Chapter 6

Layla's POV

"Who are you?" She asked, looking at me disdainfully like I was dirt.

I was taken aback. My mind went blank as I struggled to respond.

What do I say? That I am his contract bride or what?

I just stared blankly at her.

"Alex, darling." She turned to him, smiling from ear to ear "Who is this…this person?"

Alex's eyes narrowed, his jaw clenched in annoyance. "Get your hands off me!" He growled, his deep voice resonating across the room.

In fear, she took her hands off, visibly shaking.

"You want to know who she is, huh?" He walked closely to me and wrapped his arm around my waist. "She is my wife." He said sweetly, smiling. One would have confused us for newlyweds who are madly in love.

I looked at him in surprise and he signaled me to act along.

My face flushed red. The room suddenly became hot.

How do I pretend? I wondered.

I just smiled sweetly back at him.

"This better be a joke Alex!" She screamed, her face blazing hot. Our parents are already making preparations for our wedding. You can't humiliate me like this, I already bragged about it to my friends!" She pleaded.

I chuckled softly at her outrage, but she caught me.

"How dare you make fun of me, you…you…bitch!" She rushed towards us and was about to slap my face, when Alex caught her hand mid hair and twisted it backwards.

She shrieked in pain as she staggered backwards.

"Ah…ah…Alex I am sorry." She pleaded as tears flowed down her gorgeous face.

"Do you have a death wish! How dare you low-life raise your hands at my woman. Now kneel and beg for her forgiveness. Now!" He slammed.

She dropped to her knees immediately, rubbing her palms together forcefully in an apologetic manner as tears flowed down her face. "I'm sorry ma'am. I was being immature." She pleaded.

"Now get out of our way, you spoiled brat!" He kicked her out of the way.

As we exited, I glanced back at her, her eyes were bloodshot as she stared with fierce hatred. I knew immediately that this was far from over. I'm so in trouble.

Alex released his hands from me and pushed me away from him. "Do not mistake what just happened as love." He said as he dusted his hands as though I was a dirt. "I just can't stand that woman." He said with a disgusted expression. "Meet me by 5 to finalize the marriage." He said.

He was about to enter his car when I stopped him. "Don't I deserve an explanation for what just happened?" I asked, my brows arched in annoyance.

He let out a hysterical laughter. "That question came out wrongly right?" He continued laughing. "I don't owe you an explanation woman. Or have you forgotten this marriage is fake? Just play your part and don't ask me nonsense questions." He entered his car and zoomed off.

I stood there, my eyes wide with disbelief, my mouth hung open in shock. This guy is so arrogant! I thought to myself.

What have I gotten myself into? How on earth am I going to live with this kind of person?

We met at 5 and we signed the marriage certificate.

My mind raced with doubts and fear. I looked at him where he sat, but he looked unperturbed.

Am I making a mistake? I wondered. But then I thought, I'll be living a life of luxury, I don't need him to care for me.

I stood up to leave given that he wasn't saying anything further.

"Where are you going to?" He asked, gazing at me.

"I'm going back to my house." I replied.

He chuckled. "You are not going back to your old house, you are coming home with me."

"What? So soon?" I asked, surprised.

"We are legally married now, aren't we?" He said.

"Don't I get to pack my things?" I asked.

"You don't need those garbage you call properties." He said. Your room has been arranged with everything you will ever need. So let's go." He stood up and went to his car.

I just followed silently. dumbstruck by his words. He is so full of himself!

After an eternity of driving, we finally arrived at the most exclusive enclave of the city.

The surroundings were serene, with the kings' mansion standing tall and majestic.

The architectural designs were a testament to the family's refined taste.

As I stepped inside, I was struck by the grand foyer's beauty. High ceilings, marble floors, and tapestries are all beautifully designed, creating an atmosphere of elegance and refinement.

Every detail, from the intricate carvings on the banisters, adorned with delicate jade inlays, to the majestic chandeliers, crafted from solid silver and gold, spoke of the King family's enduring legacy. The banisters, with their ornate carvings of dragons and phoenixes, appeared to be plucked straight from the pages of ancient myth, while the chandeliers, with their delicate engraving and jade droplets, cast a warm, ethereal glow, as if the very essence of the past had been distilled within them. The fusion of silver, gold, and jade created a luxurious, ancient aesthetic, transporting all who beheld it to a realm of timeless opulence.

As I was still walking around, enjoying the view, I saw an elderly woman walk in. Immediately, I knew she was the matriarch of the family because she exudes so much confidence and authority. She was beautifully adorned in silk material.

I bowed slightly to greet her as she approached, but her action left me thunderstruck.

Is this how they welcome strangers? I marvelled.