My Tyrant Husband Blackmailed Me To Stay

Footsteps approached, and Elaina Reyes turned her head to look.

A sophisticated middle-aged woman walked toward her, elegantly dressed in a tailored designer dress, exuding an air of sophistication. Elaina didn’t recognize her but knew she was a guest her mother had invited. The estate was vast, and it seemed the woman had gotten a bit lost.

Elaina gently closed her book, stood up, and offered, “Ma’am, the banquet hall is that way. Would you like me to guide you there?”

"I'm sorry... my English isn't very good. Could you speak a little slower?"

"Of course, ma'am," Elaina replied gently, softening her pace.

And so, they continued on, Elaina patiently keeping her words simple and clear.

Linda Spencer smiled warmly. “I was hoping to head to the stables. Could you show me the way?”

“Oh, certainly,” Elaina replied.

As they walked, Linda asked Elaina for her name and introduced herself. She inquired about the book Elaina had been reading, her hobbies, whether she had traveled, and if she had ever been to Italy.

Elaina found herself enjoying the conversation. Around her neck, she wore a red cord with a silver pendant, inside which lay something dark and mysterious.

Linda Spencer was intrigued. “What’s that around your neck?”

Elaina glanced down, hesitating for a moment before tilting her head in thought.

Linda added, “If it’s personal, you don’t have to tell me.”

“No, ma’am, it’s just that I don’t know the English word for it…” Elaina replied with a bashful smile.

“We call it a ‘relic,’ a sacred object in certain traditions.”

Linda didn’t fully understand; her country was predominantly Christian.

Elaina explained, “It’s a relic from a spiritual leader, formed after cremation. Sometimes, revered practitioners leave behind these relics.”

“So…it’s from a deceased person? Like bone?”

“Yes, exactly.”

Linda was perplexed. This young girl wore what appeared to be a piece of human bone. Her confusion and slight discomfort made Elaina chuckle.

Her youthful smile was bright and genuine. Perhaps it was fate, as Elaina usually didn’t talk so much, but walking with Linda that day, she shared the story behind the amulet:

When she was young, her brother struggled with a heart condition and was frequently unwell. Their parents had taken them abroad, to a renowned mountaintop monastery in the Himalayas famous for its blessings, to seek guidance from a revered spiritual leader there.

The elder scrutinized Elaina for an extended period, eventually rising to circle her, looking upon her with surprise and honor. He proclaimed she had a connection with the divine, a reincarnated deity destined for remarkable challenges and benevolent deeds.

He even suggested she remain at the monastery to grow up there, attain spiritual enlightenment, and become revered by future disciples.

The tale quickly escalated in grandeur. Sending their daughter to a distant monastery at six to be raised as a monastic disciple? That was out of the question!

As they departed, the leader was adamant about placing a revered relic around Elaina’s neck, believing she was meant for a life of compassion and altruism.

(Years later, Elaina’s generous spirit would lead her to establish the world’s largest foundation for assisting disabled and impoverished children, helping countless youngsters and orphans worldwide…).

But that’s a story for another time, a journey through numerous trials and milestones, for her to evolve into such a noble woman.

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They arrived at the stables.

Elaina looked around, first spotting her brother under a canopy, animatedly discussing horse breeds and riding techniques with friends.

Linda pointed in another direction, saying, “Over there, that's my son.”

Hearing this, Elaina shifted her gaze from her brother, looking across to see:

A young man riding a black horse, galloping toward them from a distance.

At that moment, the overcast sky parted, a beam of sunlight illuminating him.

For an instant, Elaina thought he resembled a celestial being descending from the heavens, dazzling in the sunlight, commanding attention.

Grant Wheeler was twenty, an age filled with adventure and mischief.

His striking features, akin to those of a finely crafted sculpture, were exceptionally handsome, flawless. He wore a black leather jacket and gloves, exuding authority as he dismounted the horse gracefully.

“Mom, aren’t you worried about getting too much sun?” he called out.

“It’s fine. This is my new friend—Elaina, oh dear, did I get that wrong, dear?”

“Ha! You can’t even remember her name and call her a friend?” Grant teased, laughing.

The mother-son duo switched into French, their private exchange lost on Elaina. She merely saw a cheerful young man with a radiant smile, eyes full of life.

He glanced her way, casually greeting her, “Hello, pleasure to meet you.”

His English was fluent and unaccented.

After the greeting, Grant was about to mount his horse and leave.

However, his mother stopped him, continuing their dialogue…

.

What???

Hearing something from his mother, Grant suddenly fixed his gaze on Elaina again, looking her over.

His expression shifted to surprise, contemplation, and perhaps a hint of amusement.

Their exchange was lively, filled with back-and-forth repartee. What were they discussing? Were they arguing?

Although Elaina didn’t understand, she felt it was awkward to remain nearby.

She decided to walk over to the rest area where her brother was.

.

Reece and Elaina were fraternal twins, having grown up with a strong bond.

Seeing his sister at the stables, Reece asked, “Elaina, do you want to go for a ride? I can lead the horse for you.”

“No, thanks. It’s not convenient in a skirt.”

“Then why are you here?”

“Linda came to talk to her son. I just showed her the way.”

“Oh,” Reece, also fifteen, was caring and protective of his sister.

Glancing up at the emerging sunshine, he removed his cowboy hat, placing it on Elaina’s head, adjusting the drawstring.

She reminded her brother to be cautious while riding and to stay safe.

.

Spring winds were strong, lifting the hem of her skirt, sending a wisp of hair dancing around her cheek.

Her delicate fingers tucked the stray hair behind her ear, unconsciously turning to look again…

Across several yards, Grant sat on his horse, also watching her.

His gaze…was peculiar.

An enigmatic smile tugged at his lips, cool yet warm, as he looked at her with a meaningful expression…