CHAPTER THREE : THE MAN IN MY SHADOW

The sharp click of Eliana's heels echoed through the marbled halls of Moore & Sinclair Enterprises. Every step was steady, every breath measured. A place she had once commanded with grace and pride now felt like unfamiliar ground. It had been years since she walked these corridors—she had traded it for Ethan, had given it all up to become his possession. A waste of her youth years.

The receptionist, a younger girl Eliana didn't recognize, looked up with wide eyes. "Ms. Moore?"

Eliana smiled faintly. "Is Mr. Clarkson in?"

She was directed upstairs, and as she passed through open workspaces, some familiar faces turned with surprised murmurs. No one had expected her back. Not after she'd given it all up to become Mrs. Blake.

"Eliana," came a voice from the corner office. Richard Clarkson, her old mentor and current board chairman, stepped forward. "I heard what happened. Are you all right?"

"Yes," she said smiling sweetly . She breathed in." I'll need my old job back, I should never have left."

Richard blinked. "Are you sure? It won’t be easy stepping in again." he paused "Your old position has been given away, to Ivy. You recommended her yourself. " Eliana flinched. Of course She remembered now . Ivy had begged and pleaded with her to recommend her to Richard, she had done so, not seeing the need since she was to be married to Ethan. Only for Ivy to rise to greatest heights and still steal her husband. It wouldn't repeat itself, not on her watch.

She wondered if Ethan had 'taken care of her' like he'd said.

"I don’t expect it to be. But I’m not here to drag positions with my friend. I want to start afresh with something new. I'm fine with anything. "

He studied her for a moment, then nodded. "We’re short on project managers for the Horizon deal. It's big. Stressful. Complicated. Can you do it? "

"Perfect. Then I can convince you I'm still fit for this."

Word traveled fast. By the time Eliana returned from her lunch break, Ivy was waiting in her new office with a too-sweet smile and a bouquet of lilies. So, she wasn't dead yet?

"You came back to work," Ivy said, setting the flowers down. "That was fast."

Eliana took her time before responding. "I never should have left."

"I just worry about you," Ivy said with a pout. "Everything's happening so suddenly. Are you sure you’re not just... reacting?" A gasp " did Ethan so anything? "

Eliana tilted her head. "No, I just needed a change. A lot of things have happened and I'm not sure Ethan and I are a good match anymore."

Ivy chuckled. "Ethan was so confused after the party. He didn’t know what hit him. I know you'll come around, Ellie. You always do."

"Indeed. "

"You do love him, don't you? you can tell me, I'll always have your back."

There was a flicker of unease in Ivy’s eyes. Eliana didn't answer.

"I'm not planning on staying here for long, it's my father's company afterall. I just need to get a few experience and then I plan on furthering my education." She said instead waiting to see how ivy would react. Sure enough, it came like she had expected.

"You'd throw away Ethan? to go to school? but you are rich, rich people don't work? and Ethan, your dad they'd be able to take care of you!" She cried indignantly.

To an outsider, it would seem like she genuinely cared, but Eliana knew what she was doing. She was guilt tripping her into thinking that wanting more from life was bad. That her being rich was enough reason for her to remain mediocre. It had worked before but never again.

"The arts has always been my dream Ivy. You of all people should know that." she said harshly.

Ivy stared, then shrugged.

"Anyway," she added with a false breeziness, "you know I don’t have feelings for him anymore. That’s all ancient history."

"You made that clear before, repeating it makes you seem like you have something to hide."she said with a pointed look.

Ivy stuttered lost for words, then she offered a smile.

"I'll get going now." She said turning away.

Eliana offered no reply, just a polite smile.

******

Later that night, across town, Ethan was pacing in Ivy’s penthouse.

"You told her?" he hissed. "Are you insane?"

Ivy was sprawled on the couch, sipping wine. "I didn’t tell her anything. She just figured it out. She always had a suspicious streak. You just tamed it. You should take her more. She's gullible,"

"You said she was blind in love with me. That she’d never leave."

"She still loves you," Ivy said with a wave. "She’s just acting out. Give her time. All girls do it. "

Ethan's jaw clenched. "Then I’ll bring her back. Whatever this phase is, I’ll end it."

Ivy watched him.

Deep down in her something didn't feel right. Eliana was a bit different since yesterday. She couldn't quite place her hand on it. But Eliana would come around. she always did.

****

Back at the Moore estate, Eliana stood before her mirror. The woman who stared back at her was different. Her wardrobe had changed—soft silk blouses, tailored trousers, quiet luxury. Ivy would go crazy if she saw it. She'd always told her that modest dressings were for rich old women. That as a rich young girl, vulgar and extremely clothing was perfect for her.

"and Ethan loves it too. " she had added softly.

She'd taken her advice to heart and earned the disgust of nearly everyone in her circle. Her parents wrath included. Only Ethan had stayed by her making her believe he truly loved her. Now she could see that it had all been a ploy to decieve her. She hadn't even questioned the fact that ivy never wore those kind of clothes and always appear so calm and well mannered to the adult, making her always earn their praise.

Her mother watched from the doorway, surprised. "You look... lovely."

She smiled.

"Thank you."

"Is there someone new?" she asked.

"No" she gave a chuckle . "I just wanted to try something new. "

Her mother said nothing then left the room. Eliana smiled at her reflection in the room.

Days passed in a blur of meetings, spreadsheets, and decisions. It was exhausting but rewarding.

Then came the Horizon contract signing day. It was a very important day for the company. Richard handed the file documents over to her "Please don't flop this." It was comical the way he looked at her.

She read the file with mild curiosity until her eyes landed on the name: Liam Everhart.

The name alone pulled her breath short.

Liam had once been the man her family preferred for her—a fellow heir, a brilliant strategist, and a quiet soul. She had turned him down, blinded by Ethan's empty charms. And in doing so, she’d unknowingly fractured the Everhart-Moore alliance. Ivy had later gone ahead to make him an ally. It was amazing just how much ivy had controlled her life, without her noticing.

Now, he was the lead investor in a deal her company desperately needed. She wouldn't flop this.

The boardroom buzzed with anticipation on the day of the signing. Eliana walked in, confident but cautious. She didn't know how Liam would take her.

And there he was.

Liam. In flesh and blood.

Liam looked up from his folder and froze.

His gaze never left her.

"mrs Blake, or should i say miss Moore now? "He began.

"Mr. Morgan ," she greeted, her tone neutral."it's miss Moore now. "

"Didn’t expect to see you here," he said, standing.

"Neither did I." She took her seat opposite him.

They shook hands. His touch was firm, but his gaze curious.

The meeting began. She led the presentation, answered every question. She was prepared, composed, professional.

Afterwards, as the rest of the team filtered out, Liam lingered.

"I didn't know You were good at this," he said quietly.

She smiled.

"I may be rich and spoilt, but I do know some things"

He studied her quietly.

There was a silence between them, heavy with things unsaid.

"It suits you," he said finally.

She smiled. "Thank you."

As he turned to leave, he paused. "I hope this time... you stay. It's been nice talking with you, Miss Moore .," he Said.

Eliana watched him walk away, heart steady.

"wait! "

Liam turned back.

"I would like a date....with you... "