Too late Mr cross

Chapter 2 : Maybe He Would Love Me

Elena.

I sat there frozen, chaos erupting around me.

“Who is Elena Williams?”

“Isn’t that the maid’s child?”

“Wait… isn’t her mother dead?”

“Why would Richard want his son to get married to a nobody?”

The voices came from everywhere.

I was still there, unmoving, trying to process what the hell I had just heard.

I turned my head, only for my gaze to land on Damien’s. And he looked very unhappy.

I got up slowly and slipped out of there amidst the chaos.

“Elena,” I heard Damien’s voice behind me when I was out of the house.

I didn’t stop. I just kept walking.

Till I was out of the gate, I flagged down a taxi and got in. The rain was now heavy. I felt overwhelmed, like I couldn’t breathe.

What the hell just happened?

God, if this was a dream, I just wanted to wake up.

Richard wanted me to get married to Damien. It made no sense. Why would he want that? And the condition he placed… that was a lot.

When I got to my apartment building, I paid the taxi driver, got out, and ran inside. I was already half-drenched when I reached the elevator.

The moment I stood in front of my door, it felt like I could finally breathe again. But my heart was still racing so fast.

I got into my small apartment, lay down on the only sofa I had, and just stared at the ceiling.

What is happening?

I closed my eyes and placed a hand on my chest, trying to calm down. When I felt a little better, I got out of my clothes and stepped into the shower.

Damien didn’t like me, that was for sure. He had only managed to talk to me today because it was his father’s burial. Usually, he always avoided me. I didn’t know why.

For a while, I told myself I didn’t care, but I knew that was a lie. I actually cared a lot.

I got out of the shower, changed into my pajamas, and went to bed, telling myself his family would figure something out. I didn’t have to get involved in that mess.

When I opened my eyes again, it was morning. I stared at the time—past eight.

Oh my God, oh my God, oh my God. I was late for work.

I quickly got dressed and rushed straight to the diner where I worked. The moment I stepped through the door, Jenna yelled my name.

“You’re late!”

“I know, I know, I know. I’m sorry,” I said as I got into my work uniform.

The diner was packed and busy today—at least that was something that would help get my mind off yesterday’s chaos.

I started serving, taking orders, and for a while, it actually got my mind off Damien.

After a 12-hour shift, it was finally closing time. I got out of my work uniform, changed into my normal clothes, and went home. I was exhausted, and I just wanted to make pasta, eat, watch a show, and go to bed. My life was boring; I didn’t need anyone to tell me.

When I got to my apartment, something felt weird. I tried using my keys to open the door, but it was already unlocked.

Oh s**t… was I robbed?

I walked in quickly, turning on the lights. Everything was exactly as I had left it. I let out a sigh of relief.

Then I heard a voice that startled the hell out of me.

“Hello, Elena.”

Damien stepped out from a dark corner. He was dressed in black pants, a white long-sleeved shirt, and a long black trench coat. His hair was combed back perfectly, and just the sight took my breath away.

“What the hell are you doing in my house?” I asked, my heart still racing.

“I wanted us to talk. Please, sit,” he said, his tone flat, his expression unreadable.

“If this is about yesterday, I beg you. I really do not want to talk about it. I do not know what was going through Richard’s head when he added that to his will, but I am pretty sure it is a mistake that you and your family can sort out without getting me involved.”

Damien folded his hands over his chest.

“You see, that’s the thing. My family’s company is going to be sold, and the money will be given to charity if you do not make a decision in 24 hours.”

I lifted both brows, confused.

“Excuse me?”

“That’s what the lawyer said, and he has to follow it.”

I started pacing back and forth.

“Wait… so you want to get married to me?”

“Yes,” he said calmly.

I didn’t know why, but I felt… excited. Marriage hadn’t really been something I had thought about, but I liked Damien. Right from when we were kids, I had liked him a lot. And seeing him with that woman yesterday made me realize all the times I had told myself I was over him was a lie. I still had feelings for him.

“So what do you say? Wait… you need an answer now.”

He nodded.

I was about to say yes. Then I stopped.

“What about your girlfriend?”

He stepped closer to me.

“Elena, I am only getting married to you because I want to save my family’s company. I am in love with Rosalie, and nothing is ever going to change that.”

As those words left his mouth, it felt like broken glass had been stabbed into my heart.

But at the same time, maybe there was actually hope for us. I didn’t know why I had this feeling that we would actually make a great couple, and that he would love me.

Maybe I was being delusional. Or maybe I was just being plain stupid, but one thing was certain: I loved him so much, and maybe not now, maybe not in a month or three, but he was going to love me.

“Yes, my answer is yes. I’m going to marry you.”