Please Come Back, My Love novel Chapter 61

Chapter 61

“Mrs. Sterling-

‘Let me finish.” She held up one manicured hand. I’m sure you’re a nice girl. Hardworking. But…..”

The “but hung in the air, unspoken but deafening.

Victoria settled into the chair beside Evelyn, her posture perfect, her smile serene. Like she belonged there.

And I was just visiting.

“But, Evelyn continued, “I think we need to have an honest conversation about expectations. Don’t you?”

My throat felt tight. I’m not sure I understand.”

“Don’t you?” Evelyn’s smile didn’t reach her eyes. “Elena, dear. Let’s not play games. We both know this marriage isn’t… conventional.”

Victoria’s hand found Evelyn’s on the table. Supportive. Sisterly.

And I sat there, alone on my side.

“Mrs. Sterling, I tried again, my voice steady despite the panic rising in my chest. “Julian and I—”

“Are fulfilling a contract.” Evelyn leaned forward slightly. “A contract that has an expiration date. And when that date comes, I expect you to honor the terms and step aside gracefully.”

The words hit like physical blows.

“Now,” Evelyn continued, her tone turning businesslike, “what if I offered you five million to terminate this agreement early? That’s more than generous for… well. For what you’ve provided.”

What I’ve provided. Like I was a service. A transaction.

My hand moved instinctively to my stomach, hidden beneath the table. Our baby. Worth nothing to these people.

“I haven’t asked for money,’ I said quietly.

“No?” Evelyn’s eyebrow arched. “How refreshing. Though I imagine it must be tempting, given your… background.”

There it was. The knife, slipped between my ribs with surgical precision.

“My background, I repeated, my voice hollow.

“Don’t take it personally, dear. Evelyn’s smile was almost pitying now. “It’s simply a matter of compatibility. Sterling men need wives who can navigate our world. Who won’t embarrass the family at important functions.”

“I’m offering you a future,” Evelyn corrected. A real future. Not this half-life you’re living now, hiding in the shadows of a marriage that never should have existed.”

Victoria’s hand squeezed Evelyn’s. Supportive. United.

And suddenly, I understood.

This was never about me being good enough. It was never about proving myself,

Because to them, I would always be the girl from the servants quarters. The mistake. The temporary inconvenience before Julian could marry the woman they’d chosen for him.

*Mrs. Sterling,” I said carefully, my hands still folded in my lap to hide their shaking. “With all due respect-”

‘Elena, Evelyn’s voice hardened slightly. “I’m trying to help you. Don’t make this more difficult than it needs to be.”

‘I’m not trying to make anything difficult. But I’m also not going to-

The door opened.

Julian stood in the doorway, his expression thunderous. Behind him, I could see Dylan, looking uncomfortable.

“Mother.” Julian’s voice was dangerously quiet. “What the hell is going on?”