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.

2

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.”

Victoria shifted slightly, and I saw it-the flash of triumph in her eyes before she schooled her expression back to sympathy

This was what she d been waiting for. Her vindication.

2:00 pm

MA

Chapter 61.

reelong here. You never wall.

“I think,” Evelyn said, reaching into her purse, it would be best if we came to an understanding now. Before things become… complicated.”

She pulled out an envelope. Cream-colored, expensive paper. Set it on the table betweerr us.

“This is a private agreement. Separate from whatever Julian has arranged. Consider it a gesture of goodwill.”

I stared at the envelope. Didn’t touch it.

“What kind of agreement?”

“A simple one.” Evelyn’s smile was warm. Maternal, even. “You agree to end the marriage quietly. No drama, ne claims on the Sterling name beyond what’s

already been negotiated.

In exchange, I’ll personally ensure you receive an additional two million dollars. And a glowing letter of recommendation that will open doors in any fashion

house in New York.”

The room felt like it was tilting.

“You’re bribing me,” I said flatly.

“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?”

2:00 pm MA

Please Come Beck, My Love

hapter 62

Julian: POV

The words left my mouth-What the hell is going on?”–and the temperature in the room seemed to drop ten degrees.

I stepped fully into the doorway, every muscle in my body wound tight as I took in the scene before me.

My mother sat at the head of the table like a damn queen holding court.

Victoria was perched beside her, their hands still clasped together as if sharing some secret alliance.

And Elena-my wife-sat alone across from them, her back ramrod straight, fingers knotted in her lap like a prisoner awaiting judgement.

That cream-colored envelope on the table lay between her and my mother, silent and loaded like a cocked gun.

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