Chapter 3

After leaving the Avery’s ward, Elena made her way to the Maternity department of the hospital . Her heart was heavy with fear, worried that last night’s encounter with Damien—and the brutal assault that followed—might have harmed her baby.

The waiting area was crowded, filled with pregnant women glowing with joy, most of them surrounded by doting husbands or excited family members. Their faces radiated happiness and expectation. The sight pierced Elena’s heart like a knife, making her feel like a cruel joke in comparison.

She was carrying the child of the man she had loved her entire life—yet that same man loved someone else. It wasn’t supposed to be like this. She remembered his childish words from years ago, the warmth in his young voice as he had held her hand and promised: “When we grow up, I’ll marry you.”

Yes, he had married her. But not out of love—only under duress, and with resentment burning in his heart.

When the doctor finally examined her, Elena held her breath. Relief washed through her when she heard the words she had been desperate for: the baby was safe.

“Don’t stress yourself, Salvatore. You must take care of your body—for your baby’s sake.”

The doctor gave her a soft smile. “You’re three weeks along. The baby is still very fragile. Please, don’t let stress ruin this blessing.”

Tears slid silently down Elena’s cheeks as she nodded. This child was her only light, the only thing worth clinging to in her dark, crumbling world.

But that fragile light was something Damien must never know about—not yet.

As she lay on the hospital bed, her thoughts raced. Avery and her family would never allow her peace. Damien despised her and treated her as though she were filth beneath his shoes. She had no one to rely on but herself—and the tiny, fragile life blooming inside her womb.

Closing her eyes, Elena made a vow in the depths of her soul: No matter what it takes, I will protect this child.

****

After finishing her appointment with the gynecologist, Elena boarded a taxi and leaned against the window. Not long after the driver started the car, exhaustion pulled her into a restless sleep.

Her dreams carried her back to a summer twelve years ago. Sunshine bathed the golden beach, and the salty wind rustled the leaves of the old camphor tree.

Little Elena had been barefoot on the shore, gathering seashells with childish delight, when she noticed a boy sitting silently on a large rock, staring out at the waves with an expression too heavy for his age.

That was the first time she saw Damien.

At twelve years old, he was already tall, strikingly handsome, and different from everyone around him. Yet sadness clung to him like a shadow.

Elena, timid but kind-hearted, had approached him cautiously. Clutching the brightest shell she had found, she held it out to him with a shy smile.

“Big brother, this is for you. I hope it makes you happy every day.”

Damien’s long, guarded eyes studied her. His clothes were fine, his shoes the latest limited edition, everything about him screamed privilege. In contrast, her faded dress marked her as someone from an entirely different world.

Yet, after a pause, he reached out and accepted the shell.

The very next day, at the same spot, he appeared again. This time, he handed her a cup of milk tea. “For you,” he said simply.

It was her first taste of milk tea, sweet and comforting—but not as sweet as her smile, which made Damien’s guarded heart soften, even if he didn’t understand why.

That summer, they met every day by the sea. They played, laughed, and shared small secrets only children could treasure.

One afternoon, Elena cut her foot on broken glass. Before she could cry, Damien scooped her onto his back and carried her to the nearest clinic.

As the sunset painted the sky in fiery colors, her flushed cheeks pressed against his shoulder, her little arms wrapped tightly around his neck. Her heart thumped wildly as she whispered, “Damien, I want to be with you forever. To play with you every day.”

Without hesitation, he had answered, “Sure. When I grow up, I’ll marry you. Then we can be together forever.”

Those innocent words had been carved into Elena’s heart. But reality had been cruel. That summer ended, and with it came years of separation.

She never imagined that after their farewell, she truly wouldn’t see him again until much later—when he had already become the city’s brightest star, with a beloved woman by his side. That woman was Avery. Her half-sister.

*****

“Madam… Madam, we’ve arrived.”

Elena’s eyes fluttered open. The driver was turned toward her, his face filled with quiet empathy.

“We’ve reached your destination, ma’am,” he said gently.

Her lashes trembled, her cheeks wet. She hadn’t even realized she’d been crying in her sleep.

“Thank you,” she whispered, her voice hoarse. She paid the fare and stepped out of the car.

The driver watched her retreating figure, shaking his head. He couldn’t understand what kind of sorrow haunted this delicate young woman—but he knew it was deep enough to make her weep even in her dreams.