CHAPTER 16

Elena’s POV 

The world felt different this morning, it was cold, quiet and heavy.

When I woke up, my phone wouldn't stop vibrating.

At first, I ignored it, but the sound kept coming and I reached for it and froze.

My name was everywhere, every news page, every gossip site and every comment.

“Lucien Stone’s wife was caught in an affair before marriage.”

Leaked photos: Elena and an unknown man in a hotel.

My hands shook as I scrolled faster, hoping it was fake, but the pictures…They were real and were old.

I could still remember that night. It was before I met Lucien.

It meant nothing. But now… it looks wrong.

My stomach twisted and I felt dizzy.

Who would do this?

I heard Lucien’s steps before I saw him.

He walked into the living room, dressed in his usual suit, calm and sharp as ever.

His phone was in his hand too, he must have seen it.

“Lucien,” I said softly, but he didn’t answer.

I stepped closer. “It’s not what it looks like. Those photos are old. Someone..m”

He finally looked at me and his eyes were blank and cold. “You don’t need to explain.”

“But I did,” I said quickly. “Please. I don’t want you to think…”

He cut me off. “Elena, stop.”

His tone was calm, but his jaw tightened.

“I’m tired,” he said. “Every time I think I understand you, something new appears.”

My chest tightened. “You think I leaked those photos? You think I wanted this?”

“I don’t know what to think anymore.”

He turned away. “I have a meeting.”

He walked out of the room and the sound of the door closing felt louder than any scream.

I stood still for a long time and then I sat down on the couch and covered my face. Tears came fast and I couldn't stop them.

I thought of Jace, of the kidnappers’ warning. Keep quiet or your son dies.

I can’t fight this. I can’t even speak the truth.

Hours passed before I heard a knock and when I opened the door, Hunter stood there.

“Elena,” he said softly and his eyes moved over my face, worried. “You look pale.”

“I’m fine,” I whispered.

“You’re not.” He stepped inside, closing the door behind him. “I saw the news. It’s everywhere.”

I turned away, and tried to hide my face. “They’re lies.”

“I know,” he said quickly. “I know you. You wouldn’t do that.”

His words made something inside me break. “Lucien doesn’t believe me.”

Hunter sighed and sat on the couch. “He’s angry. But anger doesn’t last forever. The truth does.”

I shook my head. “You don’t understand. He’s not just angry. He’s cold. I can’t reach him.”

Hunter leaned forward. “Then I’ll help you. Tell me what you need.”

I sat beside him, exhausted. “I just want it all to stop.”

He nodded “Then stop crying over him for now. Let him see what he’s losing.”

I gave a small, broken laugh. “You sound like someone from a movie.”

He smiled faintly. “Maybe I am.”

He handed me a tissue and I took it and wiped my eyes. “Thank you.”

“You don’t have to thank me,” he said quietly. “You deserve better than this mess.”

For a moment, silence filled the room and everywhere was calm.

When I finally looked up, Hunter was still watching me, his eyes were soft, and kind.

He reached out and touched my hand lightly. “You’re stronger than you think, Elena.”

I wanted to believe him and I really did and then the door opened.

Lucien stood there, his face was unreadable and his eyes moved from me to Hunter’s hand.

I pulled my hand away fast. “Lucien…”

He didn’t say a word, he just looked at us like he was seeing something he couldn’t forgive.

His eyes moved from my face to Hunter’s hand still close 

I pulled my hand away fast. “Lucien…”

He didn’t say a word, he just looked at us like he was seeing something he couldn’t forgive.

“Lucien, it’s not what you think,” I said quickly. “He was just…”

“Helping you?” he asked quietly.

His voice was  low, calm and dangerous.

“Lucien, please,” Hunter started, and stood up. “You’ve got it wrong.”

Lucien turned his cold eyes to him. “Then tell me, Hunter, what exactly did I get wrong?”

Hunter went silent.

Lucien let out a dry laugh. “I should have known. You always had a soft spot for her.”

“Lucien, stopped,” I beg. “You are twisting it.”

“I’m not twisting anything,” he said flatly. “I’m just seeing clearly.”

He walked to the door, opened it, and said without turning, “Enjoy your comfort, Elena.”

Then he was gone.

The silence he left behind was worse than shouting.

I sat down again, my knees were weak and my eyes burning from holding back tears.

Hunter sighed. “He’s jealous, Elena, that means he still cares.”

I shook my head. “No. It means he’s slipping away.”

Hunter watched me quietly. “Then fight for him.”

I pressed my hand to my chest, whispering, “How can I fight when every truth I tell could kill my son?”

Hunter didn’t answer, he only looked at me with pity I didn't want.

When he left, I went to my room and locked the door and the house felt empty and cold.

I looked out the window, reporters were gathered outside the gate, waiting for me to show my face and they shouted my name from the street.

I closed the curtains, sat on the floor, and hugged my knees.

I wanted to scream, but I couldn’t.

Because somewhere out there, my child was in a stranger's hand and I couldn't do anything about it.

And I had no one left to trust.

That night, as I closed my eyes, I heard Lucien’s car return, but he didn't come inside, he just stood outside my window, watching through the dark shadow and he didn’t move for a long time