Chapter 5: I'm Ellasandra, not Ella
Ellasandra's POV
I wasn’t sure if it was the right time to see him again, but I decided to reveal myself to save Ms. Xu. I had been trying to blend in with the crowd when I unexpectedly ran into Rafael and Meredith.
I wasn't prepared for this encounter, but fate had other plans. As I poured some red wine into the glasses, I couldn't help but ask, "I hope you don't misunderstand, but who is Ella? And why do you think I'm supposed to be dead?"
Their stunned expressions revealed that they hadn't expected to see me again after two years. I wanted to play a little prank on them, knowing they hadn't forgotten my alter ego, the name I always used when necessary. I want to see his reaction more.
"I apologize for the confusion, but let me clarify things. The three of you have been staring at me since I saved Ms. Xu from that mean girl, and even that woman you called Ashley. I don't even know you guys," I said plainly.
I was relieved that Vivian wasn't in the living room. I knew she wouldn't come out until our visitors had left. The three of them cursed in frustration.
"If this is some kind of joke, then stop it. You are Ella Myers! My wife!" he exclaimed.
He grabbed his phone and showed me a wedding photo. I took a glance at the picture and then coldly looked back at him, returning his phone. "I admit we look very similar, but that's not me. I would never forget such an event in my life.
Besides, I've never had amnesia or anything like that. I think you all have mistaken me for someone else," I explained plainly. Deep down, I was happy to see that picture. I never expected my death and disappearance to work in my favor. Rafael finished his wine and stood up.
I didn't drink any alcohol for a specific reason. He grabbed my hand, and before I could react, he kissed me. I was too stunned to push him away or even react. His eyes were full of hope and longing. I covered my lips. I have to hide the smile that surge deep within me.
Meredith exclaimed, "Why would you do that? Are you out of your mind?" as she hit Rafael's head and glared at him. I have a vivid memory of her. Dr. Meredith Swan is the doctor who not only treats me as her patient but also as her friend.
She is a kind-hearted woman who lives by her morals. "I apologize for our friend's actions. But Ella, I know it's you. Don't tell me you've forgotten who I am. It's me, Tristan. I did as you requested. I even signed for your cremation," Tristan expressed with a change in his expression, reflecting sadness in his eyes, which was also evident in Meredith's eyes.
"Hold on. Who is the woman in the photo? I mean, what's her name? By the way, I'm Melody," my secretary introduced herself.
Rafael took his seat, looking disappointed and lonely. Finally, Rafael spoke up, "My wife's name is Ella Myers," he murmured. I chuckled softly, looking at them, and then cleared my throat, meeting their eyes. I should keep up my acting.
I'm sorry, but my name is Ellasandra, not Ella. I'm Ellasandra Winters. I feel like you were too focused on your wife's passing. You've already mentioned it. She's no longer with us. She is DEAD," I stress.
Rafael closes his eyes, and I regret what I said. I just made things worse for him. The door opens, and Vivian steps out. I understand why. I step away from the counter and meet them halfway. "Mommy…?" he murmurs.
I smile and embrace him. Yes, I have a son. That one night with my tough husband gave me the gift of motherhood. "You have a child?" Tristan whispers. I smile and nod proudly.
"Yes. Sweetie, say hello to mommy's new friends," I whisper.
"Hi! Mommy, good night," my son says and gives me kisses.
I laugh and kiss him back. "Go to bed now, okay? I love you, good night baby," I say. He hugs me and looks at his nanny. I give him back to her. She lowers her head and walks away.
"Ah, so you're married," Rafael remarks. I chuckle and respond, "No, I'm not married, by the way, what's your name?"
"Rafael Midnight," he answers. I return to the counter and take a seat, ready to set a trap for him. I'm aware that he's still fixated on his wife, and I know he'll take the bait. "My son will be turning 2 in five months. His father was cruel, but I know Rafael is kind and loving. Let's just say we weren't meant for each other, and it's best if he doesn't know about River."
"Anyway, it's getting late. I don't mean to be rude, but it's time for me to go cuddle my baby, Melody..." I called her softly.
My secretary understands my signal, and they all sigh and follow my secretary out of the room quietly. Melody looks at me, and I can tell what she's thinking. "So, are you planning to drive him even crazier for you?" Melody inquires.
I shrug and smile happily. I want to see if Rafael was just blaming himself or he finally realize my worth. This is my way to prove things. I’ve endured a lot because of him and Ashley. He deserves to suffer for what they did, as it has affected my life for months.
"Why is it wrong if I enjoy for a little while, Melody?" I asked.
She sighed and rolled her eyes. "I need to go back to my hotel room as well. Good night, my clever and attractive boss."
As she teased me and left the hotel room, I took a bath before joining my son in bed. Looking at him, I couldn't help but smile. "Baby, just wait a little longer, okay? Mommy will definitely bring your daddy back. We will have him no matter what," I whispered as I kissed his forehead and fell asleep.
…
When I saw him, I blinked. The person who was supposed to bring our breakfast turned out to be Rafael Midnight, the owner of the hotel. "Uhm... I know you're not a hotel staff because you own this hotel. Why are you...?" I asked.
"Can I come in?" he murmured with a serious expression. I opened the door wider and he pushed the cart in. After locking the door, I noticed Ashley coming out of the elevator. I was relieved that she didn't see us. I leaned on the door and crossed my arms.
"I understand that you are still grieving your wife's passing, Mr. Midnight," I comment.
Vivian halts her approach when she sees Rafael. My baby looks at me and then to his biological father. He suddenly giggles. Rafael's expression softens. He steps in front of Vivian. The nanny looks at me. I nod, and she doesn't intervene when Rafael picks up his son.
"Da-daddy," my son says. I notice Rafael's stunned reaction. I feel the same way, but I have no intention of correcting my son.
"Then join us for breakfast. It looks like River likes you, Mr. Midnight," I say. He looks at me with a smile on his face that I've never seen. Rafael appears happier than... I dismiss that thought.
I went to the table, and Vivian helped me prepare for breakfast. I saw the smile on her lips and understood what she was trying to say. My plans were working. "Breakfast is ready," I say. I saw Rafael play with him, and my son appeared to understand that he was his real father. I suppose their connection as father and son was undeniable.
"Mommy is calling us," he announces. That makes my heart race. I can't believe I'm seeing them together like this. I feel like I am already on cloud nine. My family is finished with this meal.
"Ms. Winters, I have a request to make, if that is okay with you?"