NATE’S POV My foot slams on the brakes. What the fuck is she talking about? “What the fuck are you trying to say?” I bark into the phone, my grip so tight that my knuckles turn white. “Please, don’t get mad,” her voice comes out shaky. “What do you mean I shouldn’t get mad? All week, you had one fucking job, and you couldn’t even do that.” “But, I got the last, job done” she says her voice almost inaudible.“So do you expect me to be happy? To clap for you and tell you you’re doing a good job?” I snap. Silence. “Where is she right now?” “Well… uhm—I…” “I don’t have all fucking day, so can you fucking speak up?” My patience thins with every stutter that falls from her mouth. “We’re in the office… but you know you can’t come, right? It’s—” I hang up. When I look up, Marcus is staring at me with that same amused smirk, eyes filled with curiosity. I let out a sharp breath. “Get out.” His smirk only deepens as he leans back in his seat. “Did you hear me?” My voice hardens.
ELARA’S POV “And that’s a wrap,” Robert says with a satisfied smile as he closes the document. I exhale softly, returning his smile, though mine is much tighter. “I hope I don’t regret this.” Deep down, my pulse ticks faster than normal, and tiny knots form in the pit of my stomach. My gaze drifts to the man sitting across from me. Kyle, our eyes meet and I quickly look away. “You won’t,” Robert reassures me, pouring me a glass of champagne. His assurance brings a small, genuine smile from me. Yesterday, I finished reviewing the contract. Instead of a long term partnership, we settled on a temporary job agreement. If things go well within the next three months and I like how things go, we’ll proceed with signing the main contract. But if I don’t like it… then we’ll have to wait two more weeks before I’m able to pull out if the deal. Robert also had me add a clause: if I decide at any point during the trial period that I want to move forward with the partnership, I should i
ELARA’S POV I tried calling Jenna back, but of course, she doesn’t pick up. She spammed me with calls, yet now that I’m returning them, she’s ignoring me. Just great. I know it’s nothing urgent because I made sure to take care of anything that needed my attention before leaving the office. If it were important, she would have at least sent a text. The drive home is slow and quiet, the hum of the car engine the only sound accompanying me. By the time I pull up to the house, the sun has dipped below the horizon, leaving behind streaks of soft orange in the sky. As my car approaches the gate, I notice someone sitting outside, her back turned to me. I don’t need to get a closer look to know who it is. Jenna. But the real question is, why is she here? “Jenna?” I call out as I step out of my car. The last time she was here was months ago. Even though I’ve invited her over countless times, she always has an excuse, too busy, too tired, something came up. So Eventually, I stopped a
ELARA’S POV“WHAT?” Jenna’s expression shifts, the sadness that clung to her face shattering in an instant.“You’re joking, right?” she lets out an awkward chuckle, her grip on my hands loosening.I take a slow breath, straightening my back.“As much as I wish I were, I’m not, Jen. I’m not going to the event with you.” My voice is steady, controlled. I refuse to let it shake. She blinks her jaw drops, Like she can’t believe what she just heard.“You’re serious?” she breathes out, shaking her head. “Elara, I need you there. I need someone I trust to help me get through it.”Her voice trembles slightly, but I don’t let it shake me.I already made my choice, I’m never going to unknowingly put my self in a situation where, Nathaniel hales is. I’m done with him, and I’m not going back on my words. Not this time not ever. I can’t break anymore of the promises I made to myself. “Jenna, I get that this is hard for you, I do, but—”“But what?!” she snaps, yanking her hands away. “I’ve al
ELARA’S POV “So, when are you going to tell your husband?” Dr. Rivers asks, her tone laced with concern, but not without the familiarity of someone who knows me well enough to press for answers. “I’ll tell him soon,” I reply with a soft laugh, even though she can’t see the forced smile stretching across my face. Four days ago, I found out I was six weeks pregnant, and it still feels surreal. Nate and I have been trying for almost a year. After every negative test, I tried not to lose hope, but disappointment clung to me like a shadow. When my period was late this time, I didn’t let myself get excited. I went to the clinic for confirmation, too afraid to believe the two faint lines on the home test. And then Dr. Rivers confirmed it. I’m pregnant. A little flutter stirs in my chest just thinking about it. I’ve imagined this moment so many times, telling Nate, seeing his face light up, the overwhelming joy of knowing we finally made it. But my joy comes with an undercurrent
ELARA'S POV "Don’t joke like that," I chuckle, trying to brush it off, giving him a light shove. Nate isn’t usually one for jokes, but every now and then, he surprises me. I wait for that familiar glint of mischief to break the tension, the hint that he's teasing me. But… it isn’t there. He looks at me, his eyes flat and unyielding. "I’m not joking, Elara. I want a divorce." The words are a sucker punch. My chest tightens as I stumble back a step, the brown envelope I’ve been holding slipping from my grasp. I tighten my grip on it instinctively, clinging to it like it’s the last piece of reality keeping me grounded. A divorce? Why? My head spins, trying to process his words, to find sense in them. Yes, we’d been distant lately, but it was nothing serious. We still shared our bed, ate our meals together, and spent time in each other’s arms… he even kissed me on the forehead this morning before he left for work. “If this isn’t a joke, then why, Nate?” I whisper, barely rec
ELARA’S POV Something is wrong. Something is definitely wrong. I still can’t quite process what Nate just did. My mind feels like a spinning wheel, unable to settle. A tear slips down my cheek, but I make no effort to wipe it away. I’m too focused on dragging my small suitcase, which seems to grow heavier with each passing step. I clutch the handle tightly, letting the numbness in my chest dull the sting of my shock. The walk from our house I mean Nate’s house, to the nearest bus stop is only ten minutes, but tonight it feels endless. I tried calling for a cab, but none were available. The city that never sleeps, yet somehow, all the drivers are busy. When I finally reach the bus stop, I sink onto a cold metal bench, exhausted. I wrap my arms around myself and stare at the darkened street, feeling the weight of the situation hit me. For the first time, I realize I have nowhere to go. Sure, I have places—my mom’s and Elliot’s, but neither feels like an option. Not tonight.
ELARA’S POV The sound of my phone buzzing jolts me awake with a groan. With my eyes still closed, I stretch my hand, fishing around for my phone on the floor. Just when my fingers brush against it, I lose my balance and tumble off the couch with a thud. “Shit,” I mutter, opening my eyes. I really should’ve gotten a futon for the office. If I had, maybe I wouldn’t be falling on my face right now. After practically living here for the past three days, a proper couch would’ve come in handy. I spot my phone in the corner and crawl over to grab it. I don’t know how it isn’t dead yet or how it even ended up there. “Hello?” I mumble into the phone, barely awake. “Hello, am I speaking to Mrs. Elara Westwood?” a voice asks, formal but a little rushed. “Yes, this is she,” I reply, sitting up. “Thank God,” the woman murmurs under her breath, footsteps sounding faintly in the background as if she’s hurrying somewhere. “My boss wants to speak with you.” “Hello, darling,” a new
ELARA’S POV“WHAT?” Jenna’s expression shifts, the sadness that clung to her face shattering in an instant.“You’re joking, right?” she lets out an awkward chuckle, her grip on my hands loosening.I take a slow breath, straightening my back.“As much as I wish I were, I’m not, Jen. I’m not going to the event with you.” My voice is steady, controlled. I refuse to let it shake. She blinks her jaw drops, Like she can’t believe what she just heard.“You’re serious?” she breathes out, shaking her head. “Elara, I need you there. I need someone I trust to help me get through it.”Her voice trembles slightly, but I don’t let it shake me.I already made my choice, I’m never going to unknowingly put my self in a situation where, Nathaniel hales is. I’m done with him, and I’m not going back on my words. Not this time not ever. I can’t break anymore of the promises I made to myself. “Jenna, I get that this is hard for you, I do, but—”“But what?!” she snaps, yanking her hands away. “I’ve al
ELARA’S POV I tried calling Jenna back, but of course, she doesn’t pick up. She spammed me with calls, yet now that I’m returning them, she’s ignoring me. Just great. I know it’s nothing urgent because I made sure to take care of anything that needed my attention before leaving the office. If it were important, she would have at least sent a text. The drive home is slow and quiet, the hum of the car engine the only sound accompanying me. By the time I pull up to the house, the sun has dipped below the horizon, leaving behind streaks of soft orange in the sky. As my car approaches the gate, I notice someone sitting outside, her back turned to me. I don’t need to get a closer look to know who it is. Jenna. But the real question is, why is she here? “Jenna?” I call out as I step out of my car. The last time she was here was months ago. Even though I’ve invited her over countless times, she always has an excuse, too busy, too tired, something came up. So Eventually, I stopped a
ELARA’S POV “And that’s a wrap,” Robert says with a satisfied smile as he closes the document. I exhale softly, returning his smile, though mine is much tighter. “I hope I don’t regret this.” Deep down, my pulse ticks faster than normal, and tiny knots form in the pit of my stomach. My gaze drifts to the man sitting across from me. Kyle, our eyes meet and I quickly look away. “You won’t,” Robert reassures me, pouring me a glass of champagne. His assurance brings a small, genuine smile from me. Yesterday, I finished reviewing the contract. Instead of a long term partnership, we settled on a temporary job agreement. If things go well within the next three months and I like how things go, we’ll proceed with signing the main contract. But if I don’t like it… then we’ll have to wait two more weeks before I’m able to pull out if the deal. Robert also had me add a clause: if I decide at any point during the trial period that I want to move forward with the partnership, I should i
NATE’S POV My foot slams on the brakes. What the fuck is she talking about? “What the fuck are you trying to say?” I bark into the phone, my grip so tight that my knuckles turn white. “Please, don’t get mad,” her voice comes out shaky. “What do you mean I shouldn’t get mad? All week, you had one fucking job, and you couldn’t even do that.” “But, I got the last, job done” she says her voice almost inaudible.“So do you expect me to be happy? To clap for you and tell you you’re doing a good job?” I snap. Silence. “Where is she right now?” “Well… uhm—I…” “I don’t have all fucking day, so can you fucking speak up?” My patience thins with every stutter that falls from her mouth. “We’re in the office… but you know you can’t come, right? It’s—” I hang up. When I look up, Marcus is staring at me with that same amused smirk, eyes filled with curiosity. I let out a sharp breath. “Get out.” His smirk only deepens as he leans back in his seat. “Did you hear me?” My voice hardens.
NATE’S POV I stop in my tracks, my grip tightening around the coffee cup in my hand as my eyes find her. She’s standing near the entrance of a boutique, her lips curved into a smile, her head tilted slightly as she listens to the man beside her. I don’t recognize the guy. And yet, he’s standing too close. My jaw clenches as I take in the way she looks at him. not the way she used to look at me, but it’s enough to make my chest tighten with something tight and unwelcomed Her eyes still haven’t found mine and I’m trying my best to think straight but I can’t. Then the thought of the ring, the ignored messages. Did she mind someone new? Is that why she has been ignoring me? I force myself to look away, “Damn man why are you standing out-“ Marcus began. But pauses he probably He follows my gaze He whistles low. “Well, damn I thought you’re back together with el,” he mutters. “Didn’t know Elara was seeing someone.” “She’s not,” I say immediately, my voice colder than I in
ELARA’S POVJenna studies the card, reading halfway before glancing up at me.“Why would you tear it up?” she asks, her brows furrowing. “It’s for Hale Co.’s grand opening.”“I know… that’s why I tore it.” I shrug, leaning back in my chair.Jenna’s frown deepens. “Why won’t you go? We worked so hard on that project, it’s only right that we attend.”“Well… you can go in my place if you want to.” I keep my voice light, even though I know this is about more than just the project.As much as I’m proud of what we accomplished, the last thing I want is to deal with that event right now.Seeing Nate? That’s problematic.He brings nothing but drama, and I’m not about to start that whole couple acting mess all over again.My plan was simple, let the rumors die down.And I know that, in just a few weeks, the press will find something else to obsess over.They already have.If I show up at his event, I’ll be dragging myself right back into that cycle and I refuse to do that.Besides, Nate and I
ELARA’S POV “You got mail,” Jenna announces as she waltzes into my office, a cream colored envelope in hand. “Here.” She sets it down on my desk. “Thanks for bringing it,” I say dismissively, my focus still on the new design I’ve been working on. Jenna doesn’t leave. Instead, she crosses her arms and tilts her head. “You look different today.” I arch a brow. “Different?” “Yes.” She narrows her eyes, scrutinizing me as if I’ve suddenly grown a second head. I roll my eyes. “I don’t think there’s anything different about me, Jenna.” I don’t think there anything different I’m wearing my usual outfits and it’s not the first time I have my hair in a low bun. Plus I’m wearing my glasses today so if anything. I look exactly as I did. Taking a sip of my coffee, I grimace the moment the bitter liquid touches my tongue. Ugh. I knew I should’ve made it myself instead of asking Catherine to bring it in. Jenna’s gaze drops to my cup, and her eyes widen. “That cup, where did you get it?
ELARA’S POV “Well, you know that’s not even an option.” I smirk, tightening my grip on the carrier. Kyle gives a slight shake of his head before adjusting his watch. “Well then,” he says, turning back toward his car. “Thanks for the cat,” I call out, a smile spreads across my face. He pauses mid-step. “Anytime.” And with that, he gets into his car and drives off, leaving me alone in the parking lot with my new kitten. I glance down at her, curled up and fast asleep. A small laugh escapes me. “Guess you’re not bothered by any of this, huh?” ——- As soon as I get home, I set everything up, still tingling from excitement. The last time I had a pet was years ago. our old house cat, Roscoe. He didn’t last very long, and I still remember how much it hurt when we lost him. But this little one… I hope she stays with me for a long, long time. I haven’t even figured out a name for her yet. But I guess there’s no rush, she hasn’t even been here for more than thirty minutes. The mome
ELARA’S POV“Hey,” I wave as I reach him.“Hello, Elara.”My brows furrow. “What are you doing here?” I don’t even try to hide my confusion. “Here to see you” he mutters.My eyes widen. “ see me?” Strange. Of all the people and in the morning? “Don’t get ahead of yourself,” he sighs. “I only came to drop this off.”Before I can ask what this is, he shoves a small crate into my hands.I glance down and freeze.Inside the crate, a tiny kitten blinks up at me, its fur a soft mixture of gray and white. My breath catches. I know this kitten. It looks just like the one from the site two days ago.“Oh my god!” I squeal. “Is this—?”“Yes.” Kyle nods. “Turns out she was all alone. Ran away from a vet not far from the site. So now… she’s all yours.”My heart practically melts on the spot.“Aww, I didn’t know you had it in you.” I smirk, looking up at him.“Had what?” He raises an eyebrow.“A little humanity. To think of me first when you found her.”He scoffs. “Well, who else do I know that