Chapter 8 Shattered Promises

Tessa as Elena's POV

Two Hours later, I heard a gentle knock at the door.

"Miss, it's time for dinner," came a gentle voice from outside.

"Alright, thank you," I replied, standing up and making my way to the door.

When I got downstairs, I was stunned by the sight before me. Three chefs stood in line, and the long dining table was covered in different dishes, each one looking luxurious. For a moment, my mouth watered and I swallowed quickly trying not to make it obvious.

"Come, darling," came Elena's dad . I walked toward them and sat beside him.

"I asked the chef to make your favorite," Elena's mom said with a warm smile.

"Spaghetti alla truffle with creamy lobster sauce," she added proudly.

As everyone dug in, I gently picked out the onions from my steak plate.

"What's wrong, honey? You don't like the food?" she asked, as her smile faded into concern.

"No, it's okay. I just... I don't like onions," I said quietly.

They exchanged a surprised glance.

"Okayyyy," she replied slowly, clearly confused but trying not to show it.

An hour later, we moved to the lounge—an extravagant space where they usually relaxed after meals.

"Elena," she began, "we want to introduce everyone at home so you won't be confused around the house."

She gestured to the staff waiting politely in the background. "We have three chefs—Rodrigues, the head chef, Milan, and Sam. Then we have the two housekeepers, Yada and Julia—whom you like calling Ma'am Julia," her dad added humorously.

I nodded, silently.

“There are also the drivers, gardeners, and your designated media team, whom you were introduced to at the hospital before the press.”

“Yes” 

“Elena has been diagnosed with temporal memory loss, and this information must not leave this house. Please, I need you to help her as much as possible," she said, facing her home staff.

"That will be all." 

And the staff disappeared as quickly as they had arrived.

"Your dad will be taking three days off from work," she added gently. "The doctors advised us to stay close, to help you regain your memory."

"Come here, Elena's dad said, smiling as he patted the space between them.

I sat down in-between them and for a moment, the weight of it all settled on me; the attention and love. Maybe just once, I had wished for something like this. And now I was living it, in a body that wasn't mine.

He patted my shoulder while she gently stroked my thigh. "We love you, okay?" Elena's mom whispered, as she kissed my forehead.

I nodded, and a single tear slid down my cheek.

"Tomorrow, we’re going out—just us," he said, “and in three days, we’re meeting a family friend."

“Okay” I responded wiping my cheek.

I was now caught between guilt and comfort, not sure which one to listen to.

***

Three Days Later

Elena's personal stylist, Jasmine Monet, came to prepare my dress for the dinner.

I wore a sleek, brown silk gown with an open back, sparkling earrings and gold heels that added a touch of luxury to my overall look. . Elena’s mom wore a cream-colored chiffon gown, while her dad looked good in an expensive suit.

The restaurant had been entirely reserved for the occasion. Every corner glowed with fine porcelain and roses dipped in glass bowls.

Just as we sat, the other family arrived—a couple about the same age as Elena’s parents. The man looked stern with a rigid face, while the woman’s bright smile tried to lighten the atmosphere. But my attention went straight to the boy behind them.

It was him, the one I had seen at the basement in the hospital.

He walked in like someone dragged there against his will, barely looking around the room with his hands stuffed in his leather jacket. I quietly watched him as he walked by.

We exchanged pleasantries and sat down.

Moments after dinner began, Elena’s dad cleared his throat.

"This is private, but I’m only sharing this because of the bond we’ve shared over the years, Mr. Beaumont," he said, with a serious tone.

My eyes met Adrian’s, his stare was cold and I looked away quickly.

"Elena lost her memory temporarily. We’re doing everything we can to help her recover," he continued in a low voice.

Adrian looked at me with what seemed like surprise, but it disappeared too quickly to be sure.

“Given everything,” he continued, “we’ve mutually agreed to call off the engagement between Adrian and Elena.”

Mrs. Beaumont smiled tightly. “Yes, it’s for the best.”

But when I looked at them, their expression was uneasy, like they were just covering something up.

Elena's mother sipped her drink awkwardly as she glanced at me.

Adrian said nothing since we sat down. But the moment the words were said, his mood lifted. He looked oddly relieved, though he kept his composure. I glanced at him again, and he smirked faintly as he sipped from his glass.

“So… no more promises to keep,” he said lightly, setting his glass down. “That makes things simpler.”

I was the only one lost as to what was happening. If Adrian was engaged to be married to Elena, then why all these reactions from him?.

Just then, my phone rang.

Bella ❤️

I picked it up immediately.

"El, I’m spending the weekend with you!" she said. "We have so much to catch up on."

"Okay," I replied. "Let me know when you’re coming."

I felt a little bit happy. There were so many questions I couldn’t ask Elena’s parents.

She was coming, and with her would come answers—maybe too many.

I just hoped I was ready for what I was about to hear.