Chapter 5 Elise is jealous

"Are you sure she came here?"

The gentle yet emotionally charged voice came from the passenger seat. Behind the wheel of the sleek black sports car, Ethan gave a slow nod, eyes fixed on the narrow street ahead. They were driving through the old part of town-quiet, worn, where Aurora was last rumored to be seen.

Elise Hamilton, with her wavy blonde hair and sharp eyes, turned to glance at the man beside her. She had known Ethan since they were teenagers. Once, they had been lovers-until Ethan was arranged to marry Aurora by his family.

Now, Ethan was free. But Elise's heart had never truly been at ease.

Especially not after Ethan made a decision she never expected-he wanted to search for his ex-wife.

"This is the third place we've visited today," Elise said, her voice turning cold. "Are you really sure you want me involved in chasing a woman who's not even yours anymore?"

Ethan stayed silent for a few moments, his gaze scanning the sidewalks. Occasionally, he pulled over and asked strangers for any clue.

"She's not just some woman, Elise," he finally replied. "She was my wife. And more than that... she was deeply loved by my mother."

Elise rolled her eyes and turned toward the window. "Of course. It's always about your mother."

"Don't drag her into this like that," Ethan warned. "If you don't want to be here, you're free to go."

"And let my fiancé wander the streets looking for his ex-wife?" Elise scoffed. "No thanks. I'm not going to sit at home waiting while you reopen old wounds."

Ethan hit the brakes. The car stopped in front of a small flower shop with a faded wooden sign. He opened the door and stepped out, scanning the area before walking inside.

Elise bit her lip, her chest tight with jealousy and fear. She had sensed Ethan's change since the divorce. And now, when everything was supposed to be settled, he was returning to the past-to the woman he had once so easily let go.

Inside the flower shop...

Ethan approached a middle-aged woman arranging a bouquet of white roses.

"Excuse me, did a young woman come by recently asking for a job?" he asked.

The woman looked at him and shook her head gently. "No, dear. But if you're looking for someone, you might try the café at the end of the block. They often take in new hires."

Ethan gave a polite nod. "Thank you, Ma'am."

Back in the car, Elise eyed him sharply.

"Any leads?" she asked flatly.

"No. But the café down the street might know something."

"Ethan," Elise said with a measured breath, her voice soft but firm, "You divorced her. You two have no ties anymore. Why are you going so far to find her?"

Ethan finally turned to look her in the eyes. For the first time all day, his gaze met hers directly. It was intense, and heavy with something she couldn't read.

"Because I broke her," he said quietly. "Because I ruined her life. And I want to make it right-not for me. But for my mother. She trusted me with Aurora. And I destroyed that trust."

Elise held her breath.

"So this... this is all just for your mother?" she asked, barely above a whisper.

Ethan shook his head slowly. "Not just for her."

"Then what about me?" Her voice wavered. "What about the marriage you promised me? All the plans we made? Was I just... a backup because you thought Aurora was gone?"

Ethan paused. There was no easy answer. Then finally, he spoke.

"Elise, I care about you. But what I feel for Aurora... it's different."

Her breath caught like a slap across the face.

"Different how?" she whispered.

"I've never stopped thinking about her since that night," he admitted. "When I touched her-I knew I'd broken something in a woman too pure for someone like me. I tried to convince myself it was just guilt. But it wasn't. I just... missed her."

Elise turned to the window, blinking back tears. "So I was just your rebound..."

"No, Elise. You mean something to me. But I need to see this through. If Aurora doesn't want me back-if she truly rejects me-then I'll keep my promise to you. But if she gives me even one chance..."

Elise gave a dry laugh and wiped her tears away with the back of her hand. "Then I'm just expected to step aside?"

Ethan had no answer.

Without another word, Elise opened the car door and stepped out.

"Where are you going?" Ethan called, following her.

"To the hotel. I won't sit beside a man whose heart is chasing another woman. Go on with your search, Ethan. But don't expect me to be waiting where you left me."

Ethan let out a long breath as she walked away.

He returned to the driver's seat, started the engine, and pulled the car slowly toward the café.

---

Inside the small café...

Aurora stood behind the counter, wearing a simple apron, a faint smile on her lips. Regular customers greeted her warmly, and she returned their kindness with polite nods.

It had been three weeks since she started working there. No one knew her past. No one knew she was once the wife of Ethan Blackwell-heir to one of the city's most powerful families. Here, serving coffee in a quiet corner of town, life felt simpler than living in a golden palace devoid of love.

When the bell above the door chimed, Aurora turned instinctively, her usual warm greeting ready on her lips-only to freeze.

Ethan stood in the doorway.

Aurora went still. Her breath caught in her throat.

Ethan stepped forward slowly. Their eyes met. And time seemed to halt.

"Aurora..." Ethan's voice was barely a whisper.

Aurora bit her bottom lip. "What are you doing here?"

"I came looking for you," he said.

"Why?" Her voice was sharp. "You already shattered me. What else could you possibly want?"

"I just... need to talk."

"There's nothing left to say." Aurora untied her apron and stepped out from behind the counter. "We're done, Ethan. You divorced me. That was your choice. And I respected it."

"But I haven't been able to stop thinking about you."

"That's not my problem anymore."

Ethan came closer, ignoring the eyes of other customers. "Aurora, I know I was wrong. I was a coward. But I'm not that man anymore. I'm here because I finally realized I lost something irreplaceable."

Aurora shook her head, eyes beginning to shimmer. "You came because your mother told you to. Because you want to erase guilt. Not because you love me."

"No," Ethan denied. "I came because I love you."

Aurora looked away, wiping her tears before turning back to him. "Unfortunately... sometimes love comes too late."

And with sure steps, she walked past him, leaving behind only the scent of lavender trailing in the air.

Ethan stood frozen, watching the back of the woman he still loved-now further away than ever.