Chapter 3

ENID'S P.O.V

"Is she ready yet?" I asked Charlie who shook his head indicating a no.

"She's almost done…" Charlie informed me. 

I never wanted to get married just yet but the elders had been pressuring me too much so I decided to pick a bride for myself.

I wanted someone who was not known by people as it was only a contract marriage, after a year I would let her go.

Then an incident happened where a girl destroyed a property of the palace when she was out partying with her friends.

Seeing her vulnerable state and how her parents begged, I decided that she would be handed over to me.

"Are you sure about this?" Charlie asked. He was my Beta and close friend.

"Yes. I am. we have to do something to convince the elders, then they'll be off my neck for some time." I replied.

"Alright then. I'll ask them to hasten up with the preparations.

About five minutes later, my fake bride was brought out for me. She was dressed beautifully.

It was only a small wedding, we were only going to sign an agreement in front of the elders.

"Come on." I said coldly to her as I held her hand.

"You should keep a smiling face. Act convincing.." I whispered to her as she held a long face. One could easily guess that she was forced to do whatever she was doing.

"I don't want this. Please let me go.." I heard her plead with me.

"You should have thought about that when you were out partying like a loose woman." I said harshly to her.

They all got drunk that night and crashed into a statue that was built in front of my palace.

Everyone paid their fine but her parents couldn't afford to pay for it.

"I…." She wanted to say something but paused.

"The marriage is only going to last for a year. After that, you'll be free to go…" I informed her.

"And when you're leaving, I'll pay you handsomely for this…" I added and she frowned her face.

 

"I don't want any of your money…" she said as we arrived at the door. The elders were waiting inside.

"But I insist," I replied, opening the door for her. 

"You deserve to be paid for your hard work and trust me, I don't accept favors from people" I could see the hesitation in her eyes but I knew she'll have no choice but to accept the payment.

The elders looked at us curiously as we entered the room, and I could feel their judgemental stares.

"Greetings, Alpha Enid" They all stood up at once as they bowed in unison.

"Greetings to you all" I uttered with a stoic look on my face.

"We have come to finalize the wedding." I announced and the elders nodded, with a contented look on their faces.

I motioned for her to move closer to me and she did so hesitantly.

"Is this the one?" one of the elders asked. 

"Yes she is…" I replied.

The room was silent as the elder looked her up and down, appraising her.

"You don't look like a Noble," he said, his voice flat and cold. 

"What makes you think you can be a suitable mate for our son?" I saw her flinch at his words, but she remained silent.

"She may not look like much, but she is a talented woman and would make the perfect bride. I love her that way," I smiled, stepping forward to defend her.

 "She has a gift that is rare and precious." The elder raised an eyebrow, looking unconvinced.

They all expected me to bring a rich and noble girl.

"Please get done with this. I don't have all day" I said out coldly.

"Very well," the elder stated.

"Take your place at the table." She did as she was told, sitting down across from the elder. 

The elder reached for a piece of parchment and a quill, writing something down. 

"Do you understand the terms of the marriage?" he asked.

She nodded, her eyes fixed on the table.

"Do you consent to the terms?" he asked again. 

"Yes," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

After signing the wedding papers, I did the same.

"You've gotten what you want now, Elias.." I announced standing up with her.

“Now if you'd excuse me, I have somewhere to be with my wife” and with that we were out of the room.

As we left the room, I could feel the stares of the elders burning into our backs. But I didn't care. All that mattered was that I was now married and my position as an Alpha was now secure.

We walked through the castle in silence, the only sound the clicking of our footsteps on the stone floor.

When we reached my chambers, I stopped her before she could enter. "I know this is not what you wanted," I began looking into her eyes. 

"But I promise you, you'll live comfortably. I will give you everything you need and more."

She looked at me for a long moment, then nodded slowly. 

"You do whatever you want Hayley." I said to her and she had a shocked expression on her face.

She signed the name Hayley on her wedding papers. I didn't even know the name of the girl I wanted to marry , the truth was that I wanted nothing to do with her.

"Okay I will…" she stammered looking quite shaken.

"I'll get our own contract ready. Go in and rest. I have trivial matters to deal with.." I said to her and she slowly walked into my room.

After locking the door, I headed for my study room.

-

I sat down at my desk outlining the terms of our marriage. It was going to last for a year, then she would file for a divorce.

After divorce, I settle her and we go our separate ways. She was not expected to want ove from me.

I had just finished when a knock came across my door.

"Come in.." I said and Charlie walked in.

"Has the marriage been finalized?" He asked as I shook my head slowly.

"Where's Miley now? It's so good she agreed to your terms.." 

"Who's Miley?" I asked with furrowed brows.

"Miley. Your bride.." Charlie stated.