Chapter 8 — A Wound Forced to Stay Calm

The bedroom lights glowed dimly as Elara stepped in, her body still slightly wet after what had happened at the pool. The atmosphere inside the room felt contrasting—calm, as if nothing had just happened. Mike was already on the bed, leaning half-sitting with one hand holding a document and glasses resting on his nose. His expression was flat, too flat for someone who had almost lost control just minutes ago.

Elara said nothing. She walked toward the wardrobe, opened it slowly, then took another set of pajamas that were more covered. Her fingers moved neatly, but her gaze was empty, like someone suppressing something she did not want to feel.

“Don’t tempt me again,” Mike suddenly said without lifting his head, his voice cold.

Elara paused for a moment, then let out a soft, silent laugh. “Relax,” she replied lightly. “I won’t disturb your comfort, Mr. Mike.”

Mike did not respond again. He simply turned the page of the document in his hand.

Elara entered the bathroom, the door closing slowly. Water began to run again, masking any sound that might come from inside.

A few minutes later, Mike’s phone rang.

He glanced at it briefly, then answered the call. “Mom.”

The voice of a woman from the other side was clear, though not too loud. “Mike, tomorrow night there’s a dinner gathering at the old house. Your grandfather’s birthday. Don’t forget to come.”

Mike let out a soft breath. “I know.”

“And one more thing,” the voice continued firmly. “Bring your wife.”

Mike immediately frowned. “Why do I have to bring her?”

“Mommy wants to get to know your wife, Mike. Besides, she is your wife,” the woman replied without hesitation. “You’ve been married for two years, but you’ve never brought her home, never introduced her to the Tyson family. That is not proper.”

Mike fell silent for a few seconds.

“I don’t want to argue about this,” the woman continued. “Just come tomorrow, and bring your wife.”

Her tone left no room for objection.

Mike exhaled deeply. “Alright.”

The call ended.

Mike slowly lowered his phone, then stared blankly ahead. His jaw tightened slightly, as if something was bothering him.

Meanwhile, inside the bathroom, Elara stood under the running water. Her hair was wet, her face lowered. But beneath the flowing water, her lips slowly lifted into a faint smile.

“A family event…” she murmured softly.

Her eyes slowly opened. “A good opportunity.”

A few minutes later, Elara stepped out of the bathroom. She had already changed her clothes, her hair half-dry, her face calm again as usual.

Mike was still in the same position, but now without the document. His phone was already in his hand.

The screen lit up; he was making a video call.

Vania’s face appeared.

“Mike…” Vania’s voice sounded soft, spoiled. “It’s rare for you to video call. What’s going on?”

Elara, who was standing not far from there, immediately stopped. She did not move, but her eyes shifted toward Mike.

Mike did not answer immediately, but his expression softened slightly. “Tomorrow night there’s a family event. It’s Grandfather’s birthday.”

Vania’s eyes immediately lit up. “Really? You’re coming?”

“Yes,” Mike replied. “Come with me.”

Vania’s smile widened. She moved closer to the camera, then kissed the phone screen playfully. “Of course I’ll come. I’m always there for you. You want to introduce me as the Young Madam Tyson, right?”

Elara unconsciously clenched the edge of her clothes. Her fingers tightened slowly, the fabric wrinkling in her grip.

Something pierced her chest. That feeling should have been suppressed, should have been thrown away.

But apparently… it was still there.

Mike truly had no feelings.

Elara raised her hand, quickly wiping the corner of her eye before the tears could fall.

She did not want to look weak. She stepped closer.

Vania was still laughing softly on the screen, looking so satisfied, so comfortable in that position.

“Elara must be hearing our conversation, right, dear?” Vania asked in a mocking tone.

Mike did not answer. And that was enough.

In one swift motion, Elara snatched the phone from Mike’s hand.

The screen shook immediately.

“Elara!” Mike’s voice rose at once.

But Elara did not care. She stared at the phone screen, looking at Vania’s face that now appeared shocked.

Without saying anything, Elara immediately pressed the button and ended the call.

Mike stood up from his place, his face hardening. “What are you doing?”

Elara looked straight at him. Her chest rose and fell, the emotions she had been holding back finally surfacing.

“I’m still here!” her voice rose, trembling. “I’m still your wife, Mike!”

She threw the phone onto the bed. “So please… respect me!”

Mike was silent for a moment. Perhaps because he was not used to seeing Elara like this.

But only for a moment.

“Don’t overreact—”

The sentence was not finished. Because Elara had already stepped forward.

And without warning, she grabbed Mike’s collar and silenced him. Her lips pressed against his.

Mike froze instantly. His body tensed, his eyes widened. For a few seconds, he did not even react.

Elara tightened her grip on Mike’s collar, as if not giving him any chance to pull away.

Her heart pounded hard. Not because of love. But because of anger. Because of pain. Because of everything she had been holding back.

A few seconds later, Elara released the kiss.

Her breathing was slightly uneven.

Her eyes stared sharply at Mike.

“If you want to treat me like I don’t exist,” she said softly but firmly, “then I will make sure you can’t ignore me.”

Mike was still silent.

As if his mind had not fully processed what had just happened.

Elara released his collar, then stepped back.

A faint smile appeared on her lips. Not a gentle smile. But a warning.

“Tomorrow night,” she continued softly, “I will come.”

Mike finally reacted. “Who allowed you to—”

“I’m your wife,” Elara cut him off firmly. “And your mother asked.”

That sentence made Mike fall silent.

Elara turned around, walking toward the bed with calm steps. She pulled the blanket, then lay down without looking back.

But her eyes remained open.

Staring at the ceiling.

Inside her chest, the pain was still there. Still clearly felt.

But this time, she would not run from it. She would endure until her goal was achieved.

Meanwhile, Mike was still standing in his place. His hand slowly rose, touching his own lips.

There was something left there. Something he could not simply ignore.

His gaze shifted toward Elara, who had already turned her back on him.

“This woman…” he muttered softly.

Something had changed. And he was beginning to feel it. But Mike quickly looked away, took a deep breath, then picked up his phone again.

He did not call anyone. He just stood there in silence. As if trying to convince himself.

“Why has everything become such a mess? Why isn’t it going according to plan?” Mike muttered.