In Federal hospital, Wan State
Third Person POV
Elena walked out of the CNO's office with her heart racing loudly. The fluorescent lights felt harsher than usual. The hallway seemed longer than usual. The air thick with the smell of antiseptic. She needed space. Anything that wouldn't bring up the ugly past.
Footsteps followed behind her.
"Elena. Wait", Julian said softly. Almost pleading.
She didn't look back. Her fingers curled around her tablet until her knuckles whitened.
"Elena, please," Julian said, lengthening his stride to keep up with her. "I need you to hear me out. I still lo…"
His confession rang out into the hallway. Loud enough that two passing nurses paused.
Elena's breath caught in her throat. She kept walking.
That was when another presence cut through the tension like a blade.
"Miss Elena Prescott."
Malcom Redwood's deep voice echoed down the hall as he approached with the swagger of a man who believed the world belonged to him. He wore an expensive black suit with a smirk that could cut sharper than a blade. His cologne sliced through the air.
Julian stiffened at the sight of him.
Malcom stepped directly between them arm outstretched arm.
"I believe," Malcom said smoothly, "the lady is done being chased."
Elena exhaled, more irritated than relieved, but grateful for the interruption. Julian stepped back cautiously.
"Miss Elena," Malcom continued, "I came to remind you about our little discussion. Have you reconsidered my offer? Trinity College is… competitive. My son could thrive with less obstruction."
His meaning was unmistakable.
Elena's jaw clenched. "My answer is still NO."
"Evan is a bright boy," Malcom said lightly. "But my son deserves the spotlight. Think it over."
Behind her, Julian exhaled deeply.
His expression changed- eyes widening, jaw tightening- shock spilling into confusion, then tumbling into something uglier.
"You… you have a son?" Julian asked, his voice cracking like something inside him had snapped. "With who? Elena…how could you?"
Elena blinked at him, confusion clouding her frustration. "Julian, what are you talking about…?"
He lifted both hands, as if trying to soothe her. "It's… fine. I forgive you."
She froze.
Malcom's brows rose, amused.
Julian stepped closer, his tone soft. "You don't have to hide it. Whatever happened… whoever the father is… we can still build something again. I've divorced Vanessa. We can raise our children together."
Silence. Time stretched. Elena's chest tightened. The weight of their combined presence threatened to crush her composure.
Elena turned slowly toward Malcom, her voice hollow. "Stay away from me", she said, "Both of you", she concluded.
Malcom only chuckled softly, tilting his head.
"Do reconsider my offer, Miss Elena. For your son's sake."
Julian's hand lifted instinctively, reaching, "Elena…"
But she was already walking away, shoulders straight, fingers trembling as she typed furiously on her tablet to keep her hands busy enough not to shake.
The anger built inside of her.
She needed air. She dialed a number on her phone without thinking.
"Hello…"
***
Shakey Shaky Burger place- 5:00PM
The scent of Shakey Shaky Burger hit her before she entered- warm oil, toasted buns, sweet milkshakes. She slumped into a window booth, replaying the afternoon's chaos.
And then Alexander stepped inside.
And oh God, he was wearing a suit!
In a fast-food restaurant.
He approached the table like a man entering a boardroom, posture perfect, expression calm but eyes warming the moment they found her.
"Miss Elena," he greeted softly.
A tiny laugh escaped her, "You're not at work anymore."
He blinked, then without protest slipped off his suit jacket and draped it over the seat.
The gesture was small, almost shy.
It made something in her chest loosen.
They ordered. When the bill came, Elena tapped her card before he could even reach for his wallet.
Alexander paused.
His gaze softened. Elena's heart fluttered. No man had ever looked at her that way. It was like the smallest of her actions mattered.
"Elena," he said quietly, "thank you."
She shrugged, suddenly self-conscious. "It's just a burger."
"No," he murmured. "It isn't."
They ate. And for the first time that day, Elena felt her heart get steady.
When they stepped outside afterward, Alexander hesitated.
"Would you…" He swallowed lightly. "Would you join me for lunch at my home tomorrow? I'll ask my chef to prepare ice cream."
She blinked, "Ice cream?"
"For Evan," he said.
He exhaled slowly, the tension easing from his shoulders as she nodded. Then he reached into a sleek black bag and handed her something wrapped neatly in cream paper.
She unwrapped it. A children's storybook with playful illustrations and bright colors.
For Evan.
She didn't speak for a full second.
He mistook her silence for disapproval and quickly cleared his throat. "I…if it's inappropriate, I can…"
"No." Her voice came out soft and fragile. "It's perfect."
Wind brushed between them. Alexander stared at her like he was memorizing the moment.
"Elena…" he murmured.
She looked up.
Their gazes met, unspoken emotions simmering beneath the surface.
And all of a sudden...
Her phone buzzed in her palm.
One notification from an unknown number.
Her stomach dropped.
"Evan will soon miss his second mother. Courtesy from Piper Redding"
Her fingers went cold.
"Elena?" Alexander asked quietly.
She lifted her eyes, heartbeat stumbling.
"Excuse me" she whispered.
She stood and walked away hurriedly.
"Good night Elena", Alexander said affectionately.