Chapter 2: Bound by chains

Elena’s POV

I sat in my childhood bedroom, now stripped of its warmth and luxury. Boxes were stacked against the walls, red tags stuck to everything indicating that it was seized. I could barely recognize my own life and situation. The contract lay on my desk, its stark black text taunting me. How does the status a family worked day and night to attain just change overnight like it's nothing?

There was a soft knock on the door before my mother, Margaret, stepped inside, her face etched with worry. “Elena, darling, have you made a decision?”

“What choice do I have?” My voice was barely above a whisper as I gestured to the contract. “It’s this or watch them take what little we have left and have us live like fugitives till we die. If it gets revealed to the press, we'll start getting investigated too. I don’t want you to go through that, Mum.”

Her hands trembled as she placed them on my shoulders. “I wish I could do it instead of you. I wish your father would just appear and tell us that he didn’t do it. I hate that it’s come to this. But maybe… maybe Adrian has changed. He liked you once, didn’t he? I feel bad for saying this, but we were family friends… I’m sure they’ll treat you well.”

I laughed bitterly. “Liked me enough to spread bad rumors about me when I rejected him in college. He’s arrogant, entitled, irresponsible and—” I stopped, shaking my head. “I can’t believe I’m even considering this. There’s nothing good about this. They’ll treat me well? I’m literally selling myself out. I can’t even work if I become his wife. I become useless.”

“I’m so sorry, Elena. Victor made it clear,” my mother said, her voice breaking. “Without this marriage, we’ll have nothing. And… I’ll lose you too. You don’t want me to go through all the media problems, I don’t want you to go through it too. You’re still young and you have a lot of potential.”

I hugged her tightly, my own tears spilling over. “I’ll do it, Mom. For you. For us. For our family name.”

—

The wedding was a rushed event, held in a courthouse with only the Hawthornes in attendance. Victor oversaw the proceedings like a businessman finalizing a deal, while Adrian wore a smirk that never quite left his face throughout the ceremony, he seemed happy and satisfied with the arrangement.

I  stared down at the ring Adrian slipped onto my finger. It felt heavy, like a shackle holding me down and keeping me from spreading my wings more than a symbol of union.

"Smile for the cameras," Adrian whispered into my ear as we stepped outside. Victor invited the paparazzi to take pictures and write news about it, he needed his son's irresponsible reputation to be fixed. 

I  forced a tight smile, knowing it was all for show. Now I’m married to Adrian Hawthorne officially. The public would be happy for me and talk about Adrian in a new light. But for me? My life was ruined. 

—

The Hawthorne mansion was as cold as Adrian himself. It reminded me of our own home—grand and luxurious—but it would never feel the same. Adrian gave me a half-hearted tour, pointing out rooms without much enthusiasm.

“This is your room,” he said, stopping in front of a door at the end of a long hallway.

“Not… our room?” I asked hesitantly.

He chuckled. “You were so against marrying me. Now you want us to stay in the same room? Elena… I knew you had a bad side to you. Do you want me?” His hand brushed my chin.

I stepped back and moved his hand away. “I was just surprised that you’re not staying in the same room with me. I like the arrangement.”

He snorted. “Yes, let’s not pretend this is anything it’s not. You’ll stay here; I’ll stay wherever I feel like. Got it?”

Clenching my fists, I said, “Let’s stay away from each other.”

He shrugged. “I’ll do what I like in my home, okay? But don’t worry, you’ll get used to it.”

---

Days turned into weeks, each one blending into the next. My new life was suffocating. Adrian came and went as he pleased, bringing women into the house, hosting loud overnight parties. He barely acknowledged me, except to point out my mistakes or give me a harsh remark.

One afternoon, my mother visited, carrying my favorite homemade food. It was a small comfort in this prison of a home.

“This place feels so empty,” she said, looking around the living room.

I nodded, my voice low. “It feels like a prison, but I guess I’m used to it. Doesn’t feel very unfamiliar now. What about you, Mum? Are you doing well in your new apartment?”

She smiled bitterly. “I’m getting used to living alone. It feels just like my younger days when I was poor and unmarried. I think every day about you and your father. I even go to all our favorite spots in the city. Who knows? I might just find him there.”

I ran a hand through my hair. “Why bother looking for someone who abandoned us? Who left us to suffer for the consequences of his actions?”

“Elena, do you really believe—”

Before she could finish, Adrian strode in, his presence filling the room. His gaze swept over us mockingly.

“I didn’t realize we had guests,” he said, his tone dripping with sarcasm.

“My mother brought some food,” I said cautiously.

He crossed his arms. “This isn’t a café. Next time, maybe she should ask permission before showing up.”

“Excuse me?” my mother snapped, but I grabbed her arm quickly.

“Mom, it’s fine,” I said, trying to ease the tension of the situation.

Adrian smirked. “Good girl. Keep her visits to a minimum. We wouldn’t want to give people the wrong impression about how things are run in here.”

I stared at him, my jaw tight. “You’ve made yourself perfectly clear. She was just about to leave.”

I led my mother outside, her face pale with worry. “Is that how he treats you? Elena, are you sure you’ll be okay here?”

I nodded, though my heart was heavy. “I can handle it, Mom. Just promise me you won’t come unless I call.”

I went back in after talking to my mum and reassuring her that I was really okay. Adrian found me in the kitchen, where I  was cleaning up after the meal with my mum.

"You don’t have to act like the maid," he said, lounging against the doorway.

I didn’t look up. "I’d rather keep busy than sit around doing nothing."

Adrian laughed. "Suit yourself. Just remember, this isn’t your home. It’s mine. You’re here because I let you stay."

I clenched the sponge in my hand, my nails biting into the surface. "I’m here because I had no choice."

Adrian stepped closer, his smirk fading. "Everyone has a choice, Elena. You chose this."

I met his gaze, my green eyes blazing. "No. My father chose this. You’re just the punishment."

Adrian stared at me for a long moment before turning away. "Indeed, a punishment for all the years you rejected me. Thinking I was far below your level. Now, who's my wife?"

I kept mute. No matter what I  said, I was at a disadvantage there.

"Prepare yourself. We're attending a dinner together tomorrow. Do your best to act like a proper wife." Adrian said and left the kitchen. 

I  blinked rigorously, trying to stop tears from falling from my eyes. This was my fate now.