The door opened and Alexander walked in
He was already dressed in a dark suit and neat tie. His hair was in perfect order. He looked like he had stepped out of a magazine cover.
"Good morning". He said with a calm voice.
I pulled the blanket tighter around me. "Morning". I answered
He glanced around the room, then back at me. "Get dressed, breakfast is ready".
This sounded just like an order with no warmth or smile.He left the room immediately.
I nodded and quickly got up. I dressed up into a simple cream blouse and skirt, trying to look presentable. When I stepped out, Garrett was waiting in the hall. He didn't comment on my appearance.
He just turned and walked expecting me to follow him.
The penthouse felt different in daylight. Sunlight poured in through the wide glass walls making the marble floors shine.
We got to the dinning room. The long table was set with eggs, toast, bacon, fresh fruit, and coffee steaming in a silver pot. The kind of breakfast spread you'd see in a hotel.
Garrett pulled out the chair for me, a gesture that surprised me. He didn't look at me as I sat but the small act made my chest feel tight. He took his place at the head of the table.
"Eat". He said simply.
I picked up my fork cutting into the eggs. My hands shook slightly. I was too aware of him sitting there calmly with his dark eyes occasionally lifting from his plate to glance at me.
"You didn't eat much last night". He said after a while.
I looked up with shock. "I wasn't hungry".
"You should eat". He said in a flat tone. "You'll need your strength".
I nodded and took a other bite though the food felt heavy in my mouth.
For a while, silence filled the room. Only the clinking if forks and the soft hum of the city. I thought maybe that was all breakfast would be, just silence and distance but he spoke again.
"You'll get used to the house". He said.
"Will I?" I asked.
"Yes". He replied, not looking at me. "You'll learn the routines. The staffs will help you. But remember, you're not just yourself now. You carry my name, that means everything you do matters." Garrett continued.
His words pressed on me like weight. I wanted to say something, but I couldn't find the right words.
"Do you understand?" He asked, finally meeting my eyes.
"Yes". I said quietly.
He leaned back, his expression was unreadable. "Good". He muttered.
After breakfast he stood and said, "come. I'll show you round".
I followed him through the endless halls. He moved quickly, explaining little and pointing things out in a clipped voice.
"This is the library, you can use it when you feel like. This is the gym, I expect you to take care of yourself.
This is the pool, it is private". He pointed out.
We moved from room to room, lounges, a theatre, wide glass balconies with view if the whole city. Each space was beautiful but cold, more like a museum than a home.
At last, we stopped in front of a closed door. Garrett opened it and I stepped inside. It was a large office, with dark wooden shelves and a wide desk near the window.
"This is my space", he said. His voice was firm. "You do not enter without my permission". He warned.
I nodded quickly.
We kept walking until we reached his room at the far end of the hall. He opened the door just enough for me to see the wide bed, and the neat furnitures in perfect order.
"This is my bedroom", he said. His tone was flat, leaving no room for questions.
I swallowed hard and nodded again.
We returned to the living area. I sat on the sofa, feeling drained from the tour. Garrett poured himself coffee and stood by the window, looking out at the city below.
"Tell me, why did you agree to this marriage". He said suddenly, his back still to me.
The question hit me like a stone. My hands tightened in my laps. "Because, my parents wanted it. It was the best thing to do". I finally found my voice.
He turned slowly, "so you didn't choose this yourself?" He asked with sharp eyes.
"It's really complicated, I wouldn't just choose to be married to you". I muttered.
Then remember this: choice or not, you're here now. And I'll not allow mistakes. If you embarrass my family, you'll regret. He threatened.
His words chilled me but before I could reply, he stepped closer. His shadow fell across me, making me shrink back slightly.
You should rest after breakfast, there's much ahead. Tonight, we have another dinner to attend, you'll need to be part.
I nodded gently. His eyes lingered on me for a moment. Something flickered there, something almost human but then it was gone. He turned and walked towards his office.
The door shot behind him with a short click.
I sat alone in the silence. My thoughts loud in my head. He wanted perfection and control but he didn't want me, just the image of me.
And yet… a small part of me wondered if there was more behind his cold eyes. Something like a secret or weakness.
I stood and walked slowly back to my room. My reflection in the tall glass caught my eyes. I looked small in this giant place, too small for a world that demanded so much.
But just as I reached my door, I heard another sound.
A phone ringing.
It was coming from Garrett's office, he answered in a very low and sharp voice. I couldn't hear the voice but his tone made my skin prickle.
I shouldn't have stopped, I should have listened but I stood there as his voice grew louder and angrier.
And then, his words cut through the door. It was very clear this time.
"She can
never find out the truth". He said.
My breath caught, my hand trembled on the door knob.
"What truth?"