Betrayed and Beloved

Family Tensions

“Elara, Edward. Welcome,” Tina said as she welcomed both of them to their home. His elder brother with his parents were already seated at the table, waiting so they could have breakfast together.

“Son, how was the trip? It went well?” Edward’s mother, Selene, asked as they ate. During all that time, Elara’s attention was on Tina, wondering why she would betray her and her husband’s brother like that. Timothy, Edward’s elder brother, had always been known as a soft-hearted and kind person. He barely talks, and Elara couldn’t bring herself to understand why they did this.

“Elara, you look so lost. I hope all is okay?” Tina said as she noticed Elara never uttered a word at the table.

“I hope so. She had better use this opportunity well to give me a grandchild. You know Edward is barely around,” Selene snapped. Everyone remained quiet after Edward’s mother spoke.

“Yes, I’m fine. I was just thinking about our wedding anniversary dinner night arrangement,” Elara finally broke the silence. “It's been five years. We need to celebrate, and I’ve made all the arrangements.” She looked at Tina and Edward with disgust.

“Yes, Mom. I spoke to you about this already. Please do not fight. Tomorrow is our special day, and I need everyone’s support,” Edward added, trying to calm his mother down. He tried to hold Elara’s hand beneath the table, but she flung his hand off.

After breakfast, Elara couldn’t spend another second at the Cole family residence. She got up and left for her car.

“Ben, take me home.”

“Ma’am, aren’t we going with Mr. Edward?” he asked, concerned, as she had always gone home with her husband when visiting his family. She would wait until he was done with whatever he needed to do.

“No, Ben. Today isn’t one of those days. Take me home,” she exhaled, laying her head on the seat as she stared outside.

Reaching home, she saw Valentina already waiting at the front door. She hadn’t expected her to come so early.

“Have you been here for long?” Elara asked, walking toward her.

“Oh no, I just got here. I stood here waiting for you because I saw your car coming,” Val said as they walked into the house. She handed her coat and bag to the housekeeper to place them in her room.

Elara walked into the guest room with Val so they could discuss the divorce process and how to proceed.

“Do you want to leave with anything from him or just go without trouble?” Valentina asked. “Because I know how keen you are on independence.”

Elara let out a loud laugh, like she had been waiting to do that for a long time.

“Yes, Val, I’m taking something with me.” She looked into Val’s eyes while holding her hands. “He has wasted five years of my precious life, I’m not leaving him just like that.”

Valentina assured her how smoothly things would go, explained the process, and finally handed over the divorce papers to Elara.

“Elara, are you sure about this?” Val asked one last time. Once this was done, there would be no going back.

“Yes, I am. Now let me get you something to eat,” Elara said confidently, walking out with Val. She left her in the family lounge while she went upstairs to place the papers in her drawer, planning to hand them over to Edward as a “gift” when everyone was seated.

Elara had the cook prepare plenty of food, bringing out expensive wines and lots of fruits, like she was having a party. She sat with Val to enjoy the meal, knowing Edward wasn’t back yet. Perhaps he was still with his brother’s wife, and she cared less.

“Cheers to a new life, fresh start, and new beginnings, Elara,” Val toasted as they clinked glasses and sipped.

Valentina left after enjoying her time with her sister, as she had to work overtime, but she’d be back for dinner the next day.