Tamara patted Elena's shoulder gently. "Good decision, El. You don't need another man like him in your life. You can stand on your own, and you have me." Elena smiled a little. "Thank you, Tam. I'm lucky to have a best friend like you." Tamara chuckled. "It's obvious. Now, how about we eat out? My treat. I'm sure you and the kids could use a little entertainment." Olivia, Katty, and Delya immediately cheered with excitement. "Eating out? Yay!" Elena smiled at their excitement. "Alright, but don't order too much." Tamara glared. "Never mind, El. Let me spoil you once in a while!" With their hearts a little lighter, they went to a well-known family restaurant in town. It wasn't very fancy, but it was cozy and had delicious food. Once they entered, the waiter greeted them kindly and escorted them to an empty table in the corner. "Olivia, Katty, Delya, what would you like to eat?" Tamara asked Elena's children. "I want pasta!" Olivia exclaimed. "I want steak!" Katty sa
In the taxi, Delya was still sobbing on Elena's lap. Her small hands squeezed the hem of her mother's dress, her face full of confusion. "Mommy... I want Daddy..." she whined softly, her voice trembling. Elena took a deep breath, her hand gently stroking her youngest daughter's hair. "Honey, Daddy is busy." "But why did Daddy say he wasn't our father?" Olivia, sitting next to Elena, looked down, her eyes glazed over. "Are we not his children anymore?" Katty chimed in, her voice more angry than sad. "Daddy is bad! Why is he so cruel to us? He even pushed Delya down!" Delya sobbed again, her face pressed against Elena's chest. "Delya loves Daddy... Why doesn't Daddy love Delya?" Tamara, who was sitting in the front, could only clench her hands into fists, her eyes glazed over as she saw the three children so hurt. She wanted to speak, but knew it wasn't her place. Elena let out a long sigh. It broke her heart to see her daughters so sad, but she didn't want them to hate th
Elena was silent for a while at Katty and Olivia's words. She didn't expect her children to think that far ahead. Elena was pregnant!Elena herself was still having trouble accepting the fact, let alone explaining it to her daughters. "Mommy?" Olivia tugged on her sleeve, snapping Elena out of her reverie. "Honey... Mommy's not thinking about finding a new Daddy right now." Elena tried to choose her words carefully. Katty frowned. "Why, Mommy deserves someone better than Daddy." Elena smiled a little, her heart warmed to hear that her children cared so much about her. However, she had more important things to say. "Because... Mommy is pregnant." Olivia and Katty both widened their eyes. "Pregnant?" Olivia exclaimed in shock. Delya, who was getting sleepy, opened her eyes wide and sat up straight. "Mommy is having another baby?" Elena smiled gently. "Yes, baby." Katty immediately held Elena's belly, her eyes sparkling. "There's a baby in Mommy's belly? Seriously?"
Early in the morning, toast filled the small apartment. Elena was busy in the kitchen, spreading jam on the bread while occasionally glancing at the pot on the stove. "Mommy, where's the milk?" came Olivia's voice from the dining table. "Just a minute, honey," Elena replied, hurriedly pouring milk into a glass. Katty swung her legs under the table, looking at her mother curiously. "Mommy going to the office again?" Elena nodded as she served breakfast in front of them. "Yes. Mommy has to hurry and submit the new design to Mr. Nathan." Delya, who was sitting in her chair, pursed her lips. "Mommy's leaving again?" Elena smiled gently, crouching down in front of her youngest daughter. "Mommy won't be long, dear. You'll play with Aunt Tamara later, okay?" As if summoned, the apartment bell rang. "That must be Aunt Tamara," Olivia said, getting up from her chair to open the door. Sure enough, Tamara was standing there in her brown jacket, smiling broadly. "Good morning, l
Nathan sat back in his chair, his fingers tapping the surface of the desk in a slow rhythm. His eyes remained fixed on the design Elena had just handed over. Something was bothering him-something that felt familiar. He reached for his cell phone and pressed the speed dial to contact his assistant, Samon. "Hello, Mr. Nathan?" came Samon's voice on the other end. "I need you to find out about someone," Nathan said matter-of-factly. "Who?" "Elena." Samon was silent for a moment. "Elena who?" Nathan squinted, scrutinizing the detailed lines of the design before him. "Elena... I don't know her full name. But she's a designer I've just started working with. Oh yes, I remember, her name is Elena Whitmore." Samon sighed. "Okay. But this could take some time. I need more information." "Okay, I understand. . Don't let him know we're investigating him." Samon nodded even though it was invisible. "Yes, Mr. Nathan. I'll start collecting data." Nathan ended the call, then look
Elena opened the door to her apartment with one hand while the other held the bag of warm bread. Once inside, she saw her three daughters sitting in the living room with Tamara. "Mommy!" exclaimed Delya, jumping up from the couch and running to her. Elena smiled, bending down to hug her youngest daughter tightly. "Mommy's home, honey." Olivia and Katty rushed over too, their eyes sparkling at the bag of bread in Elena's hands. "Is that bread for us?" asked Olivia with an expectant face. Elena chuckled. "Of course. Mommy bought bread for the three of you. " Tamara rose from the couch, greeting Elena with a meaningful look. "Are you okay?" she whispered softly. Elena nodded briefly. She knew Tamara must have guessed something had happened while she was gone, but Elena didn't want to discuss her meeting with Margareth right now. She brought the bread to the table, then helped Delya sit in her chair. Olivia and Katty couldn't wait to taste. "Hmm... so good!" exclaimed Ka
The clock struck two in the morning, but Elena was still at her desk. The small lamp in the corner of the room was the only light, while the remaining coffee in her cup was already cold. Elena's eyes felt heavy, but her hands kept moving, finishing the design that Nathan had requested. She knew how much of a perfectionist he was, and she didn't want to disappoint. However, no matter how hard she tried, her mind began to wander. Every line he drew felt more and more blurred, and his eyelids felt so heavy. Unconsciously, her head fell onto the table. She fell asleep. When Elena woke up, birds were chirping outside the window. Her eyes widened at the sight of the clock on the wall-it was five in the morning!"Oh my!" Elena slapped her forehead. She immediately sat up, looking at the sketch in front of her. The design wasn't finished! Plus, she hadn't made the sample suit that Nathan had requested. Elena rubbed her face frantically. Not to mention... Her eyes darted to her c
Elena got out of the taxi quickly, her hands still clutching the folder of unfinished designs. She was already late, and this was not her habit. Nathan certainly didn't like waiting, especially when it came to work. But before she could step inside the grand office building, a figure stood in her way. Damian, her ex-husband. Elena halted her steps, her jaw hardening at the sight of the man standing with an arrogant expression on his face. Neat as ever, wearing an expensive suit, as if he had never lacked anything in his life. "What a rush you're in, where are you going?" Damian's voice sounded cold, but full of mockery. Elena snorted, giving him a sharp look. "None of your business, Mr. Damian." Elena tried to step to the side, but Damian quickly blocked her way again. "Elena, don't pretend to be busy. I know you don't have a regular job. Or..." Damian glanced at the office building behind Elena. "Are you someone's mistress here?" Elena clenched her fists, restraining h
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
Damian looked at Elena, his eyes hopeful, yet also afraid of the answer that would come out of her mouth."Elena, do I deserve a second chance?" he asked softly.Elena let out a long breath, bowing her head for a moment. The wind blew softly, carrying the scent of wet soil and jasmine flowers from the newly sown gravestone."A second chance?" repeated Elena softly. Her eyes slowly looked at Damian, deep, clear, and full of hurt."I'm sorry, Damian..." she said calmly but firmly. "There are no second chances."Damian frowned. "What do you mean?""I've been through a lot, Damian. Years of hiding who I am, raising four children on my own, enduring humiliation from your family, from your mother. And when all those wounds haven't really healed, you come asking for a chance? You have no shame! Woe!""But I'm sorry, Elena. I made a mistake back then. I was too happy when Isabella gave me a boy. If I'd known-""You hurt me even before David was born," Elena cut in sharply. "Not to mention you
Damian still sat silently on the park bench behind the crematorium. A light rain had begun to dampen his hair and shoulders, but he didn't care. His fingers still clutched David's small cross necklace.Isabella walked over, her black dress dragging a bit of wet earth. She sat silently beside Damian, looking straight up at the gray sky.A few minutes passed in silence, until Isabella finally asked softly, "Damian, are you going to divorce me after this?"Damian turned his head slowly. "What do you mean?"Isabella smiled bitterly, still staring ahead. "I've heard the viral news. Elena... she is Queen Elisabeth. She also revealed that Alva is of Lancaster descent."Damian frowned."Are you going after her?" Isabella continued, her voice low but piercing. "Because she has given birth to an heir. A son, the heir you crave."Damian stared at his wife for a long time, his face unreadable.However, instead of answering, Damian stood up. He wiped his face wet with rain and tears."I have to ge
"So, what about Mrs. Sonia? Your mother?" asked Elena quietly, looking at Nathan doubtfully. "Will she approve of us? I know... she has high standards for a woman worthy of being her daughter-in-law."Nathan smiled a little and sat down next to Elena. "You know what? I've always admired Queen Elisabeth's designer work."Elena looked at Nathan with dilated eyes. "Really?"Nathan nodded. "She didn't know you designed for the brand. But when you appeared at the press conference in a black dress of your own design, my mom immediately said, 'This Queen Elisabeth designer seems to understand the taste of noblewomen. Elegant but not pushy. She also said that you deserve to be my wife.'"Elena could hardly believe it. "But will your mother accept my four children?""Yes, my mother accepts your four children, Elena." Nathan grasped Elena's hand tightly. "My mother will never reject you again."Elena was silent. Her heart seemed to be gently soothed. For the first time, she felt accepted."Than
Nathan touched Elena's chin, lifting her face slowly. "I love you so much, Elena..." he whispered, his eyes deep and expectant. "Can I kiss you again?"Elena's face flushed, but she turned her head to the side, shying away. "No, Nathan..."Nathan paused. His face tightened, disappointed but appreciative."Why?" he asked quietly.Elena let out a long breath. "I'm not the slut I was five years ago when I asked for your touch in the car." Elena looked down, if she remembered that incident, she felt very embarrassed. Nathan was about to speak up, but the sound of shoes stomping on the floor made them both turn their heads.A man in an elegant navy suit entered the room with steady steps. His face was gaunt, his jaw firm, and his eyes held a deep hurt."Damian," Elena murmured, her body instantly stiffening.Nathan stood in front of Elena reflexively, protecting her.Damian raised a hand. "Elena, where is my son, Alva."His eyes bore into Elena - and for a moment, there was an indescribab
Elena never expected the press conference this morning to shake the world so quickly. From the moment she stepped out of the Royal Empress Corporation building, her cell phone had not stopped vibrating. Thousands of messages, calls from the media, and even offers of cooperation from various big companies rained down on her.But what surprised her the most was not that.It was the two handsome, young, and successful men who came to her door for one purpose: to propose."Miss Elena," said George Moreau, CEO of Canada's largest technology company, with a charming smile and an intimidatingly confident demeanor. "I've been following your career for a long time. And after seeing that press conference... I knew I couldn't keep quiet any longer. I'd like to take you out to dinner. Would Miss Elena be willing?"Before Elena could answer, the second man spoke up."As for dinner, I've already made a reservation," interrupted Felix D'Angelo, the young Italian CEO who was known as a playboy but a