Please Come Back, My Love Chapter 40

Elena: POV

"Don't." His voice was quiet. Measured. But there was steel underneath. "Just... don't."

She froze. "What do you mean?"

"I mean stop with these tricks, Victoria." He took a step toward her. "I know what you were trying to do."

Her eyes went wide. Innocent. Wounded. "I don't know what you're talking about—"

"Your ankle was fine the entire time." His tone left no room for argument. "You were performing."

"No! I really was hurt, I just—" She reached for him, her voice breaking. Real tears started streaming down her face. "Julian, please, you have to understand. I just wanted your attention. I just wanted you to care about me the way you used to. Is that so wrong?"

The tears came faster now, her shoulders shaking. "I've been so alone. So scared. And I see you with her, and I just... I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. I won't do it again, I promise. I just needed to know you still cared."

I watched Julian's face. Saw the way his expression softened—just slightly. Saw the guilt flicker in his eyes.

*Of course. She cries and he melts.*

"Victoria..." His voice was gentler now. Reluctant. Like he wanted to stay angry but couldn't quite manage it.

She looked up at him through her tears. Vulnerable. Broken. The perfect picture of a woman who'd been pushed too far.

"I know I shouldn't have," she whispered. "But I'm desperate, Julian. I don't know what else to do. You're all I have left."

He sighed. Ran a hand through his hair. "Just... don't pull stunts like this again, okay? If you need something, if you want to talk to me—just be honest. Don't play games."

"I won't." She nodded quickly, wiping at her tears. "I promise. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry."

She glared at me then. Just for a second. A flash of pure hatred before her expression melted back into contrition.

*Nice try, bitch.*

But Julian had already turned away from her. Turned to me.

"Elena." He crossed the space between us. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have dismissed what you said so quickly."

My entire body went rigid. *What?*

"I should have listened to you," he continued, his hand finding my waist. "You were right to be suspicious."

I didn't know what to say. Didn't know how to process this sudden shift.

So I said nothing. Just stood there, stiff and uncomfortable, while his hand rested on my hip.

The victory felt hollow. Empty.

Because Victoria was still here. Still tearful. Still managing to make him feel guilty even after being caught in a lie.

And I knew—deep in my bones—that this wasn't over.

"Elena." Julian's voice pulled me back to the present.

"Hmm?"

His lips brushed my ear, sending an unwanted shiver down my spine. "I'll carry you instead," he murmured. "How about that?"

Heat flooded my face. "Julian, we're in public—"

"So?" His hand slid lower, fingers brushing the curve of my ass. "I want to."

"Stop it." I pushed away from him, moving to stand a few feet to the side. My cheeks were burning, my heart racing.

*Get it together,* I told myself. *Don't let him see how much he affects you.*

Julian watched me with that knowing smile. The one that said he knew exactly what he did to me.

Then the arrivals gate opened.

People started streaming through—business travelers, families, couples. And then I saw them.

Julian's parents.

Dylan Sterling looked exactly like his son would in thirty years—tall, distinguished, perfectly tailored suit. His hair was salt-and-pepper, his bearing aristocratic.

And beside him...

Evelyn Sterling.

She was exactly as I remembered from the few times we'd met. Elegant. Intimidating. Every inch the society matriarch. Her blonde hair was swept into a perfect chignon, her Chanel suit crisp despite the long flight. Pearls at her throat. Emerald earrings that probably cost more than my annual salary.

She saw Julian immediately. Her face lit up.

"Darling!" She swept forward, pulling him into an embrace. "You look wonderful. France was lovely but I've missed you terribly."

"Mother." Julian hugged her back, then turned to shake his father's hand. "Dad. How was the flight?"

"Long," Dylan said with a slight smile. "But your mother insisted on flying commercial this time. Said she wanted to 'experience how normal people travel.'"

Evelyn laughed. "Don't be dramatic. First class is hardly suffering."

Then she saw Victoria.

Victoria, who had somehow composed herself. Who now stood nearby with her perfect smile and red-rimmed eyes that made her look vulnerable and beautiful.

"Victoria!" Evelyn's entire demeanor changed. Warmed. "Oh, sweetheart, you came to meet us. How thoughtful."

She pulled Victoria into a hug. A real one. The kind she'd never given me.

"I wouldn't miss it," Victoria said softly. "I've missed you both so much."

"And we've missed you." Evelyn pulled back, holding Victoria at arm's length. "Look at you. Still so beautiful, even after everything you've been through. How are you feeling?"

"Better," Victoria said, her voice trembling just slightly. "Being back home helps. And knowing Julian's here..."

She looked at him. He looked away.

Evelyn didn't seem to notice the tension. She was too busy fussing over Victoria, asking about her health, her apartment, her work.

Dylan moved to embrace his son, clapping him on the back. "Good to see you, Julian. Business treating you well?"

"Can't complain."

"And the quarterly reports? I heard there was some concern about the fashion division—"

They fell into business talk. Easy. Comfortable.

Nobody was looking at me.

I stood there, a few feet away. Invisible.

Evelyn was still talking to Victoria. Laughing at something she'd said. Dylan and Julian were discussing profit margins.

And I was... nothing.

*Just like always.*

My hand moved to my stomach again. Instinctive. Protective.

*My baby deserves better than this,* I thought fiercely. *We both do.*

"Oh!" Evelyn suddenly turned, her eyes landing on me as if noticing me for the first time. "Elena. I didn't see you there."