Elena's POV (May)
I didn't get much sleep as I stood looking out the window from my chair. There was a long line of traffic and many people were outside. Where do I begin? I've been away from Luke for a few days now, and I can't deny that I miss him and am still in pain.
I picked up my phone when I felt it vibrate in my pocket, but when I found out who was calling, I froze up.
"What took you so long to respond Elena?! You know how much I hate waiting for Pete's sake!" she complained.
Diana Marie Perez— Sir Elandro's mother, and therefore Elena Perez's grandmother. Our first meeting, however, was a disaster, and I've been afraid of her ever since. She is very strict and does not care about her grandchildren; she is only concerned with the company.
"S-sorry," I stammer, my voice low.
"Give me a valid reason Missy. What's this news about you and Luke breaking up?" She asked with a voice full of authority.
I felt stupid and had no idea what to say. Her presence is offputting. She resembles a terror professor or even a lion, both of which are fierce and unnerving. She seems to have the ability to swallow you alive at any time.
"I'm just doing the right thing, Grandma," I attempted to explain.
I noticed her irritability at my response as I heard her sigh aggressively.
"And you think this is the right thing, Elena? The Javier is one of our trusted partners, you know this will affect both of our companies don't you?" She reacted with anger. "I warned you before but you persisted in your relationship and now you give me these bullsh*ts?!"
I don't even know what's happening anymore. I am just so lost in between my love, Elena's career, her familial issues, and my own predicament. It was really hopeless to live as an Elena Perez when in reality I was nothing but a wimpy employee.
"Elena," grandma said coldly on the other line
I gasped, forgetting I was speaking to her.
"I know Luke is the reason why the company is still in good shape as a result of your negligent idiocy. I know he's been actively helping you since you came back. I know how you failed your presentation and how he would guide you. Missy, you've worn down my patience. Pack your belongings; you're returning to the United States. I'll be there early tomorrow, and we'll be gone for good," she for what seemed like a long time ordered before hanging up the phone.
It's no surprise that the Perez family has shot up to the top of the food chain and has been consistently leading for years. They can read your movements and thoughts— because they are indeed intellectual, not because they have a superpower. Being an enemy of them is extremely terrifying.
I could only turn back to Luke to find my peace. tried to dial his number since I wanted to speak with him before I leave. I couldn't defy Ma'am Diana's command— not even in my wildest dream. However, he is not reachable by phone. And I found myself crying rivers of fear, frustration, and sadness. How can Elena live life this suffocating?
"I wouldn't be able to say goodbye to you Luke," I said softly as I looked out my window. "Perhaps, this is for the best."
My eyes welled up with tears as I stood looking at the marvelous moon in the sky.
"I love you so much, Luke, farewell."
I opened my eyes to find myself in an unfamiliar environment, far from where I had grown up. The temperature is extremely low, and there is snow on the ground. In this already cold place, my so-called family's treatment is as cold as ice.
"Elena, I will only let you return back if I am satisfied with your performance. You've truly let me down. Is this the result of your incident that occurred? You've softened to the point where the perfect Elena I molded has vanished. Missy, I'll train you again," Grandma said coldly. "I shall bring back that perfect Elena."
It's not that Elena has become weak, it's just that I'm not that Elena. The perfect Elena is not lost— she's in my real body. Will you believe me if I say this?
"Yes, Grandma," I replied subtly.
We're inside a limousine. I'm not sure how many hours have passed, but drowsiness has not visited me. This was my first time in a limousine, this was one of my dreams. I should be happy but strangely... I am not. I stared silently out my window.
"From now on, call me Madam Elena," she said without emotion.
I couldn't help but stare at her; she was seated in front of me, eyes closed, and earbuds in her ears. She was even colder than the weather. I was nothing but an accessory for her. She doesn't even see me as human but as a robot, she had to reboot to perfection.
I refocused my attention on the outside world. I extended my hand and touched the small, icy window.
"How far are you from me now, Luke? I already miss you," I found myself wondering.
My eyes are watering once more. At first, I felt like I was in a fairy tale. I'm the princess, and he's my prince charming, but I only slowly noticed it was all a beautiful nightmare. I was happy but it was wrong. Grandpa didn't raise me to ruin other people's lives. My mind wandered to a memory...
"There, there, my sweet granddaughter. Don't cry. Don't pay heed to what your classmates are implying. You are absolutely stunning, not only on the outside but also on the inside. You have a pure heart and a very sensible child," he said softly.
"But they said I'm ugly and poor, and they don't want me to be their friend since I'm dirty and it hurts their eyes. Grandpa, they always hurt me, and I want to take revenge," I broke down in tears.
My grandfather hugged me as he shook his head. He stroked my back gently, then drew back and looked me in the eyes.
"Revenge serves no real purpose, May. It's fine to be angry but allowing anger to control you is not. Be kind to people who are not kind, they need kindness to touch their hearts," he said solemnly. "I know you think the world is very unfair, but never let the world harden your pure heart."
"I wish I was beautiful, I wish I was rich, I wish—" I couldn't finish what I was saying when grandfather placed a fruit in my mouth and smiled at the same time.
"True wealth cannot be found in money, and true beauty cannot be found in physical appearance alone," he smiled, "and you shall always remember that my dear, granddaughter."
"I'm sorry Grandpa," I said softly before closing my eyes ...
I was blinded, and everything you taught me was lost to me. I had forgotten about you for a long time due to my own selfish desire. I achieved my princess-like dream, and your lessons faded away from my mind. Please accept my apologies. I will do everything in my power to correct my error.