Elena's POV
Julian didn't say anything more. Instead, he called Aunt Vivian, explaining everything in calm, steady words. He reassured her that someone would come to bring her over.
Later, I went out to see Callum. I told him everything, but Damian wouldn't stop calling. He sent texts saying he wanted me back. I don't think he heard what happened to Amira. I blocked him.
I stayed with Callum. He consoled me and tried to make me smile.
"Elena," he started, "I have to go back. I feel like here… isn't for me. The only reason I'm still here is because of you. I'll visit to check on the hospital, but this place—it's not home."
He looked me straight in the eyes. "You know you were my crush. And you still are. I just want you to be happy."
I looked at him, my heart soft.
"You'll always have a place in my life, Callum," I said.
He smiled the kind that didn't quite reach his eyes. "That's all I needed to hear."
He pulled me into a hug—warm, steady, familiar.
One month later, I was healing from Sebastian's death, but I couldn't just forget.
Julian was in charge of the case of getting my inheritance back. He had everything covered. He's a trillionaire—of course, everyone danced to his tune.
The day finally came. Today, I take back my birthright. My home, I whispered to myself.
I arrived at the board meeting in an emerald green dress that turned every head. It hugged my waist, flowed as I walked, and spoke louder than any words. Confident. Unapologetic. I was ready.
Julian stood the moment he saw me, eyes fixed—soft, proud. Damian froze like he'd seen a ghost.
I walked past him with Julian without even blinking.
"Pick your jaw off the floor, Damian. I'm not here for you," I said. "I'm here for what's mine."
With Julian by my side, everything was set. He laid out all the evidence—every deal Damian messed up, every lie he told. The room went silent. No one said a word. They just listened. They finally knew I was the heir to Nexora.
When it was over, they had no choice. The board voted. I got the company back.
My father's legacy. My birthright.
Finally, it was mine again. And this time, I wasn't letting go.
The company was mine again, and so was the house. Every room, every hallway, it all belonged to me now. No more hiding. No more running.
I moved back into the house. It felt unreal, and I had to clean it up. Being there brought back memories—of Dad, of Mom. I knew they'd be happy wherever they were. Sebastian, too.
Anna worked as my assistant, managing my plaza with ease.
I also bought a new house for Aunt Vivian.
Two months later, Julian visited me.
"Hey, Angel," he said, pulling me into a big hug. "How are you doing?"
"I'm okay, Julian. Just work," I replied. "How about you?"
"I'm okay. Just missed you, my angel." His eyes locked on me.
I gave him a small smile.
"I have something to tell you. It's about Damian," he began. "Damian embezzled hard drugs and took the boss's money. They found him... and shot him. He's dead."
"Oh my goodness…" I caught my breath. "He's always been reckless."
"I know, right?" Julian said, shaking his head.
Then he gently took my hands, his voice soft but firm. "Elena," he called, looking straight into my eyes. "I know this might feel fast, and maybe you're not sure right now, but I've been holding this in for too long…"
He took a breath.
"I love you, Elena."
"I've always loved you, from the very first day. Holding you in that hall when you were pushed… having a drink with you and opening up to me, even making love to you. Every second with you has been the best part of my life. Please, Elena. Let me in," he said, voice low, eyes pleading.
I stared at him, silent.
"You don't have to say anything," he added quickly.
I nodded once. "Okay."
Julian left with a soft kiss on my cheek.
Wait… what just happened? I asked myself.
I couldn't focus. Not even at work.
What if he plays me? Do I even love him enough to try again?
Weeks passed. Callum travelled back. Watching him leave hurt.
Julian and I hadn't spoken since. Not a call. Not a word.
I never thought things would turn out like this. Me—getting the company back. The house, too.
It only happened because I had the right people beside me. People who truly cared.
I used to be the girl with a scar.
They called me names. A beast.
My own husband betrayed me. With my best friend.
I was broken. Lost. Done.
But now?
I'm here.
Living my dream.
I sat back in my chair, staring at the ceiling, lost in my thoughts. Julian's face, his eyes, the way he cared for me—it was hard to shake.
The door opened, pulling me back. Anna walked in with a file in hand.
"Everything okay?" she asked, her eyes searching mine.
I nodded. "Yeah. Just thinking."
She smiled, handing me the file. "You've got this."
I forced a smile back, but at that moment, all I could think about was Julian. What if this was it? What if now was the time?
I couldn't help it. I loved Julian. I knew it deep down.
I rushed out of the office, my heart racing, and drove straight to his place. I dialed his number but he didn't pick up. Of course, he'd be in his office.
When I arrived, I saw him working, sitting behind the desk, focused. My heart skipped. I really did love him.
I walked up to him and took his hand. He looked up, confused.
"Yes, I'll let you in, Julian," I whispered, tears welling up in my eyes.
Without saying another word, he pulled me into his arms.