ELENA'S POINT OF VIEW
The car ride felt like a heavy storm brewing, ready to unleash but held back by an invisible force. Alex sat rigid beside me, his jaw tense, his gaze fixed outside the tinted window as if the world itself had personally offended him.
I clutched the boutique bag on my lap, the new dress he'd insisted I get, a forced gift, really. Beneath the polished surface, something twisted within me, aching to break free.
What would my mother think if she knew? How could I even begin to explain that I had entered into a marriage contract with a complete stranger? The image of her shocked expression sent shivers down my spine.
Finally, the car glided to a halt in front of an opulent beauty studio glowing like a jewel. Alex's voice cut through the silence. "Go inside."
Confused, I looked at him. "For what?"
His eyes flicked toward me, sharp and unwavering. "To fix your appearance. We're meeting my family, not going to a supermarket."
Ouch. His words stung deep, yet before I could respond, he exited the car and strode through the door, leaving me feeling like a forgotten afterthought.
Inside, the owner greeted him with a level of reverence that felt surreal. "Mr. Reyes, we've been expecting you."
With a casual gesture toward me, Alex said, "She needs full grooming."
"Of course," the owner replied, as if I were royalty. "This way, miss."
I stumbled behind, feeling like a stray cat about to undergo a makeover destined for a glossy magazine cover.
They washed my hair, curled it to perfection, shaped my brows, and softened my skin. I could hardly breathe through the whirlwind of transformations.
When they finally let me gaze into the mirror, I froze, disbelief washing over me. "That can't be me," I uttered, hardly recognizing the stranger staring back.
"Believe it, darling," one of the stylists said with a playful wink, guiding me toward the lounge.
Alex was there, flipping through a magazine as if it contained the secrets of the universe. Without looking up, he asked, "Finished?"
The owner cleared his throat. "Sir, you may see her now."
Alex finally lifted his gaze. For a fleeting moment, surprise flickered in his eyes, intense, focused, almost vulnerable. But just as swiftly, his mask fell back into place.
"It's fine," he said flatly.
Fine? That was all he could muster?
I fought to keep my expression neutral while my heart tightened in my chest.
He stood, buttoning his suit jacket with effortless elegance. "Let's go."
The moment the car stopped, a man in uniform rushed to open the door. Alex stepped out like he owned the world. I followed, and as soon as my feet hit the ground, my mouth fell open in awe.
The mansion before me was beyond belief, vast, elegant, and almost too grand to be real.
How could only a handful of people inhabit such a space?
As if conjured by my thoughts, a line of servants appeared, bowing in greeting, their demeanor both intimidating and surreal.
My heart raced, and Alex's voice echoed in my mind, "Don't embarrass me."
I pressed my lips together, resolved to maintain a poised façade.
"Let's go," Alex commanded, extending his hand toward me.
His tone was frosty, but as my palm slipped into his, a jolt of warmth shot up my arm. Goosebumps rippled across my skin. He seemed unbothered, holding my hand firmly as he led me inside.
As the door swung open, a woman rushed toward us. She was strikingly beautiful, glowing with an elegance that encapsulated her late forties or early fifties.
In an instant, she bypassed Alex and enveloped me in a warm embrace.
"Oh, my child," she exclaimed, pulling back to study my face. "I've waited so long to meet you! How have you been?"
I blinked, taken aback. "Uh, I've been okay, ma'am."
She caressed my cheek with genuine warmth. "My goodness, she's beautiful!" she declared, her exuberance ringing through the hall.
Back behind her, Alex remained stoic, his expression unchanged, a chill in the warmth of the moment.
Just then, a tall man in his late fifties sauntered in from the hallway, his smile radiating affability. "Welcome, my dear," he said sincerely.
"Thank you, sir," I replied softly, gathering my composure.
The woman, whom I figured was Alex's mother, grasped my hands and pulled me closer. "Come in, sweetheart!"
Her husband followed closely behind, while Alex trailed last, a silent shadow.
Inside, the mansion sparkled with lavishness, gold frames, crystal chandeliers, and polished floors that gleamed with grandeur. My curiosity tugged at me, but I held my expression steady, keeping Alex's warning firmly in mind.
We arrived at an ornate dining table where Victoria, Alex's mother, guided me to the seat right beside her. "Sit here, my dear."
Alex settled across from me, an enigma of silence.
Victoria flashed a radiant smile. "I'm Victoria Reyes."
"Elena Hart," I returned, echoing her warmth.
Before anyone touched a fork, she leaned in with genuine interest. "How old are you, Elena?"
"I'm twenty-five," I replied, striving to keep it simple.
"Perfect age!" she beamed, pride lighting up her features.
I noticed Alex shift in his seat, but he remained mute, his eyes locked on me.
"What school did you graduate from?" she continued, her curiosity palpable.
I hesitated. "I… didn't really..."
A loud cough erupted from Alex. "She didn't study here. She graduated in Italy," he declared as if it were the most casual comment.
Victoria gasped, clearly thrilled. "Italy! How lovely, dear. I've always wanted to visit."
I managed a weak smile, my mind racing, Italy? Really?
"And what do you do for a living?" she pursued, eager to unravel more layers.
I opened my mouth, ready to speak the truth. "I'm…"
"She's a model," Alex interrupted deftly.
I nearly choked, eyes wide in disbelief. A model? Since when?
Victoria frowned at Alex, her tone reprimanding. "Alexander, I am not talking to you. Focus on your food."
Alex clenched his jaw, stabbing his fork into his meal with irritation.
Alex's father chuckled. "Let her eat. You can interrogate her later."
Victoria nodded enthusiastically. "Right, right. Eat, my dear."
The moment the food graced my tongue, I nearly closed my eyes in bliss.
But I took my time, savoring each bite, determined to avoid appearing overly eager.
We were on the brink of wrapping things up when Victoria clapped her hands, her eyes shimmering with a contagious excitement.
"Elena, sweetheart! I just got off the phone with Father Thomas. He'll swing by tonight for the engagement blessing!"
The spoon slipped from my fingers, clattering against the plate, punctuating the sudden hush that fell around us.
Alex's eyes darted to mine, a look of urgency flashing across his face.
Victoria, basking in her own thrill, turned her gaze to us expectantly. But Alex straightened his posture, his voice firm. "Mom, I'll handle this. We won't be having any engagement until the weekend."
His father nodded, a knowing smile on his face. "That sounds like a solid plan. Let's give her some time to adjust."
Adjust? I wasn't adjusting; I was sinking into an ocean of anxiety.
With a resigned sigh, Victoria relented. "Alright, dear. I'll let you settle in first."
She reached out, her hand warm and reassuring. "My daughter is away right now, but when she returns, she'll be here for you. If you need anything, ask her."
I managed a polite smile, though my stomach was tied in knots. "Thank you, ma'am."
After lunch, Victoria whisked me off to the garden, eager to share family stories and a collection of photos. There was baby Alex, cute and chubby, toddler Alex with mischief dancing in his eyes, and teenage Alex, caught in a moment of shy rebellion, each image offering a glimpse into the boy I was slowly coming to adore.
I couldn't help but grin at the sight of his tiny face, so full of innocence.
Looking up, I found him watching me from across the garden, our eyes locking in a silent exchange. Heat surged to my cheeks as I quickly averted my gaze. Why did he look at me like that?
As the afternoon light dwindled, it was time to leave. Victoria enveloped me in yet another warm embrace.
"I'm already going to miss you! It feels like forever since we had a girl in this household."
Richard stepped forward, his demeanor gentle and inviting. "I realize I haven't introduced myself properly," he chuckled lightly. "I'm Richard Reyes, but please, call me Father."
Victoria laughed beside him, her joy bright and infectious. "Yes! Call us Mom and Dad."
My heart swelled at the warmth of their acceptance. "Thank you."
I turned to follow Alex out, but he didn't say goodbye to his parents, not even a wave.
Frowning, curiosity gnawed at me. What was going on in that quiet mind of his? Why was he so distant with them?
Once seated in the car and the driver pulled away, I turned to him cautiously.
"Sir, can I see my mom? I just need to explain everything to her."
He didn't even look at me when he replied.
"You can call me Alex. If we're getting married, sir sounds a bit too distant, don't you think?"
He leaned back in his seat, a hint of annoyance flickering across his face as he added, "Fine. Make it quick. You'll be moving into the mansion soon."
"Who will?" I whispered in disbelief.
He shot me a sideways glance. "You."
My stomach lurched. "What about my mother? She just had surgery and can't be left alone."
"I'll buy her an apartment," he stated, his tone calm and final. "And I'll hire a nurse."
My eyes widened. "You'd do that for her?"
"Don't misunderstand," he clarified calmly. "It's for convenience. I need you free."
And just like that, silence enveloped the car, heavy and thick.
He dropped me at the hospital entrance, and I stepped out slowly.
"Goodbye," I said softly, my heart racing.
The car door shut with a finality that sent a chill down my spine.
He didn't reply.
The car pulled away quietly, leaving me standing there, breathless.
I sighed, rubbing my face in disbelief.
"What a cold man," I murmured under my breath. "Lord help me."