Chapter 8
1130 Words
Elena Vance had actually managed to save up some money—around a hundred thousand or so. It would be enough for a down payment on a small apartment.
Her current goal was to pass the bar exam as soon as possible. Once she became a top-tier lawyer, she could buy a big house and bring her grandmother to live with her. Just the thought was wonderful.
Her phone rang. Elena lay on the bed and answered, keeping her voice low. "Grandma, it's almost ten o'clock. You haven't gone to sleep yet? I'll return the card you gave me tomorrow or the day after. I don't need money—I have enough."
"You've just gotten married. There will be many expenses. You can't let Julian pay for everything. At first, he might not mind, but over time, he'll grow resentful. Besides, you're married now—this is Grandma's wedding gift to you. It's not much, just one hundred thousand." Her grandmother didn't want anyone looking down on her granddaughter or letting her suffer.
"Grandma... that's your retirement money. I can't take it. What about your medical expenses?" Elena firmly refused.
"Listen to me. I know you have some savings, and I also know you've been looking at apartments but haven't quite saved enough. Use this week's wedding leave to buy it. Put down the down payment—you can still use your housing fund for a loan. Then, if anyone tries to say anything, you can stand tall and tell them you have your own home, that you're not just spending someone else's money. Understand?"
Elena's eyes filled with tears again. "Grandma... what about you? I can't use your money to buy a house. Grandma... you're going to make me feel like an unfaithful granddaughter. If Uncle finds out, he'll scold me."
"This is the money you've given me over the years, all saved without spending a cent. It's your money. Your uncle has no right to question it. Don't worry—your grandmother still has money. Elena, the PIN is your birthday. Next time you come, Grandma wants to see your property deed. Good night, Elena."
Her grandmother hung up before Elena could even say goodnight.
Elena picked up her grandmother's card again, looking at it before tucking it into her pink wallet.
Julian had mentioned that pajamas were provided. She figured she didn't need to wake up early tomorrow—she could shower, sleep in a bit, and scroll through practice questions on her phone while her hair dried.
Becoming a lawyer was lucrative, but the exam was extremely difficult. She had to study diligently.
Opening the wardrobe, Elena gasped. It was filled with designer clothes, the cheapest piece probably costing over a thousand dollars.
Everything was her size—clearly purchased for her.
She opened a drawer and found a black backless nightgown.
Her face flushed again. She searched for something more modest but found nothing else.
Professor Harrow had apparently prepared only summer-ready sleepwear.
Everything was either low-cut or backless—how was she supposed to wear these?
After some thought, Elena decided she would get dressed before Julian woke up tomorrow morning and put the sexy nightgown back where she found it.
That was the plan. She locked the bedroom door, showered, studied for a while, set her alarm, and quickly fell asleep.
The alarm rang promptly at six in the morning. Elena dressed quickly, stashed the nightgown away, and crept out quietly.
She was hungry. She checked the refrigerator for ingredients, tiptoeing to the kitchen and opening the double-door fridge. Inside, she found only bottled water and yogurt—nothing else.
Julian's shoes were still by the entrance, so he wasn't up yet.
There should be breakfast places near the neighborhood. She'd go out and buy some.
She was off work, but Julian probably had to go to work.
Grabbing her phone, she quickly headed downstairs, using the opportunity to familiarize herself with the neighborhood.
Sure enough, within a five-minute walk, she found a breakfast shop.
She picked up sandwiches, hot dogs, milk, and salad—a variety since she didn't know what Julian liked.
When she returned, Julian was already up. He had just emerged from his bedroom in a crisp white shirt—clean and proper, elegant yet magnetic. Their eyes met, and he asked in a low voice, "You went out to buy breakfast?"
His voice was deep and pleasant, carrying a warmth that could easily make one melt.
Elena felt a bit flustered. She nodded. "I thought about cooking, but the fridge was empty. After breakfast, I'll go out and buy some groceries..."
"If you don't have time or don't feel like cooking, you can order delivery. No need to go to the trouble." Julian's tone wasn't cold, but it was merely courteous—devoid of genuine warmth. Elena wondered how long it took to develop such composure.
She couldn't do it herself. She wore her emotions on her face, often offending people without even realizing it.
"I bought quite a bit. Would you like some? I didn't know what you liked, so I got a variety..." Elena said with a smile, trying to appear poised and natural.
"Alright, let's eat together." Julian glanced at the breakfast Elena had brought.
He sat at the table, drinking a glass of hot water—the same kettle Elena had boiled before leaving.
Elena quickly arranged the food on the table. Julian didn't say much else, ate a sandwich, drank some milk, and announced he was full, then stood up.
At the entryway, he said mildly, "I have to go. If anything comes up, you can call me. If I'm coming home, I'll let you know. If not, I won't."
Elena hadn't even finished chewing her hot dog. She made a sound of acknowledgment, and then she heard the door close. The whole apartment fell silent.
After finishing her breakfast, Elena hurried to her previous home.
She waited outside the gate, watching until her stepmother and sister-in-law had left before rushing inside.
She didn't have a key. In that house, she was superfluous—not even deemed worthy of a key. She had secretly made a copy but dared not use it casually.
Her father was home now. She would just knock.
She knocked four or five times before hearing her father, Richard Vance, shuffle to the door in his slippers.
Richard wore an old, worn plaid pajama set. His graying sideburns were prominent, his large belly protruding noticeably. When he saw Elena, his dull eyes turned cold.
"Dad, I have something to tell you." Elena was used to that look. She decided to come straight out with it.
"What is it?" Richard Vance sat down on the brown leather sofa and asked.
- Writer
