Chapter 76 The morning after
Chapter 76: The Morning After (Elena’s POV)
The luxury apartment felt like a tomb this morning. Julian had left early for "business," and I was left alone with the hum of the air conditioner and the throbbing pain in my leg. I sat on the edge of the expensive bed, staring at my reflection in the vanity mirror. My eyes were puffy from crying, and the yellowing bruise on my arm from Julian’s grip was still there.
But all I could see when I closed my eyes was the image of Liam at the quarry. Liam, standing by the fire, with Maya’s hands all over him. Liam, the boy I thought was changing, being outed as the person who told Jax to "handle" me.
A soft knock came at the door. It opened slowly, and Maya peaked her head in. She was carrying two cups of coffee and a bag of pastries. She looked fresh and cheerful, like she hadn't just watched my world collapse last night.
"Hey, sleepyhead," she said, walking in and setting the coffee on the nightstand. "I figured you’d be feeling a bit down after the drama at the bonfire."
I didn't look at her. "Down is an understatement, Maya. I feel like my entire life is a lie."
Maya sighed and sat on the bed next to me. She put a comforting hand on my shoulder. "I know. It was a lot to take in. But at least now you know the truth about Liam. Julian was right all along. Liam is just a Vance. They use people and then throw them away."
I finally looked up at her. "And the kiss, Maya? What was that? You were all over him."
Maya didn't flinch. She took a slow sip of her coffee and looked me straight in the eye. Her expression was full of pity.
"Oh, Elena. You really didn't see what was happening?"
"See what?"
"I did that for you," Maya said, her voice dropping to a whisper. "I saw the way Liam was looking at you. He was going to try and corner you again. He was going to try and mess with your head right before Julian’s big announcement. I knew if I distracted him—if I made a scene—he’d lose his focus. I played the part so he’d leave you alone."
I blinked, confused. "You kissed him to... protect me?"
"Of course!" Maya said, reaching out to squeeze my hand. "Do you think I actually like him? He’s a jerk. But I know how weak you get around him. I figured if you saw us together, it would finally give you the strength to close that door forever. I sacrificed my own reputation to make sure you saw his true colors."
"But Chloe dared you," I pointed out.
"Chloe and I planned it," Maya lied smoothly. "I whispered to her to give me that dare. I knew it was the only way to get close to him without Julian getting jealous. I did it so you could see that Liam doesn't care who he’s with. He didn't even push me away, Elena. Did you see him struggle? No. He’s a dog."
I looked down at my lap. It made a weird kind of sense. Maya had always been there for me. Why would she start lying now? If she had really liked Liam all this time, she wouldn't be here comforting me; she’d be with him.
"I guess you're right," I whispered. "He didn't fight it."
"Exactly," Maya said, leaning back. "And Julian... he was so brave standing up to him. He’s taking us to the new facility this afternoon to see your mom. He’s already moved her to the private wing. She has her own nurse, Elena. A private nurse!"
"He really is doing everything," I said, feeling a wave of guilt for ever doubting Julian. "I just... I felt so scared at the quarry, Maya. He was so angry."
"He was angry because he loves you," Maya said firmly. "He hates seeing you get hurt by people like Liam. Wouldn't you be angry if someone was trying to steal the person you loved? He’s just protective. That’s what a real man does."
I nodded slowly. The "plain English" of it all seemed to fit. Julian paid the bills. Julian provided the apartment. Julian protected me from the boy who allegedly told Jax to hurt me.
"I need to apologize to him," I said. "I was defending Liam even after everything."
"He’ll forgive you," Maya smiled. It was a wide, bright smile that didn't quite reach her eyes, but I was too tired to notice. "He’s Julian. He’s perfect."
The front door opened and shut. We heard Julian’s heavy footsteps in the hallway. Maya jumped up and smoothed out her skirt.
"I'll go get the plates ready," she said, winking at me. "Make it up to him, Elena. Don't let the Vances win."
Julian walked in a moment later. He had a bouquet of lilies in his hand—my mom’s favorite. He looked tired but handsome. He set the flowers down and walked over to me, kneeling on the floor so he was at eye level.
"I’m sorry for yelling last night," he said before I could speak. "I lost my cool. Seeing that guy near you... it just triggers me. I can't lose you, Elena."
"I'm sorry too," I said, leaning forward to hug him. "I shouldn't have listened to him. Maya explained everything. She told me why she did what she did."
Julian paused for a second, his body tensing, then he relaxed and hugged me back. "Maya is a good friend. She knows how the world works. She knows we belong together."
He pulled back and kissed my forehead. "The car is packed. We're going to see your mom, and then we’re going to look at the new school. It’s a private academy, three hours away. No Jax, no Liam, no memories of that basement. Just a fresh start."
"Three hours away?" I asked. "But what about my graduation here?"
"I’ve already spoken to the principal," Julian said, his voice turning firm again. "With your leg and your mom’s situation, they agreed that a transfer is best. I’ve handled all the paperwork. You don't have to worry about a thing."
I felt a small pit of anxiety in my stomach. Everything was happening so fast. It felt like I was being moved around like a piece on a chessboard. But then I looked at the lilies. I thought about the private nurse. I thought about Liam kissing Maya in front of the whole school.
"Okay," I said. "Let’s go."
As I stood up to grab my cane, I saw Maya standing in the doorway. She was watching us with a strange expression. When she saw me look at her, she quickly changed it back to a supportive smile.
"I'll start loading the bags into the trunk!" Maya chirped.
I followed Julian out of the bedroom. I passed the window and looked down at the street. For a split second, I thought I saw a familiar black car parked at the corner, but Julian pulled the curtain shut before I could be sure.
"Don't look back, Elena," he said, lead me toward the door. "There’s nothing back there for you but pain."
I let him lead me out. I let him lock the door. I let him put me in the car. I told myself I was lucky. I told myself this is what being loved felt like.
As we drove out of the parking garage, Julian’s phone buzzed in the center console. He was busy navigating, so he didn't pick it up. I glanced down and saw a text preview from a name I didn't recognize. It said: The transfer is done. The mother is in the secure ward. She won't be seeing anyone without your ID. My heart skipped. Secure ward? Why would a recovery clinic need a secure ward? I looked at Julian’s calm profile as he hummed along to the radio, and for the first time, I didn't feel like I was going to see my mom. I felt like I was being taken to a place where no one would ever find us.