Meanwhile, elsewhere."Any word from the team combing the eastern harbor?" Nathan's voice sounded hoarse in the crowd.A bodyguard in a black suit shook his head. "Still nothing, Mr. Nathan. The CCTV there shows no sign of Mrs. Elena's whereabouts either."Nathan ruffled his hair in frustration. The man's eyes were bloodshot, his chin covered in a thin beard because he hadn't had time to shave. Tomorrow was supposed to be his wedding day to Elena-the big reception he'd been preparing for months. But now, he didn't even know if Elena was alive."How can my wife just disappear like that? There's no trace at all," Nathan muttered.A private detective, Rendi, approached carrying a folder full of notes."Our team has searched hospitals, airports, terminals, and several inns within a 50-kilometer radius," he reported quickly. "We've also asked all her close friends and family. Everyone says Mrs. Elena hasn't contacted anyone since two days ago."Nathan stared blankly ahead. "She can't have
Footsteps echoed through the dark hallway leading to the basement. Margareth, seated near the doorway, turned her head.“Took you long enough,” she muttered to the man emerging from the shadows.Damian Lancaster stepped in without a sound. His black suit stood out starkly against the cold, grimy stone walls. His eyes locked straight on Elena, still tied to the chair. Her face was bruised, but her glare burned with rage.“Leave us,” Damian said coldly to his mother.Margareth raised an eyebrow. “You’re kicking me out, Damian?”“I said, leave,” he repeated without even looking at her.With a soft huff, Margareth stood up and walked out. “Fine. Just don’t get too rough, son. We still need her.”The door creaked shut behind her, leaving Damian and Elena alone.Silence fell again.Damian slowly stepped closer, stopping right in front of her. He crouched, tilted his head, and grabbed her chin roughly.“Still just as beautiful as ever…” he whispered.Elena turned her face away, trying to avo
Elena, Nathan, and Sonia had just finished trying on several models of wedding dresses at their favorite boutique. A smile was still on Elena's lips, although her face looked a little tired."I like that last one. It fits you perfectly, Elena," Sonia said as she leaned back in the boutique's waiting chair.Nathan nodded as he checked his phone. "What Mommy said was exactly right. Even I was mesmerized."Elena chuckled softly. "You guys are really good at complimenting me.""Then let's go home now, shall we? You must be tired too," Nathan said as he grabbed Elena's small bag.But Elena hurriedly held back. "I'm not going home right away. I still have an online meeting with the overseas directors. They want to discuss the opening of new branches in Seoul and Tokyo.""Now?" asked Sonia, worried."Yes, the time can only be now. But relax, the meeting won't take long. An hour at most. I'll be meeting from my office at my boutique, just fifteen minutes away."Nathan nodded slowly, though hi
It didn't feel like time had flown by. After all this time, Elena had finally decided to get married again-this time to the man who had been faithfully accompanying her, Nathan Drake Sebastian.There were only three days left before the massive reception party was held. All family members, friends, and business associates began receiving invitations sent directly by Elena and Nathan. The invitation design was simple yet elegant, with white and gold colors, decorated with small satin ribbons that gave a luxurious impression.That morning, in the mansion's powder room, Elena stood in front of a large mirror, wearing a graceful ivory-white wedding dress. The dress fell perfectly on her body-without too many sequins, just delicate lace accents on the sleeves and chest. Her hair was in a half bun, the rest left to flow gently. Her face looked calm, but the woman's small smile implied nervousness."Oh my God... you're so beautiful," Mrs. Sonia's voice sounded softly from behind. The middle-
The afternoon sky was beginning to turn red as Damian's black car pulled up slowly in front of the Lancaster mansion. The front door opened before he could knock, as if his mother had been waiting for him all along."You're home too," Margareth said with an unpredictable expression. Her face remained beautiful and well-groomed despite her age. She wore a dark satin dress and a pearl necklace that added to her aristocratic aura.Damian entered without saying much, immediately taking off his suit and draping it over the back of the sofa. "It's been a long day," he murmured as he poured himself a glass of wine from the bottle on the table.Margareth gives her only child a sharp look, then sits gracefully in the chair opposite. "So? Has there been any progress? You've started approaching Elena?"Damian swirled his glass slowly. "I've started to approach her. Little by little. But Elena's not the type of woman who's easily persuaded with sweet words or expensive gifts.""Then you think she
Elena's steps were quick, her high heels clicking firmly along the marble hallway to the top floor of Nathan's building, the towering headquarters in the center of the city. Her eyes didn't look to either side. The receptionist tried to hold back, but Elena was already too sure of her destination."Excuse me, Miss Elena, Mr. Nathan is again-""I'm his wife," Elena cut in firmly. "And I don't need a schedule to talk to my husband."The elevator doors opened. Elena entered without hesitation. Her hands were clenched into fists, her breath coming in short bursts of emotion. Not anger, but fear. Afraid that Nathan would actually believe the photo. Afraid that Damian had managed to infiltrate doubt into their marriage.Once on the top floor, she didn't wait for her assistant to open the door. Elena pushed it open herself. With her breath catching, she burst into the CEO's office.Nathan stood with his back to the window, hands in his pants pockets. Steady. Silent. I don't know what was goi
"I'm just touched, Mom... Can I cry a little?" Elena wiped her cheeks, smiling a little with a trembling voice.Mrs. Sonia approached, hugging her gently. "Cry if it brings you relief, dear. You've been holding it all in by yourself for too long. Now you're not alone anymore."Elena nodded softly in the warm embrace. It felt like being held by her own mother-warm, sincere, and non-judgmental. But time was running out, and she knew the day was still long."Mom, I have to go to the mall downtown for a while. There are some new tenants I need to meet in person," she said as she stood up and smoothed her hair."Oh sure, honey. Be careful on the road. If you can, have Nathan drive me."Elena smiled. "Nathan's busy, Mom. ". "Fine, but let me know when you get there.""Yes, Mom."***Elena's basement mall parking lot was unusually quiet, with only a few luxury cars parked neatly. After turning off the car engine and opening the door, Elena walked quickly. Her low-heeled shoes got caught in
The next day, Sebastian's mansion was livelier than usual. The little bell on the front door rings repeatedly as designers, florists, and vendors begin to arrive. The living room was filled with catalogs, fabric samples, and mood boards. Amidst it all, Mrs. Sonia sat tall, looking as enthusiastic as a general leading a great war-a war for the happiness of her son and daughter-in-law."Honey, you sit here. Let's start with the dress, shall we?" said Mrs. Sonia, patting the chair beside her.Elena sat down, her eyes sparkling. "Mom, I haven't even prepared anything yet.""Leave it to Mommy!" said Sonia as she opened a catalog of wedding dresses from her favorite designers. "Now, be honest with me, what kind of concept do you want?"Without hesitation Elena answered, "Garden wedding. But an intimate one. Not a grand party full of celebrities. I want a warm atmosphere, lots of flowers, and children laughing. I want Alva to be the ring bearer and Katty to drape the flowers. Olivia and Dely
Daylight was creeping in when Elena arrived at her boutique on the corner of Manhattan. She had just finished a meeting with Damian, and was now trying to regain her focus. As she entered the boutique, the little bell above the door tinkled softly. The staff greeted her warmly, and Elena returned the favor with a tired smile.Once inside her office on the second floor, she had just set down her bags when the door opened again."Mrs. Elena, we have a guest here to see you," said one of the staff."Who?" asked Elena, looking half-confused."Your mother-in-law."Elena blinked. "Nathan's mother?"The staff nodded. "Yes, Mrs. Elena."It didn't take long before an elegant woman walked into Elena's office. Her hair was in a neat bun, she wore a light blue suit and low heels. Her smile was friendly, authoritative, and a warm aura instantly filled the room."My daughter-in-law?" greeted Madame Sonia as she opened her arms for a hug.Elena quickly stood up and hugged the woman warmly. "Mom, I d