Chapter Two:Helping Hand in The Dark

Chapter: 2

I Will Not Let Them Break Us.

Elara walked through the dimly lit streets, her son, Leo, sleeping peacefully in her arms. Her heart ached with exhaustion and frustration. No matter how hard she tried, every door was slammed shut in her face. Celeste had made sure of that.

She entered their small, run-down apartment and gently laid Leo on their worn-out mattress. Sitting beside him, she brushed his soft curls and whispered, "I will never let them break us."

A tear slipped down her cheek, but she wiped it away quickly. She had to be strong. Giving up was not an option.

Just then, a knock on the door startled her. She hesitated before opening it only to find Adrian Blackwood standing there, his intense gaze locked onto her.

"You need help, Elara. Let me help you."

Elara stared at Adrian, uncertainty flickering in her eyes. The man standing before her was the same stranger her step-sister had set her up with years ago-the man who unknowingly fathered her son. She had spent so long trying to escape the past, but now, fate had brought him back to her doorstep.

"I don't need your pity," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

"This isn't pity," Adrian replied firmly. "I've seen how Celeste has been sabotaging you. I can offer you a stable job, one based on merit, not charity."

Elara looked down at Leo, sleeping soundly, his tiny chest rising and falling with each breath. She had fought so hard to stand on her own, but with every opportunity snatched away, she was running out of options. She had no savings, no job, and no one else to turn to.

Swallowing her pride, she exhaled sharply. "What's the job?"

Adrian's lips twitched slightly, as if he'd expected her to resist at first. "An executive assistant position at my company. High pay, flexible hours. Enough for you and Leo to live comfortably."

Elara hesitated. Working for Adrian meant being close to him, and the thought of him discovering the truth about Leo terrified her. But she had no choice. For her son's sake, she had to survive.

Lifting her chin, she met his gaze with quiet determination. "I'll take it."

Adrian nodded. "Good. You start Monday."

As he turned to leave, Elara felt an unfamiliar emotion creep into her heart.

Monday arrived faster than Elara expected. She stood in front of the grand Blackwood Enterprises building, clutching her purse tightly. Her heart pounded as she inhaled a deep breath. 

"This is for Leo," she reminded herself. 

Inside, the sleek modern office was intimidating, but she kept her head high. Adrian's secretary greeted her and led her to his office. When she stepped inside, Adrian was behind his desk, his piercing gaze landing on her. 

"You're on time," he said, his voice calm. "That's a good start." 

She straightened. "I said I would take the job. I intend to do it well." 

The shadow of a smirk crossed his lips before he handed her a folder. 

"Your responsibilities, expectations, and salary details. You'll assist me directly, handle schedules, meetings, and confidential matters. You'll be working closely with me; can you handle that?" 

Elara swallowed, knowing that proximity to Adrian meant risking him uncovering the past. But she had no choice. 

"I can handle it," she said firmly. 

He studied her for a long moment before nodding. "Then welcome to Blackwood Enterprises." 

Elara's first day was overwhelming but manageable. She buried herself in work, determined to prove she deserved the position. Yet, whispers followed her. 

"She's the one Celeste ruined." 

"Why would Adrian hire her?" 

"She must have done something to earn his favor." 

Elara ignored them, refusing to let them shake her. But at lunchtime, she found herself face-to-face with Celeste. 

"Did you crawl back just to beg Adrian for help?" Celeste sneered; arms crossed. "Pathetic." 

Elara forced a calm expression. "You tried to ruin me, but here I am.., standing. That must burn, doesn't it?" She asked. 

Celeste's smirk faltered for a split second before she scoffed. "Enjoy your little victory. You won't last here." 

Elara walked away without another word; her resolve strengthened. 

"I'm not running anymore." 

Days passed, and Elara grew into her role. Adrian was strict but fair, and despite his cold demeanor, she sensed something beneath it-curiosity. 

One evening, as she organized documents in his office, Adrian leaned against his desk, arms crossed. "You're efficient. You learn fast." 

She glanced at him. "Are you surprised?" 

"Not at all." His gaze softened slightly. "But I am curious, Elara. Why did you really come back?" 

Her fingers tightened around the papers. "Because I had no choice." 

Adrian studied her for a long moment before speaking. "And Leo… he's your son?" 

Her heart skipped a beat, but she kept her expression neutral. "Yes." She answered.

Something flickered in his eyes-something unreadable. "And his father?" Adrian asked,

Elara's breath caught, but she quickly masked her panic. "That's none of your concern." 

Adrian didn't push further, but she knew one thing, 

He wasn't done searching for answers. 

Elara's hands trembled slightly as she left Adrian's office. His question about Leo's father had unsettled her. Did he suspect something? No—he couldn't. She had kept the truth hidden for years. But Adrian wasn't a fool, and she knew he wouldn't let go of his curiosity so easily. 

When she reached home, she found Leo playing with his worn-out toy truck on the floor. His bright smile warmed her heart, and for a moment, all her worries melted away. 

"Mama, look! My car is so fast!" he giggled. 

She knelt beside him and ruffled his dark curls. "Yes, baby. It's the fastest." 

Leo's innocent laughter was the only thing keeping her going. No matter what happened, she would protect him. 

But deep inside, a nagging fear remained...,

"What if Adrian discovered the truth"? 

Elara left Adrian's office feeling more unsettled than she had in years. He was asking questions, dangerous ones for that matter;. And if she wasn't careful, he would start piecing everything together.

She tightened her coat around herself as she walked down the street toward her small apartment. The night air was crisp, but the weight in her chest felt heavier than ever.

When she arrived home, she found Leo sitting on the floor, playing with his toy truck. He looked up with a bright smile, his eyes..-Adrian's eyes, sparkling with excitement.

"Mama, look! My car is so fast!"

Elara forced a smile, kneeling beside him. "Yes, baby. It's the fastest."

She ruffled his dark curls, but her heart ached. How long could she keep this secret? How long before Adrian discovered the truth?

Leo yawned and climbed into her lap, snuggling against her. As she held him close, she whispered,

"No matter what happens, I'll protect you."

But deep inside, she knew the past wouldn't stay buried forever. And when it surfaced, it could destroy everything.