chapter 64
Elena's POV:
I woke to an empty bed again, the sheets beside me cold and untouched.
The digital clock on the nightstand glowed 9:47 AM—Sebastian had left hours ago, just as he'd done every morning for the past four days.
Giving me space, I reminded myself. Exactly what I asked for.
The penthouse felt cavernous without him. I wandered from room to room in my silk robe, coffee mug warming my hands, trying to appreciate this newfound freedom.
No morning interrogations about my plans. No texts every hour checking my location. No surprise appearances when I stepped out for five minutes.
I should have been relieved. Ecstatic, even. This was what I'd wanted—breathing room, autonomy, the ability to exist without his shadow looming over every moment.
So why did I feel so... untethered?
By noon, I'd reorganized my perfume lab twice, started and abandoned three different sketches, and checked my phone more times than I cared to admit. No messages from Sebastian. Not even a reminder to eat lunch or stay warm.
Maybe pregnant wives weren't as appealing as captive mistresses.
I shook off the thought, annoyed at that.
Maybe I should go out for a walk. True, the past two days of wandering through parks and boutiques had been rather dull, but at least it was better than sitting here staring at the walls. And I had to admit, there was something liberating about walking down the street without Marcus or his team shadowing my every move.
My phone buzzed, and I grabbed it with embarrassing eagerness. Not Sebastian—a message from Madison, a classmate from university.
Madison Brown: Hi Elena, we're having a class reunion tonight at The Blue Moon. Just wanted to let you know in case you'd like to join us.
A reunion. Tonight. I stared at the message, trying to remember the last time I'd had contact with anyone from university.
Elena: What time?
The response came almost instantly.
Madison: Oh my god, you actually replied! I wasn't sure if you still used this number. I've tried reaching out a few times, but never heard back. 8 PM, private room upstairs at Blue Moon.
Elena: I'm sorry, I... there were some circumstances. I haven't been checking messages for a while.
An understatement of epic proportions, but how could I explain the truth?
Madison: No worries! Just glad to hear from you now. Hope you can make it tonight - everyone would love to see you. Oh, is Adrian coming with you? You two were always together back then.
My fingers froze over the keyboard. Adrian. Of course they'd assume... Back then, everyone thought we were inevitable. The golden couple who just needed time to realize what everyone else already knew.
That felt like a lifetime ago. Another girl's story.
Elena: I'm actually married now. And Adrian has a fiancée.
The typing indicator appeared and disappeared several times before Madison's response came through.
Madison: OMG WHAT?! Married?! Girl, you have SO much explaining to do! Can't wait to see you tonight!
I set the phone down, the reality of tonight's reunion sinking in. A flutter of excitement stirred in my chest—not exactly anticipation of seeing my former classmates, but something else. Like flipping through an old photo album and marveling at the stranger wearing your face.
I stood before my closet, paralyzed by choice. What did one wear to face people who'd last seen you as a promising art student with a bright future?
I settled on a simple cashmere sweater dress in soft gray. No jewelry except my wedding ring. I just wanted to be comfortable.
---
The Blue Moon hadn't changed—still the same cozy bistro where we'd celebrated birthdays and held parties.
I climbed the familiar stairs to the private dining room, each step heavier than the last.
"Elena!"
Madison flew across the room, enveloping me in a cloud of designer perfume and genuine warmth. "Oh my God, look at you! You're glowing!"
I smiled politely at her, returning the hug with measured warmth.
The room held about twenty people—familiar faces made strange by time and distance. Former classmates chatted in small groups, wine glasses in hand, their laughter bright and careless.
"Everyone, Elena's here!"
Conversations stuttered to a halt. Twenty pairs of eyes turned to assess me, cataloging changes, drawing conclusions. I forced a smile, raising my hand in an awkward wave.
"Hi everyone, long time no see," I offered, trying to sound casual.
Before anyone could respond, a honeyed voice dripped with sarcasm from behind me.
"Well, well. Look what the cat dragged in."
I turned slowly to find Vivienne standing in the doorway, clearly having just arrived herself. Everything about her screamed money—from the designer dress that probably cost more than most people's monthly rent to the perfectly styled hair and subtle gleam of expensive jewelry.
She looked like someone who'd never wanted for anything in her life.
Our eyes met, mutual recognition sparking with old animosity. The room seemed to hold its breath for a moment before everyone returned to their conversations, clearly accustomed to the tension that always arose when we were in the same space.
I hadn't expected Vivienne to show up at a casual class reunion—it seemed beneath her usual standards. From the flash of surprise in her eyes, she hadn't expected me either.
Well, since we were both here, I certainly wasn't going to let her walk all over me.
"Vivienne," I said, matching her saccharine tone. "What a surprise. I thought you'd be too busy with your... international success to grace us merely mortals with your presence."
Vivienne's smile sharpened, clearly catching my barb. "Oh, Elena, you're too kind. But if you can make it despite being pregnant and all, then surely I can spare a few hours from my busy schedule."
The room erupted in gasps and whispers.
"Pregnant?" someone squeaked.
"Elena's pregnant?"
"Since when?"
Twenty pairs of eyes swiveled to my midsection, searching for signs they'd missed.