator, we figured out you were fine. We wanted you to have a taste of that freedom that you craved so much for you to realize that it's a cold world out there, for you to realize no one would ever have your back like your family."

Her words made all the emotions I'd been bottling in resurface again, and before I knew it, I was full on sobbing. I never wanted to prove my parents right. I never wanted to believe that eloping with Sebastian was a mistake, but it was all glaring at me right now.

My mom gathered me into her arms as I sobbed, and she whispered comforting words to me, but nothing worked.

My heart was breaking, and I couldn't find the will to stop.

In the span of a few days, my entire world has crashed, and there was no way to put the pieces back together.

"I-I lost my baby because of him, mom. I'll never be able to forgive him." I didn't know when the words came out, but I couldn't stop them.

"Oh, honey. You were pregnant?" Her eyes shined with tears and I knew she was trying so hard to hold back and be strong for me. 

I nodded.

"You have to tell me what happened. What did he do? Your father and I are willing to fight tooth and nail yo make him regret whatever he did to you."

"No." I shook my head, pulling away from her, "He did nothing. It's all my fault. All my fault. I'm so stupid. I should have listened to you and dad. I should have known that he never loved me like I thought he did."

"Elle, listen to me. Don't you ever blame yourself. You didn't ask for any of this. Mistakes do happen, and it's quite unfortunate that a miscarriage had to be involved in this. I'm so sorry for not being there for you when you needed me, Elle. I'll forever feel ashamed of myself."

I sniffled, trying to wipe the tears streaming down my face.

"It's okay. You didn't know."

"But, that's no excuse, honey. I should have found a way. Instead, I let my husband keep me from you, and I have no idea how I'll ever be able to make up for it. But, please believe me when I say that your father and I care deeply about you and your brother. You're our babies."

"I do." I managed a small smile.

"You know, your father would want to speak to you as well. I think he's in his office, why don't you come with me and we'll both surprise him."

I sighed and took a step back, "I don't think that's a good idea. You can go ahead."

But, my mom pulled me along, and the next thing I knew, we were both standing in front of my dad's office door. My mom gave me a reassuring smile and knocked on the door.

There was a muffled sound, followed by some shuffling. Then, the door opened, revealing my dad, whose expression was stern and cold, his dark gaze boring into mine.

I had always known my father wasn't the affectionate type, and I could remember the times when I was a child and I was punished for misbehaving. My father was strict, but would never beat me or my brother.

But I was shocked when he suddenly pulled me into his arms and hugged me tight.

"Papa, I'm so-"

"My baby girl." He murmured. "Shhh, you don't have to say anything. Welcome back my daughter."

I was taken aback by the sudden change in his demeanor, but the comfort of my father's arms made all the pent up emotions come pouring out, and before I knew it, I was a mess again.

My father pulled away from the embrace and held my face in his hands. "I'm not going to make you feel more miserable by telling you how disappointed I am. Just know that you're back now, and we'll take care of you."

I nodded, swallowing the lump in my throat.

"I'm going to make us all some tea. You guys talk, and I'll be right back." My mom said, squeezing my shoulder.

My dad stepped aside and let me in, gesturing for me to sit down. He then, sat down on his seat behind the desk.

"Before you begin, I need to tell you that whatever happened between you and the Black family isn't your fault. I've known their father long enough. He's a manipulative and dangerous man, and you were naïve. That's why you weren't aware of what was happening right under your nose. I don't blame you for anything, and neither does your mother."

I nodded.

"You can talk freely. Whatever you want to share, you can."

And so, I did. I told my father everything. And for the first time since I'd known him, he actually listened.

"I am stepping down from the company next month. You have a month to learn the necessary things, and once you've mastered the basics, the position will be yours. I don't want you to worry about anything else. Focus on recovering and healing. Your mother and I will be with you every step of the way."

I looked at him with determination, "And I promise not to disappoint you this time, papa. Mark my words." I said, and he smiled.

"That's all I need to hear."

And with that, the deal was sealed.