Chapter 7: Wearing her life

Tessa as Elena’s POV

“There’s someone who wants to see you,” Elena’s mom said gently.

“Who?” I asked, forcing a small smile as I looked up.

I stepped back, startled, but quickly composed myself.

“Hi, Elena,” she greeted, almost jumping out of her dress with excitement.

Standing face to face with me was Jessica, the same girl who made me step out that night before the accident.

“She came to see her friend you collided with and pleaded to see you,” Elena’s mom added.

I scoffed lightly. “Friend?” I muttered, already irritated.

“I’m a huge fan, Elena.” She grinned from ear to ear.

Looking at her, I felt a slow anger rising within me.

“Oh really.” 

I stepped closer. All I wanted was to slap her. To scream. To tell her she ruined my life and that of Elena. But I wouldn’t do this. I wouldn’t drag Elena into my mess because of some flimsy revenge.

“Can I take a picture with you?” she asked, still grinning.

As the camera clicked, the security nearby quickly motioned for her to step aside.

“Aren’t you going to check on your classmate?” I asked, wanting to hear her answer.

“No… no… no,” she waved her hand dismissively, eyes still glued to the picture we just took, like it meant the world to her.

That’s when I realized she didn’t really care about what happened. She only cared that she got close to someone famous.

I just nodded and moved on with Elena’s parents as the security trailed us gently.

***

The next morning, I was already dressed when Elena’s dad stepped in.

“The media crew are waiting outside, darling. Your team will help guide you just in case. Are you ready?”

“Yes.” I nodded, sighing deeply.

“All right.” He held my hand and we stepped out together.

Through the night, I had rehearsed over and over what I would say in front of the cameras. Since I still couldn’t sleep, I ended up looking through her previous interviews on the internet.

The moment I stepped outside, a wall of flashes hit me. It was very bright and almost painful.

People were shouting Elena’s name. I tried to smile, but my lips became stiff, my palms became very sweaty, and my heart raced.

“Elena, we love you!” one of her fans screamed.

“Get well soon!” another shouted.

Elena’s dad held me gently by the arm.

“If you’re not ready, we can schedule it for another time,” he whispered.

I swallowed hard, whatever I said now could either protect Elena or ruin her.

I opened my mouth, but no words came, and for a second, I panicked.

Then I cleared my throat.

“Hello, everyone. Thank you all so much for the love and attention I’ve received so far. I would also love to debunk the news going around that I lost my memory. It’s fake and untrue,” I continued, smiling lightly.

“After recuperating, I’ll be back on your screen. Thank you.”

The security quickly cleared a path and led us toward the VIP exit.

As the private elevator to the basement opened, there stood someone near a sleek, black Bugatti.

His brown hair was styled perfectly, each strand in place. But he had a cold face and a calm kind of confidence that made it impossible to ignore him.

He looked like the kind of guy who could cause total confusion in the midst of girls just by walking in. 

“Hello, Mr. Scarlet.” He shook hands with Elena’s dad.

“Hello, ma’am.” He nodded at Elena’s mom.

“Mom insisted I come over to take her home.” He glanced my way.

Elena’s mom looked a bit tensed, and I wondered why.

“Oh, that’s left to Elena, if she would want to go with you,” she finally responded, turning to me.

“Who is he?” I whispered to Elena’s mom.

“He’s Adrian. I’ll explain more when we get home,” she smiled.

“Would you like to go with him?”

I swallowed hard. “No, mom, I’ll go with you,” I answered quickly, before I could say something I’d regret.

Then I saw him let out a small sigh, like he didn’t really want me to say yes either.

“Goodbye, sir.” He walked briskly to his car.

I climbed into another fancy car with Elena's parents. As the car moved along, I looked out at buildings I had only seen on TV—huge, shiny skyscrapers towering above.

Thirty minutes later, the car stopped in front of a gigantic mansion. The design was modern, with glass walls, sharp edges, a high ceiling, and a driveway lined with garden lights.

We stepped inside, and I slowly looked at everything in awe—the massive chandelier that hung from above, the wide staircase with gold-rimmed handles, and a giant wall art of Elena herself, posing.

I was still caught in the beauty of it all when Elena’s dad turned to an elderly woman, probably in her early fifties.

“Take her to her room.”

“Okay, sir.” he respond

But I noticed she looked surprised that Elena didn’t know her own way around.

“Please follow me, Miss Elena.”

I followed her, climbing the stairs carefully. When she opened the door to Elena’s room, I just stood there, stunned as my jaw dropped a bit.

It was beautiful, breathtaking, and classy—a mixture of pinks, beige, and gold. The bed was very wide, and the window overlooked a private pool.

“If you need anything, Miss, please let me know.” She turned to leave.

“No—call me Elena. It’s okay.” I smiled.

She paused for a moment, nodded, and walked away.

I walked quietly around the room, trying to take it all in. One art photo hung on the wall. A glass shelf held expensive-looking perfumes, all lined up neatly. At the side, a tall mirror stood beside a dressing table filled with jewelry and makeup.

By the right there was a big open shelf displaying a lot of designer bags and the other shelf displayed rows of beautiful shoes.

I stopped by the mirror, staring at the girl in the reflection.

Who are you now and what’s the next phase from here?.