144 A Mansion for His New Lovo
144 A Mansion for His New Love
She waited until the women left before splashing cold water on her face. The chill helped clear her mind, restoring her outward composure.
Elara’s hand froze on the ignition.
“There’s nothing to talk about,” Elara said, pulling onto the main road. “Damien can spend his money however he wants.”
“Seriously, some women just win at life,” her friend agreed.
“I’m at Yorkshire Garden. Been house–hunting all day and my feet are killing me. My agent just bailed, and I’ve got no ride home. Could you possibly…”
Elara glanced at her watch. “Sure. I just finished lunch. I can be there in twenty
minutes.”
She’d never asked Damien for much. Certainly never a mansion for her parents. Even when they’d first married and she’d still harbored those foolish dreams of his affection, she’d been careful not to appear demanding or high–maintenance.
“I’m not upset,” Elara insisted, her knuckles whitening on the steering wheel. “Just…
processing.”
Some women might win at love with men like Damien Thorne. But Elara was
determined to win at life–on her own terms.
Elara Vance dabbed her lips with a napkin, concluding her quiet lunch at Cafe Lumière. The restaurant’s ambient lighting and subdued chatter had been a welcome distraction from her thoughts. Her phone buzzed just as she signaled for the check.
Elara quickened her pace toward the sales office where Chloe had said she’d wait. As she approached the entrance, the glass doors swung open.
“Hey,” Elara answered, tucking the phone between her ear and shoulder as she sorted through her wallet.
Damien’s expression hardened imperceptibly. Vivienne’s lips curved into the barest hint of a smile before she turned away dismissively.
“Remember when we were in college and you said you’d never let a man define
your
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worth?” Chloe’s voice was soft but firm. “That girl is still in there, El. The one who had dreams bigger than pleasing some guy.”
Elara clenched her fist, nails digging into her palm. Seven years of marriage, and
Damien had never once shown her a fraction of the consideration he’d demonstrated today for Vivienne’s family.
“The divorce?” Chloe asked carefully.
By the time she returned to the car, her expression revealed nothing of her inner turmoil.
Her phone rang again before she could turn into the entrance. Chloe again.
“He bought a villa. For Vivienne’s family.” Chloe stared straight ahead as she delivered the news. “The executive suite with the lake view. Over six hundred million.”
Six hundred million for a house. For Vivienne’s mother. Because she’d mentioned she liked the style.
Elara stood frozen, pretending to adjust her hair while the women continued, unaware of her presence.
“What were they doing here?” Elara asked once they were safely in her car.
Chloe studied her friend’s profile. “It’s okay to be upset, El.
Their eyes met Elara’s simultaneously.
“El,” Chloe’s voice was now hushed and frantic. “You won’t believe who’s here.”
The bathroom door swung open. Two elegantly dressed women entered, their conversation already in progress.
Elara paid her bill and walked to her car. The drive to Yorkshire Garden, one of the city’s most exclusive residential complexes, was straightforward. The development was renowned for its architectural elegance and astronomical price tags.
“We don’t have to talk about it,” Chloe offered gently.
“Damien. With Vivienne. And her entire family.” Chloe’s words tumbled out in a rush. “They’re looking at properties too. God, I’m sorry. I had no idea they’d be here.”
Alistair Dubois, Vivienne’s father, was instantly recognizable with his silver–streaked
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hair and commanding presence. Beside him stood Lily Hayes, Vivienne’s mother, radiantly smiling as she spoke animatedly to another woman Elara didn’t recognize.
“About time,” Chloe smiled, relief evident in her voice. “I’ll clear my schedule.”
When the light changed, Elara accelerated with new purpose. “Let’s get lunch tomorrow. I need to discuss something with you.”
They all looked pleased. Extremely pleased.
“Then he never deserved you,” Chloe stated simply.
Chloe’s name flashed across the screen.
She parked in the visitor section, her movements mechanical. As she walked toward the main building, she spotted a group of people emerging from one of the model homes.
As she finally turned toward home, Elara made a decision. She would call her lawyer in the morning. No more delaying, no more second thoughts.
The contrast was stark and painful. In their entire marriage, Damien had never once asked about Elara’s preferences for their home. He’d never inquired about her parents‘
comfort or desires.
Damien and Vivienne emerged, flanked by sales executives who were practically bowing with each step. Damien’s tall frame was impeccable as always in a tailored charcoal suit. Vivienne clung to his arm, resplendent in a cream designer outfit that highlighted her flawless complexion. /
Elara’s fingers tightened on the steering wheel. “It’s fine. I’ll be there soon.”
“What’s wrong?” Elara immediately noticed the stress in her friend’s voice.
Elara nodded. “I’m done waiting for something that’s never going to happen.”
“That girl was strong,” Chloe countered. “And I think she’s finding her way back.”
Chloe hesitated. “El, maybe we should just―”
Elara kept walking, her face carefully blank. She brushed past them without acknowledgment, pushing through the doors they’d just exited.
“The necklace was nothing compared to what her man just did,” the second woman
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replied, applying fresh lipstick. “Six hundred million for a house just because her mother liked the style? That’s not just money–that’s devotion.”
“-absolutely stunning. Did you see her necklace? Definitely Cartier’s latest collection.”
Her phone buzzed with a text from Julian: “Meeting tomorrow at 9. Bringing in potential investors for YodaVision. Could use your expertise.
As they pulled up to Chloe’s apartment building, Elara felt a strange sense of clarity washing over her. Seven years of hoping had led nowhere. Seven years of trying to earn the love of a man who had given it freely to someone else.
Her reflection stared back at her from the mirror–pale but outwardly calm. Only the slight tremor in her hands betrayed her inner turmoil.
“Who?” Elara frowned, slowing her car.
They drove in silence for several minutes before Chloe spoke again.
“You’re a lifesaver,” Chloe sighed with relief. “I’ll wait in the main lobby.”
Elara swallowed hard. “That girl was naive.”
And some women, Elara thought bitterly, wasted years loving men who never intended
to love them back.
“Fine,” Elara replied, starting the engine. “Just tired.”
After dropping off Chloe, Elara drove aimlessly through the city streets. The image of Damien and Vivienne’s matching expressions of cool disdain played on repeat in her
mind.
“There you are,” Chloe rushed forward. “Let’s get out of here.”
“Thanks for the ride,” Chloe said, opening her door. She paused, looking back at her friend. “You know what? Vivienne doesn’t win at life just because she has Damien wrapped around her finger. Winning at life is living authentically and with purpose. You’re just getting started.”
Inside the ladies‘ room, Elara leaned against the marble counter, struggling to control her breathing. The pristine space was empty, giving her a moment to compose herself.
“El,” Chloe’s voice sounded tight with tension. “Are you busy right now? I need a huge
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favor.”
“Apparently Lily Hayes mentioned she loved the Mediterranean style, and Damien…” Chloe trailed off.
Chloe was waiting in the lobby, her expression a mixture of sympathy and discomfort.
“He never gave me anything close to what he’s giving her,” Elara admitted quietly. “Not materially, not emotionally.”
Elara smiled faintly. At least professionally, people valued her contributions. Her work at YodaVision was gaining recognition in the tech world. She had that, at least.
The woman’s words echoed in her mind: “Some women just win at life.”
“You okay?” Chloe asked cautiously.
The traffic light ahead turned red. Elara stopped the car, staring straight ahead.
“And Damien bought it for her,” Elara finished, her voice unnaturally even.
“Vivienne Dubois is truly something else,” the first woman sighed. “Beautiful, brilliant, and now the guy she’s with just bought her family a mansion to make her happy.”
She started the car, focusing intently on the road ahead. “I need to use the restroom before we go. Wait here.”
“Tell me.” Elara’s voice was quiet but firm.
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