Chapter 4

Elena was stunned. She couldn’t believe what she was hearing. “W-what, Sir?”

“Was my voice not clear, Elena?”

“Fine, I’ll repeat myself. Marry me, Elena. I will give you a better life,” the man said again.

“M-marry…?” Elena whispered, feeling completely lost. How could this man ask her to marry him when they had just met and didn’t know each other? She didn’t even know his name. He really was a strange man.

“So, Elena?”

“But, Sir, we just met; we don’t know each other. How could you ask me to marry you so suddenly?”

“What is impossible, Elena? If we can make something easy, why make it difficult?” Diego Rodriguez said firmly.

“Sir, isn’t marriage something sacred, not something to be played with?”

Hearing Elena’s words, the strange man smiled. “You’re right, Elena. So, who’s toying with you? I’m offering you a real marriage, a marriage that is lawful in the eyes of the law.”

Elena went quiet again. What was happening in her life? She had just gone through the pain of a marriage that ended after three years, and now a stranger was suddenly asking her to marry him.

“The most important thing is that both parties are willing and not bound in marriage to someone else; that alone is enough, Elena.”

Diego’s words left Elena speechless. Was marriage really that simple? She remembered that when she married Raul, neither of them was with anyone else, and both agreed, even if Raul was pressured by his grandmother. Now, that marriage was over, and only pain remained in her heart.

“Are you currently married to another man, Elena?”

Diego’s question caught Elena off guard. She looked up at the man in the wheelchair, who was watching her closely. Elena slowly shook her head, but the pain inside her felt fresh again, and tears filled her eyes.

The man noticed right away. He could tell what Elena was feeling.

“Did you just get divorced, Elena?” Diego asked gently. Elena froze, and for some reason, she couldn’t stop her tears from streaming down her face.

Seeing her cry, the man sighed. He took a handkerchief from his jacket pocket and handed it to Elena.

“Wipe your tears, Elena. Don’t cry anymore. I’ll give you a better life. I’ll help you become strong so no one can hurt you again.”

Elena took the handkerchief and dried her tears. Diego’s words gave her a bit of hope again.

“Now, smile, Elena.”

Elena took a deep breath and managed a small smile.

“Good, that’s better. You have a beautiful face and a charming smile; don’t let sadness decorate your face.”

Diego’s compliment made Elena blush. Slowly, she felt warmth return to her heart, melting away some of the pain she had felt.

“All right, Elena. It’s late; let’s go home now.”

Without waiting for her answer, Diego invited Elena to his house. She just nodded, then stood up and pushed his wheelchair toward the house he pointed out.

As they walked, they chatted about simple things. Elena got caught up in the conversation and soon found herself smiling and even laughing, almost forgetting she had been crying just moments before.

Not long after, they arrived in front of a luxurious house. A man and two women in maid uniforms greeted them.

Elena was amazed. This stranger was clearly not just anyone. The house was huge and even more luxurious than the Mendez residence.

“We’re here, dear,” Diego said to Elena with a smile.

“Mario, tomorrow at noon Elena and I will get married. Prepare everything,” the man in the wheelchair ordered his trusted aide.

“Yes, Sir,” Mario replied respectfully.

“Mia, take good care of Mrs. Elena and prepare all her needs. Everything must be ready for our wedding tomorrow,” Diego instructed the middle-aged woman standing beside Mario. She was Mia, the head housekeeper of the mansion.

“Yes, Sir,” Mia replied, bowing. She then approached Elena, “Please come with me, Ma’am.”

Elena was surprised. She glanced at Diego, still in his wheelchair, and realized she still didn’t know his name. Diego smiled and nodded. Elena quickly followed Mia, leaving the man, who was still a mystery to her.

Mia brought Elena to a large, beautifully furnished bedroom. It was just as grand as the one she’d had at the Mendez residence with Raul, maybe even more comfortable.

“Here is your room, Ma’am. After you’re married, you can move to the main bedroom if you wish, or stay here if you prefer.”

Mia’s explanation surprised Elena. Mia seemed about the same age as Carmen, but she was friendlier and more polite.

“Gracias, Mia,” Elena thanked her. “But just call me Elena, please.” She smiled, feeling awkward being addressed as “Ma’am.”

“I’m sorry, I don’t dare. Mr. Rodriguez would scold me,” Mia answered.

“It’s okay, at least when it’s just the two of us, you can call me Elena. Treat me like your friend or your daughter.”

Mia looked at Elena in surprise as Elena gave her a kind smile. Elena really was about the same age as Mia’s own daughter.

“All right, Elena, please freshen up. I’ll prepare dinner for you.”

Mia left, and Elena stood there for a moment, still surprised. She sat on the edge of the big, comfortable bed, then slowly lay down, feeling completely exhausted.

She looked up at the clean, white ceiling and smiled. What was happening in her life? At least tonight, thanks to God, she wouldn’t have to sleep on the street.

Meanwhile, at the Mendez residence, after handing Elena the divorce papers, Raul immediately returned to the party to join Beatriz and the others. The man drank until he was drunk. Meanwhile, Carmen, who realized Elena had left, quickly reported to Mrs. Victoria.

“Have you looked for her?” Mrs. Victoria asked.

“Yes, Ma’am, I’ve had the maids look for her, but Elena couldn’t be found.”

“Hmm, did she run away? Have you checked her room? Are there any missing clothes or belongings?”

“I’ve checked, Ma’am. Everything is still there, including her clothes. But I found this.”

Mrs. Victoria was stunned to see what her maid was holding. “What is it, Carmen?”