The Rose He Showed Off Is Putting Down Roots in a Garden of Her Own novel Chapter 14

The next morning, Elara stayed in bed until Julian had finally gotten up.

She didn't brush her hair, she didn't put on makeup, and she certainly didn't pick out his clothes.

Instead, she swept his discarded shirt off the vanity onto the floor, sat down, and began sorting through her skincare, tossing anything she no longer liked straight into the trash.

Julian ignored her, found his own clothes, and headed downstairs.

Sienna knew they were at each other's throats. Filled with anxiety, she decided to skip going into the office.

After breakfast, seeing that her daughter-in-law hadn't bothered to dress up, she asked, "Today is Mrs. Kensington's birthday. There's a gathering. Aren't you going?"

Elara replied, "Mom, I'm not feeling well today. I'd rather stay in. If you think it looks bad, please go in my place."

Who was Mrs. Kensington?

Her husband was one of Julian's top corporate partners. Skipping an event that important was unthinkable.

Sienna softened her tone, "Elara, all couples fight. Julian was out of line the other day, but you have to be the bigger person. You can't let your temper ruin business relationships."

"I'll have a word with him later. You both need to take a step back and stop this war."

"What happened with Vivian already happened. We can't change the past, so let's just turn the page."

Elara didn't argue. She simply nodded.

This was how it always worked.

If there was peace in the family, it meant someone was quietly swallowing their pride.

She didn't blame her mother-in-law. Elara had only herself to blame for being too weak, for prioritizing romance over her own survival.

-

Elara called her sister, went out for a full-body massage, took a long nap, bought a tasteful gift, and finally headed to Mrs. Kensington's birthday party.

When you put effort into maintaining something, it was exhausting.

But once you stopped caring, a society party became nothing more than cheap entertainment.

At the event, Elara made zero effort to network or flatter anyone.

She handed over her gift, found a quiet corner with a drink, and watched the performance.

Beneath the designer masks were even faker personalities.

Mingling with these women, it was impossible to tell who was who anymore.

She wore the exact same mask. Perhaps hers was even emptier.

But she was a graduate of a top-tier university.

Had she spent over a decade studying just so she could brag about it at tea parties?

Was this really the glamorous, perfect life she had dreamed of?

Looking at the crowd, she felt a profound sense of detachment.

She remembered who she used to be.

In college, she had been a standout. Before she even graduated, she had earned her Series 7 and CPA licenses, shadowing her father at the Vance Group to learn corporate acquisitions and stock trading.

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