Arrogant Young Master Meets His Match

ELENA'S POV

I sat in the sterile quiet of the ward, my hands pressed against my face, waiting for the sound of my name-waiting to finally be free.

"Elena Williams."

I almost didn't hear it, but there it was. My release is like an afterthought. I stood slowly, every bone in my body feeling the weight of those five years, and collected the worn documents they handed me.

"Here are your belongings," the nurse murmured, passing over a small, faded backpack. I took it, fingers brushing against its rough fabric-an object, now, that felt like a stranger's.

Glancing around the hospital reception one last time, I walked out into a world that felt distant, like a faint memory. Outside, people were gathered, anxious and hopeful as they awaited their loved ones. No one waited for me, of course. I had known that. I had known that for a long time.

As I crossed the hospital parking lot, a single word pulsed in my mind like a heartbeat: Revenge.

A car horn jolted me out of my thoughts. I barely turned, but the driver pulled up beside me. Caroline's face peered through the window, her eyes softening as she saw me. A hollow smile tugged at my lips-so maybe someone had come for me, after all.

"Elena!" She jumped out and wrapped her arms around me, her hug so tight I could feel her own relief.

"Did I come too late?" she asked, her voice full of warmth and worry.

"No," I whispered, forcing a small smile. "You're just in time. Thank you."

The ride was quiet, Caroline intuitively knowing that I wasn't ready to talk. Five years of silence stretched behind me, and the outside world was overwhelming, surreal-almost too real. I let my eyes drift out the window, taking in each passing scene, drinking in every street, and every tree as if I were seeing it all for the first time.

When we reached the edge of my old neighbourhood, I finally broke the silence. "Drop me here."

Her hands gripped the wheel tighter. "Elena... are you sure? Going back-it might-"

"I need to," I cut her off, my voice firm.

She sighed, her fingers lingering on her bag before she pulled out an envelope. "Take this."

I shook my head, already knowing what it was. "Caroline, I-"

"You will take it," she said, her tone leaving no room for argument. "I don't care if you don't use it. Just keep it."