After an hour of speedy drive, Yelena finally reached the mansion of the Arista family. As she stood in front of a huge contemporary mansion, all sweet memories flooded her mind. But for now, they were not sweet anymore; much more like bittersweet.
Anyone who came across the Arista family mansion was always in awe, as words could not describe the beauty of this residence. A rectangular-shaped house which was 24000 sq. ft. in size, decorated with the finest classy marble stones and mesmerizing glasses; a luxurious garden decorated with the theme of a park; a huge garage that could house at least 50 cars; a medium-sized enchanting fountain on the middle and multiple outdoor lounge areas. Every word and synonym of 'beautiful' would be an understatement when it comes to this mansion! Besides, it had a heavy security system with a large number of security guards watching the house 24/7.
Though the salaries of Army Officers were among the highest in Silveren, even a fool would know that this mansion could not be afforded even by the salaries of three Army Officers. But for a wealthy tycoon, to purchase it would be a piece of cake. Mrs. Vanessa Arista, one of the wealthiest businesswomen around the globe and the mother of Yelena, was the one behind this luxurious mansion. She was the Chairwoman of TR Group, one of the world's leading corporations and the number one corporation in Silveren.
After minutes of hesitation, Yelena finally entered the house. She rarely came to this house after she moved out 6 years ago when she was just 19. Though her job was one of the reasons, her hampered relationship with her parents could be considered the main reason. Just as she expected, she first faced her parents who were sitting and chatting in the main sitting room.
"I'm home." Yelena simply said to her parents with a nonchalant expression.
Though she really wanted to ignore them and went straight to her grandfather's room, she resisted the urge to do so. After all, they were still the parents who gave birth to her and raise her. Wait, did they really raise her? For as long as she could remember, the one who always look after her was her older brother who passed away 6 years ago.
"You're late. It's rude to keep the elders waiting." Mrs. Vanessa Arista scowled. Just seconds ago, she was chatting happily with her husband; but her face had darkened at the sight of her only daughter.
Out of all dresses in this world, did she really have to come in her military uniform? She hated to see her daughter in that dress. Her daughter was supposed to be wearing a beautiful dress and work in her company in an air-conditioned office. But she chose to wear that uniform instead of business attire. She chose to work with guns instead of pens.
Mrs. Arista had always expected her daughter to be her heiress and take over her business one day. She raised her that way; until she choose her current career - the military. Just the thought of it always made her furious and lose her calmness!
Yelena ignored her mother's words and sat on the couch opposite her parents. She didn't even spare them a single glance; instead, she took out her smartphone and play with it.
Mrs. Arista frowned at her daughter's action. It's impossible to have a normal chat with her. But what made her changed like this? She was always a docile and dutiful daughter until one day, she suddenly changed. She didn't care about their words anymore and she do whatever she wanted to do. Joining the army despite her opposition was one example.
"I heard that you had a leave starting tomorrow. Why won't you just be home instead of traveling?" Mrs. Arista paused for a while and stared at her daughter who paid no attention to her words. "Maurice will return to Silveren soon." Her voice trailed off as she saw that Yelena had stopped her actions at her words.
Putting down her phone, Yelena looked at her mother with a confused face. "Maurice? Who's Maurice?"
"Yelena! That's too much. You - "
"Ah! I remember. That fiance of mine who didn't contact me or meet me for the past 6 years?" Yelena's voice was dreadfully low. Her words were followed by a mocking laughter.
She had almost forgotten that she had a fiance! Maurice Serano, the only son, and heir of Serano Group; her fiance of 7 years. They had an arranged engagement when Yelena was 18 and Maurice was 20. If the world knows that the only daughter and son of TR Group and Serano Group were engaged, it will be quite a news. After all, both two Groups were among the world's leading corporations. But no one apart from their families knew about this.
"Yelena, Maurice is busy establishing a new branch overseas. You should try to understand him. He's the heir of Serano Group and - "
"No matter how busy he was, it cannot justify the fact that he keeps his silence for 6 years." Yelena snapped.
Her gaze shifted from her mother to her father, Major General Ethan Arista. The father just sat still, listening to their conversations. Yelena smirked. Just as expected! He always sided with his wife.
After their engagement, Yelena and Maurice started to meet up from time to time, to get to know each other. During those times, Maurice was always good to her. He was there for her when her older brother passed away. He comforted her and helped her cope with it.
For 18 years old Yelena who never experienced love before, Maurice seemed to be a perfect guy for her and she gradually fell for him. Though she really didn't like it when their engagement took place, she became quite happy about it as time went by. But happiness doesn't last long.
After a year, Yelena decided to enroll in the National Military Academy and join the army instead of joining her mother's business. But when Maurice was informed of this, he stopped meeting her or contacting her.
Yelena tried to reach him many times, but all her efforts were futile. And the next thing she heard was that he went abroad to continue his studies. After studies, it was opening a new branch overseas. They keep on making excuses.
But Yelena was not a fool. She understands that it was due to her decision to join the army. But she didn't care. Even her parents cannot make her change her mind. She had a reason and a purpose; which may be the mission of her life.
She hoped that one day, Maurice would change his mind and contact her again. But that day never came. She was deeply hurt by his change of heart but it doesn't make her change her mind. And even though it was hard, her feelings for him eventually faded away with time.....