Chapter 14 - ALLIANCE OF SURVIVAL
Returning to the empty mansion,
Evelyn realized she could no longer live,
in a place filled with such dark memories,
and treacherous ghosts.
She called a meeting with Mr.
Marcus,
instructing him to put the estate on the market,
and liquidate all assets associated,
with Julian’s name.
She wanted a fresh start,
a new life away from high society,
away from the fake friends,
who only cared about gossip.
She walked into the kitchen,
finding Elena diligently polishing the silver,
working as if nothing had changed,
despite the chaotic storm around them.
"Elena,
stop working for a moment,"
Evelyn said gently,
approaching the young girl,
taking the polishing cloth from her hands.
Elena looked up,
surprised by the interruption,
wondering if she was about to be dismissed,
now that the household was dissolving.
"I am selling this house,
Elena,"
Evelyn explained,
"and I am moving away from the city,
to a quiet place by the sea."
Elena’s heart sank,
feeling a sudden sadness,
realizing she would lose the mistress,
she had fought so hard to save.
"I understand,
madam,"
Elena whispered,
looking down at her hands,
"I will pack my things and leave,
as soon as you require."
"You misunderstand me,"
Evelyn interrupted,
a warm smile appearing on her face,
"I am not firing you,
Elena."
"I want you to come with me,"
Evelyn proposed,
"not as my maid,
but as my personal assistant,
and my companion."
"You saved my life,"
Evelyn continued,
"and you proved your loyalty,
when everyone else was wearing a mask."
"I want to pay for your education,"
she offered,
"and ensure your mother is cared for,
for the rest of her days."
Elena stared at her,
tears of joy filling her eyes,
unable to believe the generosity,
of the woman before her.
"Thank you,
Evelyn,"
Elena sobbed,
using her mistress's first name,
for the very first time,
sealing a lifelong bond.
They were no longer mistress and servant,
they were two survivors,
May you like
bound by a shared nightmare,
ready to face the future together.
