The kitchen smelled of cinnamonand butter. Elena rolled the dough softly, her fingers moving just the way her aunt and mom taught her years ago.
The pie crust was already taking shape, and Maria smiled faintly, watching her niece with pride.
"You haven't forgotten," Maria said, her tone gentle as she sprinkled flour on the counter.
Elena smiled, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "You and my mother taught me well, Aunt."
They shared a soft laugh, the kind that came from love and memories, not from jokes.
For a few minutes, it felt like peace had finally returned to Elena's life—no chaos, no fear, no Damian's piercing stare shadowing her thoughts.
Maria leaned her elbows on the counter, watching Elena carefully.
"You've grown so much," she murmured.
"But tell me, who really is this Damian? The one you're staying with. The one that helped me get the surgery?"
Elena's hand froze for a second before she forced a calm smile.
"Oh—he's, um… just a friend I met when you were away. He helped me when I had nowhere to go."
Maria narrowed her eyes slightly, her instincts sharp.
"A friend, hmm? This friend of yours must be quite something for him to handle the expenses of my surgery and....."
She stopped.
Elena quickly looked down at the dough, pretending to focus on cutting the edges.
"It's not like that, Aunt. He's just helping me. That's all."
Maria didn't press, but the look she gave told Elena she wasn't convinced.
Just then, Elena took her phone and dialed Tia.
"Come to the house," she said softly, a small smile forming. "I want you to meet someone."
An hour later, light footsteps echoed down the hall, followed by Tia's bright voice.
"You called me—oh!" She stopped when she saw Maria standing by the counter.
"Tia," Elena said with a wide smile, "this is my aunt, Maria."
Tia's face lit up instantly.
"Oh my God, you're her aunt? I've heard so much about you!" She rushed forward, hugging Maria warmly. "It's so nice to finally meet you."
Maria smiled, touched by her energy. "You're a lovely girl," she said, patting her back.
They laughed and talked as the pie baked in the oven, the room filled with a golden smell and soft warmth. For the first time, the mansion didn't feel cold.
Then, in her usual cheerful tone, Tia said,
"You know, Aunt Maria, you must meet my grandfather and my Aunt Irina. They'd love to see you!"
Elena's smile faded quickly. "No, Tia," she said sharply. "That's not a good idea."
Tia blinked in surprise. "Why not?"
Elena looked down, her voice quiet but firm. "It's… complicated. They don't need to be involved."
Maria, however, touched her niece's arm and spoke softly but firmly. "Of course I'll meet them."
Elena looked up at her, eyes wide. "Aunt, no—"
Maria smiled faintly, but there was determination in her gaze.
Elena's heart raced. She wanted to argue, but one look at her aunt's calm, brave face silenced her.
The timer for the pie went off with a soft ding.
The three women stood there quietly for a moment—warm light on their faces, the scent of baked pie in the air.
***
Damian had gone for a meeting at his underground place.
The moment he stepped in, he heard a familiar laugh echo from the corner.
"My brother!" Viktor's deep voice boomed, breaking the silence. He spread his arms wide, a mischievous grin already forming on his face.
"Look who finally remembered I exist!"
Damian sighed, his tone dry. "You're too loud for this place."
Damian gave him a hard glare, but Viktor only laughed louder, throwing himself into the chair opposite Damian.
"Oh, don't look at me like that. I missed you, man. You've been hiding since you saved your cupcake from Andrew."
Damian poured himself a drink, ignoring the teasing.
"Elena's aunt is back," he said calmly.
Viktor's brows shot up instantly, his grin widening like a cat spotting a mouse.
"Her aunt, huh? So the in-laws are showing up now? My best friend's officially in trouble."
"Viktor," Damian warned, his tone low.
But Viktor only leaned back, smirking.
"No, really. First comes the aunt, next thing I know, you'll be standing in a suit, ring in your pocket, pretending you don't care."
Damian picked up his pistol from the table and lazily pointed it at Viktor without saying a word.
Viktor froze for half a second — then burst out laughing.
"Keep talking," Damian said, his eyes narrowing but the corner of his mouth twitching.
Viktor lifted his hands in mock surrender.
"Alright, alright. But honestly, I'm proud. Damian Volkov — the man who made grown men shiver — is finally falling in love. Never thought I'd live to see that day."
Damian rolled his eyes, lowering the gun.
"For the last time stop saying that. I don't have feelings for her, she's just my plaything."
Viktor grinned wider, resting his elbows on his knees.
"But admit it, she's different. You don't bring women near your personal life. That says everything."
Damian looked away, sipping his drink instead of replying.
Viktor chuckled softly, standing up. He clapped Damian's shoulder.
"You can point that gun at me all you want, brother. But if you ever do shoot me — I'll die knowing I saw you fall in love again."
Damian exhaled through his nose, shaking his head slightly.
"How did I even become friends with you. You talk too much"
"And you love that about me," Viktor said with a laugh. "Anyway, tell my soon-to-be sister-in-law that I said hi.
Damian gave him one final glare as he headed to the door.
The door closed. Damian smirked faintly to himself, muttering under his breath, "Idiot."
But even as he said it, he couldn't deny it — Viktor wasn't entirely wrong.
***
Night slowly wrapped the mansion. Maria was still in the living room with Elena and Tia — the three of them sitting close, laughing softly about old memories.
Maria's phone buzzed on the table. She glanced at it, her smile fading the moment she saw the name on the screen — Diego. Her hands trembled slightly as she opened the message.
"If you want to see our daughter, meet me here."
Her breath caught. Our daughter. Her heart beat faster, but she quickly composed herself. Elena noticed the sudden change in her aunt's face.
"Aunt, is everything okay?" she asked softly.
Maria quickly locked the phone, forcing a small smile. "It's nothing."
Elena didn't press further, but something in her aunt's tone didn't feel right.
They talked for a while longer until a knock came on the door. The butler stepped in politely.
"Madam, the car is ready. Master said it's time for you to leave."
Elena's heart sank. "So soon?" she whispered, her voice almost breaking.
Maria stood, smoothing her dress, trying to stay calm. "I'll come again, my dear. I promise."
Elena got up quickly and wrapped her arms tightly around her aunt.
Tia joined the hug, smiling. "Aunt Maria, don't forget me next time"
They all laughed softly.
As Maria pulled away and left the mansion, Tia smirked suddenly, her tone playful.
"Well, at least, Damian finally let you see your aunt."
I was expecting you both to reunite with you as a pregnant woman after all the noises you make with my cousin"
"Tia!" Elena gasped, her cheeks turning bright red. She covered her face, half laughing, half mortified. "Stop saying that!"
Tia giggled, nudging her shoulder. "Oh come on, you two make it obvious."
Elena turned away, biting her lip, her heart thudding fast. She could still feel Damian's touch, his voice. She tried to push the thought away, but she couldn't.
Tia's teasing words echoed again in her mind, and this time she didn't try to deny it. Her chest felt heavy but warm, her pulse quick and steady.
She touched her lips lightly, remembering his kiss, the way he said her name — deep, rough, yet gentle underneath.
No matter how much she tried to hide it, it was useless now.
She couldn't fake it anymore.
Elena Cruz has fallen in love with Damian Volkov — completely, helplessly, and without a single way back.