Chapter 14

After Elly left, Jen went inside with her mom and sister. "I bought you some baked cookies and bread."

Lily's eyes widened in delight. "Wow!"

But Jen barely registered it. Her mind was still elsewhere, lingering on the brief interaction with Elly. Something about it felt strange—unsettling even. Like there was a piece missing, something she couldn't quite place.

Jen's mom, watching her with an unreadable expression, spoke up. "Your friend... Elly... really looks familiar. Is Elly related to Governor Cruz?"

Jen froze. The question hung in the air like a weight, pressing down on her chest. She couldn't lie. Not this time.

"Yes," she whispered, barely above a breath.

(Transition to Elly's car)

Back on the road, Elly's grip tightened around the steering wheel as the dark, empty road stretched ahead. The headlights cut through the night like a pair of searching eyes. Suddenly, Elly tapped the screen on the car's dashboard to call Marcus.

"Sup?" Marcus's voice crackled through the car's Bluetooth, casual and completely unaware of the storm brewing on the other side of the line.

Elly's throat went dry, eyes flicking briefly to the rearview mirror before forcing focus back on the road. "Is Mom and Dad there?"

"Yeah, we're having dinner. Where are you?" Marcus's voice, though calm, carried a hint of concern now.

Elly's chest tightened as the words felt heavier than usual. "Put my call on speaker… Mom, Dad... I'm at San Nicolas now."

The line went silent. For a moment, there was nothing but static. Then, the unmistakable sound of Mrs. Stefano's frantic voice broke through, cutting the quiet like a knife.

"What are you doing there? Are you out of your mind?!"

Mr. Stefano's voice followed, sharp and filled with panic. "Are you okay? Who's with you?"

(Transition to Jen's house)

Back at Jen's house, Jen's mom was staring at her now, her eyes narrowed, as if waiting for a confession. "I knew it," she muttered, more to herself than to Jen. "But why did Elly come back here? After everything that happened?"

Jen's breath caught in her chest. She felt a sudden weight in her chest—guilt, confusion, a mix of everything she didn't know how to process. She opened her mouth, but no words came. How could she explain this?

Jen's mom's voice was low but firm, laced with warning. "Your father can't know about this. He'll be furious if he finds out."

Before Jen could respond, the sound of footsteps thudded from the hallway. The door swung open, and her father stumbled in, his steps uneven. His breath reeked of alcohol, and his eyes were already bloodshot.

"Where's my dinner?" he slurred, his voice loud and demanding. "Lily, give me a plate."

Jen's mom and sister exchanged a glance, but they all moved to the table, an unspoken understanding hanging between them. Jen's father didn't wait for them to sit. He turned to Jen, narrowing his eyes. "Who's that friend of yours? And you didn't even bother to introduce me?"

Jen stiffened, her frustration bubbling up. "How can I introduce you when you're drunk?" she shot back, trying to keep her voice steady.

Her father's face flushed crimson. "You boastful little—" His voice rose, sharp and harsh. "How dare you disrespect me just because you're making money now and helping this family?"

Jen felt the familiar knot in her stomach tighten. Her father always found a way to make everything about his own bruised pride.

But before she could respond, her mom cut in softly, trying to calm the situation."Enough," she said quietly. "Let's eat."

But it didn't stop. Jen's father's voice thundered across the room. "You woman, don't interrupt me!"

Lily, who had been sitting silently, her eyes wide with fear, suddenly burst into tears. "Stop it, please," she cried, her voice trembling.

The sudden shift in the room was palpable. Her father, still fuming, faltered for a moment. The anger in his eyes softened, just for an instant, before he forced himself to turn away. Jen's mother reached for Lily, pulling her close, while Jen stared at her father in silence, her heart pounding.

(Back to Elly's car)

The phone crackled again, and this time, Marcus's voice was sharper, more urgent. "No, I'm coming to get you."

"Marcus—" Elly's voice was strained, fighting to stay calm. "You're all overreacting. I just wanted to visit Grandma and grandpa. I'm staying the night. I'm just letting you all know."

"No," Marcus cut in, his tone growing colder. "No, you're not staying there. I'm coming to get you."

From the other end of the line, Mr. Stefano's voice broke through, loud and angry. "I can't allow you both there at the same time! Why the sudden visit? What's going on? Come back home now!"

Elly's heart pounded. The words were coming too fast, too loud. The pressure was building, and the anxiety bubbled up, threatening to overflow. "Sorry, Dad. I'm already a kilometer from their house. I'll be fine. Okay, gotta go now. Love you."

Without waiting for a response, Elly quickly hung up, the rush of words leaving a bitter taste in their mouth. "Shit. I am in big trouble."

From the other end of the line, all that could be heard were frantic voices. "Elly! Elly!"—but it didn't stop Elly from speeding toward the San Nicolas estate, their mind a whirl of thoughts they couldn't control.

Elly's car slowed as it approached the familiar gates of the Governor's estate. The guard, standing alert by the post, looked up, expecting nothing out of the ordinary. His eyes flickered over the car, uncertain, and for a split second, he hesitated. It had been 10 years since Elly's last visit, and he wasn't expecting anyone tonight.

He stepped forward, his eyes narrowing as he approached.

Elly's hand hovered over the window controls, then with a quiet click, lowered it.

"Who are you, and what brings you here?" The guard's voice was polite but edged with caution.

"I'm Elly Stefano. Grandchild of the Governor."

The guard's face shifted in recognition, his eyes widening in shock. He took a quick step back, clearly caught off guard. But instead of questioning further, he snapped into a more formal posture. "I am sorry I didn't recognise you," he muttered, his voice respectful now, "but please... allow me." He signaled his colleagues, and with a deep groan, the gates began to open, slow and deliberate.

The guard remained at attention, eyes never leaving the car as it passed through, the moment heavy with unspoken acknowledgment.