Chapter 2 Always Alone This was the first time in three years that Elaine looked directly at him , but after just a moment , she quickly averted her gaze . Her eyes , as clear and dark as ever , no longer held the love they once did . Instead , they were calm and indifferent . In that instant , his heart felt empty , and his gaze dimmed . " Elaine , Mom and Dad went to Orevine to pick up Grandpa , so the house is empty . You should stay here for the next few days , " Stacy said , adopting the tone of a considerate older sister . " I can take care of you here at the Decker family home . You've been through so much on your own these past years . " Even though Stacy knew about the past between Elaine and Cordell , she still invited her to stay at the Decker family house . If it weren't for Stacy's constant love and care , Elaine might have thought she was trying to make things awkward on purpose . Though Stacy had an excellent reputation in high society - beautiful , graceful , and kind - inviting her husband's ex - girlfriend to stay in their home seemed a little too generous , even for her . Despite being her sister , wouldn't any woman , in the name of protecting her marriage , be more cautious and guarded ? 6005 10 10 10.59 Chapter 2 Always Alone 1289 Voucher A faint , cold smile tugged at the corner of Elaine's lips . " I've been alone in Drego all these years too . " She had learned to survive in that strange , foreign place . Independence was something she had mastered . Besides , the Valentine family house was still home , and there were servants here . 11 Stacy looked at Elaine's thin face with concern . " It's been three years since we've seen each other . Don't you want to catch up ? " " We'll have plenty of time for that , " Elaine replied . Given the awkwardness between her and Cordell , there was really no reason to stay under the same roof . " Stacy , please arrange for a driver to take me back to the Valentine family home . " Cordell put down his coffee , grabbed his coat , and started to head upstairs . After taking a few steps , he paused . " It's getting late . If you're leaving , maybe it's better to wait until tomorrow . " Elaine glanced at the clock in the living room - it wasn't even yet , hardly late . But seeing the look of expectation in Stacy's eyes , she hesitated for a moment before replying , " Alright , I'll stay . Sorry for the trouble . " As she spoke , Cordell , who had been halfway up the stairs , froze . Her polite , distant tone felt like a sharp knife , suddenly and painfully stabbing into his heart . 37 34 % 20 10 1 G 10.59 Chapter 2 Always Alone ***** 1288 Vouchers Having just returned to the country , Elaine was still adjusting to the time difference . She spent the whole night tossing and turning , unable to sleep . When dawn finally broke , she managed to doze off for a short while . She decided to head back to the Valentine family home that day . After waking up , she packed the clothes she'd worn the previous night , tidied up , and then headed downstairs . In the living room , Cordell sat at the dining table in casual loungewear , reading the newspaper . A cup of milk and an untouched sandwich sat in front of him . He looked up briefly , his expression serious as he read . When he heard her footsteps coming downstairs , he glanced over and called out , " Janine . " The maid immediately set out her breakfast on the table . Elaine walked over and sat down across from him , greeting him casually , " Good morning . " Cordell paused for a moment , then replied , " Good morning . " She found it strange . It was almost 8 AM - why was he still sitting here reading the newspaper ? Wasn't he supposed to be going to work ? Her breakfast was the same as his : a sandwich , a cup of milk , and toast . 64511 10 G 1059 Chapter 2 Always Alone 288 Vouchers She took a few bites of the sandwich , finished her milk , and then set down her napkin . " Breakfast is important . You're eating too little , " Cordell said , closing the newspaper . Her small appetite was honestly surprising .