Chapter: 73: people from the past
Elena
I sat dazed at the sight before me. The big desk, the high-rise view, and the large spacious office. I had resigned from Harrington Enterprises' second branch all to leave Damien, not knowing what my next course of action would be. To run away again?
But who would have thought an opportunity would offer itself to me? My dad had called me back to take charge of the family company. He fell ill and tried apologizing for how he treated me in the past but I wasn't going to let him off so easily.
After meeting Edmund that night, I explained what was on ground to Jenna and decided to come back to see my father. I agreed to take over the company because it was my only way to make something for myself. I noticed my father and stepmother weren't on best terms which made me realize that he didn't choose Cassandra to take over from him because he feared she could get influenced by her mother which left only me as the last option.
His health wasn't in the best state but that didn't mean I was going to become Daddy's little goody two shoe. He had hurt me in the past so this time I was going to put my interest first and protect myself and my daughter. The company he valued over me, I was going to make it mine.
Taking over the company didn't mean I was planning to become an unfilial daughter to my father but I was going to make sure not a single dime was left for my stepmother and half-sister.
It's been four weeks since I took over and other than the unpicked calls I got from Damien the next morning I hadn't heard from him since then. The thought of him forgetting me so easily gnawed at me.
I tried riding myself off the thought of him, after all, I was the wronged one. How could I let myself keep thinking about a man who broke my trust. But amidst my efforts I was still anxious at the thought of running into him at the Harrington Founding ball.
As the new CEO of Kingston Ltd, I needed to represent the company and make an appearance at the ball which would help solidify my position in the business world.
Though I knew Damien didn't work at Harrington's company branch in Los Angeles, it wouldn't be surprising to see him at the ball.
A knock at my office doors brought me out of my thoughts.
"Come in," I said in response to the knock and my personal assistant Ethan came in. After I left I told Ethan of my family background and how I was taking over as CEO, and a week later I saw his application for the role. His actions took me by surprise but I didn't turn him down because I needed to have someone I trusted taking up that role.
"You're going to be late for the ball if you don't leave now to get prepared," he said urging me to get off work.
At the mention of his words my face drooped but Ethan caught on to my downcast look.
"Damien is an idiot, he's the one who lost out here and not you Elena. And it's not certain that you'll see him later tonight. So cheer up and put on a brave face, girl."
"But wha—," I said before he cut me off.
"No buts Elena. I already got you a gorgeous dress and there is no way I'm going to let you sulk here when you could be a beautiful boss lady spinning heads with her ideas."
"Ooh come on," I said waving his words down.
"Just think of it as work. Well technically it is work," he said helping me out of my chair. "If you want to make a name for yourself you need to broaden your network," we voice the last part in unison.
"I know." I had sung that statement so many times down Ethan's ears and now he was ringing my words back to me.
Before I could say anymore Ethan had pulled me out of the office. " You've got this," he said his voice building my morale.
I got home to see the starry sky dress Ethan had picked, it was beautiful. I got straight into the bathroom prepping myself for the occasion. I got done and set out for my destination.
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The grand ballroom shimmered with opulence—crystal chandeliers casting golden light over polished marble floors, the scent of expensive champagne and fresh roses filling the air. As expected of the Harringtons they spared no dime in their celebrations.
I had spent the last hour exchanging pleasantries, navigating through potential investors, board members, and key industry leaders. Luckily for me, there was no sight of Damien which made my interaction much easier.
I adjusted my gown, my confidence unwavering as I engaged in yet another discussion about market expansion strategies. The man in front of me—an older executive from a major tech firm—listened intently. I was making progress, gaining the right kind of attention.
Until I heard a familiar voice come from behind me.
I stiffened.
"Hello, Elena."
The sound of my name, spoken in that familiar, grating voice, sent a chill down my spine.
I kept my gaze fixed on the executives I was talking to, I made sure to round up my conversation with them before excusing myself with poise and turning to answer Sophia.
"What are you doing here?" I asked in a low tone, maintaining the smile on my face. But before she could respond I gestured with my hand for her to stop.
"You know what I don't want to know. What do you want with me?" I questioned my voice now firm. And my expression cold.
The last person I wanted to see was her and her presence here just disgusted me further.
She stood there, draped in a red dress that screamed attention, a glass of champagne in hand and a smirk playing on her lips.
I didn't have time for this.
"If you're not going to speak then you can stand here alone," I said about to walk away, but before I could take a step she dropped the glass in her hands and started sobbing.
What was she up to now?
"You're a calamity," she choked out between dramatic sniffles. "All you do is cause tragedy to the people around you," she said trying to draw attention in our direction, and with that, subtle glances came our way.
Without context, it was easy for people to think I was a Villain bullying her or something.
My jaw clenched. "Sophia, what the hell do you think you're doing?" I said to only both of our hearing.
She raised her teary eyes to me. " Damien got into an accident all because of you," Her voice broke, and the sobs grew louder.
I felt the world tilt for just a second.
An accident?
"Now he's almost as good as dead," she added covering her face with her hands to dramatize her pretense.
I had to suppress the anger that bubbled up within me. I couldn't have her tainting the image I was so carefully trying to build. "Sophia," I said calmly. "can we please not do this here?" I added but she ignored me and continued.
"Poor Damien," her voice dripped with false sympathy. "Rushed out of his house in such a hurry to see you and now he's in a coma."
My chest tightened.
I barely heard the murmurs around us. Were her words true or was it all part of her act?
The thought of him on his deathbed made my eyes teary. My heart pounded, my carefully constructed composure threatening to crack. But despite how I felt, I saw it as an opportunity.
My acting skills weren't as good as Sophia's but they would have to suffice now.
"You're lying," I said grabbing her shoulder and letting my tears flow.
Sophia's eyes widened slightly, clearly taken aback by my actions but she had no choice but to follow along if she didn't want to break out of character.
"It's all your fault," she doubled down, still trying to hold things in her favor.
I let my body tremble slightly, my breathing unsteady. "How can you say that Sophia? You know we've been friends and you know how much this hurts me too," I responded, pretending my head was getting dizzy.
A few concerned murmurs spread through the crowd.
Checkmate.
I let my voice break. "Now we just need to be there for each other, so we can get through this. I'm sure Damien would have wanted that," I added hugging her. With the eyes watching, she was forced to console me.
I could feel the annoyance she tried to mask, and her body stiffened against mine, which only made me happy.
"Can we go get some fresh air?" I said, knowing she had no way out.
She forced a smile for the watching crowd and guided me out of the ballroom and onto the terrace.