Stolen love: In love with my sister 's fiance-Chapter 57: returning to past

Elaine held her phone close, a small smile tugging at her lips as she listened to Mary's excited voice on the other end.

"Yes, Mary, I'll be coming to your wedding."

Her voice was warm, but a flicker of hesitation crossed her face.

"Athena is well now, you don't have to worry. Yes, we'll come."

She reassured her friend, glancing at the little girl playing with her toys across the room. Athena turned and beamed at her, making Elaine's heart swell with love.

It had been years since she last set foot in New York—a place that once held her heart but also shattered it. The city that had given her love, betrayal, and heartbreak in the most cruel way possible. Now, she lived in London, far away from those memories, far away from him.

But now, she was going back.

The thought unsettled her. Would the ghosts of the past welcome her, or would she finally be free from them?

She had heard about Alex. How could she not? His life was still a hot topic in the media. The headlines spoke of his success, his wealth, and most of all—his son with Olivia.

So he got what he wanted, didn't he?

She scoffed at the irony. The news didn't surprise her, nor did it hurt her anymore. Olivia had retired from acting, which meant she had finally secured her place as Alex's wife, just as she had planned from the start.

Elaine didn't care anymore. She had a company to run and, more importantly, a daughter to raise. Athena was her world now, the only thing that truly mattered.

She had escaped the toxic past, built a future on her own terms, and proved that she didn't need anyone—not Alex, not Olivia, and not the pain that once consumed her.

This trip to New York was just for Mary's wedding. Nothing more.

At least, that's what she kept telling herself.

---

Elaine stirred the pot of hot soup with a determined expression, her brows furrowed in concentration. She had followed the recipe exactly—or at least, she thought she had. The kitchen staff stood behind her, exchanging nervous glances.

It wasn't that they didn't appreciate their madam's efforts. It was just that... history had taught them a painful lesson.

Whenever Elaine decided to cook, disaster usually followed.

Yet, no one dared to tell her the truth—not even her husband had the heart to say it outright.

Smiling brightly, Elaine ladled the soup into bowls and carried it to the dining table. "Sofia, everyone, come here! I want you all to taste this. It's my new recipe."

The helpers hesitated, their expressions frozen in polite terror. Athena, her little daughter, sat at the table with a bowl of porridge—thankfully prepared by the chef. The workers exchanged envious glances at the little girl's luck.

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One by one, they reluctantly took a spoonful, bracing themselves for the worst.

But then...

Surprise flickered across their faces. It wasn't bad. It wasn't good either. But for the first time, it was actually edible.

Elaine's eyes shone with happiness at their silence. "It's good, right?"

The staff, not wanting to hurt her feelings, nodded enthusiastically. "Very tasty, madam!"

Elaine blushed, waving a hand. "Oh, stop it! You're making me embarrassed."

Curious, she took a spoonful herself and nodded in approval. "Not bad. I can cook now."

Just as she was basking in her small victory, her phone rang.

She wiped her hands and answered, only to hear a deep, familiar voice on the other end. "Are you cooking again, Elaine?"

Her eyes widened in surprise. "Who told you that?"

A chuckle came from the other end. "I just know. I told you to stay out of the kitchen. What if you burn it down?"

Elaine scoffed, rolling her eyes. "How can you say that? I've improved."

The man laughed softly. "i am joking" afterwards he turned serious "I have some news"

Elaine's breath caught. "What is it?" she asked, a hint of nervousness in her voice.

Before he could answer, Athena, who had been listening, suddenly squealed in excitement. "mama I want to talk give me!"

Elaine smiled, pressing a kiss to her daughter's forehead. "Your daughter wants to talk."

She handed the phone to Athena, her heart warming at the pure joy in her little girl's face.

But even as she watched her daughter chatter happily, a part of her couldn't shake the feeling—whatever he wants to say it must be serious.

That night, as Elaine was about to go to bed, her phone vibrated with a new notification.

Sleepily, she reached for it, expecting a random email or news update. But the moment her eyes landed on the message, every ounce of exhaustion vanished.

"He is alive."

Her heart stopped.

With trembling fingers, she clicked on the message. A picture loaded on the screen.

Her breath hitched. It was him.

For years she lived in guilt. she had believed he was gone now he looked different older stronger and thriving.