Chapter 5 Episode 5

Chapter 5

Peter's POV

I watched as Elena walked away, her shoulders slumped in defeat. My heart ached for her, knowing the pain and humiliation she must be feeling. I turned to face my mother, Maria, my stepbrother, Bryon, and his new girlfriend, Chloe, anger simmering in my veins.

"What the hell was that about?" I demanded, glaring at them.

Maria shrugged, a cold smile on her lips. "Just putting that girl in her place, Peter. She needs to learn that she's not welcome here anymore."

"Yeah," Chloe chimed in, smirking. "She's nothing but a pathetic, dumped prostitute. Bryon upgraded to a real woman."

I clenched my fists, barely restraining myself from lashing out at them. "How dare you speak about her like that? Elena is a good person who's going through a tough time. She doesn't deserve this cruelty."

Bryon shifted uncomfortably, avoiding my gaze. "Look, Peter, I know you have a soft spot for her, but you need to face reality. She's not one of us. She never will be."

I shook my head in disgust. "Is that what this is about? Social status and reputation? You're all so blinded by your own privilege that you can't see the pain you're causing."

Maria stepped forward, her expression hardening. "Watch your tone, Peter. Remember, we have important matters to discuss regarding the family business. Don't let this girl distract you from what really matters."

I laughed bitterly. "You know what, Mother? Our discussion can wait. I have more pressing concerns right now."

With that, I turned on my heel and strode out of the room, ignoring their shocked faces. I had to find Elena, to make sure she was okay.

I caught up to her just as she was about to leave the property. "Elena, wait!"

She turned, her eyes red and puffy from crying. "What do you want, Peter? Come to mock me some more?"

I shook my head, reaching out to take her hand. "No, of course not. I'm so sorry for how they treated you. It was inexcusable."

She pulled her hand away, wrapping her arms around herself. "Why do you even care, Peter? You made it clear last night that I'm just another disposable girl to you."

I flinched at her words, knowing she had every right to be angry. "That's not true, Elena. I care about you, more than you know. I was just... scared. Scared of how much you make me feel."

She scoffed. "Spare me the pretty words, Peter. I've heard them all before."

"Please, just listen," I pleaded. "I know you need money for your father's treatment. Let me help you. I have more than enough, and I want to do this for you."

Her eyes widened in surprise. "What? Why would you do that?"

I took a deep breath, deciding to lay all my cards on the table. "Because I'm falling for you, Elena. I know it's crazy, and I know we come from different worlds, but I can't deny what I feel anymore."

She stared at me, her expression a mix of shock and disbelief. "Peter, I... I don't know what to say."

I stepped closer, cupping her face in my hands. "You don't have to say anything. Just let me be there for you. Let me help you through this."

Tears spilled down her cheeks as she leaned into my touch. "I'm so tired, Peter. Tired of fighting, tired of being alone."

I pulled her into my arms, holding her close. "You're not alone anymore, Elena. I'm here, and I'm not going anywhere."

We stayed like that for a long moment, clinging to each other as if our lives depended on it. When she finally pulled back, there was a new determination in her eyes.

"Okay," she said softly. "I'll accept your help. But I need you to promise me something, Peter."

"Anything," I vowed, meaning it with every fiber of my being.

"Promise me that this isn't just some game to you. Promise me that you won't break my heart like everyone else has."

I looked deep into her eyes, willing her to see the sincerity in my own. "I promise, Elena. I'm in this for the long haul. You're not just another conquest to me. You're the real deal."

A small smile tugged at her lips, and for a moment, the weight of the world seemed to lift from her shoulders. "Thank you, Peter. For everything."

I leaned in and kissed her softly, sealing my promise with the brush of my lips against hers.

As we walked hand in hand back to my car, I knew that I had just taken a huge step into uncharted territory. Falling for Elena meant defying my family, challenging the very foundation of the life I had always known.

But looking at her, seeing the hope and gratitude shining in her eyes, I knew it was a risk I was willing to take.