Chapter 10

The next few days were pure hell for Eleanor. The once proud and dazzling Eleanor was stripped of all dignity and endured torment beyond imagination. The women sharing her cell seemed to have received special orders, taking every chance to bully her. They beat her, kicked her, and ground their heels into her already injured wrist until it felt as if every bone were splintering apart. When she was finally released a few days later, she was almost unrecognizable. Bruises covered her from head to toe, her face was deathly pale, and each breath she took seemed to cost her all the strength she had left. What kept her crawling out of that nightmare was a single text message waiting on her phone. Her visa had finally been approved. She took a cab straight to her villa, intending to grab her luggage and head for the airport. But as soon as she walked in, she ran right into Wendy, her best friend, who had rushed back from an overseas trip the moment she heard what had happened. The moment Wendy saw her, she completely broke down. Tears poured down her cheeks as she pulled Eleanor into a trembling embrace. "Elean! I'm so sorry! This is all my fault! I only pushed you toward Alexander because I couldn't stand his ex. I knew he still had feelings for her, and I just wanted to help you win him over. "I never thought it would end like this. I didn't know the woman he couldn't forget was Amelia! If I had, I would've done anything to stop you!" Eleanor shook her head. "It's not your fault. It's over now. I've already let it go." She paused for a moment, then added, "Wendy, I'm leaving the country. I don't think I'll ever come back." Wendy froze, then quickly tried to stop her. "Elean, don't go. Stay here. I'll take care of you and protect you." Eleanor smiled faintly. "No. There's nothing left here worth staying for." Wendy cried even harder, but when she saw the lifeless calm in Eleanor's eyes, she knew there was no changing her mind. With tears streaming down her face, she quietly helped Eleanor pack the rest of her belongings. Before leaving, Eleanor took one last look at the house that held all her childhood memories—the same house now occupied by Robert, his mistress, and their illegitimate daughter. Without a word, Eleanor took out a can of gasoline she had prepared in advance. Ignoring the housekeeper's panicked pleas, she poured it across the floor and struck a lighter. The flames roared to life, devouring everything that once was. Carrying her last suitcase, she turned away without looking back. Tears streamed down Wendy's face as she drove her to the airport, apologizing again and again. Between sobs, she kept insisting on giving Eleanor one of the luxury cars from her garage as compensation. Eleanor rested her head against the window, watching the scenery race past in a blur. A faint, weary smile touched her lips as she whispered, "I don't need it. Only by letting go of the wrong one can I find the right one. "I'm Eleanor Hayes. I'm beautiful, and if I choose to, every man I meet from now on will be better, richer, kinder, and love me more." Wendy nodded through her tears. "That's right. You're the most beautiful woman I know. You'll find someone who'll treat you like a queen." When they reached the airport, Wendy clung to her tightly, sobbing uncontrollably. "Elean, you have to live your best life. Be happy, and make them regret ever losing you!" Eleanor hugged her back, gently patted her shoulder, and pulled away with a calm smile. She waved once, turned, and walked toward the security gate. Wendy stood there, watching her disappear down the long corridor. Then, she dropped to her knees, sobbing uncontrollably. She had no idea how long she had cried before she finally gathered the strength to reach for her phone. With anger and sorrow burning inside her, she dialed Alexander's number. The call rang for a long time before Alexander finally picked up. Wendy's voice trembled with anger and grief. "Alexander, I know you love Amelia, but Eleanor was with you for three years. She's leaving, and she's never coming back. Can't you at least come and see her one last time?" The line fell into complete silence. A few seconds later, Alexander's voice came through, carrying a tension so faint it was almost unnoticeable. "What did you just say? Who's leaving?"