Elena still didn't fully understand how such a chaotic morning could turn into such a golden opportunity. Just a few minutes ago, she had walked out of Nathan's room with her mind in turmoil, but now, she was standing in front of a room she had never been in before. Tamara, who had just called Elena on the phone, was immediately surprised to hear from Elena, "So, now you have your own workspace?" Elena nodded, still somewhat incredulous. "I guess so." Tamara smiled widely. "Great! This means you're officially an employee of Mr. Nathan. At least you don't have to work from home anymore while the kids chase you around. You'll get rich quick. Keep up the good work, Miss Elena." Elena smiled a little, although her mind was still full of many things. Then, Elena hung up the phone. Elena reached out and opened the door to her new office. Once inside, she was immediately greeted by an elegant room. Not too big, but quite cozy. There was a wooden desk facing a large window with a c
Elena slowly opened her eyes. Her vision was still blurry, but she could feel the bright white light from the hospital lamp. Her head still felt heavy, but at least she could breathe more freely. Once she regained consciousness, she saw the figure sitting in the chair next to her bed. Nathan. He was looking at her with an expression that was hard to read, his eyes sharp but no obvious signs of emotion. "Elena," Nathan finally spoke, his voice low and firm. "You're awake." Elena blinked a few times before trying to get up, but her body still felt weak. "Why am I here?" she muttered. "You collapsed at the office," Nathan replied shortly. "I took you to the hospital." Elena looked around, realizing where she was. She sighed, then rubbed her face tiredly. "Thank you, Mr. Nathan. Sorry for the trouble." Nathan didn't answer immediately. He just looked at her, then after a few seconds, he asked, "Are you pregnant?" Elena was silent for a moment. However, she had no inten
Elena stepped out of the infirmary with a sense of relief. She was finally allowed to go home after resting all night. Although her body still felt a little tired, at least she could return home and finish her work. Beside her, a man in a black suit followed her. Samon, Nathan's assistant, who had taken care of the hospital administration for him. "The car is out front, Miss Elena," Samon said as he matched her pace. "You can go straight home." Elena nodded. "Thank you, Samon. Sorry for the trouble." "No problem. It's Mr. Nathan's order." Elena only smiled slightly. Since working for Nathan, this was the first time someone had helped her without any frills. However, her steps stopped as soon as she reached the hospital lobby. There, right in front of her, stood three figures she desperately wanted to avoid. Damian. Isabella. And their baby boy, in Damian's arms. Elena immediately wanted to turn around, but it was too late. Damian's eyes caught her first. "Elena
Elena opened the door to her apartment carefully. It was quite late, and she didn't want to wake the children who were already asleep. Once inside, she saw Tamara sitting on the couch playing with her cell phone."Are you home?" Tamara turned her head and smiled. "How are you, are you okay?"Elena nodded, took off her shoes and put her bag on the table. "I'm fine. Just a little tired."Tamara looked at her with concern. "You should rest more. Don't overexert yourself."Elena only smiled slightly. She knew Tamara was right, but the reality of her life didn't give her much choice."I have good news for you," Tamara said suddenly, her eyes sparkling.Elena looked at her curiously. "What is it?"Tamara thrust out her cell phone, revealing an email. "There's a new partner interested in using Queen Elisabeth's designs. They contacted me this afternoon."Elena was instantly awake. She took the phone from Tamara's hand and read the email carefully.This new partner was not just any company. T
Meanwhile, Nathan sat in his chair, his eyes not leaving the laptop screen that displayed several articles and a person's track record. His face looked serious, occasionally squinting, making sure that the information he was reading was correct. In front of him, Samon-his personal assistant-stood with an expressionless face, waiting for a reaction from his superior. "So, are you sure about this information?" Nathan's voice sounded deep and stressful. Samon nodded. "Yes, sir. I've checked from various sources. Miss Elina is indeed the person behind the name Queen Elisabeth. She is the legendary designer who has been so mysterious." Nathan let out a long breath. He leaned back in his chair, still digesting this fact. Elena. The woman he had just hired was the one behind the incredible designs he had been admiring. "Interesting," Nathan muttered, tapping his fingers on the table. Samon continued, "As you know, not many people know her true identity. Queen Elisabeth has alwa
The atmosphere in the small apartment was warmer than usual. Nathan, who was known as a cold and rigid man, was now sitting cross-legged on the floor, surrounded by three little girls who were enthusiastically opening the snacks and toys he had brought. "Uncle Nathan, look, the doll can talk!" exclaimed Delya as she pressed the button on the belly of the little teddy bear she had just gotten. A funny sound came out of the teddy, making the little girl laugh with delight. Nathan smiled slightly, feeling strange about himself. Since when did he feel comfortable around children? Elena, who was standing in the kitchen stirring coffee, observed them with an incredulous look. This scene was completely unexpected. The Nathan she knew was always cold, stern, and never seemed to get along with anyone. But now, he was joking with his children as if they had known each other for a long time. Katty who was sitting next to Nathan suddenly looked at him seriously. "Uncle Nathan," she ca
Inside the luxurious hospital room, Baby David was still lying weakly on his bed. His small body wrapped in a thick blanket, his face pale with an IV tube attached to his tiny hand, a rare disorder that attacked Baby David's blood vessels made his body run a high fever and a red rash appeared on several parts of his skin. The doctor had explained that intensive care had to be taken to prevent serious complications. At the side of the bed, Damian sat with a tense face, his fingers tightly gripping his son's weak hand. He had barely slept all night, watching David anxiously. Every time his son gave a little whimper in his sleep, he immediately panicked, making sure the doctor was on standby. However, in another corner of the room, Isabella sat on the sofa casually, as if she didn't care about her son's condition. She was busy scrolling through her phone screen, her eyes sparkling as she saw the latest post about Queen Elisabeth's latest jewelry collection. "Wow... the designs are a
In the VIP room of the hospital, Baby David was finally allowed to go home after several days of intensive care. Damian held his son carefully, making sure to keep his little body warm under the soft blanket. His face was still full of worry even though the doctor had assured him that David's condition was stable. However, unlike Damian, Isabella looked relaxed. Instead of worrying about her son, she was busy looking at an exclusive jewelry catalog on her phone. "Honey, look at this!" Isabella exclaimed as she thrust the screen into Damian's face. "This pendant is amazing! It's the latest work from Queen Elisabeth. I want this one." Damian frowned. "Isabella, our son just got out of the hospital, and you're thinking about jewelry?" Isabella pouted. "So what, David is better, right? I just wanted a small gift as a celebration. After all, I am the mother of your son, Damian. You wouldn't mind buying me a locket, would you?" Damian snorted, giving Isabella an annoyed look. Howe
Elena was still silent. Her face was flushed, not just from the kiss, but from the follow-up kiss Nathan had just planted on her neck-hot, deep, and surprising."Aahh..." the sigh escaped her lips, making Nathan smile a little. The smile of a man who knew he had touched something that could no longer be denied."Elena," Nathan's voice was husky, almost a whisper. "I've put a love token around your neck. You are mine, Elena."Elena turned her head quickly, her eyes widening slightly. "Nathan...""You don't have to answer now," Nathan said softly. "But don't tell me you don't feel it."Elena's body began to overheat. Her heart was beating so fast, her mind was in turmoil. Half of her wanted to kiss back, to touch Nathan's face, to let her lips trace his neck.But Elena just bit her lip, trying to hold back.She raised her right hand to touch the lapel of Nathan's suit, then lowered it again. She turned quickly toward the window. "I have to go inside. Bara is still waiting for me.""Elen
"Elena, I-" Nathan's voice was almost drowned out by the noisy conversation inside the restaurant, but his eyes radiated something Elena couldn't ignore.Elena frowned, confused by the man's expression. "What is it, Mr. Nathan?"Without answering, Nathan grabbed Elena's wrist and pulled her gently but firmly out of the restaurant. Elena was slightly taken aback by the sudden action."Nathan, what do you want? I still have to-""Just for a minute," Nathan cut in. "I can't stand to see you sitting with that guy."They stepped out onto the wet sidewalk. Nathan opened his car door and looked at Elena with an unusual look in his eyes. "Get in, please."Elena hesitated for a moment. But finally she got in, letting Nathan close the door and sit on the driver's side. They were silent for a few seconds. The rain pounded on the windshield in a quiet rhythm."Elena," Nathan finally spoke up, still staring straight ahead. "Who is he?""Who?" Elena asked back, knowing who he meant."That guy at th
The rain was still falling when a man in a dark gray suit got out of his black car. Nathan walked into the restaurant where he had promised to pick up his mother, Mrs. Sonia, who was meeting an old acquaintance. He'd just finished a board meeting at his company, but his mind wasn't entirely there-for some reason, lately his thoughts had been lingering on one name: Elena Whitmore. As soon as the restaurant door opened, Nathan caught sight of a familiar figure sitting by the window. Not his mother. It was Selena. With a man, the woman was laughing softly, their shoulders almost touching. Her hand clutched the cup, but her eyes were fixed on the man in front of her.Nathan's brow furrowed. His heart raced-not out of blind jealousy, but because something inside him refused to take the sight for granted."She said Selena said she had a project this morning," Nathan murmured quietly."Nathan?"A soft, graceful voice interrupted his reverie. Mrs. Sonia approached him with a tired but gracef
After the meeting with Miss Shera, which went smoothly despite Damian's chaos, Elena chose to sit for a while in a small restaurant not far from the previous cafe. The place was quiet, the music soft, and the aroma of coffee mixed with vanilla soothed her foggy mind.She sat in the corner, staring blankly out the window. Her hand stirred the jasmine tea without really intending to drink it. Her mind still returns to Damian's pleading face-the face she once fell in love with, now inviting only disgust and anger."Even if he kneels in front of the whole world," Elena thought sharply, "I won't forgive that bastard. Everything he destroyed... can't be rebuilt with a ring and a sweet promise."She took a deep breath, trying to get rid of the tightness in her chest. One thing was for sure, her life was much better without Damian. And today was just a small reminder of how far he had come."Excuse me... Elena Whitmore?"A warm baritone voice jolted her thoughts. Elena turned quickly, and her
The café was starting to get crowded. In the corner, Elena sat across from an elegant young woman named Shera, her new partner in an exclusive jewelry design project for the summer launch."If we play on the classic concept but give it a touch of local motifs, I think it will appeal to the European market," Elena said, pointing to a sketch on her laptop.Shera nods. "I like the design lines. Clean, but still has character. And we can play with the color of the natural stone according to the season."They looked serious, immersed in a professional conversation. Until suddenly, the sound of heavy, quick steps could be heard approaching."Elena!"Elena turned her head slowly, and her body immediately stiffened when she saw Damian standing not far from their table. The man looked tired, his face not as neat as usual, but the look in his eyes was full of determination.Shera, who didn't know anything, just stared in confusion.Damian stepped in front of the table, then took a deep breath.
The sky was overcast that afternoon, as if reflecting Elena's mood. She sat in the corner of a small rustic café, her hands clutching a mug of warm coffee with a soothing aroma. The table in front of her is tidy, with a small agenda, a pen, and a dark brown tote bag. She is waiting for her new partner for a children's school interior design project. Focus. That's what she needs.The doorbell of the café chimed. Elena didn't really care, until the sound of heels and a man's firm steps approached. She turned her head briefly... and almost laughed in disbelief."Oh my God... Elena?" the voice was smooth, practiced, and fake. Margaret Lancaster, dressed in an expensive coat and a pearl brooch on her lapel, stood there with her husband, Charles, who looked older but still as haughty as ever.Elena looked up slowly. "OH, Aunt Margaret... Uncle Charles." Her tone was flat. She offered no chair, no polite smile."We didn't expect to see you here," Charles said, trying to sound friendly. "You
Damian had just opened the door to his luxurious downtown home when the sound of sobbing greeted him. The cold air from outside had not yet left his body, but in here, the heat was overwhelming-not because of the temperature, but because of the burning emotions.Isabella sat on the sofa, still wearing her blood-red satin nightgown. Her eyes were swollen, her face wet. In her hand is a picture frame of David, their son who died two years ago. Her fingers gripped it tightly, as if afraid of losing it again."David was our only son," Isabella murmured softly. "The only one you're proud of."Damian threw his coat on the chair, ignoring all the pleasantries. His voice was instantly piercing, cold. "I just got back from Elena's house. I want to get back to Elena."Isabella slowly looked up. The look in her eyes was hazy, but there were still embers there. "What do you mean, Damian?"Damian stood straight, his face without hesitation. "I want a divorce, Isabella. I'm going back to Elena. For
Damian was still sitting on the couch when Alva appeared in the living room, rubbing his eyes, his steps slow and still lazy. The five-year-old boy was wearing dark blue pajamas with rockets, his hair a little messy."Mommy, big sister, who is she?" he asked innocently, pointing at Damian who immediately stood up and looked at him with a longing look.Damian looked down, kneeling down to be at Alva's level. A genuine smile was drawn on his face. "Hi, Alva... You know, I'm your Daddy."Alva was startled for a moment. She took a step back, her expression changing. "Huh? No! You're not my Daddy!" he said loudly, swatting away Damian's hand that was about to touch his shoulder."Alva..." Damian leaned closer again, his voice soft. "You're a smart boy. Daddy just wants to get to know you better. Daddy loves you...""NO!" snapped Alva, pushing Damian's body with his small hands. "I don't know you! You're not my Daddy!"Damian was silent, stunned. The look in his eyes dimmed.Alva turned qui
The next morning, the sky was still gray, leaving behind the residue of the previous night's rain. Damian stood in front of the old colonial-style house on the edge of town where Elena and her children lived. His hand clutched a small box filled with toys and children's books, something he had bought in the middle of the night when his heart couldn't settle.When the door opened, Elena stood in the doorway, wearing a loose gray sweater and casual pants. Her hair was tied up in a simple bun. Her eyes looked tired."Elena...," Damian began, his voice low, almost hesitant."Damian, it's early in the morning," Elena said calmly. She leaned against the door frame. "What's wrong?""I just... I wanted to see them. Olivia, Katty, and Delya," he replied, trying to smile. "If I may."Elena stared at him for a few seconds. There was no anger, but no warmth either. She nodded slowly, then opened the door wider."Come in."Damian stepped inside, the house was warm and smelled of cinnamon. He brief