Chapter 3 - The Debt Her Father Left Behind
Three days later, Elena learned the truth.
Her father wasn't missing.
He was hiding.
And Marcus knew exactly where.
The argument started in Marcus's office.
"You found him?"
Marcus nodded.
"Yes."
"Where?"
"He is safe."
"That wasn't my question."
Marcus looked at her.
"Elena—"
"No."
She stepped forward.
"You don't get to protect me by keeping information from me."
His expression hardened.
"Your father made mistakes."
"He is still my father."
"I know."
"Then tell me."
Marcus was silent.
Finally:
"He borrowed money from people who don't forgive."
Elena's face fell.
"And you?"
Marcus looked away.
"I am one of those people."
The room went quiet.
She understood.
"You were one of his creditors."
"Yes."
"So you were going to collect?"
"No."
The answer surprised her.
"Why?"
Marcus looked at her.
"Because your father didn't borrow from me."
A pause.
"He borrowed from my enemies."
Elena slowly understood.
Someone had used her father.
Someone wanted Marcus angry.
And Elena was the easiest way to hurt him.
"Why do you care?"
Marcus didn't answer.
She stepped closer.
"Marcus."
For the first time, he looked tired.
"Because years ago, someone protected my family."
A pause.
"I never forgot."
---
Later that evening, Elena met her father.
The reunion was emotional but tense.
"You should have told me."
Her father looked ashamed.
"I thought I could fix it."
"You almost got me hurt."
"I know."
"No."
Elena's voice cracked.
"You almost made me a target."
Her father looked at Marcus.
"I didn't know she would become important to you."
Elena turned.
"Important?"
Marcus said nothing.
Her father noticed.
And smiled sadly.
"Elena."
"What?"
"The first time Marcus Vale cares about someone..."
He looked at Marcus.
"...everyone notices."
Marcus looked uncomfortable.
"Enough."
But Elena heard it.
And she couldn't stop wondering.
May you like
Why her?
---
