Chapter 8

Elena’s POV:

I woke up the next morning with the sun's rays resting on my face. I felt a little uncomfortable with the event if the previous day was still in my mind. I blinked my eyes open and rubbed my eyes with the back of my pants. I could barely get enough sleep from so much thinking last night, no matter how much I tried not to.

I remembered that I had to go on a trip with Nicklaus, and I had no idea where we were going. I simply followed his orders, feeling like a puppet on strings.

With a frustrated groan, I rolled out of bed and stretched my body. I walked into the bathroom barefoot.

I turned on the shower and let the warm water cascade down my body. I scrubbed my body and allowed my muscles to relax.

I washed my hair, stretched it out, and began my skincare routine. My eyes were still puffy from crying so much yesterday morning, so I decided to do a little make-up to conceal the dark circles under my eyes.

I applied concealer and mascara to highlight my face. I packed my hair into a sleek bun.

I checked the whole closet and found out that everywhere had already been arranged with new designer clothes and accessories. I was taken aback by the amount of luxurious clothing, including lingerie, perfumes, and designer bags.

There were sets of dresses, denim jackets and trousers, different shades of coats, heels, and different shades of eyeglasses.

I didn't notice all of these yesterday because I was rushing to join Nicklaus downstairs for dinner. Every accessory was made available for me, and I won't need my old clothes anymore.

I scanned through the closet, the lingerie, and the sexy nightwear. Perfumes and designer bags. I was in awe.

It’s been a long time since I had a new set of clothes and accessories since my father only paid attention to Sarah. There was always money available for her shopping and paid trips for vacation, and I just had to hustle my way out.

I picked out a black fitted dress, paired with a blue denim jacket, blue channel slippers, and a black designer purse. Inalsi grabbed a pair of sunglasses.

I changed into the black dress and dropped the teaming accessories on the bed before stepping down for breakfast while Irina helped with arranging my stuff in my bedroom.

Nicklaus and I had a quiet breakfast with no conversation. I enjoyed the silence because it made me feel comfortable, and when it was time to leave, the guards helped with my luggage, and I picked up the remaining accessories in the bed. I double-checked my purse, making sure my passport was in there, and walked out downstairs.

I was about to open the front door when Nicklaus held my hand and pulled me closer to him. His eyes sparkled, and he bit his lips. I felt a flutter in my chest, and I couldn't understand why I found him so attractive, even more so than Caleb.

One more thing,” he said. His voice was low, and he looked. I look at him deeply. “I am now your husband, and you are now Mrs. Coleman. Call me by my first name,” he said, cupping my chin with his hand. I felt chills down my spine.

My eyes widened, and I swallowed hard. I wanted to keep this relationship formal so that they wouldn't catch feelings for each other, but now I don't know what to do.

“Say my name, Elena,” he whispered. I could feel his warm breath on my skin, and it sent a chill down my spine.

Calling someone by their name had never been difficult, but now I felt like I was frozen. The words wouldn't leave my throat.

“Say my name, Elena,” he said in a low tone. He held my chin, and that alone was driving me crazy, and my voice wouldn't come out of my throat. He moved his face towards me, and I could feel his warm breath on my skin. “Say, Nicklaus,”

I opened my mouth and struggled to speak. “Nicklaus,” I blurted out.

He moved closer to me, and our lips were almost brushing against each other. I closed my eyes and waited for his lips to land on me, but he kissed my forehead immediately and walked outside to the waiting car. I stood there, feeling confused.

I gave myself a questioning look and pressed my lips into a thin line. What just happened? Is he trying to flirt with me, or is he just being a husband? My mind raced with a lot of questions.

I shrugged. “Maybe he just wants to make me feel comfortable,” I muttered silently and walked outside.