The morning was quiet at EC Games, as the employees busied themselves with their usual tasks. However, an air of unease lingered, particularly around Elena's desk.
It wasn't because of the photo of her, Ethan, and Alex, though that certainly had people talking. It was because today, of all days, Ethan's ex-fiancée, Rachel, was visiting the office.
Elena had heard rumors of Rachel's visit, but she hadn't expected her to arrive so soon. Rachel was everything Elena wasn't—polished, poised, and effortlessly elegant. The kind of woman who, by all rights, should have been Ethan's partner, not someone like Elena.
The door to Ethan's office opened, and there she was—Rachel. Tall, stunning, and wearing a smile that could charm anyone, except for Elena, who was already feeling uneasy.
Rachel's gaze immediately fell on Elena, and the smirk she gave was loaded with meaning.
"Ethan!" Rachel said, her voice full of sweetness. "It's so nice to see you again." She walked over to his desk with a grace that Elena couldn't help but admire, even though she felt a pang of discomfort.
Elena stood up from her desk, her hands slightly trembling. She was trying to act casual, but her heart was racing. She tried to avoid Rachel's gaze, but the woman wasn't about to let her off the hook that easily.
"Ah, Elena," Rachel said, her tone colder than before. "I didn't realize you were still here."
Ethan looked up, the slightest hint of tension crossing his face as he noticed the interaction. He stood up quickly, walking over to Elena. "Is everything alright?" he asked, his eyes softening.
Rachel raised an eyebrow. "Everything's fine. I was just wondering how Elena was adjusting to the company. You know, being… married now."
The word 'married' was thick with sarcasm, and Rachel's smile didn't reach her eyes.
Elena looked at Ethan, confused. Why hadn't he mentioned Rachel was coming? It was clear Rachel was throwing subtle jabs, and Ethan didn't seem to notice—or at least he wasn't acknowledging them.
"Well, I'm adjusting well," Elena said, forcing a smile. "I'm still getting used to the pace, but everything's great here."
Rachel's eyes narrowed slightly, as if analyzing Elena for any sign of weakness. "That's good. I was just telling Ethan how much I've missed working with him. It's been a while, hasn't it?" she purred, glancing over at Ethan with a look that made Elena's stomach churn.
Ethan's response was quick. "Rachel, you know how busy things are here. But I'm sure we'll find some time to catch up."
Elena felt a pang in her chest. There it was—the familiar dynamic between Ethan and Rachel. She could see the history they shared, the tension that hung between them.
Elena excused herself, needing a moment to breathe. As she stepped away, she overheard Rachel's voice, dripping with sweetness. "Ethan, it's been so long. I can't believe things changed so much. You've moved on, haven't you?"
Elena didn't need to hear more. She felt a knot form in her stomach. Had Ethan truly moved on? Was this whole contract marriage thing just a charade to him? Did Rachel have a chance at winning Ethan back?
She took a deep breath and steadied herself, walking to the restroom to regain her composure. What was going on in Ethan's heart? And more importantly—what was going on in hers?