Chapter 4 - SHADOWS OF THE PAST
Three days later, I moved Elena into the coastal cottage.
The house was small, built of dark wood and white stone, surrounded by tall pine trees and overlooking the deep blue expanse of the ocean. The air was cool, fresh, and smelled of sea salt—a stark contrast to the stifling, 109-degree concrete courtyard of my mother's home.
Dr. Vargas had initiated Elena’s official chemotherapy protocol at the private clinic. Though the treatments made her fatigued and nauseous, having her in a quiet, stress-free environment allowed her body to rest and begin fighting back.
I set up my remote office in the living room, working long hours while keeping a constant eye on her, bringing her hot herbal tea, preparing clean meals, and sitting beside her while she slept.
One evening, while Elena was resting peacefully in the bedroom, a loud knock echoed at the front door.
I frowned, checking my watch. It was nearly eight o'clock. I walked to the door, checking the security monitor I had installed two days prior.
Standing on the porch was a tall, attractive woman in an expensive trench coat, holding a leather designer handbag. It was Valerie—the daughter of the wealthy businessman my mother had desperately wanted me to marry.
I opened the door, but kept my body blocking the threshold. "Valerie? How did you find this address?"
Valerie offered a smooth, practiced smile, stepping closer. "Your mother gave it to me, Mateo. She’s completely devastated, you know. She’s staying at my father's guest house because your process servers threw her out of her home like a common criminal."
"She was evicted under legal process," I said coldly. "What do you want, Valerie?"
Valerie let out a soft sigh, leaning against the doorframe, looking at me with calculated sympathy. "Mateo, don't do this to yourself. You’re destroying your future, your social standing, and your career over a woman who isn't even from your world. Do you really think this farm girl can support you when your company merges next month? You need a partner who understands real influence. Someone who can stand beside you at corporate galas."
I looked at Valerie, feeling nothing but profound disgust.
"Are you finished?" I asked.
Her smile faltered slightly. "Mateo, I’m trying to help you. Your mother is willing to drop all her complaints if you come back home, sign the courtyard house back over to her, and end this ridiculous marriage. My father can guarantee you a seat on the executive board if you align with us."
I let out a low, bitter laugh. "Your father’s company is under investigation for tax fraud, Valerie. My legal team looked into his holdings yesterday. You and my mother aren't offering me help; you’re looking for a financial lifeline because my corporate sales division generates forty percent of the regional market."
Valerie’s face turned red with anger. "You arrogant bastard! You think you’re untouchable?"
"I know I’m untouchable by people like you," I stepped back, preparing to close the door. "Tell my mother that if she sends you or anyone else to my home again, I will release her bank records to the local press tomorrow morning. Let's see how much 'social standing' she has left when the community finds out she stole from a cancer patient."
"You monster!" Valerie spat.
"No," I said, looking her dead in the eye. "I'm just a husband who finally woke up."
I slammed the door shut, locking it securely.
I walked back into the bedroom. Elena was sitting up against her pillows, her dark eyes reflecting the soft glow of the bedside lamp. She had heard every word.
"She’s right about one thing," Elena whispered softly, looking down at her hands. "I don't belong in your corporate world, Mateo..."
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I walked over, sat on the edge of the bed, and pulled her gently into my arms, resting my chin on top of her head.
"My world isn't corporate galas or fake business partners, Elena," I murmured, holding her tight. "My world is right here, in this room, with you. You built me when I was nothing. And now, we build our future together."
