Elena's POV
Days went by, and Julian and I talked on the phone often. I wasn't exactly sure about getting into a relationship again, but one thing was certain—he made me feel some type of way. And it felt good. Different, but good.
I changed my style completely and finally started a business of my own—a luxury skincare line. It was something I had always dreamt of, and bringing it to life felt so fulfilling.
That Saturday morning, Sebastian came by the house.
"Elena, how are you doing?" he asked, his eyes soft. "By the way, you look very gorgeous." He leaned in and gave me a light peck on the cheek.
"I'm doing just great, Sebastian. And you?" I replied with a little smile.
"I'm fine. But honestly… I'm surprised. Your scar?" He looked at me in disbelief.
"Oh, yes. The surgery did wonders," I said casually.
"I'm really happy for you, Elena," he said, meaning every word. "Actually, I have something important to talk to you about. It's about your inheritance. I think I have found a way to get it back."
"Are you sure about what you just said?" I responded, disbelief written all over my face. "Damian took all of it. I don't think it's possible… and honestly, I don't want anything to do with those two. My life is finally coming back together, and I'm so grateful for that. Please, let's just stay out of it."
Sebastian held my hands without hesitation. "Elena, please. This will work out. You didn't even ask me about the plan before concluding. I know your father would've wanted you to have the company. And the house—it holds so many memories for you. Just believe in me.
I'm the lawyer, remember? At least hear what I have to say." he added.
I sighed. "Fine. Let me hear you out."
He nodded. "Right now, Damian is messing up the company. He's already lost a lot of shares…" Sebastian continued. "Investors are pulling out. The board is panicking. If things keep going this way, they will have no choice but to reconsider the leadership. That's where you come in."
I looked at him, confused. "Me? What do I have to do with it? I'm not even on the board."
"That's the thing. Your name was originally there—quietly, but it was. Your dad made sure of it. With the right push, we can activate your rights as a shareholder. With your documents and the support of a few board members who still respect your father's legacy, we can challenge Damian."
My heart raced a little. I didn't know whether it was fear or hope. Maybe both.
"I don't know, Sebastian… I have just found peace. I'm not sure I want to throw myself into that mess again."
I didn't even realize I was staring until he stared back.
"This isn't just about business, Elena. This is about taking back what's yours… what was stolen from you. You don't have to do it alone. I will be with you—every step of the way."
I sat there quietly, not sure of what to say.
"We can do this, Elena. Trust me," Sebastian said, looking at me with so much passion in his eyes. "One step at a time."
"Okay. I'm in," I replied.
Sebastian handled everything that had to do with the company and getting it back. Meanwhile, I focused on my own business. It started growing fast, and soon, I had to expand.
Finally, I bought the entire plaza for myself. Callum stopped by a few times—he always found a way, no matter how busy he was. It was always fun with him around.
One afternoon, I was going through some of my products when I heard someone call me from behind. That voice. I could never forget it. I once loved him. I turned slowly—and there he was. Damian.
He stood there, shocked, clearly taken aback by how different I looked.
"Elena, how are you doing?" he asked, stepping closer.
I immediately stepped back. "What are you doing here, Damian?"
"I came to get some skincare products… What about you? What are you doing here?" he asked, sounding curious.
"I own here," I replied plainly.
"Oh… wow. A lot has changed. You look beautiful, by the way."
"Thank you," I said, not smiling.
"Elena, please… I need to talk to you. I feel like you're the only one who can understand me," he said, almost pleading.
"As you can see, I'm busy," I said sharply. "You can go to Amira."
"It's actually about her—and the company. Please, just hear me out," he said, his voice breaking.
I looked at him and sighed. "You have five minutes," I said flatly.
I led him to my office and he sat down.
"I trusted Amira," he began. "But she squandered everything. The money's gone. The company is falling apart. I don't know what to do."
I stared at him, feeling that familiar sting. "Really? And you think I can help you? After everything? What do you take me for? A fool again?"
He lowered his head, but I didn't stop.
"You humiliated me, Damian. You fooled me—because I loved you. Do you even realize what you did to me? You don't get to just walk in and ask for help now. This conversation is over. Please leave."
"Damian, leave!" I said, my voice rising with all the pain I buried.
He stood slowly and left.
And I… I broke down. Right there in my office. The memories, the pain, everything I went through in their hands—it all came rushing back.
I was still in my office, sitting by the window when the door opened.
"Elena?" Julian's voice filled the room.
I looked up. He walked in and sat beside me, gently holding my hand.
"Your assistant said you were here. What's going on, Elena? Talk to me—what's wrong?"
"Damian came by," I said, tears filling my eyes again. "The company is falling apart. Amira ruined everything. Now he wants my help."
Julian pulled me into a hug. "You didn't deserve that. I'm so sorry."
"I thought I was over it."
"You're stronger now," he whispered, brushing my hair back. "And I'm here, okay? I'm not leaving."
Weeks went by. I had moved on from Damian's visit.
I met up with Sebastian at a nice restaurant. We talked about everything—the plan, the documents. He said he would officially be my lawyer now.
Sebastian stared at me quietly.
"What?" I asked, suddenly shy.
"You know I never stopped loving you, Elena," he said. "I really wish our marriage had worked."
"Me too," I said softly.
He took my hand. "I'm here, Elena. Whenever you're ready to start again... I'll be waiting."
I nodded, trying not to smile too much.
Damian came by the house on a Friday morning. I opened the door, already prepared to send him away.
"Go away, Damian," I said firmly.
"Please, Elena. I'm sorry for everything. I didn't mean for it to happen like that. It was all Amira's idea. Just let me in. Please."
"No. I can't. It's over, Damian. Get over it. I don't want to see you again," I snapped.
"Elena, please. Just give me a chance," he begged.
I narrowed my eyes. "Maybe you don't remember what you put me through. Did you ever love me? Even for one day? I started loving you the moment you saved me—but no, it was all for the money."
He hesitated, then looked down. "To be honest, Elena… I wasn't the one who saved you. I just happened to be there after the accident."
I narrowed my eyes, my heart already tightening.
"I was walking by when I saw the wreck. A few people were already around. By the time I got close, someone else had pulled you out. You were barely conscious. Then your eyes met mine… you grabbed my hand and said 'thank you' before you blacked out. I didn't correct you."
He let out a breath and continued.
"I worked near your father's company. I recognized who you were, and I thought maybe if I played along, your family would reward me. So I took the chance."
"And we did," I said, my voice sharp. "You lied to me this whole time. Who even are you, Damian?"
"Get the hell out of here," I yelled.