The Unexpected Protector

Elaine’s POV

I looked at Steve, and by then Elizabeth and her clique were quivering in fear. Steve’s grip on my hand tightened as he drew me even closer, our bodies touching now.

“What…what do you mean? Is she really your wife?”Elizabeth finally asked. Her eyes darted between Steve and me as she retreated some steps while talking.

“Are you hurt?” He turned me around as he checked if I had any bruises.

“Was this also a part of the play pretend like we were a real couple?”I thought within myself.

“She is my wife and no one, I repeat NO ONE, dares to touch her.”

“If she is your wife as you both claim, why isn't she wearing a wedding ring…I mean, none of you is.” Elizabeth turned to the crowd now, her shoulders high.

The crowd’s murmuring began again. I could feel their stares and accusations piercing through my heart once more.

“My wife deserves the best, I do not owe anyone of you an explanation, but to kill your doubts…” He dipped his hand in his pocket and brought out a little box. He let go of my hand as he turned to me.

His gaze seemed to pierce through my soul, and my heart stopped for a few seconds as I held my breath. He proceeded to open the box, and in it sat two gorgeous diamond rings.

“Wow, isn’t that a diamond ring?” Someone from the crowd gasped.

“Why would the CEO of Greyson Corp buy a diamond ring if she isn’t his wife? That means it is true.” The crowd gasped once more.

“I wanted to take my time in getting you the best,” he brought up my left finger and slid the ring in.

It was a perfect fit; he took out the other ring and wore it too. I felt my eyes getting wet and quickly reminded myself that it was all an act.

 He didn’t say anything and just held my hand as he led me away. I turned back to Elizabeth, sticking out my tongue as I walked away. Her eyes instantly shot red with anger.

We got to his office before he finally let go of my hand. He turned away quickly, almost as though he was shy.

“You sure make a great actor, I almost believed you out there,” I said as I took a seat on the sofa.

“I had to do that, the public mustn’t find out all of this is pretend, it will affect the stocks of the company,” he turned quickly as he grabbed a file from his desk.

“This is everything about me, you need to read and learn in case the reporters begin sniffing around and asking questions.” He was now different from the man who had taken my hand earlier. He was back to being in his business-like attitude.

“Well… well… isn’t this something?” I grabbed the file, glanced through it.

“Steve Greyson resumes work by 7 am.”

“Steve Greyson never takes a day off.”

“Steve Greyson…” I stopped and looked up at him.

“Do you have anything else you do outside of work? Maybe like live a little?” I dropped the file on the table.

“I do other things too…” He pushed his seat back, avoiding my eyes.

“Like?”

“I travel outside the country for business meetings.” I could no longer hold my laughter; his eyebrows shot up instantly, but that didn’t stop me.

“Well, you need something different.” Just then, a knock was heard.

Grant walked in, holding a tablet. His strides were short; he looked at me briefly before looking back at Steve. “Sir, you need to see this.”

“What do the public want exactly?” He slammed his hand on his table, shaking off some files from it. His veins were popping from his neck. He looked at me and passed the tablet to me.

“Steve Greyson, CEO of Greyson Corp, claims to be married to Miss Elaine Smith. Could this be a sham?”

“How… who…” I wasn’t sure what the right question was.

“We need to deal with this immediately,” Steve said.

“There is a solution. How about you both attend the Greyson banquet tonight? That will kill everyone’s doubts about you both.” Grant offered.

****

As soon as the car pulled up outside Greyson Hall, my hands began trembling. Reporters lined up outside, almost waiting to devour me. Suddenly, all the mean comments from the media began playing in my head.

“Calm down, no one is going to do anything to you.” Steve carefully tucked a piece of my hair behind my ear as the door opened.

He stepped out, then turned to offer me a hand. I took his hand while looking into his eyes. The blue custom-made suit complemented his eyes, making them pop more.

He had picked the red silk dress I wore. I hadn’t worn a dress in so long, nor have I been out publicly in a long time. I dug my nails into my thigh as we approached the entrance.

“Mr Steve, I see you are here with Miss Elaine Smith. Does that mean the rumours are true?”

He ignored me as he held me closer, leading us into the hall.

“Mr Steve, are you aware that Miss Elaine Smith is barren?” One reporter asked.

Steve stopped immediately, his brows furrowed as his grip on my waist tightened. He turned around, maintaining his calm as he addressed the reporters. “Miss Elaine Smith is now Mrs Elaine Greyson; whoever deems it fit to disrespect her will face the wrath of the Greyson Empire.”

He said nothing more, and we walked into the hall. He didn’t let go of my hand even when he greeted his acquaintances and business partners.

He introduced one of his business partners to me. I had heard of Mr Raymond Carter, one of the most prominent investors in the country.

“I never expected you to be a man of romance. Your wife is really beautiful.” Mr Carter extended his hand for a handshake, but the minute I took it, he turned it around and gently placed a kiss on it.

Steve immediately stiffened, biting his lower lip and tapping his fingers on the table. I didn’t understand why he was feeling that way, but he soon removed my hand from Mr Carter’s with a stiff smile.

“Let me show you around  the hall.” He said to Mr Carter as he led him away, leaving me alone at the table.

I took a sip of the wine at the table, as I looked around.

“Aren’t you Mrs Greyson?” I turned around to see an impeccable woman standing behind me. She had the fairest skin, but her smile felt uncomfortable.

“Yes, I am, and you are?”

“Vivienne Blackwood. Steve’s fiancée.”