The Billionaire’s Reluctant Bride (Elara and Victor) novel Chapter 20

Tears and triumphs

Tears and Triumphs

Elara stood up from the bed, stripping herself naked before walking to the bathroom. She turned on the shower, allowing the cold water to cascade over her body, washing away the tension. She grabbed her sponge and soap, scrubbing her body vigorously. Once she was done, she dried herself with a towel, then returned to her bedroom. She opened her closet and selected a simple dress. She applied her cream, put on the dress, styled her hair into a bun, slipped on her shoes, and went downstairs to the kitchen.

“Good morning, Mrs. Blackwood,” the maids greeted her politely as she passed by. Mrs. Blackwood… a title no one truly cared about

“You’re here, Ma’am,” Sonia, the head mald, greeted her.

Elara nodded in acknowledgment. “Good morning, Sonia.” The elderly woman smiled warmly, gesturing for Elara to sit as she served her breakfast. Elara thanked her and began to eat, savoring the simple pleasure of a well- prepared meal.

“Thank you for the food,” Elara said as she stood up. “I really love it.”

“You’re welcome, ma’am.”

Just as she was about to leave, a maid hurried over to her.

“Mrs. Blackwood, you have a visitor,” he announced.

“Who?” she asked, turning to face him. “What’s their name?”

“Tessa,” he replied, “She…”

He couldn’t finish before Elara rushed out, excitement bubbling inside her. Tessa was here. She ran to the gate where Tessa was being held up.

“Tessa!” she called as she approached. “Open that door.”

The uniformed man opened the gate, allowing Tessa to drive in. Elara waited eagerly, and as soon as Tessa parked, she enveloped her in a tight hug.

“At least let me get out of the car before you smother me!” Tessa teased with a grin.

Elara laughed heartily. It had been so long since she had laughed like this. Since she had arrived here, joy had beer

a rare visitor, and she often feared she was becoming as cold as her contract husband.

“Glad to see you, baby girl,” Tessa said, pulling her into an even tighter hug. She playfully pinched Elara’s cheek a habit from their younger days.

“How are you, darling?” Tessa asked.

“I’m fine, well, for now,” Elara replied, holding Tessa’s hand as she guided her inside the penthouse. Tessa couldn’t help but be awestruck by the lavish interior.

“This place is so beautiful,” Tessa confessed. “I’ve never seen anything like it.” Elara chuckled. If Tessa, with he wealthy background, was impressed, Elara, a girl from a poor upbringing, could only imagine what others migh think.

She led Tessa to her room. “Come in.”

“Wow,” Tessa gasped as she stepped inside. She wandered around, admiring the room’s luxurious design. Pulli Elara closer, she whispered, “Are you sure your marriage is based on a contract, honey?”

“Yes,” Elara muttered. “I told you this on the phone. Everything you see here is just an act. None of it is real.”

Wow. I’m speechless. A contract marriage, yet he decorated your room like this.”

“Yes,” Elara sighed as she took a seat on the couch in the room. “It’s all designed to enhance his status. Even my wardrobe is curated to match his image.”

“Everything here screams class, honey.” When Tessa was done marveling at the room, she sat beside Elara.

“So, tell me, about Daniel–is it true?” Tessa’s voice was laced with anger. “That bastard still dares to torment you.” Tessa had always been the one to stand up for Elara against Daniel. “I’ll make him suffer.”

“I trust you will. I can’t understand why Daniel still clings to me after eight years of silence. What was my offense?

11

“You’ve done nothing to him. His ego just won’t let you go Tessa muttered. “I heard from my father that he’s just back in town.”

“Really?”

“Yes, my father was his father’s business partner,” she responded. “I spoke with him yesterday, and he mentioned that Daniel returned to take over his father’s company.”

“He’s a successful CEO now, so why is he so bent on destroying me?” Elara exclaimed, her emotions boiling over. “My career and everything I’ve built.”

“That’s what we need to find out. And don’t you think it’s weird?”

“Weird? What do you mean?”

“Your company. They dismissed you so quickly,” Tessa noted. “Don’t you think Daniel might be involved in your dismissal?” Elara was shocked by Tessa’s revelation. Could Daniel really have played a part in it? “And getting his hands on that confidential information is no small feat. Someone within your company must have helped him.”

Tessa was surprised by Elara’s reaction. “Are you okay, Elara?” she asked, concerned.

“Yes, I am,” Elara replied, trying to compose herself. “I’m fine.”

“So, like I was saying, we need to find out who’s working with him,” Tessa advised. “Either he bribed them or blackmailed them into doing his bidding. We both know what he’s capable of–always digging up dirt on people and using it to control them. Someone like him never changes.”

Their conversation was interrupted when a maid brought in tea for them.

“Thank you,” Tessa said, taking a sip. “It tastes so good.”

Elara couldn’t bring herself to drink the tea. She set it down her thoughts drifting to who might be Daniel’s accomplice. Who could be helping him to destroy her?

“Are you there, baby girl?” Tessa teased, waving a hand in front of her. “Don’t stress yourself. I’ve already contacted an investigator. They’ve assigned someone good to dig up every bit of dirt on that asshole. Trust me, he’s not the only one who can use dirty tactics to get what he wants.” Elara couldn’t hold back her tears after hearing this.

“Here.” Tessa pulled her into a comforting hug. “You don’t have to cry. You’ve suffered enough.‘

Tessa and Elara spent the afternoon reminiscing about the challenges they had faced. Tessa shared stories of he time abroad and the handsome, hot guy she had met.

Tears and Triumphs

“I wish I could see him again,” Tessa whined as they walked together to where her car was parked. It was getting late and It was time for her to head home.

“You will,” Elara assured her.

“I hope so. I’m going to miss you, baby girl,” Tessa said, pulling her into another hug before kissing her cheek. “You’re always welcome here,” Elara responded. “I’ll come visit you soon.”

“Promise?” Tessa asked, holding out her pinky.

“Promise. I’ll check on you soon.” Elara watched as her friend drove away before retreating back to her room.