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
Inside their luxurious room, Isabella sat in front of the makeup mirror, polishing her face quietly. Occasionally, she glanced at Damian who was sitting on the sofa with an annoyed expression. "What do you mean she refused?" Isabella's voice was shrill when Damian finally told her the bad news. Damian rubbed his face roughly. "The admin said they don't accept private orders. I tried offering any price, but she refused." Isabella snorted loudly, putting down the lipstick in her hand roughly. "No way! I'm sure that Queen Elisabeth is just selling out. Doesn't she know who I am? I'm your wife, Damian! They should be honored if I wear their jewelry." Damian gave her a sharp look. "You think your status can buy you anything? Queen Elisabeth has her own rules, and she doesn't care who you are!" Isabella rose from her chair, approaching Damian with a face full of anger. "Then you're going to let her reject us just like that? Are you my husband or not? You should be able to get what
Nathan sat in his chair, one hand resting on his chin while his gaze was glued to the computer screen. However, his mind wasn't there. Repeatedly, he tried to focus on the financial report in front of him, but the scene kept replaying in his head. That kiss. It was brief, unexpected, but somehow left such a deep impression. Nathan let out a long sigh, trying to push his thoughts away, but it was as if something was tying him there. Damn it, why was he still thinking about it? It was just an accident. But still... Nathan got up from his chair, walked over to his office window, staring out at the cityscape with an expression that was hard to interpret. He couldn't be like this. Elena was just his employee. Nothing more. Nothing more... right? Meanwhile, in the design room, Elena was busy with some documents in her hands. She still felt her face burning whenever she remembered what happened in Nathan's room earlier. "Am I crazy?" she muttered under her breath. She sho
Isabella sat on the sofa of her luxurious home, a look of irritation on her face. In her hand, the cell phone she had just used to contact Tamara was still vibrating softly. She typed a message angrily. Tamara: [I'm sorry, Miss Isabella. Miss Queen Elisabeth cannot take your order because her schedule is very tight. She currently has many other projects to attend to].Isabella's eyes rounded, then without thinking, she immediately replied. Isabella: [What do you mean? I paid three times as much! Are you refusing that much money?!]There was no instant reply from Tamara, making Isabella's blood boil even more. Isabella: [Tell that designer to make a design for me! I want special jewelry from Queen Elisabeth!]A few seconds later, a reply finally came through. Tamara: [I'm sorry, but this decision is final.]Isabella stared at her phone screen with bated breath. Her anger boiled over, and she violently slammed her phone on the floor. BRAK!Damian, who had just entered the livi
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