THE SPITEFUL BRIDE: Marry To Rival's Son novel Chapter 39

Chapter 39

Elena had fallen asleep out of pure boredom.

The house was too quiet, too still. Mia was out with Stefan, and without her usual distractions, Elena had laid on the couch with a book she didn’t finish and drifted off in a huff. The sun was already dipping low when a sharp knock jarred her awake. Her brows furrowed, another knock, firmer this time.

Dragging herself up with a groan, she shuffled to the door, hair messy and one side of her face creased from the couch fabric. She opened it lazily, only for her sleepy expression to vanish at the sight of the person standing in front of her.

Mose, of course.

He was dressed cleanly, casually confident, hands in his pockets and that annoyingly unreadable look in his eyes.

She blinked at him. “What?”

“You have five minutes to get dressed. We’re leaving.”

She snorted. “I’m not going anywhere with you.” She tried closing the door, his hand shot out, stopping it midway.

“Elena,” he said calmly, “don’t test me today.”

She folded her arms, leaning on the doorframe with a glare. “Oh, I’m sorry, are your feelings hurt? Good. Go lick your wounds somewhere else.”

His gaze sharpened, but he didn’t flinch. “I said, get dressed.”

“And I said, I’m not.” She started to push the door closed again.

But then he leaned in, his tone dropping a few degrees. “Fine. Then I’ll carry you out like that in your pajamas and drag you into the car. You’ll go either way. Your choice.” Elena paused. His eyes didn’t waver.

She gritted her teeth, growled under her breath, and turned around. “You’re unbelievable,” she hissed as she stomped back inside.

Mose stepped back, waiting patiently, not even bothering to hide the small satisfied grin tugging at his lips.

Oh, she’d make him pay for this. She marched to her wardrobe, flinging it open like a challenge. If he wanted her out, then she’d go out, but he’d regret it.

She grabbed the most hideous combination of clothes she owned, a multicolored striped top, neon green pants, clashing socks, and red flip-flops. She smeared on the loudest red lipstick she could find, and threw her hair into a chaotic bun that defied gravity.

When she looked at her reflection, she smirked. Perfect.

Descending the stairs with a smug air, she strutted to the door and flung it open. “Let’s go.” Mose turned to look

at her… and didn’t blink.

1/4

WAITEDID THE ALMIGHTY STEFAN JUST APOLOGIZED INDIRECTLY TO THER

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His eyes slid over her, slowly, then locked with hers. His expression didn’t flinch, not a twitch, not a blink. She wanted his reaction? Jokes on her, she’d regret her decision when they get to their destination. And he couldn’t wait.

She walked ahead, chin raised in challenge. But Mose didn’t say anything.

Say something, Mose. Mock me, roll your eyes, groan, do anything. But Mose did none. He just opened the car door for her, and she slid in with a dramatic sigh.

He rounded the car and got in beside her, not even sparing her a glance. Elena crossed her arms, watching him from the corner of her eyes. Why is he so calm? His jaw was relaxed, his shoulders at ease. Is he enjoying this?

They drove for hours in silence, Elena didn’t bother asking where they were headed, what was the point? Whatever this was, it was just Mose doing things his own way. She stared out the window, arms folded, lips pursed with disinterest, pretending not to care even though curiosity simmered quietly in her chest.

Then, finally, the car slowed and pulled into a compound. Elena glanced up, her brows furrowed in confusion as she took in the quiet surroundings. Before she could ask any questions, Mose got out and walked ahead, offering no explanation.

She narrowed her eyes and sighed, slamming the car door a little louder than necessary as she followed him. But just as she stepped inside the house behind him, a familiar voice echoed from within.

“Oh, you’re here. I prepared something. Come join me.”

Elena froze in place. Her breath caught, her heart skipping a beat. Slowly, her eyes followed the sound, and landed on a woman she hadn’t seen in two long years.

“Mom?” she whispered.

Her mother turned toward her, equally stunned. “Elena?”

Ty

In a flash, Elena was in her arms, squeezing tightly, as if trying to make up for the lost time. Her mom clutched her back, warmth radiating from her touch. Elena’s walls crumbled, the stubborn act forgotten.

“What happened? Why are you dressed like this?” her mom asked with a light scolding, trying to smooth her messy hair.

Elena pulled back slightly, cheeks burning with embarrassment. So this was why he didn’t tell her to change. The thought made her clench her jaw, she turned slightly and shot Mose a glare. He had set her up.

When she turned she saw the smug look on his face, she nearly wiped it away.

Her mother looked between them with a curious smile. “Thank you for bringing her with you” Elena looked up confuse, has he been here before?

Mose spoke up calmly. “Stefan arranged for her to be kept here.”

Elena’s gaze move to Mose, he had told her that her that night, that mom was in a safe place. She hadn’t asked to see her since, believing it was best to keep her distance, to not draw attention. But quietly, secretly, she had wished for this moment, missed her mom more than she dared to admit.

“She’s been here since then?” Elena asked softly.

2/4

WAIT DID THE ALMIGHTY STELAN JUST APOLOGIZED INDIRECTLY TO HER

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“Yes” Mose said.

Her mom smiled warmly. “They’ve been kind to me. Always checking in, bringing things, making sure I’m comfortable. They even fixed the garden.”

“They?” Elena repeated, turning to Mose again.

“Yes,” he replied simply. “Stefan was here too. We’ve both been checking in on her, from time to time.”

Her heart swelled unexpectedly, she blinked back the sudden rush of emotion.

“Come, I made your favorite” Elena’s mom said facing her.

They sat together and had lunch, the three of them. Elena listened to her mom’s stories, asked about her health, laughed once or twice despite herself. The food tasted like home, it was the first time in weeks she let herself

relax.

When it was time to leave, her mom packed containers of food for them. “Give these to Mia and Stefan,” she

said with a smile.

They both thanked her. Elena hugged her again, longer this time. Her mom kissed her forehead gently, before they left.

The drive back home was quiet again, but this time… different.

They arrived at the mansion just as Mia and Stefan were pulling into the driveway.

Mia was the first to step out. Her eyes landed on Elena, and her face twisted in confusion. “What are you wearing?”

Elena froze, lips parting but no words coming out. She looked down at her mismatched clothes, bold red lipstick still screaming rebellion, and then glared at Mose.

Mose simply raised both hands slightly with a look that said, Don’t blame me. I warned you.

Mia blinked, still staring. “Where are you both coming from?”

“My mom’s place,” Elena muttered, brushing past her.

Mia paused, eyes widening. “Wait, what?”

Stefan, who had been quiet up until then, looked up. His brows lifted as his gaze shifted to Mose in silent question. Mose only gave a casual shrug.

Before anyone could process the moment further, Stefan did something unexpected.

He walked up to Elena without saying a word, something tucked beneath his arm. He stopped in front of her and extended it silently,

Elena stared at it, confused, then looked up at him.

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