You there."
The voice sliced through the oppressive silence of the prison cell.
Elaine lifted her dull gaze from the cracked concrete floor, remaining motionless. Her body felt weighed down, as if gravity itself had claimed her.
"Didn't you hear me?"
She perceived the presence of the inmate before feeling the pain. BAM!
Her head was slammed against the floor, a sharp crack echoing through the cell. White-hot pain exploded behind her eyes, stars bursting across her vision. Her ears rang violently, but she didn't scream. She didn't even flinch. She simply lay there, cheek pressed against the cold ground, letting the pain pulse through her skull like a cruel reminder that she was still alive.
The floor beneath her was hard, damp, and icy. Every breath she took hurt. Her body ached in ways she hadn't known a body could ache. Her scars, and the burns on her face made her a stranger to herself. Her mind wandered through the wreckage of what she called a life, but there was nothing to cling to. No hope, no comfort, no escape.
"Acting aloof?" the inmate asked,
Around her, the other inmates reacted predictably. Some smirked, entertained by her suffering. Others turned away, indifferent. Only one woman standing a little farther back watched her with a trace of pity.
They all knew the rumors.
She had killed them, her husband's family, those innocent children, all perished in a fire she started out of spite.
She was a monster.
She was about to be hit again when a guard banged hard on the prison cell.
Inmate 517 he called out coldly, the guard crouched down to her, the moment his eyes landed on her face, he froze then he turned away almost immediately.
His jaw tightened, his nose wrinkled, disgust flickered across his expression before he masked it with indifference.
"Disgusting," he muttered.
Elaine looked up to stare at her reflection on the wall but what she saw made her skin crawl. Skin warped and uneven. One side pulled tight, with a scar that ran from the edge of her eyes to her jaw. Fire had eaten her once, acid had finished the job.
She had stopped remembering what her old face looked like a long time ago.
The guard grabbed her arm and yanked her up.
Bones screamed. Her knees buckled, but he didn't slow. Her shoulder slammed into the bars as he dragged her forward.
"You've got a visitor," he said flatly. "Lucky you."
Lucky, a part of her almost laughed, but a small part of her was filled with a little anticipation of who it was.
They reached the waiting room soon. Elaine sat down and across her, sat a woman dressed in bright colors. Elegant. Composed. Gloved hands folded neatly on the table. A face mask hid her features, but her posture alone felt familiar. The woman tilted her head. Her voice was soft. "Could you… chain her tighter?" she asked the guard. "She frightens me." The guard hummed in response and chained her again.
That voice. Elaine froze, this voice was unmistakable even if she turned to dust. It was the voice of Victoria Lynn, her supposed best friend who destroyed her life, but she was supposed to be dead, in that fire. Elaine had seen Victoria go into the house and never come out. She was even proclaimed dead. Shock gripped her, her skin crawling as she felt cold with disbelief.
Then could you give us some privacy? Victoria requested sweetly, and the guard, blushing, scampered away.
The woman reached up and removed her mask.
The world cracked. The face staring back at her was hers. Her face, the one she had once carried, now replicated, same eyes, same nose, same lips. Smooth, untouched and perfect.
Not a scar in sight. Victoria had taken her face, her identity, her life and now she sat there smiling like she had won everything. Elaine's mind went blank.
Victoria Lynn smiled.
"Oh," Hi Elly, Victoria said gently. "You look surprised. Oh right, I am now Elaine Ashford so I probably shouldn't call you that," she said with a smirk playing on her lips. Memories surged in Elaine's head violently, the fire, the acid, the betrayal, the life stolen. Rage clawed at her chest, she lunged, chains rattling violently, but the metal held fast. She could not reach her.
Victoria leaned back, calm as ever.
"Careful," she said. "You're still so… impulsive."
Elara trembled, "YOU did this," she rasped, Victoria's smile widened. mmm…but, you let me. The words were soft. Deadly.
Victoria leaned back, smiling, a cruel, satisfied smile that twisted Elaine's stomach. With a smirk on her face she looked at the privileged girl who she had always envied, when she saw how pathetic and miserable she looked now, a sense of satisfaction warmed into her heart she chuckled gleefully.
"You were always so foolish," Victoria said softly, almost sweetly. "Abandoned Adrian when he needed you. You could have had everything, power, love, security, but you chose… Peter, and now?
What about Adrian? Elaine asked impatiently, ohh Victoria smiled, "Oh Someone still cares? Well, let me update you for old times' sake, He is a quadruple now…you know and they are just about to finish him off," Victoria whispered, leaning closer, her voice almost taunting, almost sweet. "And there was nothing you could do. Nothing, though you were always too weak to stop anyone. You lost everything, Elaine, everything you cared about. And I… I took it all." Something inside Elaine snapped.
A scream tore from her throat as she ripped her hands forward. The chain broke, the table crashed. Victoria shrieked as Elaine grabbed her hair and yanked her close. Hairpins scattered across the floor. Elaine seized one and drove it straight into Victoria's neck with a perfect precision. Blood sprayed, guards rushed in, shouting. Elaine didn't stop, she stabbed and stabbed until they dragged her back, slammed her against the wall.
Her head hit concrete.
Blood streamed down her face.
Still, she fought. A guard electrocuted her, another one followed, electricity surged through her body, searing flesh, locking her muscles.
Pain consumed everything.
As darkness closed in, Elaine saw Victoria bleeding on the floor, still wearing her face.
She smiled.
At least one thing had ended.
Her body went limp as the darkness finally consumed her.
—-------
You drugged me.
The voice sliced through her, sharp, angry, hazy and intimate.
Her eyes fluttered open. Light pierced her vision. Her head spun violently, thoughts scattering like leaves in a storm. A hand gripped her neck, cold and firm. Her eyes widened. Adrian, her heart raced, what was he doing here? Where was she?
Had he rescued her, or was this a new nightmare?
"You drugged me?" the voice came again.
Drugged? She struggled to focus. Her body felt foreign. Her muscles refused to respond. Her typically sharp mind was clouded with fear and confusion. Then pain flared before she could think. Adrian's teeth sunk into her shoulder. She screamed a desperate sound that shook her to her core. Stop, she whispered.
"Now you have to pay," he hissed.
Pay? Pay for what?
Her chest heaved, her vision blurred, she tried to open her eyes to look at him clearly as this may be the last time she would see him but the boundaries of reality shattered into painful fragments. The pain was both physical and psychological, she felt so lost.
Adrian tore her clothes and entered her roughly no foreplay or anything, she flinched from pain, gripping his shoulders tightly.
"You have gotten really bold" he whispered, is it because I indulge you? She opened her mouth to say something but couldn't make a sound.
The room twisted. Her sense of time dissolved, and then darkness consumed her once more, deeper than before.
Chapter 2. Rebirth
Dawn seeped quietly into the room, pale light threading through the sheer curtains like a promise she didn't believe.
Elaine jolted from the bed, a sharp pain tearing through her lower body, her breath caught. She lay down again, still this time, fearing even the slightest movement would amplify the pain.
Silk. The sheets beneath her fingers felt cool, smooth, impossibly soft. For a moment, her thoughts scattered.
When was the last time she slept on silk?
Prison beds had been hard, scratchy, and unforgiving.
Her heart raced.
If this is a dream… Please let me stay. She whispered to no one in particular.
She turned slowly, cautiously, as if the room might shatter under her movement. Her gaze fell on the full-length mirror opposite the bed.
She froze.
The woman staring back was different. The face looked… smooth, her mind raced back to the fire, it had disfigured her face, and with Victoria making it even more unrecognisable with acid, hatred burned from her eyes at the thought of Victoria, she hoped she stayed dead this time. She stood up and walked to the mirror, the scar that ran from the corner of her eye to her jaw was gone, no hollowness in her cheeks, no lifelessness in her eyes.
It was her.
But younger, way younger.
Her hands flew to her face, smooth skin, clear hazel eyes, thick glossy hair instead of brittle and dull. She staggered, searching for proof of an illusion.
Her phone rang. It was an alarm, the sound was overwhelming. She grabbed it, her fingers trembling. She saw the date.
28th August, 2018.
The numbers burned into her vision.
2018 was five years ago.
She swayed, gripping the bedpost as reality crashed into her chest.
"No… no, this isn't possible…"
But it was.
She had been reborn.
Back to five years ago, to the beginning. Back to the time before everything went wrong, before she heeded the wrong voice.
Victoria Lynn.
Her "best friend." The memory of two days ago hit her like a tide, with Victoria whispering poison disguised as concern.
"Just drug him a little. Catch him in the act. Then ask for a divorce and you will finally get your happily ever after with Peter, Adrian can't risk a scandal coming out now so he is guaranteed to agree to your request. She did exactly that which clearly backfired. Her nails dug into her palms, anger flared, hot, consuming, almost blinding. Her chest tightened as the full memory surfaced, the drug had worked but not as she anticipated. Adrian hadn't been powerless, she had been.
Her body remembered the fear, the helplessness, how he hadn't let go even when she begged, even when darkness closed in, tears running down her face, silent and burning.
"I'm sorry…" she whispered to herself.
The door swung open, Elaine's head whipped toward the sound.
And there he was. Adrian, he stood in the doorway, impeccably dressed even at this early hour. Standing over six feet tall with broad shoulders and a powerful build in a perfect suit, he looked down at her with his cold, emerald-green eyes, a small mole just below his ear, his sharp jawline and perfect face framed by neat black hair while his thin lips remained pressed in a line of total indifference. His sharp features carved from cold precision, his eyes unreadable. His presence filled the room, suffocating her. He looked at her.
She realized, almost in a daze, that she was sitting on the floor.
"Why are you on the ground?" he asked.
His voice was eerily calm. That terrified her.
She stared at him, speechless. Tears welled up, streaming down her face.
He stepped closer.
"Crying?" His tone sharpened. "Because of last night", because I touched you?"
The accusation struck like a slap.
"No" Elaine tried to speak, but her voice cracked, breaking under the weight of memory and fear. "I… I'm sorry."
The word fell uselessly between them.
In an instant, his hand gripped her arm and yanked her up, forcing her to her feet.
"Is this another trick?" your last trick didn't work and so you want to try another?he demanded, eyes darkening. "Do you want a divorce so badly?"
His fingers tightened around her neck, not enough to choke, but enough to remind her of her vulnerability, of who was in charge.
"Too bad," he said quietly. "I don't plan on letting you go, Not in this lifetime."
He hurled her onto the bed.
The silk sheets tangled beneath her as his weight pressed down, stealing her breath. Panic clawed at her throat, sharp and suffocating but she suppressed it, barely.
She stilled.
Inside, her mind screamed.
His face loomed close, voice low and threatening.
"And if you ever pull a stunt like that again," you know trying to send me to some other woman's bed, he said, emphasizing every word, "I will fuck you senseless again and again and ensure you never leave this room."
I am sorry, Elaine whispered causing Adrian to freeze.
"What?" he asked?
Her heart pounded so loudly she was convinced he could hear it.
"I am sorry" she said again, this time louder. Adrian looked at her deeply, his cold eyes reflecting her face as if trying to bore a hole through them, and then he pulled her face close, his thin lips almost meeting hers, their breath intertwined and she could smell the pine scented cologne he always used. Oh how nice he smelt she thought sheepishly as she closed her eyes in anticipation and maybe a slight fear of what was going to happen next.
Then…
He withdrew. She opened her eyes, confusion clearly swirling in them. He stood up, straightened his suit and looked at her deeply again.The absence of his weight felt as overwhelming as his presence. She lay frozen, staring at the ceiling, tears silently soaking her hair and then the sheets. This was just the beginning, she thought,
and this time, she was not the same woman anymore and she promised to make things right.
Chapter 3.
"Come down for breakfast."
Adrian's voice sliced through the quiet of the room like a knife. He didn't wait for a reply. He didn't look back. The door clicked shut behind him. Elaine remained on the edge of the bed looking towards the door long after he had left.
Her heart raced, but her mind was frighteningly calm.
This was before everything went wrong, there was still time, time to change everything and of course get her revenge.
She stood slowly and began taking off her clothes, she looked at her reflection again and smiled slightly before entering the bathroom to take a bath, after her shower, she walked to the closet, inside lay dozens of clothing from current collections of different brands showing how much love and care she received, she cursed herself again for being a fool and went in to pick a dress.
In her past life, she would've chosen dark colors, outfits that screamed distance and defiance. She had known that Adrian preferred soft fabrics, muted tones, a femininity that didn't challenge his authority, so she had always consciously chosen the opposite. Today, however, she reached for a simple, light floral dress with a butterfly hem, gentle around the edges. Picking flat shoes, she allowed her long, silky black hair to fall free, securing it with a hairpin.
When she descended the stairs, the dining room was already set. Adrian looked up, and frowned.
She caught the brief pause, the flicker of confusion in his eyes before his expression smoothed into indifference.
Good, she thought.
He knew she knew his preferences. That was precisely why she had never dressed this way before. Every outfit she had previously chosen had been an act of defiance.
So why this change?
She took her seat calmly, lowered her gaze, then looked up at him.
"Let's eat," she said softly as she took her seat quietly beside him. The table was filled with food, soft bread, scrambled eggs, sausages, fruit, and two cups of tea but the silence made it hard to breathe.
Elaine was the only one moving.
She picked up the serving spoon and gently placed eggs onto Adrian's plate.
"I don't like eggs," Adrian said suddenly, Elaine stiffened in surprise but was quick to react as she placed sausages on the plate she quickly replied "I know you don't like sausages either, this plate is for me" Adrian hummed indifferently as he reached for a plate but Elaine grabbed it first, putting some toast and some fruits and arranging them neatly, as if she had done this many times before.
"You didn't eat much last night," she said softly. "You should eat well today."
Adrian looked at her deeply but did not respond. He only glanced at his plate, then at her hands. His face remained calm, cold even, but inside, he was watching everything.
They started eating, Elaine tried to get more eggs but couldn't reach the bowl, before she could try again, Adrian picked up the bowl, and placed it closer to her. He did it without a word, without expression.
Elaine looked up at him and smiled brightly.
"Thank you, hubby."
Adrian froze.
The spoon in his hand stopped midair.
Hubby?
Elaine had never called him that. Not once. She usually avoided him, avoided meals, avoided even looking at him. Yet here she was, smiling, serving him food, acting like a loving wife.
He slowly calmed down, his face blank. He said nothing.
He enjoyed it. The warmth. The attention. But he refused to show it. His silence made him seem distant, but his eyes never left her.
Elaine reached for her cup, her fingers brushing against his hand. It was light, almost accidental. She smiled again.
At that moment, the maid hurried in.
"Sir," she said nervously, "Miss Julia is here."
Adrian frowned. "Tell her to wait in the living room."
"Yes, sir."
But before the maid could leave, the door flew open.
Julia burst into the dining room, her face tight with anger. Her voice was loud and sharp, her eyes red, her face filled with anger.
"So this is where you are!" she shouted, pointing at Elaine. "Sitting down and eating like nothing happened?"
"Julia," Adrian said calmly, "reduce your voice."
She scoffed. "Why should I?"
Adrian did not raise his voice. He did not argue.
"Go to the living room," he said coldly. "Wait there until we finish breakfast."
Julia laughed at first, clearly not taking him seriously. But then she met his eyes.
The coldness in his gaze wiped the smile off her face.
She froze for a second. Her lips tightened, even she was scared of this second brother of hers. Without another word, she turned sharply and stormed out, her steps aggressive, her anger barely contained.
The room fell silent.
Adrian picked up his cutlery and continued eating as if nothing had happened.
Elaine did the same but she could barely swallow two bites.
Her mind desperately tried to remember what happened a day before. She remembered walking into the restaurant and seeing Julia laughing with a man.
At first, Elaine planned to leave but then she saw the man's face. She clearly remembered seeing the man earlier at the mall with his arms wrapped around a pregnant woman, she remembered clearly because the woman was causing a scene, scolding a sales person for bumping into her. The man desperately tried to calm her down and Elaine remembered thinking how unfortunate it was for this man to be with the pregnant lady, but when she saw the man laughing so sweetly with Julia, anger burned through her, she didn't expose the truth. She had only walked up to the table and cursed him out.
She had told him he was reaching above his league. That he was trying to climb the social ladder. She insulted him until his face went pale, then she left.
Back at the dining room,
Elaine pushed her food around her plate, her appetite gone. Adrian ate in silence beside her,
The silence between them was heavy.
Chapter 4. Julia Montclair
Adrian looked at her again and noticed how uninterested she was with the food . He put down his cutlery and stood up. Elaine snapped back out of her thought and looked up at him
"You done" he asked
"Huh" Elaine replied clearly haven't gotten herself yet
"If you're finished, then let's go."
Elaine sipped water and smiled sweetly, extending her hand toward his.
Adrian hesitated slightly before clasping hers.
"Hubby, I didn't do anything wrong," she assured him, "I swear that man's not a good person."
He merely tightened his grip, saying nothing.
They soon arrived at the living room to find Julia pacing, impatience rolling off her.
Julia, Elaine started, "I am sorry about yesterday but I didn't lie, "I saw something earlier."
Julia crossed her arms. "Here we go."
"Earlier at the mall," Elaine continued, "I saw him with another woman. She was pregnant.
Julia rolled her eyes. "So?"
"So?" Elaine repeated softly. They looked intimate.
"Doesn't matter," Julia said coldly, could have been his sister, why would Nicholas want to deceive me, he doesn't even know who I am. He doesn't know I'm a Montclair."
Elaine's chest tightened. "That doesn't change what I saw."
Julia stepped closer. "You're jealous. Admit it."
Elaine shook her head
Julia stepped closer again, just admit that you are…
"Enough." Adrian snapped
His voice was calm, but sharp enough to cut.
Julia turned to him. "You're still taking her side?"
"You're being disrespectful," Adrian said. "Apologize."
Julia stared at him as if slapped. "To her?"
"Yes."
Julia laughed in disbelief. "So who am I to you now? Your sister or nothing?"
"She is my wife" Adrian replied coldly
Apologize. He said again
Julia laughed angrily as she grabbed a vase from the table, and smashed it to the floor.
The sound echoed.
Elaine flinched.
Adrian immediately pulled her into his arms, his hand settling firmly on her waist. Elaine stiffened in surprise, then slowly relaxed, a strange warmth spreading through her chest at the quiet way he chose her without words.
Julia reached for another vase.
Adrian spoke calmly, without raising his voice.
"If you break another one, it will be taken from your allowance."
Julia froze.
Her hand trembled. Slowly, she placed the vase back down.
She stared at them, then laughed bitterly. "Fine. I'm sorry."
The words were forced.
Elaine stepped forward. "I'm sorry too," she said. "But I didn't make up what I saw."
Julia glared at her. "You're unbelievable."
"Then you can test him," Elaine said quietly.
The room went silent.
Julia's eyes darkened. She cursed under her breath and walked out.
Elaine stood still, her heart racing. The driver stepped into the house and bowed slightly.
"Sir, the car is ready."
Adrian released her, he picked up his coat from the chair, his expression unreadable as always, and headed toward the door.
Elaine reacted without thinking.
She followed him quickly, her steps light but hurried. As Adrian slipped his arms into his coat, she reached out and helped him adjust the collar, her fingers careful, almost gentle.
"What time will you be back?" she asked softly.
Adrian's body stiffened.
His gaze darkened as he looked down at her. Suddenly, he grabbed her hands on his collar pulling her closer just enough for his words to sting.
"Why?" he asked coldly. "Can't wait to run to your lover?"
Elaine froze.
The warmth left her face instantly, her body going stiff in his grip. Her eyes widened, shock flashing through them before she could hide it.
Adrian saw it.
And he misunderstood it.
To him, her stiffness was guilt.
His grip loosened at once. His face hardened, disappointment flashing briefly before it vanished behind anger. Without another word, he turned and walked out.
The door closed behind him.
Elaine stood there for a long moment before letting out a slow, tired sigh.
"It's fine," she murmured to herself. "This is nothing compared to how I treated him before."
At least he reacted, she thought. At least he cared enough to be angry.
That was progress.
Her cheeks warmed as another memory surfaced, Adrian pulling her close when Julia smashed the vase, his arm firm around her waist, protecting her without hesitation.
Elaine smiled.
A small, crafty smile.
She picked up her phone.
Inside the car, Adrian leaned back against the seat, his jaw tight.
Elaine's sudden change after last night replayed in his mind over and over, her softness, her smile, her unexpected closeness.
It didn't make sense.
"What game are you playing?" he muttered.
His phone pinged.
He frowned and picked it up.
Elaine, his wife.
He paused.
Their chat box was almost empty, bare, like two strangers forced into the same space.
His thumb hovered for a second before he opened the message.
Mr. Montclair, I do have a lover…
Adrian's eyes darkened.
His chest tightened
Then another ping.
He is my husband. And I do have a surprise for him tonight… that is, if he will be home before 8pm ^_^
His heart raced.
For a brief second, his fingers moved to call her.
Then he stopped.
He locked the phone and stared out the window, his expression unreadable.
Back at the mansion, Elaine imagined his face as he read her messages.
The thought made her chuckle softly.
"Serves you right," she whispered.
Her phone pinged.
Her eyes lit up as she rushed to grab it, certain it was Adrian.
But the name on the screen made her smile fade.
Victoria.
Elaine's fingers tightened around the phone. Her chest felt stuffy.
She unlocked the phone and opened the chat.
Victoria: Elly, are you free this morning, I need to see you. It's pretty urgent.
Let's meet at the café downtown. 10am don't be late.
Elaine frowned. Another message came quickly.
Her thumb hovered over the screen when another message popped up.
Victoria: Peter might be there too(^^).
Elaine froze.
Peter, the man she had once loved with her whole heart, who had only ever wanted her money and Adrian's power. How she hated them both."
"She despised Peter and Victoria, yet a part of her couldn't help but wonder what Victoria wanted this time."
Something was coming.
And she had a feeling it wouldn't be simple.
Chapter 5. Pregnant
Elaine saw Victoria's messages again but did not reply.
She stared at the screen for a moment, then placed her phone face down. A cold smile appeared on her lips.
I'll go, she thought calmly. But I'll go late.
Victoria always made her wait in the past. Elaine remembered sitting alone at cafés, checking the time again and again while Victoria arrived late with a fake apology. Today, Elaine decided she would no longer be the one waiting.
Instead of leaving, Elaine walked into the kitchen.
"I'll make dumplings," she said softly. "Adrian likes them." She giggled softly.
The moment she reached for the ingredients, the butler hurried in.
"Madam," Butler Jen said nervously, "this is servant work. You don't need to"
Elaine turned and smiled at him sweetly.
"I want to make something for my husband," she said gently.
Butler Jen froze.
He stared at her, worry clear in his eyes. The Madam Elaine he knew never entered the kitchen, let alone cooked.
Still, Elaine noticed his discomfort.
"I understand," she added kindly. Please leave one servant with me.
Butler Jen hesitated, then nodded. "Mia, stay."
A young maid stepped forward. "Yes, sir."
Mia looked very nervous.
Elaine washed her hands. "I'll prepare the filling. You help with the dumpling skins."
Mia nodded stiffly. At first, her hands shook. She kept glancing at Elaine, afraid of making a mistake, but Elaine spoke calmly, explaining each step patiently.
Slowly, Mia relaxed.
She's not scary at all, Mia thought in surprise.
When the dumplings were finished, Elaine placed them neatly into containers and put them in the fridge.
"I'll take them to Adrian when I come back," she said.
Butler Jen watched quietly. His heart felt warm.
Maybe their marriage is finally changing, he thought. I hope it lasts.
"Madam," he asked, "should I prepare a car for you?"
Elaine shook her head. "No, thank you."
She went upstairs to change.
She chose a soft pastel outfit. The fabric hugged her waist gently and flowed over her curves. It was simple but elegant, making her look warm and gentle.
She checked the mirror, she looked calm, gentle, and completely different from her usual sharp self. She smiled in satisfaction and left.
When she entered the café, she checked the time.
12:02 p.m. She looked up and sighted Victoria almost immediately.
Victoria was already standing, clearly ready to leave.
Elaine felt hatred rise in her chest.
For a brief moment, violent thoughts flashed through her mind, different ways to end Victoria's life once and for all but she forced herself to calm down.
I still have a long life ahead, she reminded herself. And I still need my dear husband to fall deeply in love with me. She thought with a smile.
I won't ruin everything for trash like Victoria.
As she approached the table, she remembered something from her past life, Victoria visiting her in prison, smiling as she said they would finish Adrian off. That memory made Elaine's heart go cold.
Victoria had a backer.
Someone powerful.
Powerful enough to bring Adrian Montclair down.
She needed to find out who it was.
Elaine walked over and waved lightly.
Victoria slammed back into her seat. "Do you know how long I've been waiting?"
Elaine smiled. "Sorry. Traffic."
The waitress came over.
"A hot coffee, please," Elaine said sweetly.
"Iced Americano," Victoria said sharply.
As soon as the waitress left, Elaine leaned back.
"You said it was urgent," she said calmly. "What is it?"
Victoria sighed dramatically. "My mother is sick," she said. "She needs money for treatment."
Elaine almost laughed.
In the past, she would have believed this immediately. She would have handed Victoria money without question.
But she knew better now.
Victoria's mother was perfectly healthy.
The waitress returned with their drinks, as she placed the coffee down, Elaine moved her foot slightly.
The waitress tripped.
The hot coffee spilled all over Victoria.
"Ah!" Victoria screamed. "Are you blind?!"
The waitress bowed repeatedly. "I'm so sorry! I'm so sorry!"
Victoria opened her mouth again "you must be"…
"Stop," Elaine said calmly. "It was an accident."
Victoria stared at her in shock.
Elaine had always supported her, always helped her bully others.
Victoria had planned to use Elaine's power to get the clumsy waitress fired.
But Elaine only smiled and took a sip of her coffee.
Victoria swallowed her anger and stood up. "I'll go clean up."
When Victoria left, Elaine smiled and took out her phone.
She typed quickly.
Hubby, it's 1 p.m.
7 hours to your surprise.
I miss you so much (◍•ᴗ•◍)❤
Elaine giggled quietly.
When Victoria returned, she went straight back to the money talk.
Elaine waved it off. Another time.
Victoria's eyes narrowed. Something felt wrong.
"Elaine," she asked cautiously, "are you okay?"
Elaine paused. "I'm fine," she replied lightly. "Just stressed."
Victoria studied her face closely, suspicion growing.
Then she casually said, "Oh, by the way, what about yesterday's plan, did it work and the paper I gave you yesterday? Did you put it in Adrian's suit?"
Elaine froze.
Her heartbeat spiked.
That paper.
She had put it there.
"What paper?" Elaine asked carefully.
Victoria smiled. "Nothing serious."
But Elaine remembered.
Today, Adrian was signing a huge contract with a top company in Switzerland.
Elaine stood up abruptly. "I need to go."
Victoria called after her, but Elaine didn't stop.
Outside, Elaine waved for a cab, angry at herself for refusing butler Jen's suggestion for a car.
"Montclair Group," she said urgently.
The driver nodded.
"Can you drive faster?" Elaine asked.
The driver laughed. "Chasing a cheating partner?"
"Yes," Elaine replied. "Yes!"
The driver stepped on the gas.
Inside the cab, memories flooded her mind.
In her past life, this contract had failed and after this, Adrian became distant. She thought it was because she had drugged him. She didn't care. She cursed him for acting so possessive and controlling.
Then Old Mr. Montclair sent guards. Adrian has been away, they took her away. She was locked in a basement, fed once a day, forced to work on a farm for eighteen hours daily.
Adrian found her three days later.
She was almost dead.
The car stopped.
Elaine rushed inside the company.
The front desk staff tried to stop her.
"Madam"
She ignored them and ran to the private elevator.
The staff panicked.
"If she causes trouble during the meeting, we're dead!"
One of them called upstairs.
Lucas answered.
"Mr. Lucas," she said quickly, "Madam Elaine is coming up. She looks… serious."
Ok Lucas answers and hangs up.
Lucas sighed. "I'm not paid enough to handle this family drama," he muttered.
The elevator dinged.
Elaine walked out.
"I need to see my husband," she said urgently.
"He's in a meeting," Lucas replied calmly. "Please wait in the lounge."
"I can't."
She saw Adrian through the glass conference room.
She shouted, "Hubby!"
Lucas blinked. "Madam, it's soundproof."
She saw Adrian reach into his jacket to pull out his handkerchief, but instead, a piece of paper fell out directly at the foot of Mr Fernandez. Elaine reacted quickly, darting past Lucas, entering the room, leaping into Adrian's embrace while stepping on the paper with her shoe. "Hubby!" she exclaimed. Adrian looked down at her, a look of confusion crossing his face. "What are you doing here?" he whispered, Elaine knew she needed to act swiftly, as Adrian's next words could result in her being escorted out.
"I'm pregnant," she blurted out! The room fell silent, all eyes on her as Adrian's expression shifted to one of shock.
Chapter 6.
The room went silent.
For a moment, Adrian thought he had misheard.
Pregnant.
The word echoed in his head, loud and sharp, like glass breaking.
He stared at Elaine, standing in his arms, her face tilted up toward him, eyes wide and shining. His body reacted before his mind did, his hand tightened around her waist, instinctive, protective. Then reality crashed down.
They had only been married for six months.
Six months, and in those six months she hadn't allowed him to touch her, heck she didn't even want to be in the same space with him. Every time he tried to get close to her she would act like he was some sort of plague so he stopped trying. His thoughts froze for a moment.
The night he was drugged was the only time he had been intimate with her so where was this baby from?
His expression darkened.
His arms were still around her, but his body had gone stiff as tension filled the room.
"Come with me," Adrian said quietly. "My office."
Elaine's breath caught.
She shook her head quickly and leaned closer, her voice barely above a whisper.
"I can't."
His eyes darkened. "What do you mean you can't?"
She didn't answer. She only glanced down for half a second.
Adrian followed her gaze, and saw the paper under her foot.
Before he could speak, Mr. Fernandez cleared his throat."Well," the older man said with a polite smile, clearly sensing the tension, "perhaps this is not the right time. We can take a short break".
"Mr. Montclair," he said gently, "would you like us to excuse you?"
Elaine looked up at Adrian.
Her eyes were pleading.
Adrian hesitated, then turned to Mr. Fernandez with an apologetic expression.
"Yes," he said. "Please let's take a short break."
He turned to Lucas. "Make them comfortable in the second conference room."
"Understood," Lucas replied.
One by one, the room emptied.
When the door finally closed, silence rushed in like a storm.
Adrian stepped back from Elaine.
His expression was cold now.
"Is it Peter's?" he asked.
Elaine stiffened. "What?"
"The child," he said. "Is it his?"
Elaine stiffened.
"What?" Her eyes widened in shock. "Peter?" She pulled back slightly and looked at him as if he had insulted her deeply. "Why would I get pregnant for a scum like him?"
Her voice was sharp, almost offended.
Adrian froze.
That reaction… was strange.
Just three days ago, she had drugged him. She had begged for a divorce, desperate to be free, desperate to be with Peter. She had looked at him with hatred back then.
And now?
Now she looked disgusted at the mere mention of Peter's name.
Confusion twisted in his chest, but anger burned hotter.
"What are you really doing here?" Adrian asked.
Elaine blinked. "What?"
"Are you trying to stop the signing?" His gaze sharpened. "Or are you trying to delay it?"
Her heart slammed against her ribs.
"No!" she said quickly. "Of course not. Why would I do that?"
Adrian stared at her. "I don't know," he said slowly. "Maybe to give someone else a chance."
Elaine's fingers curled into fists.
She shook her head hard. "No. I would never hurt you like that. I didn't really come to do anything. I was passing by and I missed you so much so I decided to come in and I made your favourite dumpling, pork and chives all by myself. I just really wanted to see you, that's all and I am not really pregnant." she blabbered.
Adrian looked at her with a smile that was not really a smile. Staring at her long enough till she started feeling uncomfortable
"Elaine" he started "you… made dumplings?"
"Yeah" she answered, lifting her hand to show him the back of her palm. " I even had a small injury, Oil splashed on me", she said begrudgingly.
Adrian looked at the small red mark.
His brows furrowed.
Elaine had never cooked.
Not once.
Before he could question her further, a knock sounded.
"Come in," Adrian answered.
Lucas walked in. "Mr. Montclair, everything is ready." They are all waiting for you.
Adrian looked towards the door. In that instant, Elaine moved, she bent slightly, pretending to smooth her skirt, she quickly picked up the paper on the ground and slipped it into her bag. She straightened immediately, her face calm, as if nothing had happened.
Adrian saw it. He nodded once. "I'll be there."
Lucas glanced briefly at Elaine, then turned and left, closing the door behind him.
Adrian picked up his jacket. "You can wait in my office," he said calmly. "Or go home. I'll see you tonight."
Elaine smiled sweetly, as if nothing was wrong. "I'll wait for you here," she replied softly. "In your office."
Adrian studied her face for a second. That gentle smile again, he narrowed his eyes slightly as he replied, "Suit yourself," he said.
He turned and walked out.
As Adrian made his way down the hallway, his steps slowed. His mind refused to settle. Everything about Elaine today felt… off. The way she spoke, the way she acted, everything about her felt off lately.
He couldn't understand it, he wanted to know what was going on.
Three days ago, she had wanted to leave him.
Now she was cooking for him, coming to his office because she supposedly missed him.
Adrian stopped walking.
"Lucas," he said suddenly.
Lucas looked up. "Yes, sir?"
"Book an appointment with the psychiatrist," Adrian said flatly.
Lucas froze. "For… you?"
"For my wife," Adrian corrected. "As soon as possible."
Lucas was clearly surprised, but he nodded. "Yes, sir."
Adrian continued walking.
Mr. Fernandez crossed his mind. The old man was someone who hated stress and personal drama. Adrian exhaled slowly. Today's contract signing was probably ruined. It was unlikely the deal would be signed today.
Elaine grabbed her bag and headed to Adrian's office.
She walked straight into his private lounge, then into the restroom, and locked the door behind her. Her hands were trembling now. The calm she had forced earlier cracked instantly.
She reached into her bag, brought out the paper and unfolded it slowly.
It had been folded roughly, clearly meant to be opened easily. As the paper spread out in her hands, her breath stopped.
Her body went cold, her ears rang.
Elaine stared at the hand drawn picture on the paper, unable to move, unable to think. Her legs felt weak, like they might give out at any moment.
Chapter 7. The drawing
Elaine stared at the paper in her hands, her mind completely blank.
It was a hand-drawn painting.
Rough lines, charcoal and ink, but the skill was unmistakable. The woman in the drawing was naked, her body turned slightly to the side, her expression soft, almost shy. It felt deeply intimate, like something never meant for another person's eyes.
Elaine's fingers trembled.
Who is this? Why was this here?
Her heart beat faster as her thoughts raced. This paper had almost fallen out during the contract signing. If this paper had fallen from Adrian's pocket in the meeting then…
Her breath caught.
What if Mr. Fernandez had seen this?
A sudden thought struck her like lightning.
"No…" she whispered.
Her hands fumbled for her phone. She unlocked it and typed quickly, her fingers stiff with fear.
Mr. Fernandez Valmount.
The results came up quickly, his life, marriage, business e.t.c Elaine quickly clicked marriage.
The screen loaded slowly, painfully slow.
Then the image of his family appeared. Him, a woman and a little girl of about twelve years old stood in one frame.
Elaine's vision blurred.
The woman in the picture on her phone who was young, elegant, gentle-looking, was the same woman in the drawing.
Mr. Fernandez's wife.
His much younger wife. Not many people had seen her but almost everyone knew that she was someone he cherished more than anything. .
Elaine felt dread crawl up her spine.
This wasn't a coincidence, this wasn't carelessness, this was clearly an attack.
If Mr. Fernandez had seen that drawing, the humiliation alone would have ended the deal. No, worse. It would have made Adrian an enemy. A powerful enemy.
Mr. Fernandez was not just a businessman.
He was deeply connected to politics, to old families, to forces that didn't forgive insults.
Elaine's knees weakened.
She slowly lowered herself to the couch, clutching the paper tightly as if it might burn her.
Is this… how I ruined him?
Is this how it happened in my past life?
Her chest tightened painfully.
She remembered Adrian's cold silence after the contract failed back then, but he never once accused her. She had thought he simply stopped caring for her and was probably tired of her.
Now she understood, he had been cleaning up after her.
Her lips trembled.
She remembered Old Mr. Montclair's punishment. Being dragged away. Locked up. Forced to work until her body broke. She had hated them all for it.
But now, Elaine laughed weakly through her tears. "That was nothing," she whispered hoarsely. "Compared to what I did to you… that really was nothing".
Her shoulders shook.
Tears spilled freely, soaking the paper in her hands. She didn't bother wiping them away. The guilt was too heavy, pressing down on her chest until it hurt to breathe.
She folded the paper carefully, as if it were something dangerous, and placed it back into her bag.
Then she stood and walked unsteadily toward the bedroom.
The moment she reached the bed, her strength left her.
Elaine curled up tightly, pulling her knees to her chest like a child. Her face pressed into the pillow, and she cried.
She cried like everything inside her had finally collapsed.
"I'm sorry," she whispered again and again, though no one could hear her.
Her tears soaked the pillow, her hair, the sheets beneath her. Her breathing grew uneven, hiccupping as exhaustion slowly crept in.
Without realizing it, she fell asleep.
Back in the conference room, Adrian returned calmly.
"My apologies for the delay," he said smoothly.
Mr. Fernandez waved a hand and laughed. "No trouble at all. No trouble."
The room fell silent.
Everyone froze.
Mr. Fernandez… laughing?
The executives exchanged shocked glances. Even Lucas looked surprised.
Adrian lifted one brow slightly.
Mr. Fernandez leaned back in his chair, relaxed. "Your proposal is very interesting, Mr. Montclair. The numbers are solid. The potential profit is impressive."
Adrian nodded. "Thank you."
"But," Mr. Fernandez continued lightly, "I do have some concerns."
The atmosphere shifted instantly.
Adrian straightened. "Please feel free to raise them."
Mr. Fernandez asked several sharp questions, each one probing deeper. Adrian answered without hesitation, his tone steady, his logic clear.
As the discussion continued, Mr. Fernandez's eyes grew brighter.
He nodded slowly. "Very good."
Finally, he stood up.
"I'll have my team review the final details," he said. "You should receive my decision on the investment amount before the end of the week."
Adrian rose and extended his hand.
Mr. Fernandez shook it firmly.
As he turned to leave, he paused and smiled.
"You have a great wife, Mr. Montclair," he said warmly. "Congratulations on the pregnancy."
Adrian's smile stiffened for a fraction of a second.
Then he replied calmly, "Thank you."
Lucas escorted Mr. Fernandez and his team out.
Adrian remained behind.
His chest felt heavy.
He turned and walked back to his office. He looked around but didn't see Elaine, he then noticed the bedroom door slightly ajar. He walked towards it.
When he pushed open the bedroom door, the sight before him made him stop.
Elaine was curled up on the bed, small and fragile. The pillow was soaked with tears. Her lashes were wet even in sleep, her brows furrowed as if she were still crying in her dreams.
Adrian's heart sank.
He stepped closer slowly.
"What happened?" he murmured.
His gaze fell to her bag on the floor. Elaine shifted in her sleep.
Her brows knit together, her lips trembling as if she were trapped in a nightmare. A soft sound escaped her throat, so quiet Adrian almost missed it.
He leaned closer.
"Elaine?" he called softly.
Her lips moved again.
This time, he heard it clearly.
"Adrian… I'm so sorry…"
His body stiffened.
Sorry?
He straightened slowly, his eyes fixed on her pale face. Her words echoed in his mind, over and over, refusing to settle.
Sorry for what?
Was it because of the pregnancy lie? Or was she sorry because she really was pregnant… just not with his child?
His jaw tightened.
His gaze flicked to her bag on the floor
Or was it about the paper?
The one that had fallen from his pocket during the meeting.
The one she had stepped on.
The one she had picked up when she thought no one was watching.
Adrian's eyes darkened.
What was Elaine hiding from him?
Chapter 8. Elaine's change
Victoria had never felt so humiliated in her life.
She stood stiffly at the café counter, her fingers digging into her palm as the staff calmly read out the bill again slowly, clearly, and without any hint of sympathy.
The number made her stomach drop.
This café was expensive. Extremely expensive.
Normally, Victoria loved places like this. She loved bringing Elaine here in the past, loved watching her pay without hesitation, and loved pretending the prices didn't matter to her at all. She had never once bothered to check the menu properly.
Why would she? Elaine always paid.
But today, Elaine had run out and left her behind.
Victoria clenched her teeth.
Earlier, while waiting, she had ordered desserts out of boredom, two cakes, imported pastries, and drinks she didn't even finish. When she spotted a few old classmates, she had generously offered them desserts too, enjoying the admiration in their eyes.
And then
Her gaze flicked to the broken chair nearby.
That stupid waitress.
When the hot coffee spilled, Victoria had jumped up in shock, the chair cracking loudly beneath her. She had screamed, cursed, and demanded compensation.
Now the café manager looked at her coolly.
"You'll also need to cover the cost of the chair, miss."
Victoria exploded.
"That's unreasonable! This place is ridiculous! It was clearly your staff's fault and I have to pay for that too? Do you know who I am?"
The manager smiled faintly. Feeling not a bit of sympathy for this wannabe who treated them as servants. If her friend had not stopped her, he bet she would have hit the waitress or worse still have her fired. He thought to himself. "Miss, if you refuse, we would have to call the police."
That single word froze her.
Police.
Victoria's face twisted with rage and shame. She had no choice.
She paid.
Every swipe of her card felt like a slap to her face.
As she walked out, heels clicking sharply against the marble floor, she cursed Elaine in her mind a thousand times.
That woman had changed.
Something was wrong.
Sitting inside her car, Victoria stared at the steering wheel, her thoughts racing.
Elaine had never cared about money before. She had never walked away like that. She had never made Victoria feel… small.
Why had she run off so suddenly?
Was it to escape the bill?
No.
The bill had never been a problem before, or was it because she asked about the paper.
Victoria narrowed her eyes.
Something was very, very wrong with Elaine.
She grabbed her phone and called Peter.
The call connected almost immediately.
But instead of a voice, she heard sounds, low, breathless sounds followed by a woman's scream. Her face twisted in disgust.
Seriously?
Victoria pulled the phone away from her ear slightly, lips curling.
What did Elaine ever see in this man?
The sounds stopped abruptly.
"Hello?" Peter's voice came through, lazy and familiar. "Vicky?"
The way he said her name irritated her.
"I'm coming to your place," Victoria snapped. "And you better clear whatever or whoever is there before I arrive."
She hung up without waiting for a reply.
Inside the apartment, Peter swore under his breath. He turned to the girl lying beside him, still half-asleep. She had glitter on her eyelids and smudged makeup from the night before. He barely remembered her name. He had picked her up at a club, nothing more.
"You need to leave," he said flatly.
The girl groaned. "What? I'm tired. Let me sleep just a little."
Peter's patience snapped.
He yanked her arm, dragging her up roughly.
She screamed in surprise and slapped him hard across the face.
"Are you crazy?" she shouted.
For a moment, Peter just stared.
Then fury exploded.
He hit her.
Once, then again. His movements were wild, uncontrolled, driven by anger rather than thought. The girl cried out, trying to shield herself, until suddenly she stopped moving.
Peter froze, His chest heaved.
His hands began to shake.
"Oh no… what have I done?"
Panic slammed into him. He put his finger under her nose to feel her breath but felt nothing.
No.
No, no, no.
He had killed someone, he had to dispose of the body and fast.
He rushed to the closet, dragging out his largest suitcase, mind racing with terrible thoughts. His hands trembled as he reached for her.
Then, she coughed.
Peter nearly screamed, relief flooded him so fast it made him dizzy, he stepped back immediately, his expression turning cold.
"If you're awake, take your things and leave," he said harshly. "Before I beat you to death"
The word terrified her.
The girl scrambled up, sobbing, grabbing her clothes with shaking hands. She didn't argue. She ran.
Peter exhaled slowly, rubbing his face.
"What bad luck," he muttered.
A few minutes later, the doorbell rang.
He frowned.
The escort?
Annoyed, he yanked the door open.
"What do you want now"
The words died in his throat.
Victoria stood there, eyes blazing.
"Why did you take so long to open the door?" she demanded.
Peter forced a smile. "Sorry, Vicky. I was… busy."
She sneered and pushed past him, entering without invitation.
Peter closed the door behind her, lips curling slightly.
Victoria walked deeper into the apartment, her eyes scanning the room. Then she stopped.
On the side table sat a framed photo.
Elaine and Peter.
Smiling.
Her fingers tightened.
"When was the last time you spoke to Elaine?" she asked sharply.
Peter blinked. "What?"
"When was the last time you and Elaine talked?" she repeated.
"Three days ago," he replied casually. "Why?"
"Did you call her?"
"Nope." He grinned smugly. "I never call."
Victoria's anger flared.
"Call her."
"And why would I do that?"
"Something is wrong," Victoria said tightly. "She's changed. She's slipping out of our control."
Peter laughed. "Relax. Let me get you something to drink."
He headed to the kitchen.
"Water," Victoria said quickly. "Just water."
Peter chuckled. "If I wanted to do something to you, it would be with your consent."
He flashed what he thought was his most charming smile.
Victoria turned her face away, uneasy.
"And the company?" she asked. "The shares?"
"Relax," Peter said easily. "She promised to sign the share transfer agreement tomorrow at the meeting."
He stepped behind her, placing his hands on her shoulders, massaging lightly.
"Everything will be fine."
Victoria let out a small moan, then immediately stiffened.
"Stop," she snapped. "Call Elaine."
Peter frowned, clearly not happy with her tone but said nothing as he pulled out his phone.
He called once.
No answer.
He tried again.
The call connected.
"Hello," a low, cold voice answered.
Peter and Victoria froze.
It wasn't Elaine, It was Adrian.
Their eyes met.
Chapter 9. Peter and Victoria
The line went dead immediately.
Peter stared at the phone in his hand for a long second, his jaw tightening as if the plastic device had personally insulted him. Adrian Montclair's voice still echoed in his ears, deep, calm, unmistakably superior.
He scoffed and tossed the phone onto the couch. "Tch."
Victoria, who had been watching him closely, cursed under her breath. "So that's it? You just hang up because you're scared of your fellow man?"
Peter's head snapped toward her. "Scared?" he repeated sharply. "If you're so bold, you call him."
Her eyes flashed. "Know your place and don't talk to me like that, Peter."
"Oh, so now you're offended?" he shot back. "You're the one panicking, acting like the sky is falling because Elaine didn't pick your call, and then forcing me to call."
They stared at each other, the air between them thick with irritation and unspoken calculation. Victoria crossed her arms, her nails digging into her sleeves.
"Something is wrong," she said coldly. "Elaine is slipping away. I can feel it, and you know we can't let that happen."
Peter laughed, but there was no humor in it. "You're overthinking."
"Am I?" she snapped. "Because last time I checked, she's with Adrian Montclair, and you just heard him answer her phone."
That hit.
Peter's face darkened. Silence stretched, uncomfortable and sharp. Finally, he exhaled and ran a hand through his hair.
"…Fine," he muttered. "I'm sorry."
Victoria raised a brow but didn't soften.
"We need to talk about the share transfer agreement," she said. "Tomorrow is too important for mistakes."
Peter nodded, though his mind was no longer fully present.
Somewhere else, miles away, another man was holding a phone with his name on it.
Adrian stared down at the screen long after the call ended.
Peter.
The name glowed faintly before the display dimmed.
For a split second, something ugly surged in his chest, hot, violent, irrational. His fingers tightened around the phone until the edges bit into his palm. He almost crushed it.
Almost.
He inhaled sharply and forced himself to loosen his grip. "Idiot," he muttered under his breath, not sure whether he meant Peter… or himself.
He glanced at Elaine.
She was asleep again, her breathing soft and uneven, lashes trembling slightly as if even her dreams refused to give her peace. Adrian hesitated, then did the one thing he told himself he wouldn't.
He unlocked her phone, curious to see what she saved his number with.
The contact list opened easily
He scrolled once.
And there it was.
Dearest Hubby( ◜‿◝ )♡
So many emojis it was almost blinding.
Adrian's lips twitched. His nose scrunched in unconcealed disgust, yet the tips of his ears betrayed him, burning red. He clicked the phone off and placed it gently on the bedside table, as though it had done nothing wrong.
"Ridiculous," he murmured.
And yet… his gaze softened as it returned to her face.
Elaine shifted, her brows knitting together. A quiet sound escaped her lips, something between a sigh and a whimper. Instinctively, Adrian reached out, his fingers hovering just above her cheek, his gaze stopping at her lips. They were slightly parted. Soft, pink, distractingly so.
A dangerous thought crossed his mind, fleeting, reckless. He leaned closer before he could stop himself, breath brushing her skin and then
The phone rang.
Adrian flinched like a child caught stealing.
He straightened instantly, irritation flaring. "That bastard," he muttered, already assuming it was Peter again.
But when he looked at the screen, his expression changed.
Grandpa.
His jaw tightened.
He answered. "Hello."
"Where are you?" an old, cold voice demanded without preamble.
"At the office," Adrian replied. "Why?"
"And where is she?"
Adrian's eyes narrowed. No doubt someone had snitched about what happened in the conference room, and it had barely been an hour.
"I'm listening, Adrian Montclair," the voice snapped. "There is no need to pretend, I know she is close."
"I can hear you perfectly," Adrian replied coolly. "No need to shout."
A pause. Then, reluctantly, he said, "She's here."
"I want both of you at the estate within an hour."
"That won't be possible," Adrian said flatly. "My wife is asleep."
Heavy breathing came through the line, followed by a long sigh, the sound of restrained fury.
Then another voice joined the call, smoother, calmer. "Adrian, stop trying to rile dad up. You know he isn't as healthy as he used to be."
Roseline.
His stepmother.
Adrian's frown deepened. "We'll come," he said at last. "But not today."
"Adrian"
"Not today," he cut in. "Or maybe not at all."
Silence.
Finally, his grandfather relented. "The weekend. No excuses."
"Yes, sir."
The call ended.
Adrian lowered the phone and turned only to Elaine. She was awake.
Her eyes were open, glossy with lingering emotion, fixed on him. Before he could say anything, he reached out to touch her forehead. Worried about her getting a fever, but withdrew almost immediately. He remembered when something like this happened in the past she had shouted at him not to touch her randomly. His gaze dropped as he withdrew his hands when Elaine reached out, grabbed his hand, and placed it against her forehead.
"Hubby," she mumbled, her voice soft, dependent.
Something twisted painfully in his chest.
She shifted closer, curling into his arms like it was the most natural thing in the world. She looked up at him, really looked and frowned.
"You're tired," she said. "You have dark circles. Lie down."
"I'm fine," Adrian replied automatically. Then, more gently, "Why were you crying and what's with the pregnancy lie?"
Her lips trembled.
"I had a bad dream," Elaine whispered. "You left me. I was framed… beaten… stripped of everything. I went to jail. I was alone."
Adrian frowned, smoothing the crease between her brows with his thumb before realizing what he was doing.
"That won't happen," he said firmly. "Not as long as I'm alive. I will always protect you."
Tears welled up again, but she blinked them back quickly.
But it already happened, she thought. You were comatose. You never woke up to save me.
"Why are you crying again?" Adrian asked quietly.
She suddenly smiled, too suddenly.
"Hubby," she said brightly, "I'll protect you in this lifetime."
He stared at her. "What?"
"Are you hungry," he added suspiciously, "or just delirious? First you're crying, now you're babbling."
She laughed softly and pushed him backward onto the bed before he could react.
Elaine climbed onto him, straddling him.
Adrian froze. "Elaine," he said sharply, his voice restrained. "Get down."
"No," she replied, rolling her hips slightly.
His hands shot to her waist, gripping her firmly as he tried to move her away without hurting her. "Enough."
Just as he shifted.
Knock. Knock.
"Mr. Montclair…"
Adrian stiffened.
Elaine froze.
Chapter 10: Fault Lines
Adrian gently but firmly placed Elaine back on the bed before turning away.
He didn't look back as he adjusted his suit jacket, the movement controlled, almost restrained except for the very obvious bulge she caught before he stepped out.
Elaine's eyes widened.
Heat rushed to her face.
"Mr. Montclair," she called lightly, half teasing, half mischievous, "do you… need help with that?"
Adrian froze at the doorway.
For a brief second, the air itself seemed to tighten.
Then he turned around.
Slowly.
He crossed the room in long strides, stopping right in front of her. Two fingers lifted her chin, forcing her to meet his eyes.
His voice was low. Dangerous. Amused.
"And how," he asked softly, "would my wife help me solve this?"
Elaine's breath hitched, she stared at him, stunned.
Since when did he tease back?
Her cheeks burned, her lips parting slightly as she searched for words that refused to come.
Adrian watched her reaction with clear satisfaction. A faint smile tugged at his lips before he finally stepped back, turning toward the door again.
"That's what I thought," he murmured, and walked out to meet Lucas.
Elaine collapsed back against the pillows, her heart racing wildly.
What… just happened? When had Adrian learned to tease back?
Before she could process it, her phone rang.
She glanced down.
Peter.
Her expression instantly darkened.
Disgust flashed across her face as she rejected the call.
The phone rang again.
And again.
Her jaw tightened.
On the fourth call, she answered.
"What?" she snapped, her voice sharp enough to cut glass.
Peter was clearly caught off guard.
"Elaine? What's wrong with you?" he barked back. "Why are you acting like this?"
She scoffed. "Don't call me again."
"Excuse me?" Peter shouted. "You think you can just"
She hung up.
Peter stared at his phone in disbelief.
Then he laughed softly, she was playing hard to get, that had to be it. She was probably sulking because he hadn't contacted her in three days. Typical Elaine, emotional, dramatic, predictable.
He tossed his phone aside, utterly convinced she'd come crawling back.
Minutes passed.
Then more.
Nothing.
His smug smile faded, still, he reassured himself. Elaine loved him too much. She always folded.
He picked up his phone and typed a message.
You have five minutes to call me back. If you don't, we're done.
He hit send, leaning back with confidence.
The reply came almost instantly.
This number has been blocked.
Peter's face went blank.
"What?" he whispered.
Meanwhile, Lucas stood stiffly in Adrian's office.
"The shipment was seized," he reported.
Adrian's eyes darkened.
"You requested not to use the Montclair name," Lucas continued carefully. "So they don't know it belongs to you."
"Who seized it?"
"We're still trying to find out. They've covered their tracks well. Nothing on the surface."
Adrian exhaled slowly. "Keep digging. If you can't find anything, contact Marcus."
"Yes, sir."
"Get the car ready."
"Yes, sir."
Back in the lounge, Elaine paced, muttering angrily under her breath.
"That idiot," she grumbled. "How did I ever let him talk to me like that?"
Her phone buzzed.
A message from her personal assistant.
Mr. Peter came to request a large transfer. Should we approve?
Elaine's eyes flashed.
Do NOT approve, she typed immediately.
Her phone rang seconds later.
The PA's voice was frantic. "M-Mrs. Montclair, it's already been approved. You've always approved his requests without question, so"
Elaine exploded. " How much?"
$50,000, the assistant replied, her nervousness clearly felt through the phone.
"So why did you ask me then? Look, If that money goes through," she snapped coldly, "every single person involved will pay it back out of their own pockets."
The PA tried to argue.
Elaine hung up.
Her hands trembled with fury.
Adrian walked in just then, sensing the storm immediately.
"What happened?" he asked.
She turned to him, forcing a smile. "Work stuff, I'm hungry."
He studied her for a moment, clearly unconvinced, but didn't press.
"Then let's go eat."
He picked up her bag. She slipped her hand into his without thinking.
They walked downstairs together.
The two front desk receptionists froze when they saw them leaving side by side, Elaine leaning slightly into him, Adrian shielding her instinctively.
They exchanged a look of pure shock.
Then relief.
Thank God they hadn't stopped her earlier.
Inside the car, Lucas began hesitantly, "Sir, about the shipment"
He glanced at Elaine through the rearview mirror and stopped.
"Continue," Adrian said.
Lucas swallowed. "I still can't find anything. I reached out to Marcus, but he's not answering."
"What shipment?" Elaine asked calmly.
Adrian patted her head gently. "Don't worry about it."
Her phone rang again.
Dad.
Her body stiffened instantly.
Adrian felt it.
He looked at her questioningly, but she shook her head faintly and answered.
"Dad…"
"Come home," her father said sharply. "We need to talk."
"I'll come tomorrow."
"I want to see you before the board meeting."
The line went dead.
Elaine went cold.
The board meeting, of course it was tomorrow
The one where she'd signed away her mother's entire company.
To Peter and Victoria.
Her chest tightened painfully, she had been so stupid, she'd handed them everything, while they bribed her staff, drained her resources, and turned her mother's legacy into their playground.
Peter, an ordinary office worker she had foolishly elevated to acting CEO.
Now he wanted to swallow the company whole.
"Adrian," she said quietly.
"Yes?" He didn't like that she didn't call him hubby.
"Can you get me a lawyer?"
"Of course."
No questions.
He immediately instructed Lucas.
Elaine smiled, and suddenly leaned forward, pulling him closer with his tie, she immediately pressed her lips to his.
Adrian reacted instantly, one hand gripping the back of her head, pulling her closer. Her lips were even softer than he imagined.
The kiss deepened, heated, possessive, overwhelming.
Lucas discreetly raised the partition.
Adrian lifted Elaine onto his lap.
"Wifey," he murmured against her lips, "didn't you say something earlier about helping your dearest husband?"
She was breathless, flushed, glaring at him.
He mistook it for an invitation, he pulled her closer to him and his hand slid upward into her clothes settling on her waist for a minute, stroking the butterfly tattoo drawn there. His hands went upwards to unclasp her bra and…
HONKKKKK.
The blaring horn shattered the moment.
They froze.
Elaine's eyes widened.
Adrian frowned sharply, irritation flashing across his face as he stared at Lucas.
Chapter 11. Marcus call
The car slowly strode into the Rose manor. Lucas drove slowly up the curved driveway, the headlights washing over marble pillars and manicured hedges trimmed to perfection. Inside the car, Elaine leaned in Adrian's arms, almost falling asleep.
When the car came to a stop, Lucas stepped out first and opened the door.
"Good night, sir. Madam."
Elaine echoed softly, "Good night."
Adrian nodded.
Lucas waited until they were inside before driving away, the sound of the engine fading into the distance.
The moment the front doors closed behind them, the warmth of the estate wrapped around Elaine, but it didn't reach her chest. Butler Jen appeared almost instantly, bowing slightly.
"Welcome back, sir. Madam. Dinner is ready. Would you like it served now, or"
Elaine interrupted gently, already moving toward the stairs. "Please warm up the dumplings for Adrian."
Butler Jen hesitated. "And for you, madam?"
She shook her head without turning back. "I have no appetite." Her mind preoccupied by the board meeting tomorrow.
Her footsteps faded upstairs.
Adrian stood where he was, eyes fixed on her retreating back. The way her shoulders were drawn was just a little too tight. The way she didn't once look back.
Butler Jen cleared his throat softly. "Sir?"
Adrian exhaled. "I'll be in the study shortly, bring it up there ."
He turned away, pulling his phone from his pocket as it vibrated.
Marcus.
Adrian stepped into the quieter corridor before answering. "Where have you been?"
Marcus's voice came through immediately, casual but alert. "You sound like Lucas. My phone's been blowing up for the whole day"
"Lucas has been calling you," Adrian said. "So have I."
A pause. Then a low chuckle. "Relax. I've been around."
"That's not an answer."
Another pause, longer this time. "Fine. I've been handling something off-grid. What's going on?"
Adrian leaned against the wall. "A shipment was seized."
That wiped the humor from Marcus's voice. "Ours?"
"Yes."
Marcus exhaled slowly. "That's… interesting."
"Can you look into it?"
"I already am," Marcus replied smoothly. "I'll dig deeper. Hmm Whoever did this covered their tracks well." his voice sounded followed by the voice of typing.
"And you?" Adrian asked. "When are you coming back?"
"Five days," Marcus said. "I'll be in the country in five days."
"Good."
A beat. "You sound tense," Marcus added. "Everything okay on your end?"
Adrian glanced toward the staircase. "We'll talk when you get back."
Marcus hummed. "Alright. Keep Lucas off my back."
Adrian ended the call.
Elaine stood under the shower longer than necessary, letting the warm water run over her shoulders until her skin flushed pink. When she finally stepped out and wrapped herself in a robe, the quiet returned, and with it, her thoughts.
She pushed open the balcony doors.
The night air was cold, crisp, carrying the faint scent of damp earth and distant city lights. Elaine hugged herself and stepped out, leaning lightly against the railing.
Her phone buzzed in her hand.
She stiffened.
The caller ID displayed her father's number.
Elaine answered carefully. "Dad?"
"The board meeting has been rescheduled," he said without preamble. "Day after tomorrow."
Elaine released a breath she hadn't realized she was holding. "Okay."
"Prepare and be there."
"Yes."
The call ended.
She lowered the phone slowly. She had one extra day, one day to prepare.
Her gaze drifted outward as memories surfaced uninvited. In her past life, she had sat in the boardroom, signing document after document, something she thought was a contract from a top company in Asia who was interested in their perfumes. Victoria's voice had been soft, persuasive. This company is a burden Elaine. You don't even care about business, your passion is clearly art.
Peter had smiled at her across the table. Encouraging, patient, "trust me babe".
She had.
And she had lost everything.
Her mother's company which had been built from her blood, sweat and tears had been handed over like trash. The perfume house that specialized not just in luxury scents, but in medical fragrances. Oils and blends that could calm nerves, ease headaches, even help patients sleep.
Her mother had poured years of research into them.
After her mother's death, the formulas vanished. The finances bled. The company almost became a shell until a mysterious investor managed to save it from sinking.
Elaine's vision blurred.
How could I have been so stupid?
A tear slipped free, then another.
She brushed them away roughly. "Enough," she whispered. "I can't keep crying."
A warmth settled over her shoulders.
Elaine startled slightly before realizing Adrian stood behind her, a shawl draped gently around her frame.
"You'll catch a cold if you stay out here too long," he said quietly.
She nodded, not trusting her voice.
"Do you want to talk about what's bothering you?" he asked.
Elaine shook her head and turned, pressing herself into his chest instead.
Adrian stiffened, just a fraction before wrapping his arms around her. His hand rested firmly on her waist grounding.
"Elaine, I don't know what changed," he said softly, "but I hope you stay like this."
Elaine looked up at him.
He looked down, grabbing her chin softly, pulling her to him. Their lips met, slow at first, then deeper, their tongue entangled, each fighting for dominance until her breath hitched and she had to push lightly against his chest.
"Adrian," she murmured, breathless.
His eyes were dark. Focused.
They rested their foreheads together, breathing in sync, before he pulled back.
"I need to finish some work," he said. "Go to bed, don't stay out here too long."
She nodded.
He kissed her once more and left.
Elaine returned to the bed, lying on her side as the quiet wrapped around her again.
That was when it hit her.
A memory, sharp and clear.
A month ago, her mother's lawyer had called telling her there was something her mother had left for her.
She remembered being with Victoria at the time. She remembered telling her.
Victoria had laughed. What could she possibly have left you? Probably another burden, something to drag you further away from art.
Elaine clenched the sheets.
I should have gone.
She rolled onto her back, staring at the ceiling.
She had to go to the lawyer's office tomorrow.
Whatever her mother left behind, she would face it.
Chapter 12. The mystery box
Elaine jolted awake with a sharp gasp, her chest rising and falling too fast, too shallow.
The nightmare clung to her skin, the days in that oppressive prison weighed on her mind like a curse. She reached out instinctively, fingers searching for warmth, the bed was cold.
Her heart skipped.
Adrian…?
Turning to the side, she squinted in the dim light of the room. The other half of the bed was unoccupied, the sheets smooth as if no one had slept there. A wave of quiet panic washed over her.
Had he slept in the study?
Struggling to sit up, she wrapped a shawl around her shoulders. The house was engulfed in a silence that amplified every sound she made. With bare feet, she quietly walked down the hallway, pausing at the study door.
She hesitated for a moment before cracking it open.
A soft glow from a desk lamp illuminated the room. Adrian sat at his desk, sleeves rolled up, intensely focused. The light from his laptop reflected unfamiliar faces in his glasses.
He noticed the door and looked up.
Elaine opened it wider and stepped inside.
"Why are you barefoot?" he asked softly.
She stopped in front of him. "And why are you up?" she shot back, glancing at the clock, it was few minutes past two. "It's late, Mr. Montclair."
Her voice softened, dragging deliberately as she stepped closer. She lifted one of his hands and sat on his lap.
"Mr. Montclair," she drawled again, teasing now, "I want you to come warm my bed."
Adrian's lips curved into a slow smile, eyes twinkling with something dangerous and amused.
Elaine felt it, something off, but she ignored it, leaning closer, fingers curling into his sleeve.
"Hubby," she corrected softly, tugging him toward her, "I mean… now"
"Hi, Elaine."
Elaine felt her soul leave her body.
Her complexion shifted from pale to crimson, then to an intense heat.
On the screen were two familiar faces.
Grandma Montclair and Roseline.
Roseline was biting her lip, shoulders shaking as she fought laughter. Grandma Montclair stared for half a second before bursting into amused giggles.
"Oh my," Roseline finally laughed, giving up entirely. "You always looked so reserved, Elaine. I had no idea you were this… domineering in real life."
Elaine's voice came out barely above a whisper. "G-Grandma… Mom…"
She reached out blindly and pinched Adrian hard at the waist glaring at him for not saying anything, he hissed softly but didn't stop smiling. "Mrs. Montclair," he murmured, leaning close to her ear, "if you pinch your dearest hubby to death, who exactly is going to warm your bed, hmm?"
The laughter from the screen doubled.
Elaine made a sound halfway between a groan and a whimper, shot Adrian a death glare, then turned and fled the room.
The door shut behind her with a soft thud.
Adrian watched her disappear, warmth flooding his chest as something light and unfamiliar blossomed within him. He turned back to the screen.
"You should both get some sleep," he said calmly. "We'll pick this up tomorrow."
Roseline smirked knowingly. "Just be sure to warm her bed properly."
Adrian didn't respond; he simply ended the call.
Elaine dove into the blanket the moment she entered her room.
"Oh no," she muttered despairingly, "I've completely humiliated myself."
She wrapped herself tighter, wishing the blanket could swallow her completely and erase the past few minutes.
Then the door creaked open.
"Elaine," Adrian said gently, "you're going to suffocate. Take the blanket off."
In response, she rolled herself tighter.
Sighing, Adrian tugged the blanket away.
Her cheeks were still flushed, and she glared up at him fiercely, as if challenging him to speak.
He laughed, a genuine laugh, not a polite smile or restrained chuckle.
Elaine froze, utterly astonished. She couldn't remember seeing Adrian laugh like this. Not in her past life. Not even now. It was warm, unguarded and human.
"What?" he asked.
She swallowed. "I… I like it when you laugh."
Something softened in his gaze. He reached out, laying on the bed and pulling her into his arms. "Sleep."
She nestled against him, restless, shifting slightly.
Adrian's hand came down in a light but firm smack on her bum "Stop moving," he warned quietly, "or we'll do some couples exercise to guarantee your tiredness."
Elaine froze instantly, after some minutes, sleep finally claimed her.
The next morning, Elaine woke with a single thought burning in her mind.
The lawyer.
She reached for her phone immediately and scrolled through her contacts.
Nothing.
Her breath hitched.
She searched again. And again.
Mr. Caspien's number was gone.
Confusion gave way to anger almost instantly.
Victoria.
"That bitch," Elaine muttered.
She freshened up quickly, as she dressed in a simple gown and heels. Today was Friday. Mr. Caspien always left early on Fridays.
No time to waste.
She rushed downstairs. "Butler Jen, arrange a car for me. Now."
Within minutes, she was on the road.
An hour later, Elaine stepped into the familiar law firm, and stopped short.
Victoria was walking out, their eyes met briefly.
Elaine frowned, unease crawling up her spine, but Victoria merely smirked faintly and walked past.
Elaine shook it off and headed straight to Mr. Caspien's office.
She knocked.
The secretary answered. "Mr. Caspien stepped out."
"I'm here to collect something," Elaine said, steady despite the knot in her stomach. "Something left for me by a deceased family member about a month ago."
The secretary's expression shifted, sympathetic, almost apologetic. "I'm sorry, miss, but there's nothing like that. We don't usually hold items longer than a month."
"It hasn't been a month," Elaine said quickly. "Tomorrow makes it a month."
The secretary hesitated. "May I ask… what item?"
"I don't know," Elaine admitted. "It was left by my mother."
The secretary's fingers paused over the keyboard. "Your mother's name?"
"Mrs. Jennifer Ashford."
The secretary typed. Then she looked up.
"Yes," she said slowly. "We had it."
Elaine's blood ran cold.
"H-had?" she echoed.
"Oh," the secretary added casually, "someone picked it up… just a few minutes ago. Mrs. Ashford's daughter. She provided signatures and all the necessary documents."
Elaine stared at her.
"I am Mrs. Ashford's daughter."
The secretary's face was drained of color.
Shock replaced professionalism.
The room seemed to tilt.
Elaine's fingers curled into fists as a single name thundered through her mind,
Victoria.