Chapter Eight
1773 Words
He picked up the phone and dialed Mark’s number. “Hey friend,” he said and took a deep breath.
“I need you to keep an eye on things around here from now on. Inform me about how my empire is doing, and how the takeover is progressing.”
“Takeover?” Mark repeated.
“Yes, in a few months, I'll be taking over,” he said with a sly smile spreading across his face. He can't wait to take over his empire and have control over literally everything.
“Are you done with your plan there?” Mark asked curiously. A smile escaped Richard's lips and he chuckled softly. “Yes, I am.”
“You’re a genius, Richard,” Mark muttered. “I will send you the latest development and the new plan we're on currently.”
He ended the call and chuckled softly. He had planned this all along. The bankruptcy, the ridicule, the sympathy. It was all a scheme to see the true colors of Elena’s dad and her sister, Victoria.
Ever since that old cruel man met him, he had been treating him like an egg. He knew it was simply because he had money. But now that he was bankrupt, they ridiculed him and wished the worst for him. They made Elena’s life unbearable for her.
He narrowed his eyes and planned to make them pay for underestimating him. He picked up his phone again and dialed his personal assistant’s number. “I need you to arrange something for me real quick,” he said, “I need you to get my Visa and Elena’s ready for Paris within the next 24 hours.”
“Paris?” Joe asked curiously.
“Book us on the next available flight,” he instructed and dropped the call. He smiled and leaned back in his chair. He knew this whole thing would be like a dream to her but he would find a way to explain the whole situation to her later.
The next morning, Joe pulled up to the airport in a sleek black sedan. Beside him in the passenger seat was Elena. Richard was waiting for them at the airport already.
As they arrived at the Charles de Gaulle Airport. Richard helped her out of the car and smiled at her. He said, “Just routine,” she was surprised as she said, “This is quite the sendoff,” she nodded toward the uniformed staff greeting her.
As she walked into the airport, she couldn't help but notice the way they greeted him with respect and familiarity. Then, she thought he was some celebrity or something.
“Bonjour, Monsieur Fernando,” a flight attendant said with courtesy and he nodded. She raised an eyebrow and teased, “You’re quite the celebrity.”
He chuckled and glanced at her. “Kind of,” he said. They boarded the plane and proceeded to settle into plush first-class seats.
She leaned over and said, her voice barely above a whisper, “Richard, what's going on? Why are we suddenly moving to Paris?”
His eyes were locked onto the in-flight magazine. “Just a change of scenery,” he said, not sparing her a glance.
Richard chuckled. "Just business associates," he said.
She hit him in the arm and shot him a glare. “That’s not an answer. Last time I checked, you were going bankrupt and how did you afford two first-class tickets to Paris?”
She narrowed her eyes and said, “I deserve an explanation,” He smiled and tried to divert her attention. “Have you thought about what you'd like to do in Paris? We can explore the Louvre, visit the Eiffel Tower…”
She sighed in frustration and shook her head abruptly. “Richard, stop avoiding my questions,” He held her hand and kissed her forehead. “We’ll discuss it later. Why don’t you enjoy the scenery for now?”
The flight attendant interrupted and placed two glasses of champagne and canapés.
After two hours, they landed at Le Bourget Airport, a private airport in Paris catering to luxury travelers. As they stepped off the plane, Elena’s jaw dropped as she glanced around. A convoy of sleek black cars was waiting outside for them. There are men in suits standing at attention.
One of them opened the door for Richard, then for Elena. “Welcome, Madame,” he said with a bow. Her gaze was fixed on Richard all through the ride as she couldn't understand what the hell was going on anymore.
She was confused and she whispered, “Who are these people?”
He smiled and said, “Colleagues,” The convoy sped through Parisian streets and she enjoyed the beautiful view of Paris. Even though she was confused. She doesn't know the man she is with anymore.
After thirty minutes, they pulled up to a stunning mansion. Elena gasped. He watched as Elena’s eyes widened as she stepped into the luxurious lobby of Richard’s Parisian chateau. The affluent decor, crystal chandeliers, and sweeping staircase left her breathless.
“Welcome to our home,“he said, offering his arm. She took it and felt like royalty as they strolled through the mansion. Everywhere they went, maids and housekeepers greeted her with courtesy and warm smiles.
“Bonjour, Madame,” one of them said and she felt her cheeks flushed. She smiled and replied, “Bonjour.”
He chuckled and whispered in her earlobe, “You’re going to get used to this,” She playfully rolled her eyes and said, “I think I’ll manage to.”
After the long flight, she was tired and needed a rest. He showed her to their lavish bedroom suite. She took a shower and wore nightwear. “I’ll let you rest,” he kissed her forehead and said, “Dinner will be served at 7 PM.”
She nodded and snuggled into the plush bed. Later that evening, she woke to the sound of laughter and discussion from the sitting room. She slipped on a robe and followed the noise.
As she took the staircase, a woman caught her attention. Probably in her late fifties. She was seated on a couch, legs crossed, and ordering the housekeepers around.
“…and make sure the flowers are fresh tomorrow,” the woman said. Elena cleared her throat and said, “Excuse me,” The woman turned and narrowed her eyes.
“Who are you?” The woman asked curiously, eyeing her from head to toe. She smiled and said, “I'm Elena, Richards's wife.”
The woman’s countenance changed and she gasped. “Richard’s wife?” she asked. She nodded and the woman pulled her into a hug.
"I'm Catherine Fernando, Richard’s mother,” she said with a smile. Elena’s eyes widened and she said, “Nice to meet you, Mrs. Fernando.”
They pulled out of the hug and took a seat. She eyed Elena curiously and said, “I had no idea Richard was married,” She smiled and muttered, “It was a recent decision taken by Richard.”
Her eyes sparked and she said, “I see. Well, welcome to the family, Elena.” Just then, Richard entered the sitting room with a smile spreading across his face.
“Mother, you didn't inform me you were coming,” his eyes fell on Elena and he said, “Oh, I see you've met Elena.” She stood and pulled into a warm hug. “I've missed you son.”
She motioned to the couch for him to have a seat. She shot him a glance and said, “Why didn't you tell me you were married?”
He chuckled and muttered, “It was a surprise, Mom,” she playfully slapped his arm and said, “You should have told me,” Elena smiled as she watched them.
Then, Catherine called him into her study for an important discussion. Richard closed the door behind him as he entered the study. “What is the meaning of this?” Catherine demanded.
She stood behind her massive mahogany desk and she clasped her hands together. He took a deep breath and squared his shoulders.
“What are you talking about, Mom?” he asked, trying not to sound noisy. Her face reddened as she stood up, banging her hand on the desk. “You married a woman without your father’s approval!” she shouted.
He clenched his jaw as he watched her. “I'm an adult, Mom. I make my own decisions,” he said firmly. Her face turned cold, her lips thinning. She shook her head and ran a hand through her blonde hair. “Your father arranged for you to marry Lisa, and you know it!” she spat.
She moved closer to him and warned, “Son, I hope you don't regret this.”
Elena passed by the study and overheard conversations. She sneaked closer and listened to their discussion. She felt tears strolling down her face as she listened to them. “…your father will disown you,” Catherine warned.
Her eyes widened as she thought about what Richard would go through if she was still with him. She thought about the rejection he would face.
“…and what about the business? Lisa’s father is an important partner,” Catherine yelled as she tried to explain to him. But he's not buying anything she's saying.
“I will handle it,” he said in a calm voice. Elena’s heart ached for Richard as she knew the consequences he would face. She had also gone through rejection in her life and doesn't want the same for him.
She quietly retreated to their room. She paced back and forth thinking about what she would do. She began packing her luggage with tears streaming down her face.
She finished packing and took one last look around the room. She slipped out of the mansion, avoiding the maids.
Later on, Richard searched for Elena and called her name but there was no response. He rushed to their bedroom and opened the door. The bed was empty, the bathtub was empty also. Then, he saw the wardrobe was opened and luggage was missing.
His heart broke into pieces as his eyes scanned the room in desperation. ‘Where had she gone?’ he whispered. She knew nowhere in Paris and she couldn't just stroll the street without having where to go.
He rushed out of the house, ordered his driver and bodyguards to search for her. He felt his world crumble around him as he growled angrily.
- Writer
