"Dad, you can't leave me now," Elena cried out shaking her father, trying to wake him up, but he still didn't respond. Elena didn't know what to do. Why had her father left her? She had just received a devastating news that she couldn't become a mother and another bad news had come just after that. She couldn't bear the loss of her only kin.
"Young Miss, calm down. We need to prepare for the funeral," the butler reminded her softly.
'Funeral, yes.' Elena looked up silently, trying to gather herself. She knew that it was her responsibility. She was the only one in her family, so obviously she had to prepare for the funeral. She looked at her father, took a deep breath to calm herself down, wiped her tears and instructed the butler to make the arrangements.
She tried to manage her emotions by thinking that her father had gone to her mother and he might be happy to be there. She had to bid him a proper farewell. She wanted him to rest in peace.
…
Since Reginald Ashford was one of the most successful businessmen in the country, the news of his death travelled fast. The death of Chairman of Ashford Corporation attracted the attention of many and almost everyone related to the Ashford family arrived at the funeral.
The sky had turned gray as though it was mourning for Reginald Ashford's death. Scent of sandalwood and chrysanthemum filled the air.
Elena was dressed in a black gown, the smallest size unable to conceal her withered form. Her almond-shaped eyes, red and swollen from crying, were unusually calm at the moment.
Evan was also there. He stood at the side, dressed formally like a stranger. He didn't even look into her eyes, much less comfort her.
Elena didn't blame him. At least, he was here. That was also enough for her at this point of time.
After the final rites, people started leaving one by one, with only Elena remaining in the Ashford mansion. She stood in the balcony of her room, looking blankly at the night sky. She didn't know how things had turned out to be like this. She was clueless about what she should do in the future.
At this moment, the housekeeper knocked on her room door. When Elena turned around, she saw Vanessa Quinn walking towards her. Compared to Elena, Vanessa looked very well. She had clear skin, gentle eyes, and a sweet smile that rarely left her lips. She dressed in soft pastels and flowing fabrics, looking pure and innocent.
Elena's eyes reddened again at the sight of her best friend. She ran towards her and threw herself in Vanessa's arms.
"Vanessa!" Elena cried out.
A flash of disdain appeared in Vanessa's eyes before she hugged Elena back.
"There there, Elena! Hold yourself together!"
Vanessa comforted Elena patiently. Elena cried her heart out. Vanessa was her best friend from the childhood. And at this point of time, what Elena needed the most was somebody in front of whom she could pour all her emotions out.
Vanessa also knew that Elena was most vulnerable at this moment and thus she wanted to meet her. She looked at Elena and her face covered with snot and tears, and a look of disgust flashed across her eyes. However, she concealed her look and did the duty of a best friend.
Elena calmed down slowly and excused herself to wash her face and freshen up. Vanessa looked at the room which she had visited countless times. Her eyes were still tinged with jealousy even though she had treated this room as her own most of the time.
Elena didn't have many friends because of her introvert nature, so Vanessa was the only friend in Elena's life. Elena treated her very well and so Vanessa had the access to the Ashford mansion. She could move in and out of the Ashford mansion as she wished. However, even though she had been here many times, she couldn't help but feel jealous of Elena for having all this.
Elena exited the washroom and sat beside Vanessa. The housekeeper served some fruits to the two ladies after which Elena looked at Vanessa.
"Vanessa, what should I do now?"
Vanessa was already aware of everything going on in Elena's life as the latter updated her about everything. After all, she had nobody to talk to other than Vanessa.
Vanessa took a deep breath, "Elena, did Evan still not warm up to you?"
Elena shook her head.
"Elena, do you want to know what I think?"
Elena nodded silently.
"Elena, not having a biological child is a thing which anyone would find difficult to accept. It's not rare for Evan to behave like this." Vanessa sighed, "But since he was here at Uncle Reginald's funeral, it means that he still cares about you. However, if you think about it, if you can't give him a child which is a basic necessity of a marriage, why would he be married to you?"
Elena stared blankly. She knew what Vanessa said was right. In any family, for any individual, having a biological child was a necessity. However, she couldn't conceive, no matter how hard she tried. What could she do about it?
Vanessa looked into Elena's eyes, "Elena, what I think is Evan should feel your sincerity in your marriage. He should feel that you've also contributed something in his life."
"Vanessa, what exactly are you trying to say? How should I show my sincerity to Evan?"
Vanessa took a deep breath, "Elena, I think that you should give the Ashford Corporation to Evan."