Elena

I ran up the stairs, my heart pounding. The sound of Sophie's scream tore through me. For a moment I just couldn't breathe.

I threw open the door and there she was, tangled in her sheets, whispering through tears. "it's the monsters mummy."

I pulled her into my arms, and rocked her gently. "Shh. It's okay baby. Mummy's here."

Her little arms held onto me tightly until her breathing steadied, the nightmare faded into the shadows.

After some minutes she was fast asleep. I kissed her hair even as my own pulse refused to calm because deep down I knew some monsters existed in real life.

The smell of chamomile drifted through the room as I brought in my mother's herbal tea. She looked so small in the queen sized bed, lost in the blankets.

"Sit with me," she murmured, patting the bed.

I must have woken her.

"Did you settle in well?"

"Yes mum, I did."

"And how's Sophie settling in?"

"Very well I think," I didn't want to worry her about the nightmare.

"That's good. Mrs Keller told me about the ball."

"Oh did she"

"Yeah, and I want you to grant their invitation."

"But mum..."

She held my hand. "I know you don't want to, but you need to."

I shot her a glance. "What do you mean i need to?"

She threw a fitful cough, so I quickly passed her some water.

"Thank you. Your brother would tell you all you need to know."

Breakfast looked delicious and it seemed like Mrs Keller hadn't lost her touch. She made the best bacon and eggs.

"It's so delicious mummy." She said with a mouthful of toast.

"Yes it is. Mrs Keller is an incredible cook."

She has always been so picky with her food but for some reason already on her second plate.

The rest of the morning went in a blur as I was still unsettled about the discussion with my mum earlier.

What was she so anxious to tell me about?.

It was noon, and the sunlight was pouring in from the windows. I had spent all morning in my room as the weather was not so pleasant to be out.

Liam had arrived shortly before noon as I had heard him come in. I had gone down to welcome him and he looked pleased to see me, at least that was what I choose to think.

"Miss Elena?" Came Mrs Keller's voice muffled by the door.

"Come in." I called out.

"Mr Liam wants to see you in his study."

"I'll be down shortly."

Guess this is the part where he tells me what my mum was so anxious about.

Liam's study smelled of whiskey and smoke, papers littered around the desk like a storm had passed through.

"Elena. Pls sit," he gestured towards the seat opposite his.

"Would you like a drink?" He offered.

"No thanks"

He started to pile up the papers scattered across the desk. Guess he saw my look of disapproval when I came in.

"You wanted to speak with me?"

He looked up, jaw tight. "Yeah I was getting to that."

I crossedy arms and braced my self for whatever bombshell he was about to drop.

"I didn't want to tell you all these while we've been in contact. But not that you're here it's best you know."

"Know what?"

He leaned back, eyes cold. "The company's drowning Elena."

My heart dropped. "What do you mean drowning."

"Stocks has gone down and the company has gone bankrupt. We've had to let go a few staff."

"Why did you never tell me."

"I didn't want to bother you as I thought I had it under control, and moreover there was nothing you could have done."

I shot him a look.

"Until now." He said thickly.

"What do you mean?"

"Julian Marks has agreed to keep us afloat. But on one condition."

I know I wasn't going to like this. "What condition?"

Liam's silence was louder than words.

And then flatly like it was a business and not my life, he replied flatly. "He wants you."

The floor shifted beneath me. "You must be joking."

"I'm trying to protect this family," he snapped. "And if this is how you'll contribute so be it."

My voice shook. "You're selling me off like property."

His expression didn't falter. "I'm trying to save this family Elena. Don't make this harder than it already is."

I didn't want us to get into a heavy argument and say things we'll both regret after. So I went outside to the gardens, dark clouds had appeared in the sky and the air already smelled like it was about to rain. My life and the weather can pass for twins.

How did I get here? Why had Liam never mentioned anything about the company going down? How would he take care of mum and keep things running?

So many questions were running through my mind and I didn't realized it had already started to rain. But still, I sat there. If only the rain could wash all my problems away.

"Mummy?"

I heard Sophie calling out from the back entrance, I quickly swipe my tears which was irrelevant as i was already soaking wet.

"I'm coming baby."

She was standing by the entrance door when I stepped in, she looked worried seeing me all wet.

"Why were you in the rain mummy?"

"Mummy was just having some alone time."

"But you'll catch a cold."

"I won't baby, who wants a hot bath?" I teased.

She jumps excitedly "I do!!!"

"I know you do" I said with a grin. The stress of the day disappearing into the rain as she runs excitedly to the room.

I ran my fingers through the dress hanging in my dresser, the silk and lace spilling over my hands. It was smooth, flawless, perfect, everything I wasn't.

Liam thought he was clever, sending it here before I could object. He wants to package me up like a gift and deliver me to Julian Marks with a ribbon on top.

My stomach twisted.

For years I'd fought to build a life away from all these, away from all the bargains and debt that had nothing to do with me. And now Liam had dragged me right back into the cage I had tried do hard to escape.

I clutched the dress tighter, my knuckles white.

The last time I'd worn a dress like this it had cost me so much, my heart, my innocence, my future.

And this time?

I wasn't sure I'd survive what it would cost me.

1202

Grayson

The city stretched beneath the floor-to-ceiling windows in a sea of glass and light, but I barely noticed. My tie hung loosely around my neck after an afternoon Zoom meeting with my top admins.

Three weeks since I arrived in Newport and two weeks to the opening of the Newport branch office.

"Mr Hale?"

I glanced up to see Bridget, poking her head in my office.

"Yes, Bridget,

"The furniture company just called, something came up and the furniture will be delayed by three days"

"Oh perfect, just the delay we need" I replied sar castically

"Trust me to tell them we'll be leaving a bad review after this." She added

"And the lighting guys, are they done?"

"Yeah all done, they just finished the last office"

"Good, that's progress at least"

"Indeed. I'm done for the day, would you be needing anything else"

"No, about to head out"

"See you tomorrow then" she responded and shut the door.

I leaned back in my chair and shot my eyes, the fatigue was starting to get to me.

Then Adrian sauntered into my office, hands in pockets, casual as ever.

"You look like shit" he teased

"Yeah, I feel like shit too"

"Seriously, you should get some rest. You've been working non-stop since you arrived" he stated,

"Have to, the opening is in two weeks. And things wouldn't get themselves done."

"You'll work yourself to death at this point."

He went over to my empty bar, save for one bottle of spirits, and poured himself a glass.

Adrian had been my partner in the startup of my business, till he sold his shares to me and went into the hospitality industry. His family's legacy chain. And we've been almost like brothers since then, no secrets kept from each other.

"So, have you heard?" He said

I looked up. "Heard what?"

"Seems you've not. Well, Elena Whitmore's back."

"Like hell."

The name hit harder than I expected. Guess no matter how much I lied to myself, I never got over her.

Five years, and she still had an effect on me.

After Adrian left I tried to get a bit of work done before heading home, but I just couldn't. The numbers on the screen kept getting blurred the more I stared at them.

My mind dragged me back to that night. Her soft smile, the curves of her petite form, the way she'd looked at me like I was worth more than the world.

And I left. Left to escape the monster my father wanted to make of me, but ultimately I'd left her without even saying goodbye. I was a fool.

Every day away from Newport had felt like I was being stabbed in my heart, over and over again. Guess I deserved the pain.

I grabbed my jacket and headed out of the office, my thoughts were driving me crazy with guilt.

The evening air was chill, as I drove around the city. Going home early would be another round of torture that I just didn't want to go through.

And just then I drove past the cafe shop. Yeah her favourite coffee shop, the one she dragged me into on a rainy afternoon.

I ended up parked by the waterfront, leaned against the railings watching the waves move calmly. A complete contrast to how I felt.

My phone rings

Bridget

"Hey, so an invitation just came through for you." She chirps

"What invitation?"

"Think it's about a charity gala, already mailed it to your home"

"Ok thanks"

"Guess you aren't home yet then, also remember to go over the final draft of designs I sent to your email."

"Got it"

I hung up the phone before she gave out further tasks I wasn't interested in tending to.

My phone rings again

"Oh, you gotta be kidding me..."

I pulled it out of my pants and Adrian flashed across the screen.

"Hey man, you home yet?"

"Nah, just left the office"

"Oh good, come over to Nadi's let's have drinks"

I ran a hand through my hair.

"You know I still got work..."

"You've been back in Newport for a week and stuck in your office. Come on, it's just a couple of drinks. You might even remember how to smile again."

"I smile."

"Yeah. Only when you close a deal. Also, it's my treat"

"Fine," I said, more to shut him up than anything else. "And I'm not staying late."

"We'll see about that."

He hung up before I could change my mind.

The drive to Nadi's took about ten minutes. It was one of the numerous old stores that have stood in business over time in Newport.

Nadi's was warm and low-lit, the kind of place where furniture had been worn out by decades of bad decisions and whispered deals.

Andrian was at the bar and already had a glass in front of him when I slid into the next stool.

I clasped his shoulder. "You couldn't even wait for me to get here"

"You were taking too long"

"Tell that to Newport's traffic"

He signaled to the barman. "He'll have what I'm having. Oh, and add ice matches his heart"

The barman smiled.

"Very funny" I replied sarcastically.

He smirks.

"How's the hotel doing, got a new manager yet?"

Since his last manager quit it had been a trouble getting another as qualified

"Still searching, but a few applications have come in."

"That's good."

After a few rounds, it had gotten late and I decided to call it a night, duty calls.

I straightened and Adrian shot me a knowing look.

"I know you aren't trying to bail on me"

"You already know I am, long day at the office. I still have some work to go over."

"Ok fine, I get it"

"Are you coming by the office tomorrow?"

"Maybe, the physical interview for the new manager position is tomorrow. So we'll see."

I clasped his shoulder as I stood up. "Don't stay too long."

He smirks. "You know I've always been able to hold down my liquor."

"We'll see tomorrow." I didn't want to go on bickering with him on who holds down their liquor better.

The drive back to my apartment was a blur of headlights and winter haze. Newport somehow felt smaller at night like the streets were closing in, pulling me into a place I had left behind.

I loosened my tie with one hand and pulled down the window, the cold air brought a little ease.

I dialed Bridget. She picked on the second ring.

"Hey boss, are you still out?"

"Yeah," I muttered. "Listen, I need a favor. The Newport Foundation Gala get me the guest list."

There was a pause. "That's not public, Greyson. We're not the host"

"That hasn't ever stopped you before." My voice was sharper than I had intended.

She signed. "Fine, give me fifteen minutes."

By the time I got home, the PDF attachment was already sitting in my email labeled simply "CONFIDENTIAL."

I poured myself a drink before opening it. I skimmed through the roles of names, investors, donors, and most families I had grown up resenting.

And then I saw it.

Whitmore, Elena.

Five years of silence, five years of wondering, and now her name was staring back at me. I let myself whisper her name out loud.

"Elena..."

It tasted the same, hurt the same.

And God help me, I knew if she was walking into that gala, no force on earth could keep me from her.

Grayson

"Mr Hale, please don't tell me you're still in bed." Bridget's voice filtered in through the phone.

I groan. "Morning to you too."

"It's not morning anymore. Have you checked your time?"

"I didn't realize I hired a babysitter."

"I wouldn't have to be a babysitter if you actually came on time. Anyway, your suit for the gala has been delivered to your townhouse."

I sighed. "Perfect. Anything else?"

"Yes, about thousands of them. But I'll save you the details until you're actually at your desk."

"Thank you, Bridget." I hung up.

It was already 12noon. I usually don't sleep throughout the morning but I went to bed late last night. All thanks to a 'she' that I just couldn't get out of my head.

Coffee seemed to fire up my head for the day, and after two cups I was ready for whatever I had to do.

I pushed open the door and stepped into the nearly finished building, the faint smell of paint still lingered mixed with sawdust.

The sunlight poured in through the wide glass panels, hitting the steel beams exactly how I had envisioned when I drew the first sketch.

I paused and swept my gaze across the space. Three-story building. Open sightlines. Rich colors, exactly how I had imagined.

A rare smile crept on my lips. Most people saw buildings as mere walls and roofs, but to me, they were much more. And this office... This was one of my best creations yet.

"Mr Hale?"

"Bridget."

"Did you receive your suit before you left the townhouse?"

"I did."

"Okay, that's good. And don't forget the gala is tomorrow."

"I know that."

"Perfect. Your ride will be at your penthouse by 07:00pm."

I nodded and stepped into my office, shutting the door before she could say anything else.

After a few hours of working on a client's design for a hotel building, I leaned back in my seat.

The door swings open without a knock. Adrian strolls in, holding two coffees.

"You look like hell. Want the strong one or the extra strong?"

"Would actually prefer a brandy, but whichever makes you shut up first."

He smirked and dropped the coffee on the desk. "You're staring at those plans like they slept with your girlfriend."

"They might as well have."

"Why do I have a feeling this is less about work and more about the gala?"

"It's business" I flatly replied.

"Right. And I drink coffee for the vitamins." He leans closer. "You're not fooling me, Grayson. I know this is about her."

I sighed. "Just drop it."

"You sure? You seemed to be very bothered. Do you think she'll show?"

"Maybe. I don't know. I'm not the host."

"But what if she does?"

"If she does, I'll be ready."

"You're not planning to go meet her right?"

"I don't think I could hold myself back."

He threw his head back in laughter. "You still love this girl don't you. It's been what four years?"

"Five."

"Oh, you've been keeping tabs."

I rolled my eyes. "Can we change the subject? Do you have a new manager yet?

"Yeah. And she has good work experience."

I raised a brow. "She?"

"Yeah."

"Thought you said you worked better with male managers."

"I know. But she was the most qualified and I just couldn't resist hiring her."

"Oh well, hope that turns out well."

"I hope so too. So are you done here?"

"Yeah, I think."

"And... Oh, I got my invite for the gala."

"I knew you were going to be invited, they need all the money they can get."

"Yeah, and that way I can also keep an eye out for you."

"Everyone seems to act like my babysitter these days."

Adrian's lip twitched. "Maybe you should actually get one," he replied, an annoying smile on his face.

"Haha, very funny."

"I should get going, still have to try out some outfits for the event."

I gave a half smile. "Bridget already has mine settled, maybe you should get a PA."

"Don't think so. They tend to get too attached and forget it's just a job."

"If you say so."

He stood up. "So see you at the gala then."

"Right."

He leaves, and just then my phone buzzes. I had no intention of answering until I saw the international number flash across the screen. Thailand.

I sighed and ran a hand through my hair. "Mother."

"Darling," her sharp voice filtered in through the phone, warm but distant like it always was. "I thought I'd catch you before your day ended."

"It hasn't," I replied, glancing at the blueprint still displayed on my screen.

"I'm at a retreat in Chiang Mai and I just thought about you."

My throat tightened. "Okay. Am I supposed to thank you for that?"

A pause. "You sound tired."

"I'm busy," I corrected. "Work keeps me...

Busy."

Her silence stretched. Then she replied gently, "It also keeps you alone, Grayson."

I couldn't think of a response.

"Don't become your father."

I closed my eyes, the words hitting harder than I wanted them to. By the time I opened them, she'd already hung up.

The silence in the office seemed louder than before.

Bridget's heels clicked softly against the polished floor as she stepped into my office, a tablet tucked under her arm.

"I thought your work hours were done," I remarked without looking up from my sketches.

"Yeah, but I was busy vetting the people you keep insisting we need," she shot back smoothly, sliding the tablet in front of me.

"What do you got?"

"So these are the potential hires. Junior project managers and other admin staff. If you want this branch to run without eating you alive, you're going to have to trust someone other than me."

I leaned back and scanned the profiles. "Half of them look like they've never set foot on a construction site."

"They have degrees, references, and the right qualifications. I think that's good enough."

"Fine," I said at last, dragging a hand through my hair. "Set up interviews. And make sure they understand what they're signing up for."

"Will do."

"Anything else?"

"That's all, and also try and get some rest. You need to look the part at the gala tomorrow."

"Yes ma'am," I replied sarcastically.

"Goodnight boss," she turned to leave. "And have a great time at the gala." The door closed with a soft click.

The townhouse was quiet when I got home, too quiet. I loosened my tie and moved through the wide polished rooms. The space was perfect, finished in sleek pieces and grey tones, like a model home no one actually lived in.

I poured two fingers of scotch, carried it to the window, and stared at Newport's dark skyline. I'd built this, steel, glass, power. And yet the silence pressed in, heavier than concrete.

Warmth was something I never thought I needed, but sometimes late at night, I wonder how it would feel to have someone else's laughter echo through these halls. And just one person came to mind.

'No, I wouldn't put myself through the torture for another night.' I thought to myself.

I set the glass down after downing the contents in two large gulps.

The burn in my chest couldn't compare to the fire in my thoughts.

And tomorrow, I'd have to face her.