Chapter 29 Ready or not
Elena barely slept.
Even in the comfort of Jaxon’s penthouse, wrapped in soft linen and surrounded by the faint scent of his cologne drifting through the hallways, her mind was in chaos. Every time she closed her eyes, flashes of the dark room, the rusted window screws, and the sound of that man’s boots pacing outside the door jolted her awake.
So before dawn, while the sky was still a muted shade of grey and the city was only beginning to stir, she quietly slipped out of bed.
She didn’t want to wake Jaxon.
Didn’t want him worrying… or insisting on escorting her home.
She wanted one moment—just one—to feel in control again.
She scribbled a note on the bedside table:
“Thank you for everything. I’ll be fine. — Elena.”
Then she quietly left the penthouse, closing the door behind her with the softest click.
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Back at Her Apartment
Elena’s heart thudded as she stepped into her apartment.
Nothing looked out of place… but the silence made her chest tighten. She locked the door immediately, her fingers trembling only slightly.
The familiar walls, her couch, her scattered notebooks—it all comforted her.
She exhaled for what felt like the first time since the kidnapping.
She was safe.
For now.
She dropped her bag and went straight to her dresser where she kept her spare phone—the one she rarely used.
Her hands shook as she powered it on.
The moment the network bars appeared, she dialed Brielle.
Brielle picked up on the first ring.
“Elena?! Oh my God—Elena? Say something!”
Elena let out a relieved breath. “I’m fine, Brielle. I’m home now.”
Brielle exhaled shakily. “Fine? Elena, you were kidnapped. Damon told me everything.
“Brielle,” Elena said softly, trying to soothe her frantic tone, “I’m okay. I just… needed a moment to breathe.”
There was silence on the other end, then:
“Are you sure you’re safe there?”
“For now, yes.”
“For now?” Brielle repeated, voice laced with concern.
Elena closed her eyes, leaning her head against the wall. “I’m just relieved to be out of that place. Whoever took me… I don’t want to think about it right now. I just want today to be normal.”
“Normal?” Brielle said incredulously. “Elena, your engagement party is in a few hours.”
“And that’s exactly why I need to get ready,” Elena whispered. “Mom will call soon. You know how she gets.”
Brielle sighed. “Okay… but please keep your phone close. And call me if anything feels off.”
“I will.”
“I’m coming over after I get dressed,” Brielle said. “I’m not letting you stay alone after what happened.”
Elena smiled faintly. “I’d like that.”
They ended the call, and for the first time since she woke up tied to a chair, Elena felt a small sense of calm.
The engagement party was only hours away.
She had to push everything aside—fear, confusion, questions—and step into her role as Jaxon Wentworth’s soon-to-be fiancée.
Whether she was ready or not.
Jaxon woke to a quiet that felt wrong.
The penthouse was always quiet in the mornings, but this was different—hollow, empty in a way that tugged at something he refused to name. He lay still for a moment, staring at the ceiling, replaying fragments of the night before: Elena’s hesitant smiles, the soft tension between them, the way her presence had unsettled his carefully ordered space.
He got out of bed and walked toward the guest room.
The door was open.
The bed was neatly made, untouched, as if no one had slept there at all. For a brief second, his chest tightened. Then he saw it—a folded piece of paper on the dresser.
He picked it up.
I went back to my apartment. I needed my space. I’m fine. See you later.
That was all.
No apology. No explanation. Just Elena—direct, composed, always choosing control over comfort.
Jaxon stared at the note for a few seconds longer than necessary. Whatever reaction tried to surface, he pushed it down just as quickly. He folded the paper once, then again, and set it aside like it meant nothing.
Good, he told himself. This was how it was supposed to be. Clean. Simple. No attachments.
He turned away and headed straight for the gym.
The private gym overlooked the city, glass walls framing Los Angeles as it slowly came alive. Jaxon slipped on his headphones and started the treadmill, increasing the speed more than usual. His body moved on instinct—run, breathe, focus—but his mind betrayed him.
Why had she left so early?
—-----------
It was already 11 a.m.
Soft sunlight filtered through the sheer curtains of Elena’s apartment, casting a warm glow across the room. She stood in front of her vanity, wrapped in a blue silk robe that fell just above her knees. Her makeup was done—soft, elegant, understated—and her hair had been styled into loose waves that framed her face perfectly.
She leaned closer to the mirror and carefully applied the final touch of rose-tinted lipstick, pressing her lips together once before exhaling slowly.
Her phone rang.
Elena glanced at the screen and smiled faintly.
Mom.
She answered immediately.
“Good morning, Mom.”
Vivienne’s voice came through, warm and affectionate. “Good morning, sweetheart. How are you doing? Are you almost ready?”
“I’m fine,” Elena replied smoothly. “Just finishing up. Everything’s under control.”
“That’s good to hear,” her mother said. “Your father and I are about to head to the venue. I just wanted to check on you.”
Elena’s fingers tightened slightly around the phone, but her voice remained steady. “I’ll meet you there soon.”
“All right then,” Vivienne said, satisfied. “I love you, Elena.”
“I love you too, Mom.”
The call ended, and Elena slowly lowered the phone.
For a moment, the room was silent.
She turned and picked up the dress laid carefully across the couch. Her engagement dress. Elegant. Structured. Perfect—at least on the outside. She stared at it for several seconds, her thoughts heavy and tangled, before letting out a quiet sigh.
A knock sounded at the door.
Elena startled slightly. “Who is it?”
“It’s me,” came Brielle’s familiar voice. “Open up.”
Elena crossed the room and unlocked the door.
The moment it opened, Brielle rushed in and wrapped her in a tight hug. “Oh my God,” she breathed, pulling back to inspect Elena’s face. “You’re really okay.”
“I told you I was,” Elena said softly, though her eyes warmed. “I’m fine.”
Brielle let out a relieved laugh, then spun slightly. “Okay, but can we talk about me for a second?”
Elena’s gaze dropped to Brielle’s outfit and she smiled genuinely. “Wow… Brielle, you look stunning.”
Brielle was wearing a champagne-colored satin dress that hugged her figure perfectly, the fabric catching the light with every movement. The neckline was simple but elegant, the slit just high enough to be daring without being inappropriate. Her hair was styled in a sleek low bun, and her makeup was soft glam—classic Brielle, refined and confident.
“Thank you,” Brielle said proudly. “I wanted something elegant but not screaming look at me, you know? Today is your day.”
Elena nodded, her smile softening. “You chose perfectly.”
For a brief moment, it almost felt normal. Almost peaceful.