Please Come Back, My Love novel Chapter 80

Chapter 80

Elena: POV

I spent the afternoon getting ready with meticulous care. The emerald green gown from Bergdorf Goodman the one Evelyn and Victoria had hated-hung on the back of the door, mocking me with its beauty

Wear it, a defiant voice in my head whispered. Let them see you’re not afraid anymore.

But another voice-quieter, more pragmatic-reminded me this wasn’t about making a statement. This was about saying goodbye to Arthur with dignity.

I chose a different dress instead. Navy blue, knee-length, with delicate cap sleeves. Elegant but understated. I paired it with few heels and minimal jewelry- just the silver Parsons bracelet my mentor had given me years ago.

In the mirror, I looked… acceptable. Professional. Like a woman who had her shit together; even if that was the furthest thing from the truth.

My hand moved to my stomach, hidden beneath the dress’s flowing fabric.

Tonight. Just get through tonight. Then you’re free.

The Uber ride to Connecticut felt endless. I sat in the back seat, clutching the wrapped vest in my lap, watching the city give way to suburbs, then to the rolling hills and autumn foliage of the estate grounds.

The mansion looked exactly as I remembered-imposing, elegant, the kind of place that belonged in magazines. The place where I grew up in the servants quarters. Where I watched Julian from afar and dreamed impossible dreams.

I took a breath and started up the steps.

That’s when I heard her voice.

“Well, well. Look who decided to show up.”

Catherine emerged from the shadows beside the door, champagne flute in hand, that familia sneer on her face. She was wearing a pink cocktail dress that probably cost more than my monthly rent.

“Catherine.” I kept my voice neutral. “Excuse me.”

I tried to move past her, but she stepped directly into my path.

“You’ve got some nerve coming here after what you did to Evelyn. Do you have any idea how sick she still is?”

My jaw clenched. “I’m here to see Grandfather. Not to argue with you.”

“Isn’t it?” She stepped closer, backing me against the cold stone balustrade. “You think you’re so noble, don’t you? Playing the perfect wife, the devoted granddaughter.”

Her finger jabbed into my shoulder, hard enough to make me stumble.

“But we all know what you really are. Julian knows. Victoria knows. You’re just the help who got lucky.”

I opened my mouth to respond, but she wasn’t done.

“You want to know something funny? Victoria and Julian arrived together today. In his Bentley. Matching outfits-navy and cream, like they planned it.”

My stomach dropped, but I kept my face blank.

“They’re in there right now. Drinking, laughing. His hand won’t leave her waist. They look so perfect together-like a fucking magazine spread.”

Stop. Stop listening.

“That’s what a real couple looks like, Elena. Not whatever sad arrangement you and Julian have. Victoria’s the one who belongs at his side.”

She gestured to my navy dress with obvious disdain. “You could wear couture from head to toe, and you’d still reek of the servants’ quarters. You don’t belong here. You never did.”