Beneath His Ugly Wife’s Mask: Her revenge was her brilliance

Chapter 427:

“Your mother?” Elliana repeated, startled.

Cole gave a small nod. “We’ve been married all this time, and I haven’t even told you much about her. That’s on me. Let’s eat first. I’ll tell you everything after lunch.”

Elliana slid off his lap and joined him at the table. No one had ever spoken of his mother since they got married. Her own research hadn’t turned up any record of her death either. She’d been curious—but never brave enough to ask. Now that Cole had brought it up, she was ready to listen. Maybe it was just her imagination, but the air around him felt heavier the moment his mother came up.

After lunch, they went to the lounge and stretched out on the plush, king-sized bed.

Lying side by side, Cole stared at the ceiling and began. “My parents met while my dad was studying abroad. It was love at first sight. He brought her home with him, promising to spend the rest of his life with her. Mom was smart, beautiful, and kind. She was perfect for him. But she never said where she was from or talked about her past. My grandparents were completely against their relationship.”

Pausing, he continued, “But Dad didn’t care. He loved her so much that he threatened to give up his place in the Evans family if they didn’t accept her. Eventually, they gave in. Mom shunned the spotlight. At their wedding, she wore a veil. Hardly anyone outside the family ever saw her face. After that, she stayed indoors most of the time, managing the house quietly. A year later, I was born. Dad was over the moon, convinced their happiness would last forever. But when I turned twelve—fifteen years ago—she vanished without any warning. No note. Nothing. She never came back.”

Elliana had been listening closely. But when he said his mother vanished, her eyes flew to his. “Vanished? What do you mean?” she asked.

Cole let out a soft breath. “It looked like she left on her own. She just vanished without a word, leaving my dad and me behind. We never heard from her again.”

Elliana blinked, stunned. “Why would she do that?”

ga𝗅𝗇𝗈ν𝖊𝗅𝘀.k𝗈n – 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗰𝗸 𝓬𝗼𝗽𝓎 𝒽𝑒𝓇𝑒

Cole shook his head slowly. “I don’t know. Not knowing has been the hardest part. My dad spent years chasing shadows. Now he’s sick and worn out. Mom was different. No one really understood her. She’s still a mystery.”

Elliana’s heart ached. Their mothers were so alike. Both had disappeared fifteen years ago and left behind a trail of unanswered questions. But she had at least been given a goodbye. Her mother had warned her, advised her, and given her something to hold on to. Cole, though, had been left with silence. She heard the longing in his voice and saw the worry in his eyes. Her heart ached for him.

She rolled onto her side and rested her head on his shoulder. “Don’t be sad, Cole. I believe you’ll find her someday.”

He smiled faintly and pulled her closer. “When I do, I’ll take you to meet her right away. I’ll tell her all about my amazing wife—how beautiful and smart you are.”

His words filled her heart with warmth. And she knew—if she ever found her mother, Cole would be the first person she’d bring along. She wanted her mom to see who she married. A strong, remarkable man.

After a brief silence, Elliana spoke. “Fifteen years ago, the night the Jones estate caught fire, Victor had shown up. I think he’s somehow connected to my mother.”

Cole turned to her sharply. “Your mother?”

Cole’s openness encouraged Elliana to confide in him. She said quietly, “I have this feeling that my mother is still alive. Back when the fire swept through the Jones estate, she hadn’t been trapped inside. She had hidden me somewhere safe and then walked straight into the flames herself. I think she used the fire as a distraction so she could get away from whoever was after her.”

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