All Chapters of The Abandoned Bride: Chapter 41 - Chapter 46

The wind grew colder as Elena trudged along the deserted road, her thin arms wrapped tightly around her trembling body. The night felt endless, a black curtain stretching infinitely in every direction, swallowing every sound except for the uneven crunch of gravel beneath her aching feet. Each step felt heavier than the last, as though the darkness itself tried to pull her down and swallow her whole. Cars passed rarely—one every ten, maybe fifteen minutes—rushing by without slowing, their headlights sliding over her figure as if she were invisible. She kept moving anyway, refusing to collapse, refusing to give in to the burning pain in her chest or the numbness creeping through her limbs. Her vision was blurring. Her body was weakening. Her mind was fraying. Still… she walked. Then suddenly— A burst of bright headlights cut through the darkness from behind her, bathing her in harsh white light. The vehicle slowed immediately, almost cautiously, then inched forward until it

The mansion was quiet—far too quiet for a house that had just erupted in chaos. Most of the family had retired to their rooms, shaken and exhausted. But Old Mr. Salvatore did not rest.Not tonight.He sat alone in his private study, the door firmly shut, heavy velvet curtains drawn tight. A single lamp cast a warm golden glow across stacks of documents and several open files spread across his grand mahogany desk.His cane rested beside him, forgotten.His eyes, however—sharp and unblinking—scanned every piece of information laid before him.Records.Photos.DNA documents.Hospital reports.Surrogacy agreements.Birth logs.He had demanded access to everything connected to Karl’s birth.As soon as Avery and Damien had introduced the “surrogate birth” story three years ago, something in his gut had screamed that it was too neat, too clean, too convenient.And now, after what he witnessed tonight—Karl calling Elena “mom” without hesitation—his suspicions were no longer just whispers.The

Damien stumbled into the mansion just as dawn broke.His hair was disheveled, his shirt rumpled, and exhaustion clung to him like a second skin. He had searched the roads for hours—calling Elena’s name, driving back and forth, checking every corner—Nothing.He didn’t know where she went.He didn’t know who picked her up.And the thought that she might truly leave him burned like acid.He barely stepped into the living room before Old Mr. Salvatore’s voice called sharply:“Damien. To my study. Now.”Damien stiffened.Something in the old man’s voice… made fear coil inside him.He entered the study.And stopped cold.Across the desk were files, photos, documents — and at the very center, a birth certificate.His eyes landed on the name written beside “Mother.”Elena Salvatore.Damien’s heart stopped.“What… what is this?” he asked, his voice barely audible.Old Mr. Salvatore looked at him without mercy.“The truth. The truth your precious Avery and her family hid from all of us.”Damie