Stolen love: In love with my sister 's fiance-Chapter 26: Alex decision

The night air was crisp as Adrian pulled his bike to a smooth stop in front of Elaine's villa. The hum of the engine faded into silence, leaving only the distant rustling of leaves and the rhythmic sound of her breathing.

Elaine slid off the bike, wrapping her arms around herself as she turned to face him. "Thanks for tonight," she said softly. "I needed this."

Adrian leaned against the bike, watching her. "As your best friend, I don't want to see you sad. You should always smile."

Elaine let out a small, tired laugh. "Easier said than done."

Adrian shrugged. "Maybe. But I'll keep reminding you until you do."

She nodded, stepping back toward the entrance. Just as she reached for the door, he called her name.

Elaine turned, raising a brow. "What is it?"

For a second, he hesitated, his usual unreadable expression flickering with something else—something almost vulnerable. He opened his mouth as if to say something, but then stopped himself and shook his head with a small, knowing smile.

"Nothing," he said finally. "Goodnight, Elaine."

She watched him for a moment longer, something inside her stirring at the way he looked at her—as if he knew something she didn't. But she didn't push. Instead, she returned his smile, though hers held a touch of sadness.

"Goodnight, Adrian."

As she disappeared inside, Adrian exhaled, running a hand through his hair before putting his helmet back on. The roar of the engine filled the empty street, but even as he rode away, his thoughts stayed behind—with her.

---

College life went on as usual, but Elaine remained distant from Alex. Whenever he visited the villa for work-related matters with her father, she only caught glimpses of him. He looked thinner than before, his skin unusually pale, as if carrying an unbearable weight on his shoulders.

One evening, in the study room, Alex sat across from her father, his expression composed but his eyes dull. They were discussing the engagement ceremony, her father proudly praising Alex for handling everything efficiently.

"You made a swift and wise decision," her father commended. "It's good to see you so responsible."

Alex merely nodded, but his gaze flickered briefly—almost searching. Elaine, standing just outside the door, felt something constrict in her chest. She shouldn't be here, shouldn't be listening. But she couldn't help it.

Forcing a bitter smile onto her lips, she stepped forward into the room. "Congratulations," she said, her voice steady despite the storm inside her. "I hope you'll be happy."

Alex's head snapped up at her words, his eyes locking onto hers. There was something in his expression—an emotion she couldn't quite decipher. But before she could think too much about it, he masked it with indifference.

"Thank you," he replied, his tone formal, distant.

Elaine smiled sweetly—too sweetly. A smile meant to hurt. A smile meant to bury what should never have existed in the first place.

She turned on her heel and walked away, ignoring the way his gaze lingered on her retreating figure.

Later that evening, Mary called, asking if Elaine would come over as they had planned. Elaine hesitated but ultimately agreed, thinking the distraction might help. She packed a small bag for the night and headed downstairs.

As she reached the hall, Alex was also leaving. Their paths crossed briefly, and for a moment, neither spoke.

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"Where are you going?" Alex finally asked, his tone neutral but his eyes searching.

Elaine didn't meet his gaze. "Out," she replied simply, walking past him without another word.

She felt his eyes on her back, but she didn't turn around.

---

At Mary's house, the atmosphere was warm, filled with soft music and the scent of fresh coffee. But Elaine sat quietly, lost in thought. Mary, noticing her distraction, nudged her gently.

"So, tell me what's going on," Mary said, her tone filled with concern. "You look like you're about to pass out any minute. You came here barely an hour ago, and you've just been staring into space. What happened?"

Elaine sighed, rubbing her temples. "It's Alex. What he said that night... and what happened today."

Mary folded her arms, watching her carefully. "Tell me everything."

Elaine narrated everything, her voice steady but laced with bitterness. Mary barely held back her anger as she listened, her fingers tightening around her coffee mug.

"Why is he even asking if you have a boyfriend or not if he doesn't care?" Mary scoffed. "First, he acts like he cares, then suddenly, he changes? What do people like him think of themselves?"

Elaine let out a dry chuckle, shaking her head. "I don't know, Mary. I really don't."

Mary huffed, crossing her arms. "Well, I do. He's a coward."

Elaine smiled weakly, but deep down, she wasn't sure if she agreed—or if she wished she didn't.