Chapter 7

Elena's POV

Just like that, he turned and pulled me inside past the stairs leading to a long hallway which I assumed led to the rooms. Alexander left his mother and Victoria standing there, stunned.

I was relieved when we left but I had this strange feeling, like unease because that was supposed to be my mother-in-law and it seems she and Alexander don't have a tight relationship. She doesn't like me so how will it be when I officially get married to him. I did it for my mum and brother so whatever happens. I can survive it.

I kept thinking though, how Ryan's life will be inside this house. I could take it but would Ryan be able to?. Inside, the mansion was just as overwhelming as the outside. Marble floors, Crystal chandeliers and furniture that must cost a lot. The house was magnificent. I barely had time to process any of it before Alexander spoke again.

“You should ignore my mother and Victoria. Keep your head high and play the role that is expected of You.”He said, his voice unwavering and serious.

I was shocked at his choice of words. “The role expected of me?”

“Yes, This engagement is going to be public knowledge soon. You will be seen, talked about and every move you make will be watched. You have to make sure they don't get to you.”

I exhaled slowly, trying to process everything. “And what about you? Are you just going to keep handling everything like a business deal?”

For a brief second, something flickered in his eyes, but it was gone before I could even guess it. “That's the only way things gets done.”

Who made him like this? And just what had he suffered or gone through to become this heartless, emotionless and cold. He turned away and pulled out his phone. And just like that our conversation was over. He was done talking. I just studied him and waited staring into the hallway. Then hee called someone. A few rings and the person picked the call.

“Victor,” he said through the phone.

“I want an organizational dinner arranged immediately,” He ordered. “Make sure the press is there. We need to shift attention from the East Coast drilling situation.”

“Yes sir, Understood.” Victor responded.

Alexander's gaze flicked to me, what now? I wondered.

“And You will take Elena shopping. She needs to be properly dressed for it.”

I froze. Shopping.

Before I could protest, He walked away. My fingers clenched into fist, Just great. In less than 24 hours I signed my life away to him. He has been using me to do different things. I haven't even had a chance to go see Ryan or how my mum is doing. Even Sophie, She must be worried.

“Miss Carter, the car is ready for us to go,” Someone said, Interrupting my thoughts. Victor. He was fast.

“Ohhh ... .Alright” I replied, following him. When Alexander left, I had no idea where he disappeared to but it was clear he had no intention of explaining himself to me. a few minutes later, Victor arrived.

Victor barely spoke as we drove. I turned to look out the window, taking in the nicee views of towering buildings, high end restaurants. We even passed the one I use to work at. I was tempted to stop and take Sophie along but Victor would never agree.

He always followed Alexander's orders without questions. He was like a robot and he was good at it.

“Has Alexander always been like that?” I asked, breaking the silence.

Victor didn't even glance at me. “Like what?”

“Cold. Controlling.”

He hesitated. “Mr Sterling is just focused.”

Why did he hesitate? He knew something but he didn't say anything again. I knew he wanted me to drop the topic but I was getting married to this man. I had a right to know so I might as well try my luck.

“That's not an answer.” I countered.

Victor sighed. “He doesn't trust easily and for good reason.”

That was the closest to a personal comment I had heard from Victor since I meant him. I had just one last question for him.

“And how long have you been working for Alexander?”

“12 years now.” He answered straight without looking my way. No wonder he knew Alexander a lot and understood him well enough.

When we arrived at the luxury boutique, my stomach twisted. I had never been in a luxury boutique before, and I had certainly never been dragged into one by a man who treated shopping like a military operation.

Victor walked ahead of me, barely even giving me a chance to pick what I like. I trailed behind him like a lost puppy. I glanced at the price tags of some things and woahh!, It had more zeros than my bank account. On a normal day, I wouldn't dare enter a boutique like this.

“Pick what you want,” Victor said, sifting through the racks like he was assembling a uniform. This was funny. I wish Sophie was here, she needed to see this.

“I don't need much, Just something simple.”

Victor actually chuckled a little. First, I blinked. Did he just laugh a little? That was surprising to say the least. “Miss Carter, You're about to become Mrs sterling. Nothing about your appearance can be simple.”

It meant I was about to be suffocated by wealth and expectations I wanted no part of.

Then he turned to one of the sales girls. “Find her a selection of evening gowns. Something elegant.”

The sales girls nodded eagerly and rushed off to do his bidding. I stood there awkwardly, watching as racks of clothes were wheeled out in front of me. The fabrics were gorgeous; Silk, velvet, chiffon. Dresses that belonged to a world I wasn't part of.

A fitting room was already prepared.

I tried the ones that were picked. But then I saw it, a silk peach-coloured gown with floral designs bringing out the beauty of the dress at the top. It hugged my waist perfectly, with a small slit by the side. It was gorgeous and so beautiful. I knew I loved it immediately. I saw it and I knew Sophie would too.

Just as we were leaving, my worst nightmare began. Eleanor Sterling and Victoria Langford walked in, exuding wealth, power, and barely contained disdain.

Their eyes landed on me, and the temperature seemed to drop.

Eleanor's smile was cold. “Well, well. What a surprise.”