Title: Falling Through Shadows

Chapter 5: Broken Bonds

Elara's POV

Elara was dusting the living room when she heard a knock at the front door. She quickly went to answer it, surprised to find a strikingly beautiful woman standing there. Her high heels, designer bag, and perfectly styled hair told Elara everything she needed to know. This was someone close to Liam.

"Oh," the woman said with a smirk, eyeing Elara from head to toe. "You must be the new cleaning lady. Where's Liam?"

"Yes, I... I work here," Elara stammered, trying to keep her voice steady. She had barely finished her sentence when Liam appeared in the hallway, his expression caught between surprise and something unspoken.

"Betty," he greeted the woman with a hesitant smile.

Betty, with her eyes gleaming, stepped closer, wrapping her arms around him. "Liam, it's been too long. I missed you so much," she said softly, almost purring.

Elara's heart tightened, feeling a sudden pang of jealousy and confusion as she watched them. She knew Liam and Betty had a history, but it was unsettling to see it play out right in front of her.

Betty's voice took on a softer tone as she continued, "I know I made mistakes, Liam, and I'm sorry for the way things ended. I... I want us to try again."

Elara's heart clenched. She watched Liam's face, hoping to see some hesitation, some hint that he wasn't just going to forgive her. But instead, Liam nodded, his expression softened, and he took Betty's hand.

"All right, Betty. Let's... let's give this another shot."

The words hit Elara like a wave crashing over her. She turned away, blinking back tears. It was ridiculous to feel this way; she had no right to. This was a fake relationship, after all. But hearing those words was like a blow to her heart.

Liam's POV

He led Betty upstairs, feeling an old warmth and familiarity returning. He remembered their time together, the laughter, the memories they'd shared. Even if she had hurt him, he still couldn't deny his feelings for her. As they entered his room, Betty wrapped her arms around him, pulling him close. He knew Elara was somewhere in the house, but he brushed the thought aside. This was his life, he told himself.

Elara's POV

Elara tried to focus on her work, but she couldn't shake the dull ache in her chest. She'd heard the door close upstairs, and her heart seemed to crack as the sounds drifted down—a soft laugh, the low murmur of voices, and then something she desperately wished she hadn't heard.

She turned away, gripping the laundry basket tightly, letting the tears fall as she folded and sorted clothes. The fabric became blurred in her hands, and she sniffled, quickly wiping her eyes. Why did it matter so much? she thought. This arrangement was just a job, and Liam had no obligation to her. But still, the betrayal stung deeply.

She had given up a part of herself to help him, pretending to be his fiancée, enduring the scrutiny of his family, all for him to simply turn back to someone who had hurt him before. She took a shaky breath, whispering to herself, "It's not my place. I was just... hired help."

But no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't stop the fresh wave of tears that blurred her vision as she returned to the laundry, her heart breaking silently as she worked.

Later That Night

It was close to midnight when Liam and Betty finally left the house, hand in hand, their laughter echoing down the hallway as they went out for a late-night date. Elara watched them through the window, feeling hollow. When they disappeared from view, she gathered the courage to go upstairs, seeking refuge in her room.