Chapter 3

It had been a difficult time since she had almost argued with Aaron at the company that morning. Nobody believed that she actually prepared those projects all by herself.

Even though some believed what you were saying, it was very difficult to go against Tiffani. 

At some point, nobody wants to listen to what she was saying anymore because it was not making sense and the most important thing was that, the investors had already accepted the proposal

Nobody actually cared about where it was coming from anymore. 

Elena could have actually just walked away and decided not to participate in anything that’s happening in the company anymore. 

But then, it was her husband’s family company and she didn’t just want to give up like that. She wanted to give everything she could give and make sure they get bigger every single day.

The office clock finally struck six, signaling the end of another exhausting workday. Elena quickly shut down her computer and packed her bag. 

Her shoulders ached from hours of nonstop work, and her eyes burned from staring at reports all day. 

She had completed almost every important task assigned to the department, including the proposal Aaron had later praised Tiffani for during the afternoon meeting.

Elena was supposed to be celebrating, but she didn’t get any celebration and she did not get any reward from Aaron and the other members of the board. 

She decided to let it go, and that was it because it had always been like this. Elena received no credit.

She quietly left the office and hurried toward her car. Her mind was already focused on what waited for her at home.

Dinner had to be ready before everyone gathered in the dining room. If it was late or anything tasted less than perfect, she knew she would be blamed.

By the time she reached the Calvalli mansion, the sky had already begun turning orange. She did not even stop to rest.

After placing her handbag on a chair, she tied her hair into a loose bun, put on an apron, and rushed straight into the kitchen.

Soon, the room was filled with the sounds of chopping vegetables, boiling soup, and sizzling meat.

Elena moved quickly from one stove to another. She seasoned the roasted chicken, prepared fresh vegetables, cooked rice, and made the desserts that Aaron’s mother enjoyed. 

Sweat rolled down her forehead, but she ignored it. She worked with the same care she gave everything else in her life, hoping that perhaps today there would be fewer complaints.

Most importantly, Aaron would have to tell the family about their progress today and maybe they could celebrate together since she didn’t join them to celebrate earlier. 

That was all she had in her mind. He doesn’t want her identity revealed in the company and maybe that was the reason why he didn’t really take his time to appreciate her. 

“He will appreciate me when he comes back,” she said, but her voice was barely audible. 

More than an hour later, dinner was finally ready.

She carefully arranged every dish on elegant serving plates before setting the dining table. Everything looked beautiful.

Just as she finished placing the last spoon beside a plate, laughter echoed from the front entrance.

Elena looked toward the hallway.

Aaron had returned home. She wanted to run towards him and before she could even make a step forward, she noticed something else.

Standing beside him was Tiffani.

She wore a beautiful white dress and carried an expensive handbag. She looked relaxed, smiling as though she belonged there.

Before Elena could even greet them, Aaron’s mother hurried into the hallway with excitement written all over her face.

“Tiffani!” she exclaimed warmly.

She wrapped both arms around the younger woman like she was welcoming her own daughter home.

“My dear, you’ve finally come.”

Tiffani smiled politely.

“I hope I’m not disturbing anyone.”

“Of course not,” Aaron’s mother replied immediately. “This house always feels brighter when you’re here.”

Elena stood quietly only a few steps away.

No one greeted her. No one even acknowledged that she had spent the last hour preparing dinner.

Aaron’s mother gently held Tiffani’s hand and led her toward the dining room.

“You must stay for dinner.”

“I’d be happy to,” Tiffani answered.

Aaron smiled.

“I’m glad you accepted.”

Elena thought about it, but there was nothing she could do. At first, Tiffani took everything away from her in the company, and the second time she is going to eat her meal. 

The same food she is supposed to enjoy with her husband alone. 

She wanted to scream out loud, but then, it was completely nothing. Aaron had already told her before that there was nothing really serious between them.

It was just purely business and he was close to her because he wanted something from her family.

The three of them walked into the dining room together while Elena silently followed behind, carrying the first serving tray.

Aaron’s mother glanced at her briefly.

“Elena, don’t just stand there. Serve the food.”

“Yes, Mother,” Elena answered softly.

She began placing the dishes on the table one after another.

Every meal had been prepared by her own hands.

Aaron’s mother sat beside Tiffani while Aaron sat across from her.

No chair was prepared for Elena. She remained standing quietly beside the table.

Aaron’s mother looked over the food before picking up her spoon.

“It looks rather ordinary today,” she commented.

Elena lowered her head. “I tried my best.”

“Trying your best doesn’t always mean doing well.”

Tiffani glanced at the dishes. “They smell wonderful.”

Aaron’s mother smiled warmly at her. “You’re too kind.”

She tasted the soup.

For just a second, surprise flashed across her face. The soup was rich and flavorful.

Instead of admitting it, she frowned. “It needs more seasoning.”

Aaron tasted it next. “It’s fine.”

His mother shook her head. “You’ve become too used to average cooking.”

Despite her criticism, she continued eating until her bowl was almost empty.

Elena watched silently.

Aaron’s mother complained after nearly every bite, yet she never stopped eating.

Tiffani cut a small piece of the roasted chicken and smiled. “This is actually delicious.”

Aaron’s mother laughed. “You should teach Elena how to cook one day.”

Tiffani looked slightly embarrassed. “I don’t think she needs lessons.” but it was not really coming from her mind. She was just trying to show concern that was not really from her.

This was because she knew exactly what she had done earlier. 

“Oh, don’t defend her,” Aaron’s mother replied with a dismissive wave. “She’s been in this house for a long time, yet she still cooks like she’s learning.”

The words settled heavily inside Elena’s heart.

She had prepared every meal in the mansion since marrying Aaron. Not once had her efforts been appreciated.

Throughout the meal, Elena remained standing.

Whenever a glass became empty, she refilled it. Whenever someone finished a plate, she quietly removed it.

When Aaron wanted more rice, she immediately served him.

When Tiffani asked for more soup, Elena filled another bowl without hesitation.

After a few minutes, Aaron’s mother looked at them, and then slowly looked at Elena. 

“Tell me… what have you guys been up to? Because it was obvious that you two were planning something huge.” 

“I don’t understand…” Tiffani responded immediately. 

“Oh… silly girl. Take a look at my son.” Aaron’s mothers gasped, taking a sip from her glass of wine.