Waking up the following morning,Elena didn't say good morning.
She passed Aiden in the hallway—her hair still wet from the shower she took, a cup of tea in hand, robe tighter tight. He looked like he hadn't slept, and she didn't care enough to ask.
She used to care.
That was the problem.
Now, she just kept walking,because she wouldn't continue caring .
---
She spent most of the day out. Not because she had to,she didn't have a reason to be out but she had to prove she still has control over her life
She stopped in a shop she liked—quiet, full of plants and candles and silver jewelry that felt handmade and thoughtful. She bought a pair of earrings she didn't need. Just to prove to herself that she still made her own choices.
This is who I used to be, she thought, tucking the little box in her coat pocket. Someone who didn't ask permission. Someone who didn't wait.
She ordered lunch alone, answered no calls, and didn't feel guilty once.
---
When she got home, Aiden was already there.
He was on the phone, pacing near the entryway.
His voice sharp. Controlled. "That's not my problem—then make it someone else's."
Then he saw her. And he quieted.
That used to bother her. The way he only became careful when someone was watching. But now?
She took off her coat and walked past him like he wasn't there.
Let him feel it.
---
Later that evening, a knock came at her door.
When she opened it, Aiden was standing there with a small black box in his hand,a hesitant smile on his face.
"These were delivered," he said. "You left them in the kitchen." he said stretching out the box
She looked at him suspiciously,but being as curious as she usually was,she opened it….
The earrings.
Her earrings.
"I bought these," she said softly.
He blinked. "You did?"
"Yes."
He looked down at the box, then back at her. "Huh."
She held his gaze. Cool. Calm.
"You have good taste," he said finally.
She smiled, just a little. Not for him. But for her,she was winning herself back
Then closed the door.
---
AIDEN'S POV
She didn't slam the door. But it might as well have been.
Aiden stood there for a second, still holding the empty box.
He'd seen them on the counter and assumed they were a gift. From him. For her.
Like that made sense. Like that would've made anything easier.
How it would have been possible for it to have been a gift from him when he hadn't placed an order,but God! He just wanted it to be,like it would help but no one could tell with Elena
God, he thought. I don't know her at all.
And worse: I want to.
---
The next morning, she wore them.
He noticed the second she walked into the room. Small, silver, catching the light just enough to draw the eye.
He didn't say anything.
But she caught him looking.
And he knew she did.
---
That evening, she found out about the dinner party.
It felt like they were made to go for functions,it was always this fundraiser,this party,this gala or the other…..
The housekeeper mentioned it in passing. "Mr. Black's hosting next Friday. Press will be there. Just letting you know."
"Did he tell you to?"she asked softly
"I don't think so, ma'am."
Elena kept her expression still.
She didn't ask for details. Didn't say she'd be there.
But later that night, she searched her closet for something that made her feel sharp.
Not beautiful.
Unshakable. Confident. Sexy. Enough
---
He cooked that night.
She watched from the kitchen doorway, arms crossed,an unbelievable look on her face because she never thought she'd see him behind the counter doing something so human….
"You cook now?" she asked.
He didn't turn around. "Not often."
"It smells like garlic and recklessness."
He huffed out a laugh. "There's enough for two."
"Is there?" she smirked,looking directly at him.
He turned to her. "Stay if you want. Don't if you don't."
She stayed.
Because she has a choice,he gave her a choice and no matter her decision not to care,she wanted so much to stay…..
---
They ate quietly.
The silence didn't ache like it used to. It wasn't cold,wasn't uncomfortable either. It just sat there, warm around the edges.
"You used to eat alone," she pointed out looking up at him from the top of her lashes…
"I still do." he replied softly,cutting into his meat with too much intensity
She looked at him. "Not tonight?"
He didn't meet her eyes. But he nodded.
"No," he said. "Not tonight."
---
ELENA'S POV
After dinner, she lingered in the hallway. Her fingers brushed the earrings.
Small. Simple. Hers.
Maybe this is what reclaiming myself looks like, she thought. Not dramatic. Not loud. Just… mine.
She didn't go to bed angry.
She didn't go to bed hopeful, either.
But for the first time in weeks, she didn't go to bed empty.
And that was something.