Chapter 105 Chivalry
Lena had woken up happy and refreshed. Ever since she came back from Paris, a new kind of energy seemed to flow through her, as if the city had left a spark in her veins. And with that energy, she decided it was the perfect day to visit Penelope. She had promised to see her the moment she returned, and today she intended to keep that promise.
After freshening up, she requested a light breakfast be brought to her room. It still felt strange, summoning people with just a word, but Lena was slowly easing into the quiet power she now held. The maids arrived promptly with a tray of fried eggs, bacon, and golden French toast, neatly arranged beside a bowl of fresh fruit and a pot of steaming coffee.
It was far more than she could finish, but Lena picked at what she wanted and left the rest. She didn't linger long; instead, she slipped into one of the elegant designer gowns she had picked up in Paris, the fabric falling gracefully with every movement. A pair of low-heeled slippers gave her comfort, while oversized sunglasses shielded her eyes from the sun as she prepared to step out.
There was something about today that felt different, lighter, brighter, as if the world was waiting to see what she would do with this new sense of herself.
Lena made her way downstairs, the soft click of her slippers echoing faintly through the grand hall. A maid was already waiting near the foot of the staircase, and Lena gave her a small smile.
"Please tell the security team to prepare a car for me," she said.
The maid dipped her head and hurried off. Lena followed at a leisurely pace, adjusting her sunglasses as the morning light streamed through the tall windows. She had half a mind to drive herself today, to feel that little taste of freedom she missed so often. But when she stepped outside, her steps faltered.
Three sleek cars were lined up at the front entrance, engines purring, the security team standing at attention.
Lena blinked, momentarily stunned. "This is... a bit much," she murmured under her breath. Turning to one of the guards, she said more firmly, "I'd like to drive myself today."
The man exchanged a quick look with his colleagues before replying with quiet respect. "I'm sorry, ma'am. We were instructed by Mr. Sinclair not to let you drive. He asked us to take you anywhere you want to go."
For a moment, she considered insisting. But the way they stood, firm, unwavering, yet courteous, made her realize pushing further was pointless. Instead, she gave a soft sigh and nodded. "Very well."
She slipped into the back seat of the waiting car, the leather cool against her skin. As they pulled away from the estate, her thoughts wandered inevitably back to Ethan. He had arranged all this, this care, this protection. She couldn't deny he was treating her kindly, far more like a gentleman than she ever expected, especially given how their marriage had come to be. Arranged or not, he seemed intent on making her life easier.
The thought lingered, warming her unexpectedly, as the city stretched out before her.
The car rolled into her old neighborhood, and at once a wave of nostalgia washed over Lena. The streets were familiar, the cracked pavements, the corner shops she used to pass every day, even the little bakery with its faded awning. It felt like a lifetime ago. One minute she had been scraping together money, desperate to save the gallery, and the next she was whisked into a mansion in the most exclusive part of town. The contrast still left her breathless.
She leaned forward, pointing out the turns to the driver, who was clearly out of his element here. "Left, then straight ahead... yes, that's it."
Soon enough, they pulled up in front of Penelope's building. Penelope lived in a neat, modest apartment, the kind that spoke of stability and comfort. Her family wasn't wealthy, but they had always lived well within their means. She was the only girl and the last born, and Lena had often teased her about how spoiled she was, everyone doting on her, making sure her every need was met.
Unlike Lena, Penelope had grown up surrounded by love and a sense of safety, her childhood smooth and almost perfect. Lena couldn't help but feel a little tug at her heart as she stared up at the apartment. This was the world she had belonged to before everything changed.
Before Lena could even step out of the car, she caught sight of Penelope rushing out from the gates. Her best friend skidded to a halt halfway, eyes widening as she took in the convoy of black cars lined neatly along the street. Lena couldn't help but laugh softly at her stunned expression before finally pushing the door open and stepping down.
The moment Penelope saw her, all hesitation melted away. She ran forward and threw her arms around Lena. They clung to each other tightly, the kind of embrace only time and distance could make sweeter. It had been too long, too many changes since they'd last seen one another.
After a long moment, Penelope suddenly pulled back, her eyes flicking nervously toward the security detail waiting nearby. "I hope I won't get in trouble for hugging the one and only Mrs. Sinclair," she teased, her voice a mix of awe and disbelief.
Lena chuckled and pulled her back into her arms. "Don't be ridiculous, Penny."
Still grinning, they laced their fingers together and started toward Penelope's apartment. But as they walked, Penelope couldn't resist glancing back again and again at the imposing line of cars and the guards standing like statues. The sight seemed almost surreal to her. Lena noticed but said nothing, squeezing her hand instead, silently reminding her that beneath the titles and the wealth, she was still the same Lena.
As soon as they stepped inside, Penelope still hadn't taken her eyes off Lena. She lingered near the door, staring as if she were trying to take in every detail. Lena noticed and tilted her head with a small smile.
"What is it?" she asked softly.
Penelope shook her head in disbelief, her eyes wide. "You just... you look so different. So radiant. So beautiful, Lena. It's like you're glowing."
Lena laughed under her breath, a little embarrassed by the intensity in her friend's gaze. But then Penelope froze mid-step, as if the weight of reality had just dropped on her all at once. She turned fully to Lena, her expression a mix of awe and shock.
"Wow," she whispered, almost to herself. "Lena... you're really married to a billionaire."
The words hung in the air between them, and for a moment, even Lena was taken aback. She gave a small shrug and admitted, "I still can't believe it myself sometimes."
Penelope leaned closer with a mischievous grin, sniffing dramatically before whispering, "You even smell like millions."
That broke the tension, and the two of them burst into laughter, their voices filling the small apartment. It was the kind of laughter that came easily, unrestrained and full of shared history, reminding them both that no matter how much life had changed, their bond hadn't.