Chapter 4

Elena stood in front of the mirror, smoothing down her blouse, her heart fluttering with anticipation. Today was supposed to be the start of something new—a career opportunity that could help her grow, a chance to prove herself.

She looked at the job offer letter on the dresser, the salary figure bold and enticing. It was everything she had dreamed of—financial independence, a sense of purpose beyond the walls of this house. Yet, as she stared at her reflection, doubt crept in.

Would pursuing this job mean she was neglecting her duties as Liam’s wife? Would she be choosing herself over him?

Her phone buzzed, breaking her thoughts. A text from Liam: Can’t wait to see you tonight, Mrs. Harrington. Love you.

A smile broke across her face, her heart warming at the thought of him. She pictured his smile, the way his eyes softened when he looked at her. She remembered his words on their wedding night—I love you, and that’s all that matters.

But then, Eleanor’s voice echoed in her mind: “Home is earned... especially not by someone who doesn’t understand its worth.”

Her chest tightened, the excitement she felt moments ago dimming. Would pursuing this job make her less of a wife? Less worthy of this home, of Liam’s love?

She heard footsteps behind her and turned to find Eleanor standing in the doorway, her gaze cold and appraising.

“You’re going out?” Eleanor’s voice was deceptively polite, her eyes flicking over Elena’s professional attire. “I thought you were settling into your role as Liam’s wife.”

Elena’s heart skipped, her fingers tightening around the job offer. “I... I was considering a job opportunity. Just something to keep me busy.”

Eleanor’s lips curved into a thin smile. “Busy? Interesting. I always thought taking care of my son’s home would be more than enough to keep someone occupied.” She stepped closer, her eyes never leaving Elena’s. “But I suppose not everyone is suited for that role.”

Elena felt the sting, her shoulders tensing. “I just thought... maybe I could help contribute.”

“Contribute?” Eleanor’s laugh was sharp, echoing off the walls. “Liam is more than capable of supporting this household. He doesn’t need his wife running around playing career woman. It’s undignified... desperate, even.”

Elena’s cheeks flushed. “It’s not about the money. I just... I wanted something for myself.”

Eleanor’s smile faded, her gaze hardening. “You’re his wife now. Your place is here, supporting him, making this house a home. Or did you think marriage was just about wearing a ring and living in luxury?”

The accusation stung, each word piercing Elena’s confidence. She looked down, her fingers trembling as she held the offer letter.

Eleanor’s eyes flicked to the paper. “You want to be useful? Then learn to be the wife Liam deserves. A woman who stands by his side, who puts his needs above her own.” Her voice was icy, final. “Not someone who chases selfish dreams.”

With that, she turned and walked away, her heels clicking against the floor, the sound echoing long after she was gone.

Elena stood frozen, her heart pounding, her mind racing. The job offer felt heavy in her hands, the excitement she once felt now tainted with doubt and guilt.

She sank onto the bed, staring at the letter, her vision blurring. She thought of Liam, of his smile, of how hard he worked to provide for them. How could she be so selfish?

Eleanor was right. Her place was here, by his side. She was his wife now. This was her new role, her new purpose.

She took a deep breath, her decision solidifying. She folded the job offer neatly and placed it back into the envelope, her hands shaking. She would decline. She would stay home, she would make their house a sanctuary, and she would be the wife Liam deserved.

That evening, when Liam came home, she was waiting for him with his favorite meal, the table beautifully set, candles flickering softly. She wore a soft, welcoming smile, her doubts buried deep inside.

He pulled her into his arms, kissing her forehead. “You’re incredible, you know that?”

Her heart swelled, his words washing over her, soothing the ache inside. “I just want to make you happy.”

“You do,” he murmured, his lips brushing hers. “Every day.”

They ate together, laughing and talking about his day. Elena listened intently, her focus entirely on him, on his needs, on his happiness.

But later that night, as Liam slept soundly beside her, Elena stared at the ceiling, her mind racing. She couldn’t sleep, couldn’t silence the nagging voice inside her.

Days turned into weeks, and Elena settled into her new role as a homemaker. She busied herself with tasks that once seemed trivial—organizing the pantry, redecorating the living room, perfecting new recipes. She woke early to prepare Liam’s breakfast and stayed up late to tidy up after his long workdays.

She poured herself into this life, determined to be the wife he deserved. Yet, every time she passed the desk in their study, her eyes lingered on the drawer where she had hidden the job offer letter.

It felt like a distant memory, a different life she had almost chosen. She shook off the thought, reminding herself that she had made the right choice—for Liam, for their marriage.

One afternoon, she invited her mother over, eager to share the progress she had made on the house. She wanted her to see how happy she was, how perfectly she had embraced her new role.

As they sipped tea in the sunlit kitchen, her mother’s gaze wandered, taking in the perfectly arranged flowers, the gleaming countertops. “You’ve done a lovely job, Elena. It’s a beautiful home.”

Elena’s heart swelled with pride. “I just want everything to be perfect for Liam. He works so hard. The least I can do is make sure he has a warm, welcoming home.”

Her mother’s smile faltered. “And how are you doing? Are you still writing? Working on that book you always dreamed of?”

Elena’s chest tightened. She hadn’t touched her writing in months. There was no time between keeping the house spotless and supporting Liam’s busy schedule. “I’ve been busy,” she said lightly. “But I’m happy. That’s all that matters.”

Her mother’s eyes softened. “You always wanted so much more. Don’t lose yourself, darling.”

“I’m not losing anything,” Elena insisted, forcing a bright smile. “I’m exactly where I want to be.”

Her mother looked unconvinced but dropped the subject. They spent the afternoon talking about family and old memories, and when she finally left, Elena felt a lingering unease.

Was she really happy?

That evening, she made Liam’s favorite dinner, setting the table with their finest china. She was determined to prove—to herself, to her mother—that she was thriving in this role.

Liam came home late, his shoulders tense, his expression weary. He offered her a tired smile and kissed her cheek before collapsing into his chair. “You didn’t have to do all this, Elena. I would’ve been fine with takeout.”Her heart sank. She had spent hours perfecting every detail, wanting to make him feel special, to show her appreciation. “I just wanted to surprise you. I thought you’d like it.”

He glanced at the table, his gaze barely lingering on the perfectly arranged plates or the centerpiece she had crafted herself. “It looks great. I’m just exhausted.”

He ate quickly, his attention more on his phone than on her. When she tried to engage him in conversation, his responses were short, distracted.

“Everything okay at work?” she asked gently.

“Yeah, just busy,” he replied, not looking up. “There’s a lot on my plate right now. I’m trying to keep the investors happy. It’s just... a lot of pressure.”

Elena reached across the table, placing her hand on his. “I’m here for you. Whatever you need.”

He smiled, his fingers tightening around hers. “I know. You’re amazing.” But his eyes were distant, his mind somewhere else.

After dinner, she cleaned up alone, listening to him take calls from the office. She heard him laugh—really laugh—for the first time that evening, and her chest ached when she realized he was talking to his assistant, praising her for her hard work.

Elena’s hands stilled on the dishes. She had given up her own career, her own dreams, to be here for him. Yet, he seemed more impressed with someone who had kept her ambition.

A pang of jealousy twisted inside her, quickly followed by guilt. She had chosen this. She had decided to support him, to build their life together. Why did it hurt so much?

The next day, she visited Liam’s family, hoping to feel more connected, more secure in her role as his wife. But the visit was far from comforting.

Eleanor greeted her with a practiced smile, her gaze sharp as she looked Elena up and down. “You look... comfortable,” she noted, her eyes lingering on Elena’s simple dress. “Liam likes his wife to be polished. Perhaps you should consider dressing up more.”

Elena’s cheeks burned. She had chosen the dress for its comfort while running errands, not realizing she would be judged for it. “I... I’ll keep that in mind.”

Victoria joined them, her voice dripping with false sweetness. “Oh, Elena, I heard you turned down that job offer. Such a shame. I suppose staying at home suits you better.”

Eleanor’s eyes gleamed with satisfaction. “Of course. It’s good you understand your place.”

Elena’s stomach churned, but she forced a smile. “Liam and I agreed this was best for us.”

Eleanor’s expression softened, her lips curving into a condescending smile. “You made the right choice. After all, a man like Liam needs a wife who can dedicate herself fully to him.”

The words felt like chains, wrapping around Elena, tightening with each passing moment. She realized that no matter what she did, it would never be enough for them.

That evening, as she lay beside Liam, she stared at the ceiling, her heart heavy. She had given up so much—her career, her independence, her dreams. Yet, she felt more alone than ever.

She glanced at Liam, his face relaxed in sleep, unaware of the turmoil inside her. She loved him. She had made these sacrifices for him.

The next day, she watched Liam leave for work, his confidence evident in every step. He was thriving, climbing the corporate ladder, surrounded by influential people who praised his ambition and drive.

Elena felt pride for him, truly she did. But the quiet that followed his departure echoed through the house, each tick of the clock reminding her of the dreams she had set aside.

One afternoon, she sat at the desk in their study, her fingers tracing the edges of the drawer where her job offer letter was hidden. She hadn’t looked at it since the day she turned it down, convinced that her role as Liam’s wife was more important than any career.

She almost opened the drawer, almost unfolded the letter to read the details again, to remind herself of who she was before she became Mrs. Harrington. But before she could, her phone buzzed.

It was a message from Liam: Having dinner with a client tonight. Don’t wait up. Love you.

Elena’s heart sank. It was the third night this week. She typed a quick reply, forcing cheerfulness into her words: Okay, have a great dinner! Love you too.

Her fingers hovered over the screen before she set the phone down. She knew this was part of his job, part of supporting his career. She reminded herself of her choice, her sacrifice.

But the ache in her chest didn’t ease.

To distract herself, she decided to visit Eleanor. Maybe connecting with his family would help her feel more involved, more... included.When she arrived, Eleanor welcomed her with a smile that didn’t reach her eyes. “Elena, how lovely to see you. I wasn’t expecting company.”

Elena tried to ignore the coldness in her voice. “I just thought it would be nice to spend some time together.”

Eleanor’s gaze flickered to the clock. “Of course. But you should have called first. I have other engagements today.”

Elena’s shoulders drooped. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to intrude.”

“Nonsense,” Eleanor said, her voice firm. “You’re family now. But spontaneity isn’t always appropriate. You’ll learn.”

Elena’s cheeks flushed with embarrassment. “I’ll remember that.”

Eleanor’s lips curved into a practiced smile. “Good. Now, tell me, how is everything at home? Have you considered my suggestion about redecorating the living room? It’s quite outdated, you know. Liam deserves a more sophisticated space.”

Elena’s chest tightened. She had spent days rearranging the room, adding personal touches to make it feel like home. “I... thought it was fine as it was.”

Eleanor’s eyes narrowed. “Darling, a man like Liam is destined for greatness. He needs a wife who understands his status. Presentation is everything.”Eleanor’s expression softened, her tone almost gentle. “You’re trying, I see that. But you still have much to learn.”

The words stung, but Elena swallowed her pride. She wanted to be the wife Liam needed, the daughter-in-law who fit seamlessly into his world. “Thank you for the advice. I appreciate it.”

Eleanor’s smile widened. “Good girl. You’ll get there... eventually.”

Elena forced a nod, her voice small. “I’ll look into it.”