CHAPTER 11: The Silence
381 Words
Three weeks. Twenty-one days of silence that felt like years. Elena threw herself into work, completing the Henderson restoration ahead of schedule, winning new contracts, appearing at industry events with a smile that felt painted on.
Julian left for Dubai. She saw it on LinkedIn, of all places—a professional update, no personal message. The Henderson building's grand opening approached, and she would have to face him, professionally cordial, while her heart bled out in her chest.
"You're miserable," Maya observed over Skype. "Call him."
"He should call me."
"You walked out."
"Because he was leaving!"
"And now he's gone, and you're both miserable. Who wins?" Maya leaned closer to the camera. "El, I love you, but you're being an i***t. You love him. He loves you. Figure out the logistics."
"It's not that simple."
"It is." Maya's voice softened. "Dad's gone. The firm is stable. What's actually keeping you there? Fear? Pride?"
Elena didn't answer. She didn't have to.
The grand opening was spectacular. The restored Henderson building gleamed, Art Deco splendor meeting modern luxury, exactly the vision they'd created together. Julian appeared via video link from Dubai, handsome and remote, thanking his team without mentioning her by name.
She stood in the crowd, invisible, and realized she'd made a terrible mistake.
After, she found his mother in the lobby. Linda Cross had never approved of her, but the older woman's eyes were kinder than Elena remembered.
"He asks about you," Linda said without preamble. "Every call. 'How is she? Is she eating? Is she seeing anyone?'"
"He could ask me himself."
"He thinks you don't want to hear from him." Linda touched her arm. "My son has many flaws, Ms. Voss. But his love for you was never one of them. He walked away because you told him to. Not because he wanted to."
"I was scared."
"So is he. In Dubai, surrounded by strangers, building something that means nothing because you're not there to see it." Linda squeezed her hand. "He's coming back next month. For the holidays. If you still want him, be brave enough to say so."
Elena watched her go, heart hammering. One month. She could survive one month. And then, if he would still have her, she would finally choose love over fear.
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