ELENA'S POV

Three hours later, Danielle came out of the operating room, and the doctor’s uneasy expression caught my attention.

Adrian was too worried about Danielle, and didn't seem to notice.

“How is she? Will she be alright?

“The doctor coughed lightly before speaking.

“Her wounds are not severe. We’ve closed the cuts and are running some tests. She’ll need to stay here tonight for monitoring, but she will be okay.”

I couldn’t help but smile to myself. Just as I expected, the whole situation had been exaggerated.

The medical staff looked a little embarrassed by all the commotion, stretching out the process to hide how small the injury really was.

Adrian felt relieved and rushed after Danielle’s stretcher. He didn’t spare me a glance. I stood there watching him go, a deep ache growing in my heart.

The man I had loved for years didn’t even notice me anymore. I wanted to shout, but I kept silent, letting the sorrow sink in.

My phone vibrated in my pocket, and I went still when I saw who was calling. I ignored it and let it go to voicemail, my heart beating fast. When it rang a second time, I inhaled deeply and answered.

“My elder brother,” I murmured.

“It’s time for you to come home,” he said firmly. My chest clenched at the sound of his voice.

After three years without hearing from my family, his words shook me deeply. Tears filled my eyes, and I struggled to hold back a cry.

Okay,” I said.

I cast one last glance at the hallway where Adrian had disappeared with Danielle. It was time I chose myself.

With that final thought, I walked away.

THIRD PERSON'S POV

Meanwhile, Adrian stayed close to Danielle until she finally regained consciousness.

“Where’s Elena?” Danielle asked weakly.

Adrian frowned. “She has nothing to do with this. Can’t you see that?”

Danielle exhaled . “I get it, but can you please talk to her? She hasn’t done anything bad.”

Adrian’s frustration grew. ‘Why are you still standing up for her? If she’s really innocent, why did she walk away after the accident?

His anger flared when he realized Elena had already left the hospital while he was taking care of Danielle.

To make things worse, his phone buzzed with new headlines and more harmful rumors about Danielle’s career spreading online.

Adrian clenched his fists. He was certain Elena was behind it all.

Danielle gazed at him, speaking gently. “Even if she's responsible, I would forgive her. This is all my fault anyway. If I hadn’t returned to your life, none of this would have happened.”

Adrian shook his head, refusing to hear her out. “Stop defending her. She’s guilty, and that’s final.”

Danielle didn’t argue anymore, quietly satisfied. Adrian’s anger towards Elena only worked in her favor anyways so why bother?

Adrian’s expression eased. “Rest for now. The doctor said you should stay for monitoring. I’ll take care of everything. Your career won’t be affected by this, I promise.”

Danielle’s eyes shone with gratitude, but Adrian quickly averted his gaze. He mumbled something about business and exited the room.

As soon as he left, Danielle’s sweet expression disappeared. Her eyes turned fierce with anger. She needed to clear her name before anyone connected the scandals to her.

If Adrian discovered the truth, her carefully built mask would fall apart. And she wouldn't ever let that happen at all.

ELENA'S POV

Coming back to my childhood home after four years filled me with emotion.

The door I believed would never open to me again was right in front of me. I felt silly for ever thinking I wouldn’t come back.

I stopped at the entrance, wondering if I should go back. Before I could make up my mind, someone pushed me roughly from behind, forcing me in.

“What are you just standing there for? Do you know we’ve been waiting for you to return for four years? If my brother hadn’t stopped me, I would’ve pulled you home myself!” a voice I recognized said.

I turned around and saw Jacinta, my childhood best friend. We had always been inseparable, sharing every secret and dream.

She was the first person I told about my feelings for Adrian. But Jacinta had strongly disagreed, which caused a fight that involved our families.

I blamed her for revealing my secret, and for four long years, we hadn’t spoken, even though we still had our contacts. Seeing Jacinta now made me tear up.

I never believed we’d reconcile after all this time. Jacinta held my hand, tears welling up in her eyes. “Let’s go, Uncle and Martins have been waiting for you.

I couldn’t find the words, so I nodded and let Jacinta lead me into the house. When I stepped inside, my brother, Martins, and my dad, Calvin, were on the couch, waiting.

The sight of them made my lips tremble. My father stood up with a gentle smile on his face. I couldn’t hold back, I ran into his embrace with tears streaming down my face.

My dad had always looked out for me, always spoiling me and taking care of my every need. Now, I could see how much the years had worn him down, he looked older.

My heart hurt with guilt. I had caused them so much pain by leaving. Martins didn’t say a word, quietly watching the reunion unfold.

“Dad…” I cried, my father wrapping me in a tight embrace. When my tears finally dried, I turned to Martins, feeling uneasy.

“I’m sorry, Martins. I was so stubborn back then, but I’m home now. Forgive me.” I braced myself, thinking Martins would still be mad about our last fight, when he’d said he’d disown me if I married Adrian.

But surprisingly, he was the one who had called me back. Martin's smile warmly. “The important thing is that you’re back. We’ve been waiting for you.”

Relief flooded through me. No matter how far I had gone, my family welcomed me home with love. I knew now how foolish it had been to carry all my burdens alone for so long.

“I won’t ever leave again,” I promised.

Martins playfully ruffled my hair, just like when we were small. “It’s okay. Your second brother loves you. He’ll come around, even if he’s a bit angry. You just have to nudge him a little.”

I knew it. I had always been very close to my second brother, but our fight right before I left had been painful. The thought of seeing him now made me nervous.

Martins smiled warmly at me. ‘Whatever happens, you’ll always be our kid sis.” His words warmed my heart as I smiled softly.”

Later, I went to my old bedroom. Apart from a few new clothes and pieces of jewelry proof that my family still cared, the room looked just as I had left it.

Tears welled up in my eyes again. I couldn’t find the words to express how sorry I felt. My phone rang, pulling me out of my thoughts. I frowned when I saw Sophie’s name on the screen.

“Where are you? I heard you are divorcing my brother. And where’s the necklace he gave me? You criminal! I don’t care what excuse you have, stealing is illegal! If you don’t return it, I’m calling the police!”

I frowned, trying to recall the necklace Sophie was talking about. I couldn’t remember it. But her hostility didn’t surprise me.

When I was with Adrian, I had been generous to my in-laws, giving them expensive gifts. Now, it seemed like the perfect time to collect on those “gifts” and set things straight.

I had been far too kind before. It was time for that to stop. I ended the call without another word, shutting out Sophie’s sharp accusations.

Not wanting to deal with them anymore, I blocked all their numbers and switched to a new phone, cutting off every way they could reach me.

They had never tried to understand me, so it was time to break ties for good. I asked my brother to help me get divorced documents and then I signed them and sent a copy to Adrian's house.

My family fully backed my decision and helped me cut ties completely. To my surprise, Adrian signed the divorce papers and sent them back, releasing me from my misery.

After two days of rest, I started to feel my energy return.

When Jacinta saw the latest news about Adrian and Danielle, she was furious. “Why did you give up being our family heiress to live with that man? It’s so maddening!”

Though I felt satisfied seeing Adrian face public backlash, it still hurt to remember my own pain. “I was young and naive back then, but I understand now. Are you going to keep blaming me for my mistakes?” I responded.

Jacinta was surprised by how calmly I accepted it. She cleared her throat and tried to change the topic.

“Alright, since you admit your mistakes, I’ll drop it this time. But that bracelet Adrian is wearing, doesn’t it look familiar? Isn’t it from the family necklace Auntie gave you?”

I examined the photo and realized it was true. The bracelet came from my family’s valuable jewelry. I didn’t care about recovering the other gifts from my past, but this necklace was special.

My mother had left it for me, and Adrian had no right to show it off. The thought of that bracelet being near Danielle disgusted me.

“If you have time this afternoon, could you come with me to collect my belongings? I left a few valuable things there and I need to get them back.”

Jacinta was hesitant at first because she already had plans, but she quickly agreed when she realized there might be some drama to watch. “Sure, let’s go now.

I led the way in my sports car, and Jacinta drove behind me in hers. When we stopped in front of a luxury three-story townhouse,

Jacinta stared in shock. “Wait, you actually lived here the whole time? To many, the townhouse looked very luxurious, but to me it felt quite ordinary.

Jacinta couldn’t understand why I had chosen such a difficult life for someone who didn’t deserve it. But maybe that was the madness of love, a painful lesson she was glad she had never experienced.

Jacinta urged me to hurry, clearly annoyed by how dull the place looked. I wasn’t sure if Adrian was home, but I opened the door with my key and walked in.

Jane was relaxing on the sofa and let out a scream when she saw me unexpectedly.

“So the divorcee finally dares to show up!” Jane yelled. “My son told me you didn’t collect anything in the settlement. Are you here now to ask for your share? Not a single cent of his money will go to you.”

Ignoring Jane’s shouting I reached for the red gemstone necklace around her neck.

My movements were quick and precise, before she could even react, I unclasped it and took it from her. Jane’s eyes went wide with shock, and she stumbled back, her face frozen in disbelief.

This was a family heirloom my grandmother had specifically given to me. And I had given it to Jane as a sign of good will. But now, I was taking it back because she didn't deserve it.

I calmly dodged her desperate attempts to snatch it back while she fumed. “How dare you snatch from me, you worthless fool!” Jane shouted, her voice trembling with anger.

“You’ll never come here again! And don’t even think about making peace with my son!

Her words dripped with bitterness, but I stayed calm.

I turned and handed the necklace to Jacinta, who had been quietly watching everything. Jacinta took it and gently placed it into a silk-lined jewelry box she had brought along.

“This necklace,” I said , “was given to me as a wedding gift by my grandmother and I gave it to you because you asked me to lend it to you. I didn't bother taking it back then. Now I’m taking back what belongs to me. It’s clear that I was never truly welcomed or valued here, and I won’t pretend anymore.”

I stood my ground and spoke calmly. I was simply stating the truth and reclaiming what belonged to me. There was nothing to debate.

Jane’s face turned red with anger. “You gave those things to me!” she yelled.

“So now you want them back? That’s crazy! Once you give something away, it doesn’t belong to you anymore!” Jane refused to return anything.

Even though she never liked me , the gifts had boosted her reputation. The red gemstone necklace, in particular, had brought her a lot of attention over the years.

Jane was very concerned about what others thought of her. When people complimented the necklace, it made her feel proud. That’s why she became furious when I asked for it back.

I wasn’t surprised. I had endured their selfish behavior for years. But today, I was set on getting my belongings back.

They didn't deserve these things, and I wasn’t going to leave without getting what belonged to me.

“You ungrateful fool! I’ll make sure you regret ever being born," Jane hissed, tossing the necklace to me as she stormed away.

I couldn’t stop feeling pleased with myself for giving that witch a taste of her own medicine. I grabbed the rest of my things and then I walked out with Jane.

The next morning, just as I was about to eat breakfast, the doorbell rang. I opened it to find two police officers standing there. “Elena, you’re under arrest.”

I stared at the officers in disbelief. "On what charges?

“Theft and breaking and entering.” A single thought flashed through my mind. This was all Jane.

*ELENA*

She must face the full force of the law!” Jane’s voice kept ringing in my ears as we arrived at the station with the police.

I was right after all.

Jacinta shot her a deadly glare, and if looks could kill, Jane wouldn’t be alive. Somehow, I felt grateful and relieved that someone who truly had my back was here with me to face the predators in Adrian’s family.

“She entered my house and stole from me!” Jane was shouting.

Jacinta responded to her, but I quickly took her hand and whispered, “Ignore her for now, Jac. We’ll deal with her when the time comes.” For once, Jacinta obeyed.

We stayed calm and let Jane scream and rant. Not long after, Adrian walked in with Danielle. I didn’t even notice their arrival until Jacinta nudged me.

Just take a glance at them," Jacinta said sharply. "They look awful together. I wonder what man in his right mind would ever want to be with a woman like Danielle. But of course, it had to be that revolting ex-husband of yours.

As she spoke, I gazed at Adrian and Danielle, and I understood instantly that Jacinta was talking from a place of fury, because there was no way anyone could argue that Danielle looked radiant. She always did. I mean, what else would have been expected from a fast emerging star who has her captivating face displayed in several magazines.

Glance away, Jac. If they notice you are looking at them, it won’t be good," I whispered to Jacinta, hoping she would listen. But instead, Jacinta kept looking at them until they reached where we were sitting.

Danielle’s expensive perfume filled the room, and Jacinta wrinkled her nose in dislike. But then again, it was all fake, she simply couldn’t stand Danielle. Jacinta would even say Nicki Minaj looked ugly if she didn’t like her, so I wasn’t shocked.

Adrian and his baby doll went to the yelling Jane to try and calm her. Their efforts worked, because Jane eventually settled down-though she still warned, “Make sure she faces the consequences.

Adrian turned to me in anger and strode over to us in several steps. I watched the movement of his legs in his joggers and I swallowed hard, because I knew the power of those legs during our time together...

I shook my head to clear the image that was slowly forming. It’s all in the past now, and if Jacinta could see my heart, she would definitely freak out..

"You just can’t leave my family alone, can you?" Adrian said in anger. "You want to be part of my family so badly that you keep coming back, huh?”

I was done being their doormat, and this time, I wouldn’t let Jacinta fight for me. When I was madly in love with Adrian and foolish, I let him take advantage of me-but not anymore. I stood tall with pride and confidence, facing Adrian as if he had never meant anything to me at all.

“Have you forgotten that I was the one who walked away from you?” I asked him.

Adrian blinked, visibly shocked by my newfound boldness and courage. I smiled inwardly, savoring the feeling. I wanted Adrian to feel hurt, just as he had made me feel all this time.

Then what were you doing in our house?” Adrian shot back.

“To take back what belongs to me, Adrian. You didn’t think I would let go of something that is rightfully mine for your family to show off and enjoy the attention that comes with such luxury, did you?” I asked, staring Adrian straight in the eyes.

Now that we are divorced, it was clear that he wasn’t that special. My love, respect and adoration for him had made me worship him, and now I regret it. Adrian never supported me. He never highlighted me the way he flaunted Danielle, and somehow, deep inside, I still felt that pang of hurt and jealousy.

“We’re already divorced. Move on, Elena,” Adrian spat.

I laughed in disbelief. Why wasn’t he mentioning that what I claimed was rightfully mine, and not a case of stealing as Jane had been putting it.

“Sure, I will, as soon as your family hands me back what is rightfully mine,” I told Adrian.

Let her go, Adrian. We don’t need this chaos. She’s only acting because she’s upset and hurt,” Danielle said kindly from behind Adrian.

I felt like clawing her face for sounding like a purring cat. It drove me crazy that Adrian and his mother still fell for her charade, but right from the first time I met Danielle, I know who she was.

She could trick everyone else, but certainly not me.

“You keep protecting her, Danielle. How is she supposed to learn the hard way? If we keep pampering her, who knows what she might do next?” Adrian asked Danielle.

“They looked like the perfect couple, completely complementing each other, and it hurt so much to watch them. To make it worse, Jacinta kept sighing angrily behind me.

We shouldn’t even be here," she whispered to me.

I wanted to tell Jacinta I agreed with her, but there was no leaving until we sorted this out.

Soon we were led into the grand office to deal with the matter, and perhaps detain me as Jane had hoped, but little did they know I was prepared for all of them.”

"Ms. Elena, you are accused of theft and breaking and entering. This is not a minor offense to overlook," the policeman said.

"How is that possible, when I simply went into the house to take what is rightfully mine?” I asked, dropping the proof of ownership in front of the officer and everyone present.

"The happiness that filled my heart as Jane and Adrian looked on in shame would stay with me forever.”