Chapter 21 Much Needed Space
The ride home was quiet and Elena sat rigidly in the passenger seat, arms crossed over her chest, eyes fixed out the window.
Julian’s hand rested casually on the gear shift, his eyes occasionally flicking to her face.
“Do you want to tell me what happened with him inside the cafe?"
"No,” she deadpanned.
“Elena,” he started softly, almost like he was testing the water.
She didn’t look at him. “Don’t.”
“Come on, don’t give me the cold shoulder again,” he said, “I just want to—”
“Julian, stop,” she interrupted sharply, her voice loud, “Just stop. I don’t need you hovering over me every second. I’m not a child.”
He exhaled. “I know you’re not a child, but I can’t just stand by when you’re in danger. After everything that happened today, I need answers.”
“I said stop!” she shrieked so loudly that the car came to an abrupt stop and Julian parked right by the road.
“Elena, what's wrong with you?"
Spinning slightly to face him, she spat. “Why do you feel the need to control everything about me? Everything isn’t just about the contract, Julian! I don’t want you deciding what’s safe for me!”
Julian’s eyes softened. “Elena, I’m not trying to control you.”
She laughed bitterly. “Protect me? By smothering me? By deciding what I can and can’t do? That’s not protection. That’s some stupid control pattern and I won't let you!”
He opened his mouth to argue, but she cut him off, turning fully to the window again.
Julian quietly turned on the engine and drove without a word.
Elena stayed sulking the rest of the ride, and Julian didn’t push.
When they finally arrived at the mansion, Elena was quick to get out, walking past him with a stiff posture.
Julian followed silently, but she barely acknowledged him.
By the time she reached the door to her room, she twirled to face him.
“Don't check up on me, just get lost!" She snapped and shut the door in his face.
She waited until she heard him walk away before she began to pull off her clothes.
She stood before the mirror, picturing the face of Francis as he grabbed her, telling her those words.
Of course he wasn't going to date a billionaire's daughter without any evidence.
He was using her all along. He always knew she'd one day try to break free and he kept something to control her with.
Without a second thought, she pulled out her phone and called her father.
If there was one person who could fix this quietly, it was her daddy.
And yes, she wasn't going to dwell on the adoption now that she actually needed Marcus Vance.
She stormed out of her room and was about to get to the car when she recalled the automatic security lock system.
Sighing, she went up the stairs again and knocked on his door.
Just as her knuckles landed on the door, she could hear a soft click and then the door opened.
“Julian,” she said firmly when she got in, “why are you trying to control me?”
He looked up from the monitors. For a moment, he didn’t respond. Then, with a single motion, he shut down all the monitors. “I’m listening,” he said quietly.
Elena studied him and the sophisticated work surface for a moment, then ignored the question bugging her. Instead, she said, “I’m going out to see my father. Alone.”
Julian leaned back in his chair, one eyebrow raised. “Would you want me to drive you?”
She shook her head firmly. “No. I need to see my father on my own. I’m not ready to be under your wing again. I’ll call my father’s driver to pick me up. That’s all I need.”
He stood slowly, moving closer. “Elena, it’s not safe. You’ve just been through an accident. You’re still weak—”
“I said no,” she interrupted, her voice sharper this time. “I’m going. End of discussion.”
He paused, studying her face. He could feel the distance she was placing between them, the invisible wall she had erected.
He opened his mouth to argue again, but she held up a hand. “Please. Just stay out of it.”
Julian exhaled slowly but he didn't try to push further. “Fine,” he said finally. “I trust your father to protect you.”
Elena didn’t respond. She turned on her heel and walked back upstairs to her room, closing the door behind her.
For the rest of the evening, she stayed there, wrapped in a blanket, staring out at the darkening sky as she kept peeking at her phone.
The events of the day weighed heavily on her:
Even Julian’s protective, almost suffocating presence hadn’t helped her feel better; if anything, it had made her want to be alone even more.
Hours later, a knock came at her door. Elena peeked out to see the butler standing in the hall, bowing politely. “Good evening, Mrs. Elena. Your ride is here.”
She nodded, pulling on a light coat and grabbing the small bag she had packed.
As she descended the grand staircase, Julian was already in the dining room, seated at the large table, his eyes fixed on her in a way that sent a shiver down her spine.
“You’re leaving already?” he asked smoothly.
“I need some time,” Elena replied, keeping her tone flat. “Time to clear my head.”
Julian leaned forward slightly, resting his elbows on the table. “If you need anything while you’re out, you’re welcome to call me. Anything at all.”
Elena shook her head. “I don’t need anything. I need you to stay out of my life for a while. Treat this marriage like a contract. That’s all it is. Nothing more, nothing less. Don’t pretend you care because I don’t need it right now.”
Before Julian could respond, he rose from the chair and walked toward her, taking her hands in his.
Elena blinked in surprise, stiffening under his touch.
“It’s lunch,” he said simply, pressing a small bag into her hands. “I noticed you haven’t eaten anything since you got back. You need to keep yourself nourished.”
She stared at him, stunned. The gesture was small but thoughtful, and despite her desire to stay cold, she couldn’t help but accept it.
Slowly, she nodded and took the bag, her fingers brushing his just briefly.
Outside, the driver waited patiently, bowing once. “Good evening, Mrs. Elena,” he said with a formal smile.
“Good evening,” Elena replied, stepping into the car.
The driver adjusted the rearview mirror and spoke softly. “Your father was surprised to hear you were heading to his office. He isn’t home but he wanted me to ensure you arrived safely.”
“I understand,” Elena said quietly, settling into the leather seat.
She gripped the bag with her lunch tightly in her lap, feeling a strange combination of apprehension and relief.
As the car pulled away, her eyes wandered upward and she caught sight of Julian’s window.
The lights in his bedroom were still on, and through the open window, Julian stood there watching her leave.