All Chapters of My Love; You Were Never Meant To Be A Substitute : Chapter 41 - Chapter 50

‎Nina’s POV ‎ ‎He thought he was leading me across that dance floor, step by step. ‎But the truth is? He was already caught. Already holding what I had left behind. ‎ ‎I left the gala that very night with a quiet smile no one actually understood. Elijah didn’t notice anything at all. He never would have, until it was too late. ‎ ‎*** ‎ ‎Author's POV- Later that Even at Elijah’s Residence ‎ ‎Elijah loosened his tie as he entered the penthouse, the sound of his shoes was echoing against the polished marble floors. Vanessa was waiting, curled on the velvet sofa, her eyes was so sharp as glass. ‎ ‎“You’re late,” she said. But He gave a careless shrug, heading for the liquor cabinet. “It was business, Meeting with Partners and investors in an event.” ‎ ‎Her gaze tracked his every move, suspicion written in the hard set of her jaw. And then at that very moment she saw it. ‎ ‎Something very small. Something actually out of place. An earring, clinging to the inside fold of his

‎Sarah Fenric (Nina’s POV) ‎ ‎The bell rang just as the clock struck eight. I took a slow breath, smoothed the hem of my dress, and opened the door. ‎ ‎And there he was. Elijah Grayson. “Oh... hello,” I said, letting the faintest smile touch my lips. “You’re right on time.” ‎ ‎He stood there, so confident as ever, holding a bottle of wine in one hand. “I wouldn’t dream of being late,” he said, stepping in. “Château Margaux 2010. One of the best.” He placed it gently in my hands, his eyes catching mine. “A rare one. Just like you.” ‎ ‎I gave a small laugh, soft and controlled. “Hmmm...How charming.” ‎ ‎The moment he stepped inside, his scent, expensive cologne and something darker filled the air. His gaze moved slowly, taking in the quiet elegance of the room before landing back on me. ‎ ‎“You look…” He paused, his voice dropping slightly. “Astonishing, in that dress.” ‎ ‎It was red. Deep, bold red, the kind that caught light and shadow in equal measure. Silk brushed

Author’s POV ‎ Later that Night, Elijah walked into the house, with the quiet echoing through the wide hall. Then, from the top of the staircase, Vanessa appeared , her silk robe was tied loosely, her hair falling down her shoulders like she had been waiting all night. ‎“You’re home late,” she said, her voice smooth but sharp around the edges. “I had dinner without you.” ‎“I had dinner already,” Elijah replied, loosening his tie, trying to sound more casual. ‎Her brows lifted slightly. “You had dinner?” “Yes,” he said. “With a potential partner. A designer, Sarah Fenric. She’s got a style that could change the direction of our next project at the Towers.” ‎Vanessa’s lips curved, but it wasn’t a smile. “A woman then.” Elijah frowned. “What’s that supposed to mean?” She started down the staircase, each step slow, and deliberate, her eyes never leaving his face. ‎“well nothing,” she said softly. “Just thinking. Could it be the same woman who owned that piece of earring I found

‎Author's POV ‎The crowd had mostly dispersed much later, and the glitter of the charity auction fading into murmurs already. Staff began clearing the tables, and the echo of laughter from departing guests drifted faintly through the hall. ‎Sarah turned sharply as William caught up to her on her way to the exit, with the diamond bracelet glinting in his hand. ‎“What... was that all about, William?” Her voice was so sharp now, trembling just slightly, not really from weakness, but fury barely restrained. ‎He stopped, looking unsure for the first time that evening. “You’re welcome, I suppose. I was only trying to help. He said it was yours, i thought you’d want it back.” Sarah’s eyes hardened. “You thought wrong William.” ‎She took a step closer again, her tone low but cutting. “Do you even realize how foolish that looked? You standing there, throwing money just to outbid him, like it was some kind of performance or child's play?” ‎William frowned, he was defensive now. “It

‎Vanessa’s POV ‎We were all seated in the boardroom, with the sunlight spilling through the glass walls and all, bouncing off the polished table. while I sat at the far end of the table, my fingers were tapping on the screen of my phone, just pretending to look busy when I was really watching him. Elijah, how unrest he had been ever since we left the house, expecting Sarah Fenric's arrival. ‎Then the door opened. She walked in so confident, elegant, a calm storm in heels like it was her boardroom. Sarah Fenric. Two people trailed behind her, probably her team maybe, but I didn’t really see them. Because my attention was only on her. ‎Elijah rose immediately, with that delightful spark lighting his face. “Glad you made it on time,” he said quickly. His voice became lighter than it had been all morning since we left the house. “Please, have a seat.” He pointed toward the chair next to him. Our eyes met for a brief second. She smiled, polite and effortless to me, like she didn’t have