Chapter 3
Elena's POV
For the next few days, I used work as an excuse to avoid going home.
Sterling Group's office became my sanctuary—at least here there was no Sophia's laughter, no Alex's tender gaze falling on someone else.
Alex tried reaching me, but I always claimed I was swamped. Until Thursday night at ten, when I was packing up to leave and he appeared in my doorway.
"Elena."
I looked up to see him leaning against the frame, holding two takeout bags. He'd removed his suit jacket, white shirt sleeves rolled up. He looked tired but determined.
"You're avoiding me." He cut straight to the point.
"I've been busy with projects." I kept organizing files, not daring to look at him.
He walked in and set the takeout on my desk. A familiar smell drifted out—Le Bernardin's signature seafood.
"You haven't eaten." Not a question.
I stopped what I was doing. He actually remembered my schedule.
"Making up for the anniversary thing," Alex sat across from me and started unpacking. "I screwed up. This isn't exactly a restaurant, but at least..."
"Alex, you don't have to—"
"Eat." He pushed the containers toward me. "We should talk."
I stared at the truffle risotto and lobster bisque, feeling conflicted. In five years of marriage, this was the first time he'd brought me a late dinner.
We ate in silence. Only the desk lamp was on, its warm glow making everything feel intimate.
"These past few days," Alex finally spoke, setting down his fork, "you barely come home."
"Too much work, I need to—"
"Is this about Sophia?" He cut me off, looking straight into my eyes. "Are you upset?"
I hesitated.
"No," I shook my head, continuing to cut my lobster. "Why would I be upset? She's just your adopted sister. I get it."
"Elena," Alex frowned, leaning forward. "Look at me."
I was forced to meet his gaze.
He stared into my eyes, as if trying to read something there. "About Sophia—she's actually—"
"Oh my God, Alex!" Sophia's voice suddenly rang out from the doorway. "I knew you'd still be here!"
She hurried in, carrying a food container.
"I made you steak," she said breathlessly, then noticed our takeout. Her face fell. "Oh... you're already eating."
Alex looked annoyed. "Sophia, Elena and I are trying to talk—"
"It's fine, it's fine," she plopped down in a nearby chair. "We're family, right? Elena doesn't mind if I join you."
She winked at me.
"I don't mind." I heard myself say calmly.
"Perfect!" Sophia opened her container. "We can all eat together. Alex, I have good news..."
Alex looked at her, then at me, but said nothing.
After eating, Alex stood up. "Let's go. It's late."
I had no choice but to follow them to the elevator.
Inside, Sophia chatted excitedly with Alex. I leaned in the corner, watching the numbers drop.
22nd floor... 21st... 20th...
Suddenly, the elevator shook violently.
"What's happening?" Sophia screamed.
The elevator made a harsh grinding sound, lights flickering. Then it dropped fast.
"Hold on!" Alex shouted, immediately reaching out to protect both of us.
But in the violent shaking, he instinctively chose to shield Sophia first, pressing her into the corner.
"Elena, watch out—" He spun back to me, but it was too late.
The elevator jerked to a stop. The massive impact sent me crashing hard into the wall. When my head hit, everything went black.
"Elena!" Alex's voice sounded far away.
I touched the back of my head. My hand came away bloody.
"Shit, you're bleeding!"
Alex started toward me, but Sophia weakly grabbed his arm. "Alex, I... my stomach hurts... it hurts so bad..."
He whipped around to her. "What's wrong? Did you get hurt?"
"I don't know... it hurts so much..." Tears filled Sophia's eyes as she gripped his hand.
I slumped against the wall, feeling warm liquid trickling down my scalp. But no one was looking at me anymore.
The fire department arrived quickly and pried open the doors.
"Anyone injured?" the paramedic asked.
"My sister took a bad hit—she's in pain!" Alex carried Sophia toward the ambulance. "Check her first!"
I stumbled out of the elevator, blood still seeping from my head.
No one asked if I was hurt.
I took a taxi to the hospital myself.
The ER doctor treated my head injury and confirmed a mild concussion.
"Head trauma can have delayed symptoms," the young doctor said with concern. "Where's your husband? This kind of injury needs supervision."
"He's... taking care of someone else." I smiled bitterly.
After getting bandaged up, I walked past the VIP ward and heard nurses whispering:
"I heard Mr. Sterling rented out the entire floor—"
"Yeah! His wife is pregnant and got a scare tonight. He hasn't left her side."
"Rich people are different. So devoted..."
I stopped and peered through a door crack. Alex sat beside the hospital bed, gently holding Sophia's hand.
"The doctor said the baby's fine. Stop worrying." He stroked her hair softly.
"Alex, I'm so scared of losing this baby... losing you..." Tears glistened in Sophia's eyes.
"You won't. I promise." Alex leaned down and kissed her forehead. "I'll protect you both."
I turned and walked away before I broke down.
"Elena?"
A familiar voice called behind me. I turned to see Sarah bringing her feverish son to the ER.
"Elena? What happened to your head?" She stared at my bandages in shock.
"Elevator malfunction. Hit my head." I forced a smile.
"Jesus, that serious? Where's Mr. Sterling? He should be here with you, especially in your condition—with the baby and all."
"Baby?"
A cold voice came from behind me.
I froze and turned to see Alex standing in the doorway, staring at me with deadly intensity.
"What baby?"
