11
Elena's POV
The day had finally arrived, and I could feel my pulse racing as I took in the sight around me. The entire mansion felt transformed, with every corner draped in elegance. Strings of warm lights and grand chandeliers gave the room a soft, almost dreamlike glow, and the fragrance of fresh roses mingled with the faint notes of jazz floating through the air.
I couldnt deny it—it was beautiful. Perfect, even. But there was a heaviness inside me, a feeling I couldnt shake, as if something unexpected was waiting just around the corner.
Samantha was at my side, as usual, fussing over my hair and adding the finishing touches to my makeup.
"Look at you!"she beamed, stepping back to admire her work. "Youre stunning, Elena. I swear, your fiancé is going to be head over heels the moment he sees you."She gave me a playful nudge, and I had to laugh despite my nervousness.
"Well,"she continued with a smirk, "I just hope youre not missing your little boyfriend—Jason, isnt it? Hes out of luck this time."Her teasing grin turned mischievous as she raised an eyebrow at me.
"Stop it, Samantha,"I scolded lightly, feeling my cheeks flush. "Jasons my employee. You know its not like that."Even though I protested, I think I really miss him.
But that feeling quickly faded as I looked at myself in the mirror again. Something was bothering me, I felt so uneasy,veven as I tried to push it down. "I dont know, Sam. I feel like somethings going to happen tonight. I cant put my finger on it, but its making me nervous."
"Oh, please!"She rolled her eyes and took my hands, squeezing them in reassurance. "Its probably just nerves. Youre going to meet your fiancé tonight, and its a big deal. But youll be fine. Youre Elena Brooks, remember? Nothing gets to you."
I tried to laugh, but the unease lingered as Sam finished with my hair, pulling it back into a sleek ponytail that trailed over my shoulder, and handed me my jewelry—a delicate silver necklace and matching earrings that sparkled under the light. Slipping on my golden heels, I took one last look in the mirror, forcing myself to smile. "Perfect,"I whispered, trying to convince myself as much as anyone else.
Eventually, it was time. The party was already in full swing, and I could hear laughter and music as I made my way down the grand staircase. I was just about to step outside to get some air, hoping it might settle my nerves, when a firm hand grabbed my arm, pulling me back. I turned, startled, and froze.
"What the…Lucas?"My voice was barely a whisper, shock rippling through me as I gazed at his face. The same face that had once been a part of my life and was now the last thing I wanted to see.
"What are you doing here? Let go!"I hissed, trying to free my arm from his grasp, but he held on tightly. His eyes were intense, almost pleading, oh please!
"I came for you, Elena,"he said softly, his voice laced with desperation. "Please, just listen to me. If its money, jewelry, anything—you can have it all. Just… come back to me. Be my wife again."
A bitter laugh escaped me, and I looked at him, almost amused by the absurdity of his words. "Are you serious, Lucas? You think you can just walk in here, make an offer, and Ill come running back to you?"I pulled my arm free and straightened my posture, narrowing my eyes at him. "I didnt invite you, so how the hell did you even get in here?"
He ignored my question, taking a step closer, his expression growing more intense. "You dont belong here, Elena. You dont have to sell yourself to the Brooks family just to survive. Come with me, and Ill give you everything. You know I can."
I could feel anger bubbling up inside me, and I shook my head. "Youre unbelievable. I dont need anything from you, Lucas. Im done. Understand something, we are divorced!"
Just then, my grandfather appeared beside me, his presence instantly grounding me. He placed a protective hand on my shoulder, and I could see the steel in his eyes as he addressed Lucas. "Mr. Brown. I dont recall seeing your name on our guest list. Is this your ex-husband?"I nodded swallowed hard.
Lucas straightened, his jaw tightening. For a moment, his gaze flicked to my grandfather, but then he walked closer, and whispered into my ear. "Is this really what you want, Elena? To be paraded around as someones prize? Or… a sugar baby to Mr. Brooks here?"
The words hit like a slap, and I clenched my fists, struggling to keep my composure. "I make my own choices, Lucas,"I replied, my voice steady and cold. "And you dont get a say in any of them anymore."
Grandfather tightened his grip on my shoulder, stepping forward as he spoke. "Mr. Brown, youre welcome to stay—as long as you dont disrupt this evening any further. But if you continue causing trouble, I wont hesitate to call security."
Lucass face hardened, but he took a step back, glancing between my grandfather and me with a look of disdain. "Fine,"he muttered, turning on his heel and disappearing back into the crowd.
As he left, I felt relived. I took a shaky breath, looking up at my grandfather, who smiled gently and squeezed my shoulder. "Hes in the past, Elena. Dont let him spoil your night."
I nodded, grateful for his support, and together, we made our way into the heart of the party.
As the party hit its stride, I watched from the side, trying to mask the tension bubbling within me. My grandfather took center stage, tapping the microphone to gain everyones attention. The guests quieted down, and I exchanged a look with Samantha, who gave me an encouraging grin. She looked positively radiant, caught up in the excitement, while I was doing my best to maintain my composure.
Hello, everyone! Welcome to this grand ball,my grandfathers deep voice filled the room. Today, we are here to celebrate my granddaughter, Elena.I couldnt help but smile broadly at his words, feeling a sense of pride mixed with nervousness.
He cleared his throat, his eyes twinkling as he continued, I have two very special announcements to make tonight.I felt my chest tighten as he paused, the suspense in the room palpable.
"Firstly, I would like to welcome my granddaughter, Elena Brooks, into the Brooks family group of companies!he announced with enthusiasm. The room erupted in applause, and I took a deep breath, stepping forward to stand beside him. I waved to the crowd, smiling, feeling a rush of confidence as I caught a glimpse of Lucas. His eyes were wide with surprise, a flash of something unreadable crossing his face. I held his gaze for a moment, feeling a flicker of satisfaction. *Serves him right.*
As the applause died down, Grandpa continued, Thank you, everyone, for welcoming Elena to the Brooks Group. Now, for my second announcement, which is perhaps even more special.He held up a hand, and the room fell silent. I am thrilled to announce my granddaughters engagement to her fiancé, Jason Campbell.
The words hung in the air, and I felt my heart skip a beat. My gaze shot to the stage, searching in confusion as Grandpa called for Jason to step forward. Then, to my utter shock, out walked *my* Jason—Jason Campbell, my employee, dressed expensively in a tailored suit, with his curly black hair neatly styled and his gray eyes gleaming under the lights.
This couldnt be happening. My mind struggled to reconcile the man I saw every day in a T-shirt and jeans with the poised, confident figure now standing in front of me.
My jaw dropped, and I turned to Samantha, who looked just as stunned. She glanced at me, her eyes wide, then at Jason, clearly as shocked as I was. Slowly, I drifted my gaze toward Lucas, whose expression was a mixture of disbelief and jealousy.
I barely registered when I whispered, Grandpa?My voice was shaky, unsure.
Jason looked at me, a small, almost apologetic smile on his face. He reached out to touch my arm, but I instinctively pulled back, I could feel tears in the corners of my eyes What the heck, Jason?I managed to mutter, staring at him as if he were a stranger.
In that moment, the Jason I knew—the quiet, unassuming guy who always seemed slightly awkward—seemed to vanish. Standing before me was a man I didnt recognize, someone completely transformed, someone with so much confidence and control.
His suit fit him perfectly, highlighting his strong frame, and his eyes, sharper and more intense than Id ever seen them, they are locked onto mine.
I turned back to my grandfather, but he only smiled, clearly pleased with himself. Jason, would you like to say a few words?he prompted.
Jason took a step closer, his voice steady as he looked directly at me. Elena, I know this must come as a surprise,he said, his tone calm and almost… affectionate? But I wanted you to see me and love me for who I am, without any pretenses. Ive admired you for so long, and tonight I wanted to stand by your side, as your equal, as your lifetime partner.
I clenched my fists, *All this time,* hed been hiding his identity from me. And now, here he was, making a grand entrance like some hero out of a fairy tale. The nerve!
The murmurs from the crowd buzzed around us, and I felt—betrayal, disbelief, anger. How could he keep this a secret? And yet, standing there, he looked almost heartbreakingly sincere. But I wasnt about to let him off that easily. Men are scum indeed!
I cant believe this,I whispered, more to myself than to him. All this time… you were lying to me.
Jasons eyes softened, and he took another step closer. Elena, please… let me explain.
But I shook my head, feeling a fierce need to distance myself. No, Jason. I need time to process this, it's too much!I replied, my voice firmer than I felt.
I shot him one last look, I fought back the tears of betrayal. Then, without another word, I turned and walked away, leaving him—and the shocked crowd—behind. I don't care!