Chapter 6

As the call with Liam ended, Elena felt a sense of anger wash over her. She knew she had to get ready for work, despite the painful memories of the previous day. Determined to put on a brave front, she rushed to the bathroom and took a quick bath, trying to wash away the remnants of her headache and the lingering emotions from the night before.

As Elena dressed up hastily, Rosa stirred from her sleep, sensing the frantic energy around her. "Why are you rushing, Elena?" Rosa asked, her voice groggy with sleep.

"Liam called," Elena replied, trying to button up her shirt. "He asked me to come to work."

Rosa's expression turned to anger as she heard this. "After what happened yesterday, he still expects you to come in? That's just outrageous! You shouldn't go."

Elena hesitated for a moment, torn between Rosa's protective advice and her own determination to face the situation head-on. "I know, Rosa, but I can't let him think he has control over me."

"But Elena, you need some time to process everything," Rosa protested. "You shouldn't go to work when you're still dealing with all this."

Elena shook her head. "I have to show him that I won't back down. I won't let him dictate my life. Besides, I need to handle this situation on my terms."

Rosa sighed, understanding her friend's point-of-view even though she disagreed with the decision. "Alright, but please be careful, Elena. And call me if anything goes wrong."

"I will," Elena promised as she flashed her best friend a half-hearted smile, her heart touched by Rosa's concern.

With no time to go back to her own apartment to change, Elena scanned Rosa's wardrobe for something suitable to wear to work. She settled on a fitting black suit and matching trousers, exuding an air of confidence even in the midst of her emotional turmoil.

Quickly dressing herself, Elena brushed her hair, smoothing it into a neat bun. She wanted to appear composed and in control, even if her emotions were still in a jumbled mess from the events of the night before.

As she put on her heels, Rosa watched her with a mix of worry and admiration. "You're a strong person, Elena. Just remember, you don't have to face this alone. You can always call me when anything goes south."

Elena smiled gratefully at her friend. "I know, Rosa. Your support means the world to me."

Before leaving, she turned to Rosa and hugged her tightly. "Thank you for everything, Rosa. I don't know what I'd do without you."

Rosa returned the embrace, her voice filled with emotion. "You're like a sister to me, Elena. Just be safe and remember that I'm here for you, always."

"Come on, girl, you've said that for like a million times. I'll be fine. I just need to iron things out with Liam. I'm dead sure that the whole arranged marriage will be called off if I speak with Liam."

Rosa heaved and nodded. "Fine, I hope everything works out fine. I'll see you later in the day, yeah?"

"Sure."

With one last reassuring smile, Elena stepped out of Rosa's apartment with Rosa following behind her. 

"Bye, girl." Rosa waved as Elena stepped out of the front porch and hailed a cab.

As Elena stood in front of Rosa's house, she could feel the morning sun casting a warm glow on her face. The weather was mild, with a gentle breeze rustling the leaves on nearby trees. The environment around Rosa's house was serene, with neatly trimmed lawns and colorful flowerbeds adding to the peaceful ambiance.

Her thoughts were a jumbled mess as she tried to figure out her plan for the day. She needed to get to the office and face Liam, to confront him about the arranged marriage her father had orchestrated. She knew it wouldn't be an easy conversation, but she was determined to stand her ground and find a way to convince him to call off the wedding.

As she raised her hand to flag down a taxi, her phone started ringing. She glanced at the screen and saw her dad's name flashing. With a sigh, she ignored the call, not ready to engage in a conversation with him at that moment. Her emotions were already on edge, and she didn't want to be swayed by his words.

The yellow cab pulled up in front of her, and she quickly climbed into the back seat. "EliteCorp, please," she said to the driver, giving him the office address.

As the car started moving, Elena took a deep breath, trying to calm herself down. Her phone buzzed again, indicating another call from her dad. She resisted the temptation to answer and instead focused on the passing scenery outside the window. The city streets were bustling with morning commuters, but Elena's mind was elsewhere, filled with thoughts of her confrontation with Liam.

The taxi came to a stop in front of the towering building of EliteCorp, and Elena took a moment to gather her thoughts before stepping out. She paid the fare, thanking the driver, and as she stood on the sidewalk, she felt a mix of nerves swirling within her.

Taking a deep breath, she walked towards the entrance, her heels clicking on the pavement. EliteCorp building greeted her with its sleek marble floors and towering glass walls. The eyes of the receptionists and other workers turned towards her, and she couldn't help but notice the subtle glances exchanged between some of them. Her face flushed with embarrassment as she recalled the events of yesterday afternoon when the heel of her shoe broke, and she had to rush out of the building barefooted.

Ignoring the stares, she forced a smile and entered the grand lobby of EliteCorp. The place was bustling with activity, employees busy with their daily tasks and meetings. She felt a pang of discomfort, knowing that her personal life was now a topic of gossip in the workplace.

As she made her way to the elevator, she couldn't shake off the feeling of being under scrutiny. Her mind was focused on the upcoming confrontation with Liam, but the glances from her coworkers added an extra layer of pressure.

As the elevator doors closed behind her, she leaned against the wall, taking a moment to collect herself. She had to remain strong and composed, even in the face of judgment from others. 

The elevator dinged, signaling her arrival at the floor where her office was located. Stepping out, she straightened her posture and walked with purpose down the hallway, her heels echoing with every step.

As Elena entered the office, she felt the weight of her co-workers' gazes on her, making her self-conscious. The events of the previous day lingered in the air, and she could sense the hushed conversations surrounding her. She tried to maintain a composed exterior, though her heart was still racing from the encounter with Liam the day before. As she settled down at her desk, her friend and co-worker, Phoebe, approached with concern evident in her eyes.

"Hey, Elena, are you okay? You left in such a hurry yesterday. Is everything alright?" Phoebe asked gently.

Elena hesitated for a moment, unsure of how much she could reveal. She shrugged and offered a half-truth, "Something urgent came up at home, and I had to leave. It's sorted now."

Phoebe seemed to sense that Elena was holding back, but before she could inquire further, the intercom on Elena's desk buzzed, signaling an incoming call. It was Liam, summoning her to his office.

With a nervous flutter in her stomach, Elena took three deep breaths to steady herself. She stood up and walked towards Liam's office, bracing herself for the confrontation she knew was inevitable.

As she entered, Liam didn't even spare her a glance. His nonchalant demeanor was evident, as if yesterday's events hadn't fazed him in the slightest. Elena swallowed her emotions and mustered the courage to speak.

"You wanted to see me?" Elena asked, trying to maintain a professional tone.

Liam finally looked up from his paperwork, his expression icy and dismissive. "Yes, I have an important meeting in Thailand tomorrow. I need you to book a flight for me, and you'll be accompanying me, so book one for yourself as well."

Elena's eyes widened in surprise and frustration. "Thailand? Tomorrow? I can't just drop everything and leave like that. Besides, I already have prior commitments."

Liam cut her off rudely, his tone condescending. "Don't get ahead of yourself. You're my worker and also my wife. I own you. You'll do as I say, no questions asked."