Please Come Back, My Love novel Chapter 67

Chapter 67

Elena: POY

She gestured toward the front door where I could see the Mercedes waiting, the driver already standing by the passenger door.

I followed, my hand instinctively moving to my stomach.

Please let this not be a disaster. Please let me be wrong about them.

“Of course,” I said softly, forcing a polite smile.

“Is this really the career you imagined yourself in?” she asked, eyebrow arched.

“It’s… challenging,” I said carefully. “But rewarding.”

“I’m sure it is.” Her eyes swept over me, assessing. “Julian mentioned you’re quite talented. A Parsons graduate, yes?”

“Yes, ma’am,”

“How lovely.” She paused. “Though I imagine it must be difficult, working in the same building as your husband. Especially when no one knows you’re married.”

There it was. The first jab.

“We manage,” I said, keeping my voice neutral.

“Do you?” Evelyn’s smile didn’t reach her eyes. “It seems like such a strange arrangement. All that sneaking around. All that pretending.”

In the front seat, Victoria shifted slightly. I couldn’t see her face, but I could feel her listening,

‘It was Julian’s decision,” I said. “The hidden marriage. I would have been fine going public.

“Would you?” Evelyn’s voice was soft, almost gentle. ‘Or would that have been… uncomfortable? For you?”

My jaw clenched. “I’m not sure what you mean.*

“Well, darling- She reached over, patting my hand in a way that felt more condescending than comforting. “You have to understand. Julian is a very public figure. A Sterling. The women he’s been associated with in the past… they’ve all been from similar backgrounds. Similar circles.”

Here we go.

‘I’m not from these circles,” I said flatly. “I know that.”

“Of course you do.” Evelyn’s grip on my hand tightened slightly. “And I’m not saying that to be cruel. I’m saying it because I want you to understand something very important.”

She leaned in closer, her voice dropping. Some things-some positions in life-they’re not meant to be crossed. Not because one is better than the other, but because the fit simply isn’t right.”

Felt right: “You’re saying I don't hate.”

I’m saying- Evelyn’s smile turned pitying. -that from the beginning, this wasn’t yours to take. Some things belong to certain people. And Julian… well, he’s always belonged to someone ehe hasn’t he?”

In the front seat, Victoria’s shoulders relaxed. Like she’d been waiting for this moment.

A toy. That’s all I am to him. All I’ll ever be.

The driver cleared his throat.” Miss? Are you coming?”

I looked at him. Then at Evelyn and Victoria, already disappearing into Bergdorf’s.

I should have left. Should have called a car and gone home and told Julian the whole thing was a mistake.

But I didn’t. 1 got out. Followed them inside.

Because I was a fool. And fools never knew when to quit.

Bergdorf Goodman smelled like money and exclusivity–that particular scent of expensive perfume, leather goods, and champagne that only the ultra- wealthy could afford to breathe.

Evelyn and Victoria were already on the escalator to the second floor when I caught up to them. They were laughing about something, heads bent together like old friends.

I followed them up, my stomach churning. The second floor was evening wear-racks of designer gowns in every color, saleswomen hovering like well- dressed sharks.

“Ah, there you are!” Evelyn turned as I approached, her smile bright. “We were just telling this lovely associate that we’re looking for something special. For the birthday party next week.

The saleswoman- a thin, severe-looking woman in all black-gave me a once-over that made me feel like I was being priced.

“Of course, Mrs. Sterling.” Her voice was professionally pleasant. “What size is the young lady?”

“She’s a four,” Evelyn answered before I could open my mouth. “Though we’ll want something with a forgiving cut. Nothing too tight.”