Chapter 7 Boundaries and Unspoken Truths

The words she had spoken moments ago still echoed in Elena's mind-harsh, perhaps too harsh. But necessary. Drawing that line had been the only way to protect herself. Still, she wasn't heartless. Not entirely. That's why, before walking away for good, she turned back and said,

"Sorry, Narima, I need help right now. But that doesn't mean you can violate my privacy like this. I really don't appreciate being spied on. If you truly want to get to know me, we can build that connection slowly, as friends. Ask me anything you'd like-just not like this."

Elena's words spilled out with restrained emotion, her tone firm yet polite. It was never easy to keep one's composure in moments like this. Most people would've snapped under the weight of irritation, but not Elena. Even when displeased, she spoke with grace, her calmness acting as both shield and sword. Yet beneath that serene surface, waves of anxiety often battled to break free whenever she faced difficult situations.

Narima found herself even more captivated. Elena's ability to stay poised and dignified in such a moment revealed not just strength, but wisdom. It solidified Narima's belief-Elena was indeed the right choice for her son. Still, she knew she had to tread carefully, not wanting to jeopardize this fragile, budding connection.

Hope swelled within her. She hadn't been wrong. Elena wasn't just the right wife for her son-she was the only one who could reach him. No matter the resistance, Narima was determined. Eventually, both Elena and her stubborn son would realize it themselves. Love would find its way because Elena wasn't someone hard to love.

As a woman, Narima could already feel it-the admiration blooming like a quiet flower. If she could be drawn to Elena's calm strength and warmth, surely her son would fall even harder.

"Forgive me, Elena. I overstepped. It won't happen again. But... will you still allow me to grow closer to you?" Narima's voice softened, sincerity flickering in her eyes.

Elena inhaled deeply, steadying the remnants of the storm quietly raging inside her. The tension in her shoulders eased slightly.

"Alright," she replied after a pause. "I'll let it slide this time. But next time, it won't be that easy."

Narima smiled, nodding with quiet relief.

"Then I owe you an apology," Elena added gently. She gathered herself, sensing that there was nothing more to be said. "I should get going."

And just like that, the room felt a little emptier, but the connection-fragile yet undeniable-lingered in the space between them.

Narima took a deep breath, feeling the weight of something pressing down on her chest. "I have to fix this," she thought, her mind already working on how to mend what had been strained. There was a determination within her to build a stronger bond with Elena. She felt they had passed their first test together, and hoped that this would be the foundation of a relationship that would grow stronger over time.

"All right, but I want you to think long and hard about my offer," Narima said, her gaze steady and serious. "The process of buying and selling the land will take time, Elena, but you need the money right away. Please, don't make a decision you'll regret."

Elena simply smiled and gave a slight bow, a polite gesture of farewell.

As Elena walked away, she felt a small sense of accomplishment. She had taken the first step in establishing her boundaries. Despite the lingering doubts, she knew it was necessary to protect herself. With a clearer mind, she promised herself that she would be more cautious with the next steps she took.

Narima watched Elena's retreating figure, an inexplicable feeling of admiration growing inside her. She had already taken a liking to Elena.

For Narima, women like Elena were rare in this world. Not just because of her beauty, but because of her substance. Elena had qualities that went beyond the surface, something that made her invaluable. It was as if she were a rare gem that Narima would never encounter again. How could she let someone like that slip away?

No, she wouldn't. She would fight to make Elena her daughter-in-law. She didn't care if both Elena and her son rejected the idea at first. In time, they would fall in love because Elena wasn't the type of woman who was hard to love.

While Narima admired Elena from the house, Elena stood frozen outside. Her fast-paced steps had abruptly stopped when she saw a familiar figure approaching her.

"Elena?" The voice, filled with surprise, came from none other than Elvano.

Elena's eyes narrowed, as if trying to process the unexpected encounter with her boss. Her mind seemed to work slowly as she blinked a few times, almost doubting her own perception. But there he was, standing before her-Elvano.

Her expression remained flat, betraying her discomfort. The corners of her lips turned inward slightly, a clear indication that she was far from pleased to be facing him.

Elvano frowned, his voice taut with tension. "What are you doing here? How did you find my house?"

Until now, none of his colleagues or employees had known where he lived.

Elena, still caught off guard, felt a surge of mixed emotions. "Why is Elvano here?" The question echoed in her mind as she hesitated, a sense of unease creeping up on her.

"What did he say? His house? So, this is his house?" she thought again, her mind racing. "Is he the one who's supposed to be set up with me?" The idea made her pause, a faint, almost imperceptible smile of amusement tugging at the corners of her lips.

She was relieved that she hadn't accepted Narima's offer right away. The thought of marrying Elvano, with whom she argued almost every single day, was something she couldn't even begin to imagine.

"Don't you have a mouth?" Elvano said dryly, one brow arching in mock curiosity. "I'm almost starting to miss your usual sass," he added with a slow, ironic drawl.

"The obvious is none of your concern. Excuse me." Elena quickly brushed past him, unwilling to waste another moment engaging with this arrogant man.

But just as she moved forward, a strong hand suddenly gripped her wrist. Elena looked up, startled, only to find a serious, unyielding expression on Elvano's face.

"Elena, we need to talk," Elvano said, his voice firm, leaving no room for argument. "And I'm not letting you leave until we do." His stare pinned Elena in place, giving her beautiful eyes no chance to look away.

Elena narrowed her eyes. "Funny. You can't even stand being in the same room with me for more than five minutes."

"Are you following me?"

Elena let out a sharp, amused scoff. "Relax. Your life isn't nearly interesting enough to stalk. And even if it were... trust me, I'd pick someone else."

Her words sank into him like a thorn-irritating, unexpected, and impossible to ignore.

Elena studied his face more closely.

Her suspicion grew stronger.

And for the first time... she felt amused and horrified all at once.

"Of course. The universe must be laughing its ass off right now. Set me up with Elvano? Sure, why not just throw me into a pit of fire while we're at it?" Elena blinked, stunned. Yep. This was her life now.

To be continued...