The Invitation and a Familiar Sting

Elara's POV

The invitation envelopes felt oddly heavy in my purse as I drove toward Damien's villa. I hadn't planned on returning tonight, but Clara's birthday was significant. Her seventieth deserved proper recognition from all family members—even those connected only by marriage.

I drummed my fingers on the steering wheel, recalling how Damien had missed every single one of Clara's birthday celebrations over the years.

"Sorry, I have an important meeting."

"The Beijing deal needs my attention."

"Something urgent came up."

Always an excuse. Always work. Never a priority.

For seven years, I'd accepted his rejections with a smile and attended alone, making excuses for his absence. But this year was different. This year, I wouldn't pretend.

The divorce wasn't finalized yet, which meant that technically, Damien was still family. And Clara had specifically asked me to deliver the invitation personally.