Elena's POV
I didn't know how to feel.
Julian's words, his kiss… it all kept replaying in my head. I touched my lips gently, still feeling the warmth from his. My heart was fluttering, but my mind was confused. What if I was reading too much into it?
It was two days later—the day to take off my plaster. Finally, I was so excited.
I got to the hospital.
Callum always treated me especially anytime I came—from the VIP room to the nice food.
I sat on the bed, ready for the new chapter. Callum did it himself. He took off the plaster and cleaned that part of my face gently.
It didn't hurt, but that part of my face felt a bit strange. Callum stepped back and looked at me. The smile on his face showed that everything looked fine.
"Can you give me the mirror already?" I said to Callum, sounding excited.
He handed it to me, and I couldn't believe what I saw. My face looked normal again. The irritating scar was gone. For five years, I hadn't seen my face without it.
I couldn't stop staring at myself in the mirror. My heart raced in my chest. For the first time in forever, I was looking at my face without that scar. It felt unreal.
"Is this really me?" I whispered to myself, barely able to believe it.
Callum stood behind me, watching quietly with a small smile.
"It's you, Eli. You've always been beautiful."
I turned to him, my eyes filled with gratitude.
"Thank you. I can't even explain how much this means to me."
Callum nodded slightly as if it were no big deal.
"You don't have to thank me. You deserve this."
I stood there for a moment, just taking it all in. The scar was gone, and I felt like a weight had lifted off my chest. It was like the new version of me just started.
"Callum," I said, my voice shaking. "I don't know what I would've done without you."
He stepped closer, looking at me seriously.
"You don't have to do anything alone, Eli. I'm here for you, always."
I felt something spark inside me—something I hadn't allowed myself to feel in a long time. It wasn't just gratitude. It was... more than that.
I gave Callum a big hug and didn't let him go.
You don't know how I feel, Cal. I can thank you forever if I have to, I whispered to him.
I got home and walked to the mirror. I looked at myself closely. My long brown hair fell nicely on my shoulders. My skin looked smooth. My face was so calm and pretty. I smiled and touched my cheek slowly. It felt strange seeing myself like this.
Aunt Vivian came home. She was surprised to see my face completely healed and free of the scar. She was so happy, and we celebrated together.
It was 12 p.m. when I got a call from Anna, my assistant.
"Hello, Anna," I said as I picked up the call.
"I'm sorry, Miss Elena, for not checking up on you. Damian threatened to ruin my career. I'm really sorry," she said, her voice filled with sympathy.
"Hey, Anna. I totally understand. It's fine."
"Thank you for understanding, Miss Elena. I have something important to say," Anna said calmly over the phone. "Your father left a certain amount of money in his personal account. We didn't know about it until I was going through some of your father's files for Damian, and then I found the transaction.
He transferred a total of $100 million. You can go to the bank so they can process the transfer to you." she added.
"Thank you, Anna. I'm grateful," I replied, my voice dropping a little. "Just that… I don't have any personal documents. Not mine. Not Dad's."
"I can get them for you," she said without hesitation.
"Thank you, Anna. You're a good person."
"Please meet me at the bar close to your aunt's house tomorrow—on Willow Street," she added.
"Okay," I responded, trying to hide my excitement.
The next day, I went to the bar Anna had mentioned. I saw her sitting already, dressed in a suit with fitted trousers. She looked elegant. I walked over and gave her a hug. She looked surprised.
"Miss Elena. Your scar?…" she asked, stunned.
I smiled and explained everything to her. She handed me all the documents I needed. I thanked her and left.
Immediately, I went to the bank. Luckily for me, we had a family friend who handled matters like this. She collected the documents and promised to go through them.
The next day, I received an alert—$150 million. It seemed my dad had saved more than Anna told me.
I felt fulfilled. Life was finally coming together. At least now, I could start something on my own. But first, I needed new clothes, shoes, and makeup.
I got everything I needed. I was so happy. So fulfilled.
I started thinking of what to start up with the money, but somehow… I kept thinking about Julian. The way he kissed me, the way he looked at me—I couldn't resist it. I just had to call him.
"Hey, Julian," I said calmly.
"You called, my angel," he replied, his voice gentle and sweet.
"Yeah… I thought about what you said the other day. I am ready—ready to hear what you have to say," I added, without hesitation.
"Look who's finally coming around," Julian said, teasing a little.
"Okay… so where would you like us to meet up?" he asked.
"Anywhere is fine," I replied quickly.
"Okay, my angel. I'll pick you up by 7 PM. I'm taking you to La Perla Royale. Take care," he said.
He hung up.
I already missed his voice.
"I have to get ready," I said to myself with a small smile.
I rushed to my room and opened my wardrobe. I picked out a black silk gown I got for myself. It hugged my body just right—not too much, just enough.
I curled my hair lightly and let it fall down my shoulders. I wore makeup, nothing too heavy. I slipped on my heels, sprayed a bit of perfume, and stared at myself in the mirror.
I looked… different. Beautiful. I smiled.
I was in the room when I heard a knock on the door. I knew it was Julian. I rushed out excitedly. When I got to the door, I took a deep breath before opening it.
Julian came looking so fine. He wore a black suit—simple but classy. The white shirt underneath made him look even more handsome. He didn't wear a tie—just left the top buttons open, and somehow that made it better.
He smelled so good, like something expensive. His hair was well brushed, and the way he looked at me… like I was the only one that mattered. My heart skipped.
"Elena…" he said softly. He whispered, "Your scar… it's gone?"
I nodded slowly, not sure of what to say.
For a second, he didn't speak. Just stared at me like I was the most precious thing he had ever seen.
"You have always been beautiful," he said finally. "But right now… you're stunning."
He stretched his hand, and I placed mine in his. He kissed it gently, and I felt a spark through me.
We walked to the car, still holding hands. Julian opened the door for me, and I got in, trying hard not to smile too much.
We got to the restaurant—it looked luxurious and absolutely beautiful.
Who is this man? I said to myself. I suppose he's very wealthy.
Julian had reserved the rooftop. We could see the entire city from up there. The lights, the breeze, the view... It was perfect. Quiet and beautiful. Flowers were everywhere—simple, elegant, just enough. It felt like something out of a dream.
He pulled out the chair for me, and I sat with a small smile.
"Ohh, Mr. Gentleman," I teased.
He smiled softly, the kind of smile that gave me a warm tingle in my stomach. I couldn't explain.
Julian moved in a little closer, resting one arm on the table.
"You look even more beautiful tonight than I remembered," he said, his voice calm and soft.
I looked down shyly, playing with my napkin.
"You flatter me, Julian."
"I mean it, Elena," he added, looking at me closely.
I smiled and blushed gently.
I looked through the menu, and soon, they served us grilled lobster with creamy risotto and a bottle of Château Margaux red wine. The wine was smooth—probably the best I have tasted so far. Everything just felt... perfect.
We ate, our eyes meeting every so often, both of us smiling.
"This food is delicious," I broke the silence. "And the view... I love it."
"That's why I brought you here. You deserve it," Julian replied.
"Tell me about you, Julian," I said, curious. "You know about me."
"I don't know everything about you," he said, pausing as his eyes locked with mine. "I don't know your habits... or your favourite things."
"Well, I guess there's not much to say," he started, raising his shoulders briefly. "I come from a family of business people, but I have always tried to carve my own path. I am not much for the spotlight, but I guess you could say I have been successful enough in what I do."
He paused, his glance shifting as if considering whether to reveal more.
"I am passionate about a few things. Work, of course, but also music. I play the piano, though I haven't had much time for it lately. Maybe that's something I will get back to eventually," he added, his voice softened, carrying a trace of longing.
I nodded, intrigued.
"What else? What do you enjoy?"
"Outside of work and the occasional piano," he continued, his smile returning, "I like quiet nights, good food, and, well... good company."
I couldn't help but smile at that, feeling a little shy at the compliment.
"You're getting to know me," he smiled.
He gently held my hands, his eyes searching mine.
"I want to know you, Elena. Really know you. Please… let me in."