Chapter 5 The Familiar Encounter

Elena left the apartment, feeling an odd sense of emptiness as she stepped out into the quiet of the Gateway Estate. The apartment still lacked the warmth it needed, and she wanted to pick up a few items for the house. It wasn't much, but she knew it would make the place feel more like home.

She had planned to get the items after closing her shop but she had to make some sales first at the shop.

She was just opening the shop when a knock on the door startled her, and she opened it to find Natasha standing there, ready to keep her company for a while. Natasha had come, perhaps sensing the weight Elena was carrying. She smiled, and although Elena appreciated her friend's presence, she couldn't shake the feeling that something was missing in her life. Something that would never come from a marriage arranged for business.

"Thanks for coming," Elena said, relieved to see a familiar face.

"No problem, I know you've had a long day," Natasha replied, then Elena asked about her husband "So, how about you husband?"

Natasha complained bitterly when Elena arrived at her shop. "I'm telling you, Elena, something's off. He's been gone for days, and I don't think he's working. I think he's cheating on me," Natasha sighed, her voice full of frustration and hurt. Elena could see the exhaustion in her friend's eyes. The same exhaustion she had been feeling, but in a different way. It was the pain of a woman trapped in a marriage where she felt completely alone.

Elena knew how much Natasha had been suffering since marrying her husband, and her own fear about her mysterious marriage to Damien deepened. Natasha was so vocal about her suspicions, but Elena couldn't even bring herself to ask the same questions about Damien. What if she was right? What if this was just another marriage bound to fall apart?

"Have you heard from him? Do you know where he's been?" Natasha asked, looking at Elena with concern.

Elena hesitated. She couldn't bring herself to share much about Damien. "Not really. He's... been busy," Elena replied softly, her mind already drifting to the way Damien had treated her earlier. He was distant, uninterested in any real conversation or connection.

Natasha, sensing Elena's hesitation, gave her a knowing look but didn't push further. Instead, she let out a heavy sigh. "I don't know why I'm still trying, Elena. I'm scared. I thought marriage would be different, but it's like I'm living with a stranger."

Elena's heart went out to Natasha, but she couldn't fully empathize. Her own fears about Damien and her marriage were too consuming. Still, she didn't want to burden Natasha with her own uncertainties.

"I'm going to grab a few things for the apartment. It's missing some basics, you know?" Elena said, trying to shift the conversation away from her own worries. "I'll be back in a bit. Can you wait here for me?"

Natasha nodded, giving Elena a reassuring smile. "I'll be here. Don't take too long, okay?"

Elena left the shop, determined to pick up a few essentials for the apartment. She couldn't stand the thought of living in such a bare, impersonal space for much longer. As she made her way toward the store, she took her time, reflecting on the strange turn her life had taken in the last few days.

It was while she was walking that the incident occurred. She was so lost in thought that she didn't see the convoy of cars approaching. The sound of engines revving suddenly broke through her thoughts, and she quickly stepped to the side, startled by the speed of the vehicles. She didn't recognize the cars, but they were clearly expensive, sleek, and fast.

Without warning, a car screeched to a halt right in front of her. The driver jumped out, clearly furious. "What were you thinking? You should have been paying attention! You almost got hit!" the driver shouted at her.

Elena's heart raced. She hadn't realized how close she had come to being in danger. "I'm sorry! I didn't see you coming," she said quickly, her voice shaking with panic as she stepped back.

The driver paused for a moment, his anger still visible, but then his expression changed. He looked at her more closely, recognition flashing across his face, though Elena couldn't place him.

"I'm sorry, sir, I was just distracted with my phone. I never meant to cause any trouble," she pleaded, hoping to diffuse the tension.

Damien who has been inside the car was furious that a lady was in their way when he was supposed to be at a very important meeting and it was almost time.

"What is wrong with the woman over there? "Damien shouted. He couldn't see her clearly but promised to deal with her as soon as he came down from the car.