Chapter eleven

Elena pushed open the door to the office hall, a hush fell over the room. The soft hum of fluorescent lights and the gentle rustle of papers suddenly seemed amplified as all eyes turned to her.

Two days ago, Elena's life turned from grass to grace when her heiress status was revealed at the party, splashing her face across news headlines and billboards.

Elena's heels clicked on the floor as she approached the receptionist's desk. Her gaze swept the room, meeting the stares of the office staff. A gentle hum of whisper rustled through the office, like a soft breeze stirring leaves.

"Wow..." someone breathed, the word barely audible.

"Stunning," another voice whispered, the tone hushed out admiring.

She reached the receptionist's desk. Her lips curved upward, the corner of her mouth rising in a gentle arc, as her face relaxed into a soft, radiant smile.

She slid her glasses off, revealing her eyes that shone in the fluorescent light.

"Welcome Miss. Elena!" she exclaimed, her voice full of excitement and warmth."It's so lovely to meet you! You look stunning, I must say."

Elena's lips curved upward in response, her eyes crinkling at the corners."Thank you, that's very kind of you," she replied, her voice husky and confident.

The receptionist's eyes sparkled with warmth as she leaned forward, her hands clasped together on the desk."How can I assist you today, ma'am." her voice gentle and inviting.

Elena's hand came out of her purse, holding a slender card. She put it on the desk with a soft whoosh, the card sliding across the surface. The receptionist's eyes followed the card, looking at the letter symbols on it.

Elena's words tumbled out in a smooth assured voice, her tone like a gentle bell ringing out on a still morning."I'm here to see Ethan Nelson."

The receptionist's eyebrows rose slightly, her expression interested."Ah, of course! Let me check if Mr.Nelson is available."

She tapped a few keys on her computer, her eyes scanning the screen."Yes, he's free now. I'll just give him a call to let him know you're here."

She picked up the phone and dialled a number, her eyes locked on Elena's face as she awaited an answer.

After a brief moment, she spoke into the receiver, her voice professional and courteous.

"Hi, Mr.Nelson?Miss. Elena is here to see you. Shall I send her in?"

She listened for a moment, then nodded and hung up the phone."He'll see you right away, Miss Elena. Please, follow me!"

The receptionist stood up and gestured for Elena to follow her. She led Elena through a doorway behind the desk, down a short hallway, and stopped in front of a wooden door. She knocked twice, then opened the door and ushered Elena inside.

"Mr.Nelson will see you now," she said, her smile warm and welcoming.

She bowed and left them to discuss.

Elena glided across the office, her heels clicking softly on the polished floor. She settled onto the plush sofa, her legs crossing in a fluid motion, one ankle resting atop the other.

Her hands grasped the armrests, her fingers drumming a gentle rhythm on the soft couch.

Ethan looked up from the papers he was filing, his eyes crinkling at the corners as a warm smile spread across his face. He leaned back in his chair and gazed at Elena with a playful plight glint in the eye.

"Look who I have here," he drawled, his words dripping like honey."The queen of the celestial empire has decided to visit me."

"The queen of the celestial empire, huh?"Elena raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement dancing on her lips."I didn't know I was visiting a subject."

Ethan chuckled, his eyes sparkling with mirth."Oh, you are a queen, Elena. I'm just a humble servant, grateful for your presence."

Elena laughed, her voice like music."You're a charming servant, Ethan. I don't think I have laughed like this in a while."

Ethan's shoulders rose and fell into a gentle roll, his smile growing wider as he stood up from the chair. He sat on the sofa opposite Elena's, his gaze still fixed on her.

Elena reached into her bag and pulled out a document. She dropped it onto the table in front of Ethan, the pages rustling softly as they landed."Read this "Elena's words came out crisp and clear.

Ethan read through the document, his face changed from curiosity to surprise. A slow smile spread across his face as he looked up at Elena."You want a contract marriage with me."

Elena nodded, her eyes locked onto his."Yes"

Ethan's smile grew wider as he stood up from the sofa. He walked towards Elena, and as he approached, Elena shifted slightly, her eyes narrowing.

"I'm afraid can't marry you, Elena. You are not my type."

Her eyes narrowed, her voice tinged with disbelief."I'm not your type?"

Ethan's shoulders lifted in a subtle shrug."You're not."

Elena's gaze burned with intensity as she rose from her seat, her eyes locked onto his."I will pay any amount you want, Ethan Nelson, for you to be my husband."

A low chuckle rumbled from Ethan's throat, his eyes crinkling at the corners."I love the sound of that, Elena. I am not interested in your money."

Elena leaned in close, his face inches from hers."You need to fulfil the promise you made to me in the elevator," he whispered, his breath tickling her ear.

Elena's eyes widened, her voice barely above a whisper."What?"

"The date you promised to go with me"Ethan replied.

Elena's face went blank, her eyes darting away as she tried to process."We should keep things formal between us," she stammered.

"Seems you are not ready to collaborate," he said, his tone teasing.

He turned to walk back to his seat, and Elena's hands shot out, grasping his wrist. She pulled him back, her eyes locked onto his face."Do you want a date? Fine. I'll go on a date with you."

Ethan's hands slipped from Elena's grasp, then he retreated to his seat."I'll send you the address and time."

Elena remained standing, her whisper barely audible."I thought he said I was not his type. Why is he taking things so far?"

Ethan's gaze sparkled with amusement."I heard you, love. It's just a date."

Ethan took his silver lighter placed on the table, flicked the lid open and then snapped it shut with a precise click.

Open.Close.Open.Close.

"You know, I have a little advice for you."Ethan leaned forward."If you want to punish people for their crimes, you need to let go of your feelings for them."

Elena's eyes narrowed slightly, her eyebrow shooting up in a silent enquiry."What do you mean?"

With each word, Ethan's hand moved, the lighter punctuating his speech.

"You must turn off ... open. Close. Your humanity... Open, Close You're not only fighting him... Open. Close. You are also fighting the Lockwoods'."

Elena's heart raced as she fixed her gaze on Ethan.