3

Chapter Three

^ELENA^

The luxurious gold crust gate was flung open, and our Maybach glided into the huge compound. 

As soon as the car halted, the guards opened the car door for me. Vincent got down first and walked over to my side, stretched out his hand. 

I held the hand he was offering as I got out of the car, and a bright smile filled my face as I looked around the large compound. 

I've missed home so much. A lot has changed. I mean, it has been three solid years since I've been here! Three years since I chose that spineless bastard over my family. How pathetic!

What hurts the most is that I left my life of luxury, all this comfort and affection… all for the wrong man. And what did I get in return? Heartbreak and betrayal. I didn't only get maltreated, I also lost my child just because of the Brown's. 

I'll definitely keep that in mind. 

“Welcome home, little Lena.” Vincent winked at me, and I hit him playfully on the arm, grinning.

“You rascal! I'm no longer little. I almost mothered a child.” 

“Welcome home, Miss Brooks.” The servants and guards chorused.

Taking one last sweeping glance at the estate, I proceeded to step into the mansion. 

“A lot has changed. But the decorations are still tragically off. Vincent, you haven't been doing a good job, huh?” I teased, a playful smirk on my lips as I gestured dramatically, and we both broke out into laughter. 

The limited edition luxury furniture was lavishly used to decorate the sitting room, which was exceptionally large with a chandelier hanging from the ceiling. My gaze froze in one place and tears circulated in my eyes the moment I spotted my grandfather seated on the couch.

George Brooks, the legendary CEO of Brooks Corporation. The one who could influence the entire North city's business world with just a flick of his finger. 

“Grandpa…”

The moment he heard my voice, he dropped everything and quickly walked over to me. I jumped into his arms, sobbing uncontrollably as the floodgates opened wide.

I buried my face in his shoulder and he sighed, heartbroken and furious at me, of course. Ever since I was a child, I've never suffered even for a bit. Yet, I was hardly treated better than a slave by the Browns.

Worst still, I lost his first great-grandchild because of the Brown's.

“So now you're crying, huh? You chose to leave your family three years ago and marry a man we didn't approve of.” 

My grandpa spoke in a soft yet stern tone while he patted my hair. Raising my head from his shoulder, I sniffed hard, tucking my hair behind my ear. 

Vincent chipped in, folding his arms across his chest. 

“My little cousin here has been crying the whole car ride.”

Trying to catch my breath, I wiped the tears from my face. 

“I was wrong. I'm sorry, grandpa! I have divorced him now, ” I mumbled.

Nodding his head, grandpa continued. 

“It's a good thing you have dissolved your marriage to him. A man like you never deserved you anyway, and we have more than enough to support you. But why are you still crying, my child?” 

“I don't know, grandpa… I just can't seem to forget how I was treated by Lucas and his family.” I replied.

“Little Lena, how do you want that bastard ex-husband of yours to die? Tell me, and consider it done.” 

My grandpa, George fumed; the fire in his eyes making me flinch. 

Sniffing hard, I shook my head in disagreement. 

“Grandpa, I don't want you to take revenge for me. I want to take revenge on the Brown's in my own way, I won't spare a single one of their crimes.”

“That's my girl. Anyway, I hope you still remember our agreement. You promised me that if that stupid ex-husband of yours didn't love you back within three years, you will come back to us and take over the company. And not to forget, you will marry the fiancé I chose for you.” 

Wiping off my tears, I forced a smile at him, hoping it looked somewhat genuine. 

“I'm sure I have a lot to learn, but yes, I am ready to take over the family business.”

“Are you now? I'm so impressed, little Lena. You seem to have grown in three years.” Grandpa teased me, although his pride was evident in his eyes.

On the other hand, Vincent jumped for joy, clapping his hands as his laughter echoed in the hall. 

“Thank goodness, you accepted this condition! Finally, the pressure is off my shoulders.” 

We shared a laugh, and Grandpa was the one who broke the silence first. 

“Lest I forget, your fiancé from three years ago is still very available. The young man, Jason Campbell, seems to be a perfect husband material. Are you ready to give the engagement another try?” 

Exhaling deeply, I shook my head. Grandpa's question hung in the air, laden with expectation.

“I think I need a little time before I jump into another marriage. The last one was hell, and I haven't gotten over it. But I know marrying into the Campbell family would at least be beneficial for our business.”

“My dear Lena, I don't need you to marry for business, all I want is for you to be happy.” Grandpa lovingly stroked my hair while I sobbed, melting into his embrace.

“I'll keep that in mind, grandpa.” 

I'm finally free from the shackles of my past, and I can feel the weight of my old life lifting off my chest. I can breathe openly again. 

Now, I don't have to think about cooking or cleaning for those ungrateful people. I'm back to being the sophisticated and rich heiress of the Brooks family. 

To chase after my so-called ‘true love’ I had abandoned my family and friends despite their advice. I had sacrificed everything– my identity, my elite status, and luxury lifestyle, only to destroy my life with my own hands.

The blind devotion I had for Lucas had led me straight into the arms of pain and heartbreak. 

Thankfully, I have finally erased Lucas from my heart bit by bit… despite enduring so much pain from his family and friends.

I can't even count the times I had to sell my blood to that lying snake, Aurora, just to survive in the hell he had created for me.

“Miss Brooks, your spa session has been booked. Is there anything else you need?” The servants asked, snapping me out of my thoughts.

“No, it's fine. You can go.” I forced a smile, and she bowed slightly before leaving.

Just when I was about to enter my bathroom, I heard a shrieking scream that scared the hell out of me. 

“Elena…” 

Heavy footsteps thundered down the corridor and the door to my bedroom was flung open. Of course, my best friend, Samantha, barged in enthusiastically.

Taking a deep breath, I shook my head in disbelief. 

“Sam, can you stop acting like I was dead and just came back to life? Gosh, you scared the hell out of me.” 

“Girl, I came as soon as I heard that you're back! I warned you about him, but you refused to listen. But nevermind, I'll decide the punishment for you later on; right now, I’m just so happy that I've finally got my best friend back! And you know what? This calls for celebration.” 

Samantha sat on the bed with a thump, chattering non-stop.

I scratched my head, yawning tiredly. “Sam, I'm really so exhausted. I don't think I'll make it to your so-called ‘welcome party’.” 

“Duh! You're definitely coming. Look, you're single now. I am sure you'd love the yummy guys at the bar tonight, it's been so long since you have enjoyed some eye candy. Besides, no one is going to know that you are the heiress of the Brooks family.” 

Sam winked at me, and I rolled my eyes at her audacity. I don't know how I became friends with such a brat.

Hesitatingly, I finally relented. 

“Fine. But you will have to wait for a few minutes. Then, we'll be off.” 

I shrugged as I walked into the bathroom without waiting for a response. 

“Hurry. You, wet blanket!” 

She laughed.

An hour later, Samantha and I walked into the bar. The DJ was playing pulsing beats at a deafening volume, and the colorful dimmed lights were blinking and flashing in sync with the electrifying music. 

But despite the flashy attire of the crowd, both Samantha and I were dressed casually.

“Sam, I don't think this is a good idea. Can we just go home?” I tutted loudly.