Chapter 6: Get Rid of Him

Elena’s POV

When I got back to the villa, Julian was still missing in action.

I’d just stepped out of the shower when my mother-in-law, Rose, appeared in the living room, nursing a glass of water like she owned the place.

“What time is it? Why isn't breakfast on the table yet?”

I didn't even give her a glance. I walked straight into the kitchen and made coffee. Just for one. When I walked back out, she was scowling.

“Where’s Julian? Is he still in bed?”

“He went out last night,” I said, taking a slow sip. “Never came back.”

Rose looked me up and down, her lip curling in pure disgust.

“You can't even keep your own husband at home. You’re pathetic, Elena.”

She shot a nasty look at my bowl of plain oatmeal.

“And you’re eating that? No wonder you’re so dull. I’m heading out. My friends are waiting for brunch. I cleaned everyone out at poker yesterday, and I’m planning on doing it again today.”

I sat there alone after she left. The porridge was bland, yeah. But after a night like last night, my stomach couldn't handle anything else. Sometimes, boring is the only luxury you can afford.

I pulled out my phone. On Candy’s university forum, the post about her "extracurricular activities" was already going viral. The photos were crystal clear. She was trying to claim Julian was her "boyfriend," but in this world, nobody believes in love when the police photos show stacks of cash. Julian, being the coward he is, stayed quiet. He wasn't about to risk his IPO for her. He let her drown to save his own skin.

Welcome to the real world, Candy.

My phone buzzed. An anonymous text: “Still fishing, Miss Elena?”

I typed back: “Yes.” Then I wiped the thread. Everything was moving exactly the way I wanted.

I headed back to our city apartment in the afternoon. The smell of disinfectant was still hanging in the air. I threw the windows wide open and started sorting through my things.

Julian walked in a few minutes later. He froze when he saw the cardboard box at my feet.

“What, are you playing the 'walking out on my husband' card now?”

I looked up. He’d clearly just come from the police station, but he was already back in his arrogant CEO suit.

“No. Just clearing out the junk.”

His eyes landed on an old photo album I was holding. He seemed to relax. He knew I was sentimental—he thought I was still clinging to the "good old days." He actually softened up, thinking he still had me wrapped around his finger.

“I just stopped by to change,” he said, unbuttoning his shirt. “I’ve got a meeting tonight. Wait up for me, I won't be late.”

He stripped off his shirt, revealing the bite marks and scratches from last night. I looked away, my stomach turning with pure revulsion. Realizing he’d messed up, he scrambled toward the bathroom.

But he stopped at the door.

“Oh, I forgot. Damon’s downstairs. He’s here for some urgent business. Go keep him busy for a few minutes while I shower.”

My heart skipped a beat. I shut the album and went downstairs.

Damon was standing in the middle of the living room. The sunset was hitting him from behind, carving out his massive silhouette. He was holding a picture frame: our wedding photo.

I stopped on the last step. He heard me, flipped the frame face-down on the table, and turned those dark eyes on me. Those eyes were full of cold stars and secrets. For a second, I felt like he was looking straight through my soul.

“Want a drink?” I asked, just to break the silence.

“Something sour,” he said, his voice a total provocation.

I didn't move for a second. Then I went to the fridge, grabbed a lime tonic, and handed it to him. Damon narrowed his eyes, a silent laugh twitching at his lips. As he took the bottle, he grabbed my wrist and yanked me hard against him.

We tumbled onto the sofa together, him pinning me down.

“Are you crazy? Let go!” I hissed, terrified Julian would hear.

Damon leaned in so close our noses were touching. His voice was a low, slow growl, dripping with accusation:

“You ran off at dawn without a single word, Elena... Did you really think you could just use me and then toss me aside?”