Unveiling Secrets

Friends and Coincidences

Seated at that snuggly cafe, surrounded by her few, yet devoted companions, Elena listened as a warm scent of coffee and cakes wafted through the atmosphere-their chuckles bursting mid-conversations as they shared humorous tales. It was then that Mia, Elena's best buddy, leaned into whisper with an excited grin.

You know, Elena," Mia said, "if you didn't look so frazzled all the time, you could probably pass for one of those art collectors that go to your shows."

Elena chuckled, stirring her tea. "At least if they paid me with stress relief as opposed to simply compliments.

Annabel, the sharp-tongued realist of the group, waved her croissant for emphasis. "Honey, you need a break. When was the last time you did something just for you?"

"I paint," Elena replied defensively.

"That's work," Jennifer chimed in. "And let's be real-you've been running yourself ragged. Between Lucas, the gallery, and now running your own little homeschool, you're bound to crash.

Elena hesitated, the mention of Lucas tugging at her heart. “I’m fine,” she said softly, but her friends exchanged knowing looks.

Mia reached over and squeezed Elena’s hand. “You’re doing an amazing job, but it’s okay to let yourself have fun once in a while.”

For the first time in a very long while, Elena let her guard down and allowed herself to relax. They talked about everything from Jennifer's latest row with her husband to Annabel's disastrous dating app experiences. The laughter bubbled up like this was genuine, carefree, and for a few hours, Elena felt like a ghost of herself that she hadn't seen in years.

The café was starting to clear out, and it wasn't until Mia glanced at her watch that Elena realized how much time had slipped away.

"Crap!" she said, reaching for her bag. "I need to pick up Lucas's prescription before the pharmacy closes."

"Do you want us to come with you?" Mia offered, but Elena shook her head.

"No, it's fine, catch you all later!" she called, dashing out the door, flagging a cab down.

The city blurred in a haze of color as one foot tapped anxiously. It wasn't until the cab pulled up in front of the pharmacy that the lights were already dimmed inside, signaling closed. She rushed in, glad the doors hadn't locked just yet.

She was walking towards the counter, her gait slowing down. Standing at the register was Dominic Vance.

She almost turned around, but the pharmacist spotted her. "Ms. Michaels? Your prescription is ready."

Dominic turned back, his green eyes wide with surprise. For a moment, they stared at each other, the air thick with unspoken tension.

"Elena," he said, his voice smooth but tinged with curiosity.

"Dominic," she replied neutrally.

He shifted slightly, and her eyes strayed to the counter. Her cheeks flushed at the sight of the merchandise in his purchases, feminine hygiene products among them.

She looked swiftly away, pretending fascination with the line of cold medicines on the shelf.

"Small world," Dominic filled the silence with.

"Isn't it?" her voice was tight.

He returned with a small bag, placing it on the counter. "Here you go, Ms. Michaels. That'll be $275."

Elena winced inside at the price but handed over her card without comment.

Dominic, though, was still watching her too closely. "What's wrong?" he asked suddenly, his tone more demanding than concerned.

"Nothing," she said shortly, snatching the bag and stuffing it into her purse.

"Are you sick?" he pressed, taking a step closer.

Elena turned to him, ice in her voice. "It's none of your business."

Dominic frowned, his jaw clenching. "You can't just blow me off like that."

"I can, and I will," she replied with conviction.

He opened his mouth to continue arguing, but the pharmacist cut him off.

"Sir, your total is $52.50.

Elena wheeled around and left, her heart racing.

Dominic snatched up his bag and pursued her outside. "Elena, wait!"

She didn't stop, heels clicking on the pavement as she made her way toward the rideshare pickup zone.

"Elena!" he called again, his voice sharper this time.

She whirled around, glaring at him. "What do you want, Dominic?

"I want to know what's going on," he said, clear exasperation lacing his voice.

"There's nothing to discuss," she answered coolly.

A car pulled up, and Elena opened the door. "Goodbye, Dominic."

He was taken off guard as Elena slid into the back seat, slammed the door shut, and pulled away from the curb, leaving him still standing on the sidewalk, his fists clenched.

Elena leaned back in her seat, her mind racing. She hated how her encounter with Dominic had rattled her. She hated even more the pang of jealousy she'd felt when she saw what he was buying.

Shaking her head, she closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She couldn't afford to let Dominic disrupt her life—not again.

When she finally got home, Lucas sat on the couch waiting for her, the nebulizer mask on his face.

"Hi, Mom," he said in a muffled voice.

"Hi, baby," she replied, going to her knees beside him. "How are you feeling?"

"Better," he replied with a slight smile.

She gave a kiss to his forehead and handed him the new medication. "This should even help more."

She watched him settle back into his cartoons, her mind straying to Dominic. No matter how hard she tried to block him from her mind, he somehow always found a way in.

And now, with him poking into her life, she couldn't help but wonder how long she'd be able to keep secrets buried.

As the car carrying Elena vanished into the darkness of the city, Dominic was left standing stock-still on the curb, his mind racing. He couldn't get the unyielding cast of her chin, the determination in her tone-or the tension that seemed to hum between them-out of his head.

This wasn't over.

He yanked his phone from his pocket, his hold on it tight as he punched in a number. It rang twice before his assistant picked up.

"Mr. Vance?" came the cautious voice on the other end.

"Get me Elena Michaels' address," Dominic barked, sharp with impatience.

The assistant hesitated. "Sir, I—"

"Now!" Dominic snapped, cutting him off. "I don't care what it takes. I need it within the hour."

Without waiting for an answer to that, he hung up and strode toward the black SUV idling by the curb. The driver jumped out, opening the door for him.

L

Dominic slipped into the back, his jaw set, his mind a maelstrom of conflicting emotions. "Follow her route," he growled, nodding toward where Elena's car share had gone.

"Yes, sir," the driver said, deftly moving into traffic.

As the SUV merged onto busy streets, Dominic leaned back against the leather seats. Whatever Elena was hiding, he was about to dig up.