Elena's POV (May)
I took a deep breath as I walked out of the office. I decided to stroll around the manor house. I haven't been able to take a chance to tour the mansion since I arrived because Grandma Diane frequently demands that I do the training.
And finally, after a month. I can finally get a breather. I can't believe I lasted a month without going out. Elena's grandmother is definitely strict. But I am nowhere near Miss Elena. A memory from when I first arrived here suddenly flashed in my head...
"You are not permitted to leave this room until you have completed all of that paperwork," Grandma Diane declared before locking the door.
I pulled my hair as I recalled that. Now I understand how difficult it is to be Elena Perez. I've felt lonely and sad since moving to America with Grandma Diane. Three weeks, three weeks of suffering, and homesickness. I had no one to talk to... all I had was papers. I've only been here for a month but I feel like I am going crazy already. Miss Elena is definitely something else.
I can truly be never like her.
"Son of the grasshopper!" I cried out as I felt the cold water pour over my body.
When I looked up, I saw Winter frowning and an irritated Misty holding a bucket. How could they throw a bucket of cold water to me in this already cold weather?!
"W-what are you do?" I asked, stuttering.
Winter sat on the vacant couch in front of me, and Misty sat next to her with her arms crossed.
"You're so boring Elena," Winter grumbled, clutching her doll tightly.
I let out an exasperated sigh. I turned off the air conditioning because I was nearly frozen in the cold. I grabbed my towel and wiped my wet hair.
"After-effect of the accident? Come on Elena! This is so not you," Misty complained loudly.
I want to tell her I'm not Elena, but will she believe me? Will they openly acknowledge it? I took a deep breath once more. I had no choice but to go back to my office nd change my clothes.
As soon as I finished. I went out and made sure the two pranksters are no longer around. I exhaled in relief when there was no sign of them. How many times have I sighed? I locked my gaze on the black door— it's the only black door in the entire mansion, and it draws a lot of attention.
I saw this when I first entered the mansion but Grandma only gave me the office to sleep in. I contemplated for a while before I finally made the decision to enter.
"W-Wow," I whispered to myself in amazement.
The golden butterfly design is engraved, just like Miss Elena's room in the Philippines' mansion. The room is crammed with photographs and paintings. I went through each one individually. Miss Elena was stunning even when she was young.
I stared in awe at the various paintings that I assumed were designed by Miss Elena, which were both beautiful and well-crafted. You can sense how she felt while she was painting it. I have never thought that you could ever feel the painter's emotion by just looking at their piece.
"Tears?" I whispered to myself in shock.
Why was her last painting so sad that I could feel her sadness? What actually happened? Below it, I noticed a cracked picture frame. When I picked it up, I noticed a beautiful young woman with Miss Elena.
"Did this help you remember anything?" I was distracted by a voice from behind me. I was surprised to see who was standing next to me. "I knew you'd be here," he smiled.
"W-what brings you here?" I stammered.
"Don't worry, he's not here."
He... Luke... Should I be happy? Yet, why am I feeling like an elephant crashed my chest? I had only just been brought back to reality when I felt the warm palm on my cheek.
"It's the opposite, huh? Don't cry on me now Elena, I might not be able to do this," he said meekly before wrapping his arms around me.
Moments later, I found myself sobbing uncontrollably. I'm not sure why I'm acting this way, but one thing is certain. I miss him, I miss Luke Javier and seeing this man makes me think of Luke.
"Even if I'm not him, I know a bitter memory is left in this room, and you don't have to come in here," he said while he stroked my head.
I fixed my gaze on him. Sad memories? What exactly does he mean? He wiped my tears away.
"Forgive me for this Elena."
I was even more perplexed. What exactly does he mean? He knows something that I don't...
"Jake, what's the real problem?" I can't help but question.
"I still love you, no matter what. Forgive me for this, I have no choice," he said solemnly. "I just love you so much, so much that I'll do anything just to be with you."
I examined the key in my hand. What exactly does he mean? What is the purpose of this key?
"I wanted to see you. I'm glad I did see you. I miss you and..." he hesitated prior to actually continuing. "He misses you as well."
When I heard his parting words, time seemed to stand still. I know... I know he's talking about Luke. He walked to the door.
"You should leave this room; I want to be with you for a little while, but a deal is a deal. I'll be visiting you again," he said just before finally leaving.
I looked at the key in my palm. What brings Jake here? What exactly is he on about? What deal is he talking about? I exhaled again, nothing makes sense anymore. I returned to my room and lay down until the drowsiness gradually visited me...