Heir Of Shadows

ELARA

Long hours. Crazy deadlines. A grumpy boss. A sassy father-in-law. I had the most exhausting day at the office, and nothing could have prepared me for the tons of documents staring at me in the morning when I arrived. At long last, I was done, and no, it wasn't closing hours yet. I just needed to be out of here as soon as possible.

Mason, my hot, charming, and irresistible boyfriend, was coming back from his one-month work trip. I have made reservations for us at Le Bernadin, a top-class restaurant just outside of Brooklyn, for a spa date and a whole night of binge-watching our favorite romantic shows. It was going to be the most beautiful night, and

I couldn't wait to see the expression on his face when he realized I planned this huge surprise.

I neatly arranged my bags while patiently waiting for the beeping sound of my phone's alarm.

The sound came, and I dashed out of my office, desperate to escape this torturous corporate life.

I knew that my lovely best friend, Avery, was waiting in the car with my favorite pizza.

"Miss Bennett," I heard the familiar voice of my annoying boss about to dampen my spirits. I clenched my fists in anger as I pretentiously turned towards his direction. At the same time, he barked orders at me for the umpteenth time.

"Yes, Clark." I forced a smile, trying my hardest to hide the irritation in my voice.

"What do you think you are doing, Elara? Leaving before official closing hours?" He reminded me.

"Who even gave the rule? Why should there always be an official closing time? Why couldn't I leave when I finish my official duties?" I thought aloud.

I had envisaged Clark would sabotage my plans to leave early today, so I prepared a backup plan. My father-in-law couldn't know I was skipping work when he threw me a lifeline.

"Errr...Mason...is..." I stuttered, losing track of the lie I had prepared all day. Luckily, Clark knew all my theatrics and decided to let this one go.

"Last time, Elara. Last time, you are screwing the owner's son doesn't give you a pass to act high and mighty." He warned me and flashed the most sarcastic smirk I had ever seen in my direction.

"I promise, I must get home before Mason returns from his trip. I haven't seen him in so..." I had barely completed my statement when Clark walked away. Could I blame him? No? I was just a girl in love.

I hurriedly ran down the stairs into the quiet car park, where an impatient best friend of mine was fuming.

"Where the hell have you been?" She screamed, ignoring my request for a hug.

"Ermm, talking to my boss. You realize it's barely closing hours, and well, I'm skipping work to

surprise my boyfriend." I said, wrapping my arms around her nevertheless.

"Grumpy Clark caught you sneaking out!" I loved it when we both mocked my colleagues.

"Yes, girl, Clark did, and you know what? I have a huge feeling he can't change."

The scent of freshly baked pizza wafted through my nostrils, and I could feel my hunger pangs fighting for a taste instantly. I unwrapped the vox, grabbing the first bite before kicking my car back to life. This was our usual ritual-Avery would join me at the office and snack on our favorite food before heading home.

I was tempted to take another bite when Avery smacked me on the head, reminding me what I had planned for the day.

"Dinner reservations?" She brought out a tiny paper and a pen and scribbled the words on them, ensuring we didn't leave anything behind.

"Check. I already called them at the office and warned them not to give out our slot; I could be a little scared when angry." She laughed, ticking off the item.

"Yes, sure you do, girl, Spa date. Have you also done..."

"Yes, Avery. I called to reconfirm if our slot was still available," I said. We pulled to a stop sign, which gave me ample time to bite my pizza further before we continued driving.

"And is it?" She didn't seem convinced.

"Yes, what else? I've paid for the Netflix subscription and picked up my man's suit," I continued.

"Make-up, dress, hair?" She scribbled some more notes while I screeched the car to a halt. How in God's name did I forget the most essential part of this dinner? My dress!

I turned towards Avery, a horrified look written all over my face.

"Let me take a quick guess: You were so focused on making this the best night ever that you forgot to get something for yourself." From the tone of her voice, I could tell she already had it figured out, but I was ready to play that long game with her.

My phone beeped, interrupting us for a second. I had thought it was Mason, but it was the other

way around. I sighed in relief.

"Yeah, a dress and the weekend getaway I had planned in Miami. Did you book the flight ticket?" One perk of having an event planner as your best friend is that you get fast access to everything, even though it's last minute.

"Yes, I did book the ticket. The cabin in Miami is halfway ready, and your dress is in the trunk of your car," Those words felt like music to my ears. I planned a surprise for my fiancé but didn't need to lift a finger because my girl pulled all the strings for me.

"What would I do without you, Avery?" We were almost approaching her house, which was a few stops away.

"I don't know; maybe you could plan this same surprise for me someday, or who knows something better." She teased as we both burst into laughter.

She slipped her fingers into mine, gently caressing my face with her other hand. "Have fun tonight, babe, and take tons of pictures for me."

"What if it doesn't go as planned? What if.." My intrusive thoughts had started seeping in again.

"What if it does? This is your fiancé we are talking about," She reminded me. I dropped Lily off at her apartment, waving goodbye as she stepped inside. In a few months, I would be married to Mason Rylan.

When I got home, Mason's car was parked in the driveway, which made me feel giddy. I had ignored his calls all day, and now all I wanted to do was kick off my heels and collapse into bed with him.

My little comfort zone was only a few minutes away, and as I pulled into the driveway, everything felt... normal. Too normal.

I unlocked the door and stepped inside, tossing my keys on the table. The lights were off, but a faint glow spilled out from underneath the bedroom door. It was strange. I paused, my hand hovering over the doorknob. I clasped my hands in anticipation as a chill went down my spine.

"Mason," I called softly, hoping he would tell me the mystery. Maybe he had fallen asleep with the lamp on or was watching TV.

I twisted the knob and pushed the door open.

Time slowed.

There he was-Mason, my fiancé-the man I had loved for three years. He was in "our" bed. And he wasn't alone.

I froze, staring at the tangled mess of sheets and limbs.

The man-" his secretary" of all people-sat up, clutching the blanket to her chest. Her eyes widened, filled with panic. Mason scrambled to his feet, grabbing a pillow to cover himself. I watched in horror as hot tears streamed down my cheeks. This was the worst betrayal ever. My man was shoving his throat down the ass of another! My breath caught in my throat as I gasped for air.

"Sophia, wait! I can explain!" he stammered, his voice cracking with desperation.

"Explain?" My voice was barely a whisper, but its venom made him flinch. "Explain what? That this is some... mistake?" He grabbed my hands to prevent me from leaving, but I could barely stay in the same spot he was.

"How could you, Mason! Your secretary! How could you!" My face glistened with tears as I raised a slap across his face.

"Elara, babe....please..."

His mouth opened, but I didn't wait to hear the excuses. I couldn't. The walls felt like they were closing in, suffocating me. My vision blurred as hot tears spilled down my cheeks.

I turned and bolted out the door, slamming it behind me. My heart pounded in my chest, each beat screaming a truth I could no longer ignore: the life I thought I had was a lie.

ELARA

I barely remembered how I ended up at Avery's apartment. My body had moved on autopilot; my mind stayed stuck replaying the same horrific scene over and over again. Mason is in bed with a man. Never in my wildest dreams had I thought he would move that way.

Of all the people he could cheat on me with, it was his secretary. The way he looked at me-caught, guilty, desperate. My heart twisted painfully every time the image crept back in.

Avery sat across from me, her face lined with concern as she handed me a cup of water. The quick turn of events must have been shocking to her.

"You have barely said a word since you got here," he said softly.

"Elara, talk to me. Please."

I stared at the tea in my hands, the warmth barely registering against my trembling fingers.

"What is there to say?" My voice cracked.

"He cheated on me, I saw him in our bed....with..." The words failed me.

"What? What do you mean he cheated? He just got back. Did he come with another woman? or has he been an asshole his entire life?" She asked all at once.

"No, with a man. His secretary," The shock on her face was evident as she stumbled over the living room table. "What the actual fuck!"

"He cheated on me, Ave. Just like that. I'd been anticipating this day all week, but what did I get in return?"

She sighed, scooting closer. "He's a jerk, okay? A lying, selfish jerk. You deserve better than this."

The tears I'd been holding back finally spilled over. "Better? Better than what? Three years, Avery. Three years of my life are gone. And for what? For him to humiliate me like this?" My voice wavered, and I covered my face with my hands.

Avery wrapped her arms around me, her hug fierce and protective. "You didn't deserve this. Not even a little. And if he thinks he can weasel his way out of this with some stupid excuse-"

"I don't want to hear it," I cut in, pulling away from her embrace. "I don't want his excuses. I don't even want him anymore."

Silence hung between us, thick and heavy. I wiped my tears and stared out the window, the city lights blurring in the distance. "I need to call off everything. The wedding, the trip to Miami, the spa date-everything."

Avery's head snapped toward me. "You're serious? I can do the Miami getaway, but everything else is non-refundable."

"What else am I supposed to do?" I snapped, my voice rising.

"Forgive him? Pretend this didn't happen? Marry him and spend the rest of my life wondering why he opted to sleep with a man," My voice quivered as I fought to hold back tears. Mason didn't deserve to make me cry. No, he didn't.

She didn't answer right away, her expression somber. "No, you're right," she said finally. "He is a lying piece of shit and doesn't deserve any part of you."

"I can't go back there, Ave. I can't. It will be a stark reminder of what I had just witnessed," I pleaded. She flung her hands on my shoulder with the warmest embrace ever.

"Am I crazy? I prepared a warm bath for myself, but you could use it. You need it more than I do. I will sort out some change of clothes. We will order pizza and cry till our eyes hurt." This brought a smile to my face. I was the luckiest girl in my life because I had an Avery.

"Go on," She urged.

*********

The afternoon moved on quietly, and for the first time in a while, I had the most peaceful sleep ever in my best friend's house.

"Oh, you are up? Have you had a good rest?" I found Avery in the living room working on some documents.

Just as I was about to respond, a knock at the door shattered the quiet.

Avery frowned. "Who on earth could that be at this hour?" She got up to answer it, and I didn't bother looking. My head throbbed, and I wanted nothing more than to disappear into a black hole.

But then I heard his voice.

"Elara."

My blood ran cold. I looked up, and there he was-Mason-standing in the doorway with that same desperate, guilty expression.

Avery glanced back at me, her face mixed with confusion and fury. "You have a lot of nerve showing up here," she hissed at him.

"I just need to talk to her," he pleaded.

"She doesn't want to talk to you!" Avery shot back, slamming the door in his face.

"Avery," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. She turned to me, her anger softening just a little. "It's fine. Let him in."

"Elara-"

"It's fine," I repeated, though my stomach churned. "Let him in."

With a huff, she stepped aside, and Mason walked in. He looked wrecked-his hair disheveled, his eyes red-rimmed. For a brief moment, I felt a pang of satisfaction. Good. He should feel miserable.

Avery gave me a questioning look, and I nodded. She sighed. "I'll give you two some space, but if he upsets you, I'm kicking him out."

Once she left the room, he turned to me. "Elara, please, just listen to me."

I crossed my arms. "Honestly, I don't want to. But some part of me still wants to listen to the silly excuse you could devise now."

He took a deep breath, his hands shaking. "I-I'm sorry for everything. I didn't mean for you to find out like that. I didn't think you would show up when you did."

The truth hit me like a ton of bricks. What more was I expecting? That he would tell me that was his first time? I knew for a fact that it was a bloody lie.

"Tell me the truth, Mason. How long has this been going on? How long have you known? Why wasn't I enough for you?" I was about to have another nervous breakdown, but I knew Avery would not bat an eyelid in, whisking me out of there if she had to. I needed to hear the truth.

"It wasn't about you," he blurted. "It has never been about you."

"You just suddenly decided to lick men's asses. We've had sex on that bed, Mason! A couple of times. Did you think of him while that was going on?"

"I've been struggling with this for a while," he admitted, his voice breaking. "I thought I could push it down, ignore it. But I couldn't. And then I messed up-God, I messed up so badly. I betrayed you, the one person who didn't deserve it."

I stared at him, my emotions a tangled mess of shock, anger, and sadness. "You're selfish," I said, my voice trembling. "You strung me along for three years knowing this? And you didn't even have the decency to tell me the truth before I walked in on... that?"

"I didn't know how," he said, his eyes filling with tears. "I was scared. Of what it would mean.

Of losing you."

"You lost me the moment you lied to me," I snapped. "And don't you dare stand here and make this about you? Do you have any idea what you've done to me? To my life?"

He flinched, silent.

"I loved you, Mason," I whispered. "And you destroyed me."

"It doesn't have to be the end of us, Elara. I still love you. I still want you," I scoffed at the absurdity of it all.

"What?"

"Your job with the company. He hesitated, and for the first time, he met my eyes. "Your job."

I stiffened. "What about my job?"

"You work for my father's company," he began, his tone cautious. "And considering everything that's happened, we both know things might get... complicated."

I knew this but thought I could wing through it despite the heartbreak.

"I need this relationship to work, Elara. My father can't know that his only son is gay. It will kill him," This day kept getting more absurd.

I stared at him, suspicion growing in my chest. "What are you talking about?"

He took a deep breath as if bracing himself. "No one knows about Dominic, my secretary. So, no one needs to know about my little secret. We could stay together until I gather the courage to come out." The words hung in the air, absurd and offensive.

"You drove your stinky ass car to tell me this rubbish so I can keep my job," I blinked, sure I hadn't heard him right. "You want me to pretend to still be with you? After what you did to me?"

"Elara, it's not forever," he said quickly. "Just long enough to smooth things over. You'd keep your job, your income-"

"Are you serious right now?" I interrupted, my voice rising. "You think I'd sacrifice my dignity to save face for you?"

"My hands balled into fists. "Unbelievable. You cheated on me, destroyed our relationship, and now you're trying to manipulate me into staying with you for your convenience?"

"It's not manipulation," he said weakly.

"It's disgusting," I snapped. "And I'd rather be broke than stay tied to someone like you."

Mason's face hardened. "Fine. If that's how you feel, you've made your choice. But don't come crying to me when you're out of options."

I laughed bitterly. "Trust me, Mason. You're the last person I'd turn to."

He stared at me for a moment longer, his jaw clenched, before storming out.

The door slammed, and Avery appeared almost instantly. "What the hell happened?"

I sank onto the couch, my chest heaving with frustration. "He wants me to stay in a fake relationship with him to keep my job. Can you believe that?"

Her jaw dropped. "He said that? Oh, that slimy-"

"I quit," I muttered, cutting her off. "Or... I guess I have been fired. Either way, I'm jobless now."

"Elara..." Her voice softened, her anger giving way to concern.

"It's fine," I said quickly, though the knot in my stomach told me otherwise. "I'll figure something out. I always do."

But deep down, I wasn't so sure. With my family depending on me, losing my job couldn't have come at a worse time. And I had no idea what to do next for the first time in years.

My phone beeped; it's a call from home.

"Mum's sick. She's currently at the hospital, Elara," The person on the other end of the call sounded frantic. It was my sister.

What a way to end the day!

ELARA

It's been weeks since I last heard from Mason. I had instructed Avery to help pack my things from the company for fear of bumping into him. I still didn't know how to react. His betrayal stung like a knife to my chest. My mum, on the other hand, was recuperating well in the hospital and responding to treatments, save for the fact that we needed a truckload of money for post-hospital care. With no income, I was screwed.

The night slipped by faster than I had envisioned. I wanted to do nothing but sleep all day long.

I've had the most exhausting week-a nasty breakup as a result of a cheating partner, a sick mum, and the loss of a job I cherished sometimes.

It felt like the universe had it all out for me.

"Elara, stand up." Avery flung the curtain blinds open as the sun's rays reflected its glow on my face.

"Ave!" I groaned, covering my face.

"Nu-uh, you can't stop living your life because one asshole decided to dump you!" She hissed, grabbing the sheets off my body. She didn't need a soothsayer to tell her I had been crying all night long; my eyes were red, and my voice was barely evident.

"Ave! I'm too tired to stand up. Please close the curtains." I pleaded, but my pleas fell on deaf ears. She pulled me off the bed in one swift push.

"No, No. Mason is a jerk, but you don't get to be at the receiving end of it."She handed me a cup of coffee. " You are the most beautiful girl I know with the kindest heart. It's Mason's loss if he chooses to be gay." She reminded me as if any of her words would lessen the hurt.

"Yet, that same beauty couldn't save me from this dying heartbreak." I hissed, reluctantly standing up. As much As I hated to admit it, Avery was right. I couldn't stop living my life because of Mason.

She wrapped her arms around me in a comforting hug, and I felt relief for the first time that morning.

"I'm so sorry, baby. I'm so sorry." She tucked my hair behind my ears, kissing softly as she trailed her fingers along my skin.

"Thanks,"

We scurried downstairs to get to work for the day--Her work.

"Girl, while you were away, I submitted your resume to several organizations in case you received a strange email asking for an interview," Avery revealed. I scrunched my brows as I sat down to reply to my emails. She was right. She had indeed sent my resume to several organizations without being asked.

"Personal assistant?" I scoffed, rolling my eyes.

"Do you need a good cash inflow or a fancy job like you had at Mason's father? " she inquired.

"I guess both."

"I'll pretend you didn't just say that and move on. I know this cool nightclub. We are going there tonight!"

"For?"

"A girl's night out, El. You need to get your mind off things for a while. Take a look at the mirror; you look like a mess!"

" I sure do, but I don't see how visiting the club will make me feel better," I protested.

From the looks of things, Avery didn't have any piece of my story, so I had to give it in.

********

The music was deafening, rattling your bones and making conversation impossible. Sometimes, I wished I didn't fall victim to Avery's antics.

I sat in a dimly lit corner, nursing my glass of wine while the crowd pulsed with energy on the dance floor. People swayed and laughed like they didn't have a care in the world, but all I could do was feel the ache in my chest.

Avery plopped down next to me, her face glowing with excitement. "Elara, come on! You've been sitting here all night."

"I'm fine," I said, swirling the wine in my glass.

"You're not fine," she countered, her voice rising over the music. "You're sulking. You're letting Mason win by sitting here moping while he's probably off being his usual terrible self."

I sighed, glancing at the crowd. "Avery, please."

"Elara. I brought you here for a reason-dance, drink, flirt. There are tons of men here," She grabbed my arm, trying to pull me up. "Avery, stop!" I protested, but she was relentless.

"Just one dance," she insisted, dragging me toward the dance floor.

I let her tug me a few steps before stopping abruptly. "I'm not doing this."

Her shoulders slumped, and she threw her hands in the air. "Fine. Be a party pooper. But don't blame me when you go home and feel worse."

She stormed off, disappearing into the crowd, and I returned to my seat, sipping my drink in peace-or as much peace as I could find in a place like this. The music blared, interrupting my thoughts.

That's when I saw him.

He stood across the room, leaning casually against the bar. Even in the dim lighting, he stood out. His tailored suit clung perfectly to his athletic frame, the crisp white shirt beneath unbuttoned just enough to hint at a toned chest. Dark hair fell effortlessly over his forehead; an artist could have sculpted his sharp jawline. His eyes-piercing blue-locked onto mine, and a smirk tugged at his lips.

I quickly looked away, pretending to be engrossed in my drink.

Moments later, I felt a presence beside me.

"Not a fan of the dance floor?" His voice was smooth, low, and confident.

I glanced up, and there he was, closer now. He smelled like expensive cologne-woody, with a hint of spice. I didn't think he had been watching me all night.

"Not tonight," I replied curtly, hoping he'd get the hint.

"Such a shame," he said, sliding into the seat next to mine. "I was hoping you'd show me some moves."

I raised an eyebrow. "Do I look like I'm in the mood to dance?"

He studied me for a moment, then grinned. "No, but you look like you could use a distraction."

"From what?" I snapped. I didn't realize how snobbish I was, but I wanted to be alone.

"Whatever's got you sitting here alone looking like the world's about to end," he said casually, sipping his drink.

I stared at him, unsure whether to be annoyed or amused. "You don't even know me."

"Not yet," he said, leaning closer. "But I'd like to."

His boldness caught me off guard. Most men would have backed off by now, but he seemed unfazed by my cold demeanor.

"Persistent, aren't you?" I said, finally cracking a small smile.

"I prefer determined," he replied, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "I'm Adrian, by the way."

"Elara," I said reluctantly, shaking his outstretched hand.

"Beautiful name," he said, his gaze lingering a second too long.

"Thanks," I mumbled, taking another sip of my drink.

"So, Elara," he began, leaning back in his chair, "what's a woman like you doing here alone?"

"Avery dragged me out," I admitted, gesturing toward the dance floor where she was twirling with some guy. "She's my best friend."

"I see," he said, tilting his head.

"So, would you want a dance?" His smirk softened into something more sincere.

"I'm not sure, Adrian. I'm not-" He pulled me to the dance floor before I completed my statement.

It was exhilarating. Avery was right. I wouldn't regret tonight and needed to get my mind off the heartbreak.

"Did I tell you how beautiful you look tonight," I rolled my eyes.

I couldn't deny the pull I felt toward him. He was charming, confident, and beautiful. Before I knew it, the small talk turned into something more. His wit disarmed me, his charm breaking down walls I hadn't realized I built--One drink turned into two, then three, and the world around us seemed to blur.

The next thing I knew, we were in a cab, his hand resting lightly on my thigh. I should've felt nervous, but instead, I felt... alive.

When we stumbled into his apartment, his lips found mine, and all the pain, anger, and heartbreak melted away, replaced by something wild and unrestrained. I wasn't thinking about Mason or my lost job for the first time in weeks.

Adrian's touch was intoxicating, his kisses fierce and demanding. And as we fell into bed, I let myself forget everything-if only for one night.