Chapter One
ELENA’S POV
“Elena, how is the house hunting going?” my mum’s voice echoed through the phone.
I balanced my phone between my ear and shoulder as I slipped on my heels, my eyes flicking briefly to my reflection in the mirror.
“Mum, I checked out more than five houses yesterday after work, but none of them felt right,” I said, adjusting my blazer. “I still prefer the one close to the subway.”
I paused, my gaze lingering on my reflection a second longer than necessary.
“It’s perfect for us… for our future kids too. The space is just right.” My voice softened unconsciously. “Once I get my salary and end-of-year bonus, I can combine it with what Alex already has and make the payment.”
Silence followed.
Then she sighed.
“Well, Elena, it’s your choice. You’ve clearly made up your mind already.” Her tone shifted, becoming firmer. “Since the house is settled, it’s time to start planning your marriage. You and Alex should arrange a meeting with both families so we can fix a date.”
I closed my eyes briefly, exhaling through my nose.
“Mum… Alex and I are doing fine. Let’s focus on the house first. We can talk about marriage later.”
“Elena,” she said, her voice sharpening, “you’re a robot maker, not a robot yourself. You need to settle down.”
A faint smile tugged at my lips, but it didn’t quite reach my eyes.
“I’ll talk to Alex about it,” I said. “But right now, I’m already late for work.”
“Make sure you call me later.”
“I will. Send my regards to Dad.”
The call ended, and for a brief second, I just stood there… staring at my reflection.
A house. A future. A marriage.
Everything sounded so… planned.
So certain.
And yet, something inside me felt strangely unsettled.
I shook the thought away quickly, grabbing my bag as I rushed out.
“Elena! I made pancakes. At least have a bite before you leave,” Adele called from the dining table.
“I’m late!” I shouted back, slipping into my heels properly this time. “I’ll grab something at the cafeteria.”
“You say that every time!” she complained.
I laughed lightly, waving her off as I hurried out the door.
The morning air of New York hit my face the moment I stepped outside.
Cold. Sharp. Awake.
Unlike me.
I headed straight for the subway, only to stop abruptly when I saw the notice board.
UNDER MAINTENANCE.
“Seriously?” I muttered, frustration bubbling up.
Of all days.
I exhaled sharply and stepped back, quickly flagging down a cab instead.
My phone buzzed the moment I got in.
Michelle.
The presentation is about to start. Where are you?
My stomach dropped.
On my way, I typed quickly, locking my phone immediately.
By the time the cab pulled up in front of the company, my heart was already racing.
I paid and rushed inside, ignoring the curious glances directed at me.
Great. I probably looked like a mess.
Pushing open the presentation room door, I stepped in, slightly breathless.
Every head turned.
Perfect.
My boss’s sharp gaze locked onto me instantly.
“You’re definitely going to be punished for this,” she said coldly.
“I’m sorry, ma’am,” I murmured, quickly slipping into the nearest seat—right beside Michelle.
She leaned closer. “Why are you so late?”
“Long story,” I whispered. “My mum.”
Michelle rolled her eyes before subtly nodding toward the front.
“The main investor is here,” she said. “That’s him.”
I followed her gaze—
And froze.
Ace Damon.
My breath caught.
College.
Memories.
Late nights. Teamwork. Silence.
He looked… different.
Sharper. Colder.
Untouchable.
As if he belonged to a world far beyond mine now.
And then—
He looked up.
Our eyes met.
For a brief moment, everything around me disappeared.
The room.
The voices.
The tension.
Just him.
Just us.
My heart skipped—
Then he looked away.
Just like that.
No recognition.
No reaction.
Nothing.
As if I had never existed.
