Elena's POV
Standing in front of the altar, my heart boomed with excitement. I was getting married today and most importantly to the one I love, Pete. Nothing excites me more than having the thought of being with him for the rest of my life. He didn't have much but he was more than what I could ever ask for. I loved him regardless and now, I was about to be his bride. The night he had proposed was the happiest I had ever been. It felt like all my dreams were finally coming true, at once. The cake, decorations and scenery of the place gave it all, everything was so perfect. When he bent down on one knee with his hands stretched out holding the ring, I couldn't contain the amount of excitement bubbling within me. I didn't wait for him to even find his words before shouting “yes” After five years of being together he finally proposed. It felt like my world stopped. The church decor wasn't dreamy or exquisitely luxurious but it was just the perfect fix for me. Simple but tasty. There weren't many people that attended, in fact it was just me and some other random people I didn't know, which was obviously Pete who invited them. The night my parents died was the darkest, seeing their lifeless, cold bodies being dragged out of the ambulance into the operating ward was an image I would never forget. The shock of the accident had left a new void growing inside me,to the extent that I shut out my friends, work colleague and anyone who cared for me My life became meaningless, always gloomy and distant. Not until Pete came in and rekindled the lit out fire inside me. There was a new zeal to live again, to survive. A new purpose to live for. It had been over an hour since the wedding ceremony had started. He should have been here by now. I looked sideways checking if Pete had arrived, but he wasn't there yet. Minutes ticked by, each one heavier than the last. The guests were already getting impatient and had started leaving little by little, leaving only a few people seated. An hour had passed, my heart began to sink, watching as my perfectly planned imaginary wedding was slowly turning into a nightmare. Where was he? I swiftly unlocked my phone calling Pete but he wasn't answering the call, his calls were always diverting to voicemail with every attempt to reach him. Doubts and worry began to knot in my stomach, making it hard to ignore the twisting feeling sinking inside my chest. I looked up apologetically at the priest who was already frowning. I couldn't bring myself to blame him. It wasn't his fault, he must have grown tired of the endless delay. “I'm sorry, please, a little more time,” I pleaded with the priest. Few minutes later, his patients grew thinner and he left the church leaving only me standing at the altar. As seconds grew and the day at its peak, my anxiety grew. Tears flickered in my eyes rolling down with every second that passed. I refused to accept the reality that I was abandoned on the altar by the love of my life.The man I thought I would spend the rest of my life with. Finally defeated by the intensity of my situation I decided to stop sulking and go home for a nice coffee. That's the least I could do. I checked my call log history on my cell phone one more time, maybe he called but I missed it but there was none just the millions of times she had called and texted him but no reply. Suddenly just as all hope was lost, the sound of the church door being open filled the room. My eyes abruptly stared up at the big church door as Pete walked in. Relieve washed over me, as I quickly ran towards him. I didn't even have the strength to lash out on him right now, I just wanted to hug him and let him reassure me that everything was alright. “ Oh Pete” I cried out running down the altar towards him “ where have you been, you made me worried sick. I have been calling on and on but you -” I stopped on track as a blonde lady emerged from behind him. Holding his hand and placing her other hand on his chest seductively. My eyes watered in confusion as a smile crept up on the beauty's face. She wore a cream-colored flare gown and a sparkling necklace that looked quite expensive. She was indeed a beauty that everyone would die for. They looked perfect standing together but the question was, what was she doing with Pete on our wedding day when he's supposed to be with me. I just hope he had a better explanation for this. “Pete? Who is she?” Not wanting to assume or overthink “Why is she putting her hand on your chest? T…te…tell me who she is Pete!!!” I stretched my hands attempting to remove the blonde hand from his chest when he said “ let her be she's my fiance” What! I stopped mid air. My hands slowly dropped to my side. it felt like a ton of needles pricked into my heart, piercing deeply. Everything was starting to fall apart and I could sense this. I stood there fixated on his face searching for clarity but there was none. No expression or sign of guilt at all. Nothing, just an emotionless face. His eyes that looked at me with so much affection were staring straight at me cold as ice. “Pete, do you know what day today is? ” I exclaimed “ it's our wedding day Pete, please don't do this to me” my voice wavering as I tried to hold back the already falling tears Pete jerked my hands off hugging the blonde tightly. “ I'm sorry Elena, but there was never anything between us and will never be” After all those times we shared together, how could he say there was nothing between us so plainly. He turned about to leave when I vigorously turned him in my direction. He wasn't going anywhere until he explained what's going on. “ Why?” I asked “ I want to know how long you've been cheating on me with this cheap slu-” a slap landed on my face that landed her on the icy floor. “ don't you ever touch him again, you bitch” she said. Her voice stinging deep inside. The slap was just a mere touch, nothing compared to the emotionless and disgusting expression on Pete's face. He didn't even stop or do anything; he just stood there looking at me. Tears choked my throat and rolled down my cheeks as I watched the man that I had loved for many years slip out of my hands into another. I couldn't take the humiliation anymore and ran out of the church hastily trying so hard to escape whatever it is that just happened. Just in one day I was happy thinking about my happily ever after but now that had turned into a nightmare. Tears rolled down uncontrollably as I ran through the streets to the unknown destination. If only he had just come up with a better excuse than that he had displayed, maybe things would have been different.Dear Reader, Thank you for choosing to read my work. Please note that there may be some grammatical errors in some parts. I am continually working to improve my writing, and I appreciate your patience and understanding. I hope these minor mistakes do not detract from your enjoyment of the story. Happy reading!
Alex POV The VIP chamber boomed with echoes of laughter, energy and music from the bar downstairs. I drummed my fingers impatiently on my lap as I stared at the exit door of the chamber awaiting the arrival of Catherine. A glass of barley whiskey with a white paper written boldly on it, Marriage Certificate, rested on the table beside me but I wasn't in the mood to drink. I wasn't one who condoled lateness. I hated it more than anything. Catherine was supposed to be here before me waiting for me but now it's the other way round. “ Where the hell is she?”I glared coldly at Peter, my bodyguard who had no clue. “ Sir, I'll go get her,” he replied, still not knowing what to do. He quickly exited the club and almost immediately as he existed did the door swing open with a loud crash. My attention quickly shifted to the door, “ what kept-” instead of Catherine, a drunk woman in a white wedding dress stumbled into the room. Her long, blonde hair roughly playing on her face, her ey
I walked aimlessly on the almost empty street. My chest tightens as tears roll down silently on my cheeks. The early morning rays of sunshine played gently on my skin, caressing it softly. I wasn't sure if I was going in the right direction to my house. All I just wanted right now was to hide myself away from all the chaos surrounding me. How could I have imagined that my seemingly perfect life was now the opposite of what I had feared. In my entire life with Pete I had never anticipated that he would do such things to me. Was I this blinded by the love and affection I so long craved that I ignored the signs even the obvious ones?. The street blurred against my vision as I fought so hard to keep the tears from falling but I couldn't, the pain of betrayal and abandonment by the one person that I could actually turn to was too much for me. Tears of pain kept rolling down as I tried to figure out where everything all started. How it all began, where it all began? These questions
I sat on a bench just outside my apartment staring blankly at nothing. Drifting over the streets but found nothing to hold onto. Nothing was left of me anymore, no place to lay my head, no food, and worst part no money. A breeze playing with my hair strands, scattering it all over my face but I don't care. it didn't matter anymore. When I had seen those frantic texts earlier, my heart raced in my chest in a million marathon. I blinked seeing the figure being withdrawn from my bank account. I opened the bank app hoping it was all a lie, but the numbers remain stubbornly low. Pete and I, life savings were all gone with nothing remaining. A cold sweat broke on my forehead, my hands trembled, unable to hold the phone steady. I knew that when he suggested eagerly to open a joint account for the both of us claiming it was for our future, there was more to it. But I was so blinded with the delusion of being in love. A very stupid choice to make that I regret so dearly now. When t
“We need to talk” The message appeared boldly on my phone screen. I stared intensely at it. My heartbeat was pounding in my ears a little bit louder. I knew who the sender was. Alexander Donovan, one of the most eligible bachelors in the country. A cold and aloof business man, a tyrant in the business world. So does the magazine I always read, says. The stranger I had signed a marriage certificate with forcefully. Being occupied with my feelings for Pete made me forget something this important. A heavy sigh escaped from my mouth. Having nowhere else to go and not wanting to go back to that coven to be dealt with by the memories of Pete, I decided to face this music once and for all. “ Driver, turn the car” I sighed “ take me to blue orchid restaurant” The blue orchid was dimly lit. Filled with exquisite people that screamed wealth and power. As I stepped in, I instantly felt out of place. With my dressing and worn out sneakers, it surely made me stand out. But does It matter,
Elena POV Stepping into Alexander Donovan's world was like consciously stepping into a trap. I knew things would never be the same again but I had no choice, did I?This was my only chance to get back everything that was stolen by Pete and repay him with what he left me.A spineless nobody.I had no one, no family to turn to, so when an opportunity like this was brought to me in a platter of gold, of course, I couldn't allow it to slip from my hands.This was a chance to make things right and if worse comes to worse, I would just face it head-on. A soft knock on the door brought me back to reality. I tucked back a strand of my hair behind my ear as I shoved the last piece of clothes I had.Opening the door, I found a man dressed in a black and white suit with dark shades who took my bags without a word and headed downstairs, leaving me to follow behind, mentally preparing myself for what was to come.We had to live together to make it believable that we were a couple enough. As far
Dear Reader, Thank you for choosing to read my work. Please note that there may be some grammatical errors in some parts. I am continually working to improve my writing, and I appreciate your patience and understanding. I hope these minor mistakes do not detract from your enjoyment of the story. Happy reading!
Elena's POV I woke up feeling sore all over, my eyes still closed, unwilling to face another day in this cage. Exhaling, I massaged my neck before standing up and heading into the bathroom.It's been a week since my pretend marriage with Alex, and it's been hell. I knew I would regret my decisions one way or another, but I never thought it would be this soon.Every day was a different problem. Sometimes, I wish that I wouldn't wake up. It was either a function or a charity event or something I didn't even know that rich people do and now I was under an obligation by the contract not to leave on my own will.I sighed, standing in front of the mirror which revealed a figure I couldn't unrecognize. I could barely recognise myself. Tired, swollen black eyes with no sense of confidence. I look no different from when I was in the hotel. I ran my hand in my hair trying to regain some sense of confidence if I had one. You signed the contract, Elena; you agreed to this It didn't matter how
“ Can I hear two thousand?” I shifted on my seat, my heart pounding loudly in my chest drowning out everything else.Why was my house on display? Didn't Pete sell it to some agency? That shouldn't be my focus now but those questions clouded my thoughts.My nails dug into my skin as I tightened my fist. I had no money to compete with these rich dogs that screamed of arrogance.All I could do was watch helplessly as my house was auctioned off. UnlessI glanced at Alex, who looked uninterested in what was going on. I bit my lower lips mustering up the courage before my last chance slipped away. “ Alex,” I tugged at his arm.He shifted his gaze to me and I gulped. He was my only option if I wanted to get my house back. This was my chance and I wouldn't waste it“ Alex, can you bid for this house, it's very important to me” he didn't say anything but just stared at me as the bidding fee got higher. “ Please”, my voice raised impatiently.“ I don't waste money on unimportant things,” he
Elena POV “ Elena, wait” His voice echoed as I took a step on the staircase. I don't want to listen to anything he wants to say. I now know my place and it was just being a contract wife. And besides, if not for Nick, I wouldn't even bother myself with his problems. But something compelled me to stop, eager to know why he asked me to stop. Maybe something had triggered in his brain, and he wanted to open up. I didn't turn back, I didn't want to look at him. Didn't want to see his face at all. “Can you” he hesitated a minute, then continued. “Can you stay with me for the night?” he said in a hoarse tone. My eyebrow raised in dismay. I turned to see a vulnerable child who craved his mother's deprived love. I wanted to say no, I wanted to dash out of his sight to be the contract wife he wanted me to be. To stay in my lane. But, I couldn't just sweep the pile of feelings rushing inside me, making my heart pound at an extreme rate that it was all I could hear. My stomach twiste
Elena POV The drive home was silent and awkward. Alex and I entered the same car this time, with Nick acting as the chauffeur. I occasionally noticed the awkward glances Nick stole through the rearview mirror, while Alex, on the other hand, was red with rage.After he got a text earlier, his attitude suddenly changed, as if someone had flipped a switch.The veins in his temples were popping out. In a way, this Alex scared me more than the cold one. When we got home, he just strode into his study without saying anything, locking the door behind him. Nick came up to me, his usual playful demeanour replaced by a serious expression. “What happened back at the office?” he asked, his voice low and filled with worry.I shook my head, unsure of how to shift the situation. “ I don't know,” I admitted, my voice barely a whisper. “ Ever since he got a text everything changed. It's like he flipped a switch.”Nick glanced towards Alex's study, the door shut firmly as if it held the answers to
Elena POV I entered my office, which was located just beside his, with only a wall separating us. The office was classy, neat and in order. I scanned the whole place walking towards my desk. On it was a huge pile of more than ten files. I rummaged through the files on the table in utter disbelief.This was too much. How did he expect me to finish all these files before the end of the day? My chest clenched as I looked at the pile of files. There was no way I was going to finish this if I kept complaining like this. I know what he is doing; he's trying to get me tired, push me, stress me, and all worked up so that I won't work anymore, but he doesn't know this is just the beginning.I strode across the table over to my chair and sat down. I need to get to work if I am going to beat him at his little game.I flipped open the first file, forcing my mind to focus on the details inside. Contracts, reports, and meeting notes stared back at me. Their content is urgent and well laid out.
Elena's POV Finally, the weekend has ended, and now, it's Monday. My first day of working with Mr Alexander Donovan. Of course, I would be nervous. Sk industry was like the den of the lions, and I knew one wrong step could mean a disaster. I couldn't afford to mess this up, not one bit.Alex hadn't come back to the room after that day, leaving me with a mix of relief and uneasiness. It was better this way. I didn't have to face his piercing gaze or hear his sharp words. Yet, a part of me couldn't deny the fact that I wanted him here nonetheless.I stood in front of the mirror. I adjusted my blazer for the third time. It was perfect and brought out that confident and professional look I was striving for. I stepped into the black car Alex had prepared to pick me up and tried calming myself down. “Hey,” I looked up to the driver “Nick?” I said, my eyes widening just a fraction. “ What are you doing here, and why are you the one picking me up?” “ Alex insisted I take up to the offi
Elena POV “ Elena” Alex called“ I'll get ready for the dinner party shortly.” I wiggled my hands in his grip but the more I struggled, the more they became tighter.“ Elena,” he called again, his voice low.This time I turned but didn't look at him. I didn't want him to see my eyes swollen and filled with tears. I didn't want him to know I was crying earlier. That might make him feel more mighty and self-important.“ Look at me” he said, raising my face to look at him, but I averted my eyes the other way. I didn't want to see him or talk to him.One other rule that I had forgotten in the contract was not to get too close, or else I'd get burnt. But I did get close and now I'm burnt. “ Please,” and I did. His eyes were beautiful as ever holding a hint of calmness and vulnerability. It was different from the last time he consoled me. More earnest, almost charming.I stayed locked on them for a while before looking away again. “ Mr Donovan,” I locked eyes with him once again, tryin
Elena's POV " Wha…what are you doing here?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.Nick Jackson, my good old friend from high school. I never thought I'd see anyone from high school as I shut everyone out of my life.I totally disconnected myself from the outside world., My life was just based on going to work, coming back home, eating, sleeping, and then doing it all again.There was nothing special about my life back then. Well…not until you know who came. I guess because of the depressed state I was in, I took my illusions way beyond making me blind to reality.Nick and I weren't very close back at school, but we had a history. He was always this kind of nerdy guy in class, and I was his seat partner.But why was he here with someone like Alex? Nick's eyes darted nervously, his glasses slipping down the bridge of his nose like they always do back in school.He pushed them back up, smiling. Alex stood there, radiating confidence. I could feel his gaze on me but I didn't care.“
Elena's POV Would I call what I was feeling jealous? No. I refuse to feel that way even though it was disappointing to know that he had a family. Nana wasn't aware of it as far as I'm concerned, or was she? For the past two weeks, I had tried my best to keep my distance, reminding myself that what I had felt before was just an illusion. It was a fleeting mistake that I thought there were men like him, after all, who had hearts behind those cold demeanours. But I was wrong. What if I was the one in her position? I wouldn't like it. With everything I had gone through, I felt and understood her pain. Even though I knew nothing about their relationship, that night when I overheard him talking to someone threateningly, it kept playing on my mind. Maybe she was the other one at the end of the call. Maybe not. Either way, I shouldn't care. As a matter of fact, I shouldn't be giving a shit about his private life. Keep it low and simple. My work here was simple: to only be his
Elena POV Both of our attention turned to where the sound came from. It turns out it was just a maid being reckless. Alex, on the other hand, didn't want to leave me alone. He just stood there with his back facing me. After several failed attempts to convince him, I gave upI decided to bathe with him there, making it the most uncomfortable and the longest bath I’d ever had.After bathing he scooped me up as usual, in a bridal style, then carried me to the dresser. “ I can walk, you know” I insisted.“ And I can see that” he replied teasingly, setting me on the chair to face the mirror. I thought he was going to leave me now but he took the hair dryer and began using it on my hair.His hand tangled with my hair making me flench a little. I could hear my heartbeat reverberating in my ear, quickening with every second.As much as I liked this treatment it wasn't something I was used to. Pete never had time to do these things or even think of doing them.This attention, this care, none
Elena POV I stepped back, not wanting him close. My back hit the wall behind me, letting him close the distance between us, leaving us in a breath of space.“ Then what are you doing walking in front of my study at this time of the night” he leaned in, his voice dropped to a murmur, low and chilling.A jolt of pain shot through my body as my legs stepped on the broken vase, a gasp escaping my lips “ Ouch,” I hissed, glancing down to see blood beginning to pool beneath my bare foot.Alex's gaze shifted instantly, his eyes narrowing at the sight of the blood. In one swift move, he dropped his cold demeanour, replacing it with concern.“ You're bleeding” he muttered, his voice laced with concern. Without a word, he scooped me up in a bridal style.“I'm fine” I protested, my cheeks flushing at the sudden closeness. Forgetting that I was in the hands of someone who was threatening to kill someone a while ago. But he ignored me, walking towards our room.He lay me on the bed gently, grabbi