Chapter 4

Elena's POV

Low voices and hushed conversations caused me to wake; a light yawn eased through my lips as I propped my head in the direction of the voices. I could see Caspian standing in shorts, while someone else was outside the door.

A man just around his age stood with a tablet in his hands, square glasses placed elegantly on the bridge of his nose. The door had closed shut, and Caspian turned to face me with a smile on his face.

"Awake, wifey?" he asked, leaning closer to place a kiss on my lips. I did not tense up; rather, I felt relieved, at ease. His presence soothed me well. We had sex twice in a row last night; my body ached terribly, yet seeing him made my cheeks flush red with embarrassment.

"Good morning. Who was that earlier?" Just after I had spoken, I realized I might have blurted out those words senselessly, or perhaps I was prying into his personal affairs.

"That's my personal assistant, Raymond," he whispered, snuggling closer to me in need, his face resting against my chest.

"We have to go somewhere together today," he announced, sending jolts down my spine.

"Where?" I asked, suddenly alert, my gaze piercing directly into his eyes. He pulled away with a smirk; he must have realized how tense I suddenly was.

"There's a family meeting I need to attend. Besides, it's a great time to show you off to everyone," he asserted. A cold chill sank down my spine at his words, and my heart now raced in my chest.

This wasn't good. No… no… it shouldn't play out this way. It was too soon. I wasn't prepared to face them yet, to face Caleb yet. I wasn't certain how Caspian would react when he found out my ex-husband was no different than his cousin.

"I can't!" I snapped, pulling myself away from his grasp and standing to my feet. My eyes darted around as I picked up my sprawled panties, strewn across the floor, and wriggled into them.

"Elena?" he called out with a concerned look. I ignored his words. Finally clothed, I searched around for my purse, only to find it lying by his side. I approached him, bending to pick it up. He held my palm in place, tossing me onto the bed. I fell forward, my body pressed against his chest. His arms wrapped firmly around me, preventing any movement.

"Running again? You wound my heart, and here I was thinking we were past the bride-on-the-run part," he teased, grinning widely.

"I... I can't. I have to meet with my father; he's probably worried about me. I need to explain it to him, explain this relationship of yours and my divorced husband. I need to be with my father. I'm sure there'll be another meeting, won't there?" I asked, smiling faintly.

But the frown on his face proved my feigned countenance abortive; he wasn't buying it. I was antsy; he could tell that easily.

"I hardly go to these meetings, so no, there won't be any family gatherings apart from this. You go in, get a shower, get dressed, and we leave now. We can meet your parents later, but for now, you will accompany me as my wife to the meeting," he said firmly, his voice marking a tone of finality. He wouldn't take no for an answer. I could see that.

I parted my lips to argue, but his lips met mine, melting into a kiss. My fingers crawled into his hair slowly, lapping his tongue against mine. He pulled away, leaving me breathless.

"Twenty minutes," he asserted before walking out of the room. My heart sank; I met his gaze anyway.

My belly churned; I had to do it. It was better to get over it now than later. I made my way for a quick bath, dried myself with a towel, and walked out. I could see a new blue palazzo and tailored suit shirt placed gently on the bed.

Caspian was a darling; he went to extreme lengths to select new perfumes as well. I styled my hair, wore my dress, and finally took one long, satisfied look at myself in the mirror. I looked stunning.

I walked out the door, heading down the stairs.

"Miss, he's waiting for you by the garage," his personal assistant Raymond greeted me with a smile, gesturing that I follow him.

"Wow… you look ravishing," Caspian complimented, kissing my palms slowly while holding out the door for me. I smiled, slowly tucking aside every feeling I had.

The drive was easy. We made small talk, shared light laughs, and finally, the car pulled into the garage. He held the door open for me once again.

His phone rang on cue, causing a frustrated groan to escape his lips.

"I'm sorry, but I have to take this. Go in without me, okay? I'll be right behind you," he offered. I nodded, clutching hard to my bag.

I pushed open the door only to lock gazes with Isabella, who looked utterly stunned to see me there.

"Why are you here?" she asked, storming toward me. It had happened too fast; a resounding slap echoed through the house as she struck me on my cheek.

"Coming here to seduce him! Haven't you done enough? Didn't you get the message? We don't need you here again. Get the fuck away from us!" Isabella yelled in a fit of rage.

I pressed my lips into a thin line, gritting my teeth. She was pregnant. I didn't want to be a monster who hit pregnant women, which was the only reason I held back.

"Get your hands off her, Isabella!" Caleb's voice echoed from behind, his footsteps fast approaching as he yanked Isabella's arms away from me, shoving her off toward the back.

"What were you thinking?" Caleb asked, glaring wide-eyed at her.

"Who dares harass my wife?" Caspian's voice called from behind, his fists clenched as he approached us. Heavy silence weighed on us all as he walked slowly toward us, standing by my side.

"Your wife? She's my wife!" Caleb argued bluntly, confusion and panic evident in his words.

"She isn't yours anymore. She's mine! My wife now, mine to keep, mine to hold. Don't harass her again; you will respect her as your aunt henceforth, is that clear?" Caspian ordered curtly, taking everyone by sudden surprise.