Chapter 7 - SHADOWS OF THE PAST
As our romance bloomed over the winter months, Marcus and I became inseparable. We kept our relationship quiet at first, wanting to protect Sophia and ensure that our foundation was solid before facing the public eye. But love like ours could not stay hidden for long.
By early spring, Marcus began bringing me as his partner to select private events—charity galas, art openings, and quiet dinners with his closest long-time allies in business.
However, not everyone in Marcus’s high-society circle welcomed my presence with open arms.
In April, Marcus was invited to the annual Harrington Capital Founders Gala—a high-stakes black-tie event held at the historic Plaza Hotel, where the city’s oldest elite money gathered to network and celebrate.
Marcus insisted that I attend beside him.
I wore an elegant, emerald-green silk gown that Marcus had personally selected for me, my dark hair styled in a graceful updo. As we stepped out of the black limousine outside the Plaza, photographers' flashes blinded us, and whispers rippled through the crowd.
“Is that her?”
“The housekeeper from the news?”
“Marcus Harrington is dating his staff manager?”
Inside the grand ballroom under crystal chandeliers, Marcus held my hand tightly, introducing me with proud confidence to board members, foreign investors, and high-ranking executives.
“This is Elena Vance,” Marcus announced smoothly to a group of elderly venture capitalists. “Director of Global Residential Operations, and the most vital person in my life.”
While Marcus was pulled away briefly for a five-minute conversation with a key European trade delegate near the stage, I stepped toward the balcony refreshment bar to order a glass of sparkling water.
A sharp, aristocratic voice sounded behind me.
“It’s truly remarkable how far a cleaning lady can crawl if she plays her cards right.”
I turned around slowly.
Standing behind me was Victoria Sterling—a prominent heiress from a prominent real estate family who had long been rumored in society columns to be Marcus’s ideal corporate match. She was draped in diamonds, holding a champagne glass, her eyes cold with condescension.
“Excuse me?” I said calmly, keeping my posture straight.
Victoria took a slow sip of her champagne, looking me up and down with obvious disgust.
“Oh, don’t play innocent, my dear,” Victoria sneered quietly, stepping closer so the surrounding guests wouldn't hear. “We all read the papers. You brought your illegitimate child into Marcus’s private quarters, orchestrated a convenient financial scandal with his estate manager, and parlayed it into a corporate title and a spot on his arm.”
My blood ran cold, but I forced myself to maintain complete composure.
“I didn’t orchestrate anything, Miss Sterling,” I replied smoothly, looking her straight in the eye. “A crime was committed against both Marcus and myself. I earned my position through hard work and honesty. Concepts you might not be familiar with if you’ve never worked a day in your life.”
Victoria’s face flushed with sudden anger. She raised her voice slightly. “How dare you! You are a opportunistic servant who doesn't belong in this room. Marcus is a Harrington. His family built this city. Do you really think he will ever take a maid seriously as a permanent partner? You’re a passing phase—a charity project to clear his conscience!”
“She belongs in this room far more than you do, Victoria.”
The deep, booming voice echoed behind us.
Victoria froze.
Marcus stepped out from the crowd, his face like thunder. The power radiating from him was palpable, causing nearby guests to stop talking and turn their heads.
“Marcus—” Victoria stammered, her cruel demeanor instantly melting into nervous panic. “I... I was just having a private chat with Elena—”
“I heard every word you said,” Marcus interrupted, his voice dropping into a dangerously cold register that silenced the entire corner of the ballroom.
He walked up beside me, placing his arm firmly around my waist and drawing me close to his side.
“Elena is the Director of Operations for my entire estate,” Marcus said, speaking clearly enough for the surrounding high-society guests to hear every syllable. “She possesses more grace, intelligence, and moral strength in her little finger than you could dream of possessing in a lifetime.”
Victoria trembled under his glare. “Marcus, please, our families have known each other for decades—”
“Which is why I am giving you one chance to apologize to my future wife,” Marcus stated coldly.
The room gasped.
My breath hitched in my throat. I looked up at Marcus in pure shock. Future wife?
Victoria stared at Marcus, her mouth opening and closing like a fish out of water. Realizing she had lost completely, she swallowed her pride, looked at me with flushed cheeks, and muttered, “I’m... I’m sorry, Elena.”
“Now leave,” Marcus commanded.
Victoria turned on her heel and practically fled across the ballroom floor.
Marcus turned to me, his intense gaze softening instantly as he reached out to take both of my hands in his.
“Are you alright, my love?” he asked softly, searching my face with deep concern.
“I’m fine,” I whispered, my heart pounding rapidly in my chest. “Marcus... what you said to her... about... about your future wife...”
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Marcus looked into my eyes, a nervous, tender smile appearing on his lips—a rare, vulnerable expression I had come to treasure above all else.
“I meant every word of it, Elena,” he whispered, pulling a small, black velvet box from his inner jacket pocket.
