To Love a Shadow, To Be the Sun novel Chapter 21

"Elara, you know exactly what your grandmother means."

Brian's words were a warning—don't anger the old woman.

"I want nothing to do with your family's mess," Elara shot back.

She was furious that they were forbidding her even to mention divorce. Without another word, she turned on her heel and stormed out.

Brian hurried after her, but when he caught up, Elara shoved him away.

He didn't bother arguing. Instead, he simply hoisted her up over his shoulder.

Gareth, holding Nanette in his arms, could barely stand to watch the scene. "Mom, Elara's getting more and more out of line."

Felice shot him a glare. "Maybe you should look at your own behavior for a change. The Vincents' reputation is in tatters because of you two."

Gareth fell silent.

Brian brought Elara back to Platinum Bay.

As soon as the car pulled up, Brian's phone started ringing. It wasn't the special ringtone he used for a certain someone, but it was still a call from Oldborough.

Elara ignored him, got out of the car, and headed inside.

Mrs. Archer saw her coming and rushed over, worry etched on her face.

"Ma'am, there were just too many people earlier—I couldn't stop them. All I could do was call Mr. Vincent. Are you alright?"

As a woman herself, Mrs. Archer could imagine the humiliation of being dragged from bed by strangers. Her eyes welled with sympathy.

"I'm fine," Elara replied, her eyes shadowed with exhaustion, but her posture straight and unyielding.

"Mrs. Archer, would you please move all my things to my study?"

Just then, Brian finished his call and walked in.

"Mrs. Archer, you can go," he said, dismissing her.

Mrs. Archer hesitated, then lowered her head and retreated to the kitchen.

Elara closed her eyes, trying to gather herself before packing up her things.

Brian caught her in his arms before she could move.

She recoiled at his touch, pushing against him, but he wouldn't let go.

"Darling, one of the best surgeons in the country is coming to Kingston City for a conference this week. Would you like him to take a look at your grandfather?"

Elara's eyes widened in shock.

Her grandfather wasn't related by blood, but he'd been a guiding light in her life. And now Brian was threatening his wellbeing to keep her in line.

Brian watched her reaction with a deepening smile. "Any thought of leaving me would be a very poor decision on your part, Elara. After our fourth wedding anniversary, let's take a trip—make up for that honeymoon I still owe you. And while we're away…"

He leaned close, his lips brushing her earring.

"…let's try for a baby."

A child—just another chain to keep her bound.

Elara's eyes turned glacial. "Brian, I've never hurt anyone you care about, and my patience isn't fear. But if anyone lays a hand on someone I love, I'll return the favor tenfold."

Brian's smile was cool and ambiguous. "An eye for an eye? My wife's grown a spine."

He let her go, letting the tension hang between them.

She was still seething, so Brian chose to give her space. He'd wait for her anger to cool before trying to win her over again.