SEVEN

“I knew what was happening between the two of you at the table.”

I crossed my arms. I hope she wasn't looking for a fight.

“That was very inappropriate. Here in the Washington family. We are classy.” She continued, raising her head slightly.

I scoffed. "You aren't a Washington though."

"I will be one day. When Elijah finally tires of you." She said.

“Listen, I think we might have started on the wrong foot,” I replied.

I wanted nothing to do with her, and I definitely didn’t want to hear anything she had to say. It was obvious she was a jealous ex who still had feelings for Elijah. I didn’t understand what made women lose their minds over men like Elijah.

Beyond his attractiveness, he had a shitty personality.

If it wasn't for the accident. I wouldn't be with someone like him. We were just too different. After our contract was up, she could have him for all I cared.

“Maybe we could be friends,” I said.

She frowned. “Friends? You and I will never be friends. I don’t know what you and Elijah have going on, but it’s definitely fishy. He isn’t even the type to commit to marriage, much less fall in love so quickly. You’re—”

“And yet here we are,” I cut in.

“Oh? So you’ve got a mouth. I knew that meek little girl act was all bullshit. I’ll find out what’s going on, and trust me… Elijah will be mine in the end.”

“Excuse me.” I was about to move around her to go out of the bathroom.

“You know nothing about Elijah. I know you're using him for his money but you're the one who might get hurt in the end.” She grabbed my hand suddenly and when I tried to forcefully remove my hand, she held it tightly.

The fuck?

“You don't even want to know what happened to his brother. Leave this family before it's too late.” The way she said it made me feel uneasy.

I removed my arm forcefully and glared at her. “I'm not going anywhere. We're married and frankly, there's nothing you or anybody else can do about it."

I brushed past her and made my way back to the dinner table. Victoria followed soon after.

I avoided Elijah's gaze on me and focused on my plate. I didn't want to pry into his family life because it was none of my business but it would be a lie if I said that Victoria's words didn't make me curious.

"Ah, you're back," his grandfather said warmly. "I was just telling Elijah here that I expect great-grandchildren soon. You two shouldn't wait too long."

I nearly choked on the water I'd just sipped.

"Grandfather," Elijah’s face hardened. He didn't tell me about any babies.

"What? I'm not getting any younger and I want to see this family grow before I'm gone." He smiled at me, his eyes lighting up. "You do want children, don't you, dear?"

"I... we haven't really discussed—" I stuttered like a fool.

"Soon," Elijah interrupts and holds my hind on the table, surprising me.

I freeze instantly. His hand was warm and I was hyper aware of every finger pressing against mine.

"We're still newlyweds, Grandfather and we'd like to enjoy each other first."

My face felt like it was on fire.

"Well, don't wait too long," his grandfather chuckled. "At your age, Elijah, you should be thinking about legacy. Family is so important."

Elijah's jaw tightened slightly, but his thumb started moving in small circles on the back of my hand. Was he…actually trying to comfort me? Or just selling the act?

I glanced across the table and caught Victoria's eyes. She was watching us with a smug look on her annoying face.

I tried to pull my hand away from him but his grip tightened.

I forced a smile at him and he further surprised me when he brought my hand up to his lips and pressed a quick kiss to my knuckles.

What the fuck?

I felt my cheeks heat up. This was all for show, I had to remember that…but why did I feel so giddy inside.

"You two are absolutely precious," his grandfather said, smiling at us. "It reminds me of how my late wife and I used to be. We were so in love."

In love... Yeah right.

I wanted to laugh at the absurdity of it all, but Elijah's hand was still holding mine. .

"Yes," I managed, my voice barely steady. "We're very happy."

Victoria made a small sound that sounded like a scoff, but when I looked at her, she was smiling sweetly.

"Oh, before I forget," his grandfather said, setting down his wine glass. "My 80th birthday gala is in two weeks."

"I expect you both to attend, of course. It'll be the perfect opportunity to introduce Breanna to everyone. The press will be there, all of high society..." He continued. "The world should see how happy you two are."

My stomach dropped. Now we'd have to perform in front of the entire world?

"Of course, Grandfather," Elijah replied calmly. I looked at him and he smiled. I don't know why but I felt better when he smiled at me like that even though I knew it was just acting. "We wouldn't miss it."

"Wonderful. I want everyone to meet the woman who finally tamed my grandson." His grandfather chuckled. "And who knows? Maybe by next year's gala, I'll have a great-grandchild to celebrate with."

I forced another smile, but my mind was racing.

The rest of dinner passed in a blur. The rest of the family were engaged in different conversations while I just sat in silence.

Finally and mercifully, the dinner ended. It was time to leave. Elijah held my arm in his as we bade everyone goodbye. Although I was ignored by his sister and Victoria, who had an evil look on her face. I really hoped she wouldn't make trouble.

"It was lovely meeting you, dear," his grandfather said, pulling me into a hug. "Welcome to the family."

The warmth in his voice made me so guilty. He seemed genuinely happy. He had no idea this was all fake.