A Friend

Chapter 3: A Friend

Elena’s POV

The house was quiet when I returned home after dropping Lily off at school, I'd re-enrolled her in a new school after the wedding.

The Kingston estate was at the other end of the city and Lily’s former school was just close by, Damien had barely answered me when I informed him of the change.

Like all other things related to me, he just didn't care. I sighed as I walked into the house, my mind was blank on what to do next.

I had nothing to do. ‘Who knew a day would come when I'd be looking for something to do?’ I couldn’t even muster a smile.

I'd gotten a Master's degree in Business Management, thinking when I came back home Father would look past the fact I'd gotten pregnant with Lily.

Only, he hadn't. I shook my head as I walked up the stairs, I'd been so naive to think that.

After I got pregnant with Lily father sent me abroad to study. I didn’t need anyone to tell me that he did that to hide me and the pregnancy away.

The daughter of a business tycoon, pregnant? That would've been quite the headline. Father had never failed to remind me on multiple occasions what a disappointment and disgrace I was.

So instead of the welcome I thought I'd get, a job at the company, and a chance of redemption, Father had married me off to the first person who'd come calling.

Beep! Beep! My cell phone rang suddenly, snapping me out of my thoughts. My mood lightened when I saw the name on the screen; Jacinta.

Jacinta was my best friend, she'd helped me when I'd traveled abroad pregnant with Lily. She'd been the only one who'd stayed with me through the delivery.

“Hello?” A rare smile touched my face.

“Elena,” a small coy voice called over the line. “I'm pissed with you, you know that?” Jacinta’s voice was deadbeat as she spoke.

“Me?” my eyes narrowed, what was she talking about? “What did—”

“You get married and you decide not to tell me?” Jacinta interrupted, her words made my heart skip a beat.

“I—” I trailed off, not quite sure what to say. But my mind filled with thoughts, how did she know? The ceremony had been a small and quiet one and I hadn’t…

“Yes,” Jacinta prompted again, cutting off my thoughts. “Why didn't you tell me?” she sighed. “Gosh Elena, I'd been looking forward to your wedding.”

“I know,” I whispered, “I'm sorry, okay? I can explain—” I wanted to continue but she cut me off.

“You'll explain in person Elena,” Jacinta chuckled slightly. “GUESS WHO'S BACK?”

“What–” a smile spread over my lips suddenly. “You're back?”

“Yes,” Jacinta replied, a smile in her tone. “Where can we meet? I have the weekend off before I start working,” her words sent a pang of jealousy through me.

“Later,” I glanced at the clock, silently calculating when Lily would be back from school. I didn’t want to leave her to the maids so I'd put her to bed first before leaving the house.

“I know this great place, their wine is really good.” I chuckled, trying to sound upbeat.

“It's a deal,” Jacinta agreed immediately. I quickly told her the location and time before she ended the call.

For a moment I stood there lost in thought, Jacinta had gotten a job and what was I doing? My mood soured as I glanced around at the cold silent house.

“You're being a mother for Lily,” I whispered to myself. That was far more than my mother had ever been I thought.

The rest of the day passed in a blur and soon it was time. I was in the kitchen when I heard Lily’s shrill voice piercing the air.

“Mom, I'm back,” her voice echoed, breaking the silence.

“I'm over here sweetie,” I called out, my hands already moving to unpack her lunch. I'd just poured her juice into her cup when Lily walked in, her quiet expression made me freeze.

“What's the matter?” I asked, walking up to her. I squatted, meeting her eye level.

“It's…” Lily’s lips quivered and she turned to stare behind her. My eyes followed her gaze and my breath caught in my throat.

Damien.

“I picked her up myself, the driver called in sick,” his eyes that observed me were unreadable. Lily’s bag and lunch box were in his hands, they looked out of place with his impeccable suit.

“Thank you,” I forced a smile, moving to take the bag and lunch box from his hands. “I hope she didn't bother you,” I dropped the bags on the kitchen counter.

“No,” Damien spoke curtly, not moving from the doorway.

My heart thudded as I felt his hooded eyes sweep over me and memories of last night came flooding in, I flushed avoiding his gaze.

“Lily,” I looked down at her. “Go up to your room and remove your clothes, I'll be right behind you,” I leaned down to give her a peck on the cheek.

“But mom—” Lily wanted to protest but I shook my head.

“Off you go now,” I pulled out a piece of candy and gave her, only then did she leave, satisfied. Damien watched the exchange quietly, not saying a word.

“So…” I looked up, picking my words carefully. “I'm planning to go out to see a friend,” I watched his eyes flick to me as I spoke.

“A female friend,” I added, exhaling slowly.

“And so?” Damien’s eyes didn't leave me.

“I was just—” My mind blanked and I trailed off. I was just trying to ask for permission. Damn it!

“You can do whatever you want to do,” Damien shrugged, his hands slipping back into his pockets.

“Just—” I wanted to complete my statement but his words caught me by surprise. “You're okay with that…” my eyes widened slightly. I'd been expecting a cold reply.

“I'll have the driver take you,” Damien didn't mind my surprise, his eyes scrutinized me carefully. “And when you come back,” he paused before he spoke almost deliberately. “I'll have a word with you.”

Me? My heart skipped a beat and my pulse quickened, Damien’s eyes stared at me with a hidden emotion I couldn’t place.

He didn’t wait for me to speak before he turned on his heel and left, leaving me frozen still.

What would Damien want to talk to me about? I wondered, a knot tightening in my belly. I vaguely felt something was amiss but I couldn’t quite place my finger on it.

Was I in trouble?