Elena's POV
Henry drove in silence, the soft sound of the car engine filling the space between us. I wasn't in the mood for talks, I just wanted to see Ryan, Sophie and mum.
I leaned my head against the window, staring at the buildings and city lights outside. My thoughts were a mess, but the biggest one pressing on my mind was, Did I really make the right choice?
Just as I was lost in my thoughts, my phone buzzed.
I sighed, pulling my phone out of my bag to check who was calling. Sophie. I knew I would get a call from her soon. My stomach twisted.
Bracing myself, I answered.
"Elena Carter!" Sophie's voice practically blew through the speaker. "What the hell am I looking at?!"
I winced. "Sophie–"
"Don't Sophie me! You got engaged to Alexander Sterling, and you hid it from me?!.
I swallowed. "I can expla–"
Before I could finish, she cut me off. Her voice lower and less deadly.
"Lena, What's going on seriously?"
"I'll explain when I get home."
"You better. Because I swear, if you don't have a dam good reason for this, I'm kidnapping you."
The line went dead. I actually laughed a little. She can't be serious.
By the time Henry pulled up to my apartment or rather my former apartment now. I spotted Sophie already waiting for me by the entrance, arms crossed, foot tapping aggressively against the pathway.
I barely stepped out before she walked up to me, eyes throwing dagger at me.
"Inside. now."
I couldn't object or protest so I followed her.
The moment I shut the door behind us, she turned on me.
"Explain. Right now."
I took a deep breath. "I'm getting married."
She narrowed her eyes. "To Alexander Sterling?"
"Yes."
"You love him?"
I hesitated. "Not exactly."
Sophie literally screamed and threw a pillow at me. She was crazyy.
"Elena! Why? Why?!"
I sighed. "I didn't have a choice."
"There is always a choice." She snapped.
"Not this time." I ran a hand through my hair. Sophie, I needed the money. My mum's hospital bills were piling up. Ryan is struggling. This was the only way I could fix things."
Her face changed replaced with concern. "Elena…"
"I promise I know what I'm doing and I will be fine."
Sophie stared at me then shook her head. "You're way too soft for this world."
Before I could respond, a voice cut through the room.
"You're getting married?"
I turned sharply to see Ryan standing in the doorway, his expression a mix of shock and betrayal.
"Ryan–"
But he was already backing away. "You're getting married and you didn't tell me. You wanted to leave me here alone."
I stepped forward. "Ryan, listen to me–"
But he shook his head and turned, storming out the door.
"Ryan, wait!" I ran after him, but by the time I reached outside, he was already gone.
I stood frozen. My heart beating.
Sophie appeared beside me, placing a hand on my shoulder. "Let him cool off."
I swallowed hard. "What if he doesn't come back?"
Sophie signed. "He will. He just needs time."
But deeo down, I was really worried and hoping he does.
Hours passed and Ryan still hadn't returned.
I paced the living room, checking my phone every now and then incase I get a call or text from him. Nothing.
Finally, I grabbed my phone and dialled Sophie. She had to go to work so she left earlier.
"Elena?" She answered immediately.
"I'm worried," I admitted. "He hasn't come back."
Sophie was silent for a while before speaking gently. "I know. He's upset, you know Ryan. He needs to cool off, I will help you search and call him."
"Okay, thanks Sophie. Love you."
"Love you too girl."
I hung up. Unable to sit still, I went to see my mum.
I stepped outside and saw Henry still waiting. So now I had a personal chauffeur who would take me anywhere. Very nice.
"Where to, Miss Carter?" he asked.
"The hospital," I muttered, entering the backseat.
The ride was quiet.
When we finally arrived in front of the Sterling Private Hospital, I blinked in Surprise.
It was large and modern painted all white. The entrance was lined with neatly trimmed hedges. Inside, the polished floors shined under soft lighting, and the air smelled of fresh lining.
Unlike the crowded public hospitals I was used to, this place was quiet, almost peaceful.
A smiling receptionist greeted me. "Miss Carter?"
How did she know my name. Weird.
I nodded.
"Your mother is in VIP Room 5."
VIP.
Of course. Alexander Sterling didn't do anything ordinary.
I was led to a private elevator. Within minutes, I was stepping into my mom's room.
The VIP room was simple but elegant. With soft beige walls, a comfortable middle sized-bed and a seating area with a plush couch and a small dining room. A large window overlooked the city, letting in natural light. There were even fresh flowers by the bedside table. It was lovely. I smiled.
Mom was sitting up on the bed reading a book, looking stronger than I had seen her in weeks.
"Elena!" Her face lit up when she saw me. She dropped the book by the bedside.
I smiled, relief washing all over me. "Hey, mom."
She reached my hand, squeezing it gently. "This place is incredible, the doctors here are so kind."
I exhaled softly. "I'm glad you're comfortable."
She looked at my face for a moment. "But what about you? You look….troubled."
I forced a smile. "I'm fine mom."
She raised a brow. "Lying doesn't suit you, Lena."
I hesitated, then took a deep breath. "Mom…I'm getting married."
Her eyes widened in Surprise. Then settled into something warm. "Married?
I nodded. "Yes."
She squeezed my hand. "That's wonderful, sweetheart. Who is he?"
"Alexander Sterling."
I waited expecting shock or worry, instead she smiled.
"oh, Elena, that's amazing."
I blinked. "You're…. happy about this?"
She laughed softly. "Of course! You deserve someone who can take care of you."
Guilt twisted in my stomach. I wasn't really marrying him for love. Not the way she thought.
I forced another smile. "I just..wanted to tell you myself."
"And Ryan.? Does he know?"
I smiled. "He's fine."
Worry crossed her face. "Elena–"
I cut her off. "Everything is fine mum, I promise."
She studied me for a while before she nodded.
And for the first time in days, I felt lighter and like a heavy weight was lifted off my shoulders.
My mum was okay and I was happy about that.
After spending some time with her, I finally headed home.
But the moment I got to the apartment, I froze.
Ryan.
He was sitting on the staircase, waiting.
His face was unreadable. And then his eyes met my eyes.
"Ryan, we need to talk." I told him.