The Billionaire’s Reluctant Bride (Elara and Victor) novel Chapter 16

Confronting the Matriarch

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She stared at the phone in disbelief, frustration building inside her. Damian’s abrupt dismissal of her request left her feeling powerless and confused. She handed the phone back to Aiden.

“Is there anything else I can do for you, Mrs. Blackwood?” He asked gently.

She shook her head. “No, thank you, Aiden. You can go.”

As Aiden left the room, Elara’s mind raced. Why was Damian keeping her phone from her?

Unable to rest, she slowly pushed herself up and swung her legs over the side of the bed. She needed to move, to think. As she stood, a wave of dizziness washed over her, reminding her of her weakened state. She gripped the bedpost, steadying herself.

Just then, the door swung open, and Aiden re–entered the room. His eyes widened when he saw her standing

“Mrs. Blackwood,” he said, rushing to her side. “You shouldn’t be up yet. Doctor’s orders.”

Elara sighed as Aiden gently guided her back to the bed. “I just… I need to do something. I can’t just lie here.”

“I understand, but you need to regain your strength. How about we compromise? I’ll help you to that armchair by the window, and you can sit there for a while. Deal?”

She nodded gratefully, and with Aiden’s support, she made her way to the plush armchair. As she settled in, he drew back the heavy curtains, allowing sunlight to flood the room.

“There,” he said with a smile. “That’s better, isn’t it?”

“Much better,” she agreed, feeling the warmth of the sun on her face. “Thank you, Aiden.”

“You’re welcome, Mrs. Blackwood.” Elara knew he was only following Damian’s orders, but she genuinely appreciated Aiden’s concern.

“I’ll be going now, ma’am. Do you need anything else?”

“Yes,” she responded. “I need something light to eat.”

“Okay, ma’am. I’ll ask the maid to prepare something for you,” Aiden replied with a bow. “I’ll be right back.”

“Thank you.”

After Aiden left, she was alone with her thoughts. Her mind wandered to Leah, her former assistant, and she wondered what might be going on with her.

‘I need to visit the firm to check on her,‘ she muttered to herself. If not for her sick brother and his mounting hospital bills, she could have taken Leah with her. Given Margaret’s behavior, she knew Leah was likely being bullied without her protection.

Time passed quickly, and a knock on the door interrupted her thoughts.

“Who is it?” she asked.

“Ma’am, it’s me, Anita,” a voice answered.

“Come in, please.”

Anita entered the room carrying a tray of food. She gently set it on the table beside the bed before walking up to Elara.

Confronting the Matriarch

“Ma’am, your food is ready,” she informed.

“Thank you. Could you help me back to the bed?” Elara asked politely.

“You don’t have to be polite to me, Mrs. Blackwood,” she replied with a smile.

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“Thank you.” She gently supported her as she sat back down on the bed, then respectfully placed the food in front of her. Elara began eating. It was just what she needed. Anita stood beside her with her head bowed as she ate, and she wondered why Damian’s maids were always so obedient. After a year, she’d be back to her normal life, a life where she did everything herself without anyone’s help.

“Thank you,” she said, passing the empty plate to her, who received it with a smile.

“I’m glad you enjoyed the food. Please don’t hesitate to call me if you need anything, ma’am.”

“I will.”

After she left, Elara rested for a while before deciding to take a bath. It had been three days, and she wondered how she had bathed during that time. Perhaps the maids had cleaned her up. She gently walked to the bathroom, stripped down, and stepped into Damian’s bathtub. She wondered if he would be annoyed if he found out she used his bathroom without permission.

The cold water refreshed her as it cascaded over her skin. She picked up his soap and began rubbing it on her body, the scent of it reminding her of him. Elara washed her hair, and after she was done, she dried herself with a towel and walked back to the bedroom. She rang the bell for the maid.

“Do you need something, ma’am?” Joy asked, entering the room.

“Joy, could you bring me a dress from my bedroom?” She would have preferred to go to her room to bathe and dress, but it was too far from Damian’s. She had intentionally chosen a room far from his when asked which one she wanted. Well, she couldn’t say she regretted it.

“Yes, ma’am. I’ll be right back.”

Elara sat on the bed, waiting patiently for Joy’s return. After a short while, she came back with a dress in her hand.

“Here, ma’am.” She handed the dress to Elara.

With a grateful smile, Elara accepted the dress. “Thank you Joy.”

“I’ll be right outside if you need anything.‘

“Okay.” She put on the short dress and then noticed a large standing mirror in the corner of the room. She walked over to it and stared at her reflection. All she saw was a weak woman she barely recognized. Her once confident demeanor had been replaced by uncertainty and vulnerability. She thought back to the days when she was independent and strong, making decisions on her own without relying on anyone. Now, living in Damian’s mansion, she felt like a different person, one who was constantly dependent on others for even the simplest tasks.

She couldn’t wait for Damian to come home. She needed to come clean and tell him everything, including how she was dismissed from work. If it weren’t for the party and everything else, Damian might have noticed her absence

from work.

She was still standing in front of the mirror when the sound of raised voices from downstairs interrupted her thoughts. Elara recognized Damian’s voice along with a woman’s voice she didn’t know.

Why is Damian back so soon, and who is that woman shouting?‘ she whispered to herself.

“I don’t care what you think, Mother!” Damian’s voice carried up the stairs, “This is my house, and my wife is resting upstairs. You can’t just barge in here!“.

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Confronting the Matriarch

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The bedroom door burst open, revealing a striking older woman with silver–streaked black hair and piercing blue eyes eyes that immediately locked onto Elara.

“So,” the woman said coldly, “you’re the gold–digger who’s ensnared my son.”

Damian appeared behind his mother, his face a mask of barely contained fury. “Mother, that’s enough!”

She straightened herself, meeting the older woman’s gaze steadily. Despite her weakened state, she refused to be intimidated. “Mrs. Blackwood, I presume? I’m Elara. It’s a pleasure to meet you, though I wish it were under better circumstances.”