Chapter 13 Chapter Thirteen
Elena's POV
I woke slowly, drifting up from sleep like someone rising toward the surface of warm water. For a few seconds, I didn’t open my eyes. I savored the silence, the unfamiliar softness of the mattress beneath me, and the faint scent of cedar and expensive cologne clinging to the room. This wasn’t the room I woke up in this morning. And how did I get back to the mansion? I think I had fallen asleep in Nikolai's car. And probably, Nikolai was the one who carried me in. I was back at Rafael’s family mansion. The mansion, I was supposed to call my second home, the one I still felt like a guest in rather than a fiancée. When I finally blinked my eyes open, the starlight filtered through sleek curtains, brushing everything in a pale gold.
And the room was empty. Rafael was nowhere. Again. Why was I thinking about him? He wasn't the one by my side all morning, and he wasn't the one who brought me here.
I exhaled slowly, rolling onto my back, staring up at the ceiling as the familiar ache pressed tight against my ribcage. I had come to surprise him, but it seems I am the one getting surprised. I had hoped that he would change, as I told Shannon. That he would be happy? That he would show some sign that I mattered? Instead, he had barely acknowledged the last night before disappearing to whatever business he deemed more important.
He told me he would make it up to me tomorrow. Maybe I should be hopeful, tomorrow he will be here for me.
My phone vibrated sharply against the nightstand. I reached out and glanced at the caller ID...
Valkor (Dad).
My stomach dropped, I hope he hasn't found out that I wasn't at home. I cleared my throat and answered. “Good evening, Dad.”
“Elena, baby.” My father’s deep voice wasn’t angry, but it carried a heaviness that made me sit upright. “Where are you?” he didn't even ask if I was fine. I know that tone when he is trying not to be mad at his baby.
“I’m at home,” I said quickly, rubbing my forehead. “I..."
“Don’t lie to me.” His tone hardened in a way that made me freeze. “I just called Shannon because you weren’t picking up. She tried to lie too, but I checked the CCTV myself. You haven’t been home for three days. Care to explain that, princess?”
Heat crawled up my neck. I swallowed, no need to lie. “I… I’m at Rafael’s.” A long breath on the other end.
“And what exactly are you doing there?”
“I only wanted to surprise my fiancé, remember it was his birthday” I said softly, twisting the sheet between my fingers. “I thought it would make him happy for his fiancée to be there by his side on his special day.”
Dad was silent for several seconds, and I knew he was torn, my father was strict, but I was his only daughter, his only child. His weakness. He had never been able to yell at me for long.
Or maybe he hasn't since my twenty-one years of existence.
Finally, he sighed. “You should not disappear without telling me. And you shouldn't go to places, you aren't invited. I was worried. I’m sending my private jet for you..."
“No!” I sat up straighter, panic flicking through my veins. “I mean… no, Dad. I’m enjoying my stay here. I’ll be home by the weekend.”
“Elena…” Dad muttered, clearly dissatisfied. “All right. But you will return by the weekend. I won’t have you wandering off when I’m coming back from Russia. Understood?”
“Yes, Dad. I promise.”
His voice softened. “Is Rafael treating you right?”
My throat tightened. The truth wanted to claw its way out but what would I say? That Rafael barely looked at me? That I felt more alone next to him than I ever had at home? That he has been an asshole? That his secretary is clinging to him like they were lovers?
I can't say that. Dad will freak out, and he won't let me spend another day here.
So I lied.
“Yes, of course. He is wonderful. Yesterday, after the party, he stayed with me all night, and today, we, um… went to the city. And the mall. And dinner. I’ve been having a great time.”
All places I had been with Nikolai instead.
“I’m glad to hear that,” Dad said, though not fully convinced. “I love you, princess.”
“I love you too.” The call ended, leaving the room colder than before. I wanted to call Rafael, but I didn't want to spoil my mood, so I just dropped my phone on the bed.
I slipped out of bed, stripped out of the gown I had worn all morning, wrapped myself in the silk robe I found draped over a chair, and padded quietly down the hallway. The mansion felt massive when empty, its marble floors echoing faintly beneath my bare feet. Something I love to do and Shannon hated it.
I smiled, remembering Shannon. I had missed her all day. I wondered why she hadn't called, even after Father called her. My tummy rumble, it's craving food. I walked into the kitchen, pulled open the refrigerator, reached for a chilled bottle of juice, and poured myself a glass.
I had just lifted it to my lips when the side door cracked open.
Nikolai walked in.
But not the impeccably controlled, untouchable Nikolai I usually saw. His shirt sleeve was pushed up, blood staining the fabric; there was a wound across his forearm. His jaw was tight, his grey eyes stormy with something dangerous and barely contained.
My eyes widened, as his jacket was barely covering the wound
“Nikolai?” I breathed, setting the glass down. He froze “What happened to you?” I gasped, hurrying closer.
“It’s nothing,” he said quickly, trying to brush past me. “Go back to bed.”
I didn’t move. “You’re bleeding.”
“Elena..."
“Sit down.”
My tone, gentle but firm, made him obey before he even realized it. I guided him toward the couch again, my small hands surprisingly steady.
“You shouldn’t be up,” he muttered.
“You shouldn’t be bleeding,” I countered. “Which one sounds worse?”
Despite the pain, I felt his lips twitch. “You’re stubborn.”
“Learned from the best,” I said, already pulling the first aid box from the side table drawer. “Now, hold still.”
When my fingers brushed his arm, he tensed. I looked up briefly, eyes meeting mine, and for a moment, the world went quiet again, just like in the car. My touch was light, careful as I cleaned the wound, then suddenly I heard him, sniffed the air, my gaze tilted to him. He averted his gaze.
“You shouldn’t be doing this,” he said finally, voice low.
“Why?” I asked, glancing up.
He didn't say anything, but his eyes spoke volumes. Like he was saying because you’re supposed to belong to someone else. Because I’m not the kind of man who deserves your kindness. Because every second you’re near me, I forget how to breathe.
But he said none of that. He just looked at me and said the only thing that wouldn’t ruin us both.
“Because it’ll stain your shirt.”
I smiled faintly, shaking my head. “You really don’t know how to let people care for you, do you?”
He stared at me for a long moment before answering quietly, “No, I don’t.”
I tied the bandage with a neat knot, my fingers trembling slightly as they lingered against his skin.
“Done,” I whispered.
He exhaled, flexing his arm slightly. “You should rest now.” I nodded, but didn’t move. My eyes searched his, full of questions he wasn’t ready to answer.
"I will but..."