Chapter 6 The Hidden Heir

Damien clenched his jaw, his fingers tapping impatiently on the leather steering wheel. His piercing gaze locked onto the lone figure standing defiantly in front of his convoy. Who in their right mind would dare block the path of the powerful heir to the Sinclair empire? He had an important event to attend-one that demanded his presence-and yet, here he was, delayed by some ordinary woman. His frustration burned hotter with each passing second.

But as he reached for the car door handle, ready to step out and confront the obstruction, a flicker of recognition jolted him. His sharp eyes caught sight of her face beneath the dim streetlights, and his breath hitched.

Elena.

His newly wedded bride.

For a moment, time stood still. His grip on the door slackened as a whirlwind of emotions stormed inside him. He had been prepared to unleash his fury, but now, faced with her delicate features and the faint glow of innocence in her eyes, he hesitated. His heart drummed a little faster.

No. She couldn't see him.

If Elena discovered that he was inside the car, that he had been mere moments away from confronting her in anger, his carefully built secrecy would shatter. The woman standing before him had no idea of his true identity, and he intended to keep it that way-for now.

Instead of stepping out, Damien subtly raised his hand, signaling the driver. The older man, who had long served the Sinclair family, immediately understood his master's unspoken command. Without another word, he abandoned his conversation with Elena, turned on his heel, and swiftly returned to the vehicle. Within seconds, the convoy sped away, leaving a trail of dust and unanswered questions in its wake.

Elena stood frozen on the sidewalk, watching as the cars disappeared into the distance. Her brows furrowed, confusion flickering across her face. Why had they left in such a hurry? She had wanted to apologize for stopping them, but now, it was too late. Shaking off her bewilderment, she sighed and adjusted her handbag. There was no use dwelling on it. She had errands to run.

Hurrying toward the nearby mall, Elena made a mental list of the items she needed. The house felt bare-cold and lifeless. She hadn't expected her new home to be lavish, but she had hoped for a touch of warmth, a semblance of comfort. It was clear that Damien had barely bothered to make it feel like a real home.

After an hour of careful selection, she finally emerged from the store with several shopping bags in hand. The weight of them pressed into her arms, but she didn't mind. This was her way of contributing, of making the space feel lived in.

As she approached her shop, Natasha's eyes widened in surprise at the sight of her.

"Are all these things for your new place?" she asked, arching a brow.

Elena managed a small smile. "Yes, Natasha. The place looks really empty. It needs a few touches to feel like home."

Natasha crossed her arms, skepticism creeping into her expression. "And what about your husband? Isn't he supposed to take care of all this? I mean, he's been living there-was he really staying in that house without basic necessities? What kind of man does that?"

Elena let out a soft sigh. "He's always busy. He works hard and barely has time for himself, let alone for setting up the house properly. Now that I live with him, I want to support him in this way. If I can make things more comfortable, then why not?"

Natasha pursed her lips, studying her friend. "I just hope he's not using you the way my husband is using me." Her voice was edged with quiet bitterness. "You deserve to be taken care of, Elena. After everything you've been through, you shouldn't have to do everything on your own."

A flicker of uncertainty crossed Elena's face, but she quickly masked it with a reassuring nod. "I can't say for now, but I just hope everything turns out well."

Natasha exhaled sharply, then suddenly brightened. "That reminds me-let's go out tomorrow. My husband hasn't been home for days, so I figured I'd take the opportunity to attend a party my aunt invited me to. It's at the Grand Mall, and guess what? The members of the Sinclair empire will be there. Along with other top figures in the country. It's going to be a grand event-plenty of food, drinks, and luxury. My aunt gave me an invite, and I can bring one person. I want you to come with me."

Elena hesitated. The Sinclair empire. A knot twisted in her stomach.

Would Damien be there?

She forced a small smile. "I'll think about it."

But deep down, something told her that if she stepped into that event, her world was about to change forever.