CHAPTER 4: The War

Elena panicked as she saw the look on George's face and asked calmly yet scared "what was sent to you?"

Without a word George held his phone out to her.

It was a live video, streaming directly from room 412 at saint mercy’s hospital.

Vanessa sat beside Elena’s mother's bed, Mrs. Lilian, holding her frail hand and smiling softly at the camera like she’d been there for years.

The caption underneath made Elena’s stomach drop: Exclusive: George Herbert’s Real Fiancee Confronts side chicks Mother.

And then Vanessa looked straight into the lens and said, her voice syrupy sweet

“Ohh, who is Elena Thomas” she paused and after a while she said “She’s just a social climber and a gold digger but i won't let her dig her long evil claws into my fiance without putting up a fight”

The video ended.

For a moment neither of them spoke. The only sound was the distant traffic outside and the pounding of Elena’s heart in her ears.

George pocketed his phone and looked at her, and for the first time since she’d met him, she saw something dangerous flicker behind his eyes.

It seems we have some real shit to deal with, he said quietly.

He held out his hand to her, palm up, an offering

and a command all at once.

Come, Mrs. Herbert.

Let’s go remind them who you belong to.

The car ride to St. Mercy’s hospital was the longest ten minutes of Elena’s life.

George hadn’t let go of her hand since they left the penthouse. His grip was firm, grounding, and completely infuriating, because every time she tried to pull away he just tightened his fingers like he knew exactly what he was doing to her.

They’re going to be questioning me alot George and I'm nervous, Elena whispered, staring at their joined hands. Who are the they you are talking about? George asked calmly.

The press, Elena said with a panicking tone.

Let them try, George said. His thumb brushed over her knuckles once, slow and deliberate. You are with me. That’s all that matters.

The hospital hallway was already full of reporters when they arrived; As the Litdom Group owned by the Herbert's is a highly reputable shareholding organisation. Flashes went off the moment the elevator doors opened.

Mr. Herbert! Is it true you are getting married to another woman?

Who is this woman, sir?

What about miss.Vanessa Laurent?

George didn’t answer. He just shifted, and suddenly Elena was tucked against his side, his arm a solid weight around her waist. He leaned down like he was whispering something sweet to her, but his words were meant for the cameras.

My wife doesn’t speak to the press, he said clearly. But I’m sure you will all be invited to the wedding.

The crowd erupted.

Elena’s face was burning. Wife. He had just said wife; Out loud. On camera. Elena questioned in her mind.

Room 412 was at the end of the hall.

The moment they stepped inside, the air changed.

Lillian was propped up in the bed, looking smaller and paler than Elena remembered. And sitting beside her, holding her hand and laughing softly, was Vanessa in a cream dress that probably cost more than Elena’s mother entire hospital bill.

Vanessa looked up, and her smile sharpened when she saw them.

There you are, she said sweetly. I was just telling Mrs. Thomas about our engagement party. It was so romantic, wasn’t it, George?

Lillian’s eyes moved between them, confused and tired. Elena? What’s going on, baby?

George didn’t hesitate.

He took three steps and he was across the room. He pulled Elena in front of him and wrapped both arms around her from behind, his chest to her back, his chin resting near her neck like they had done this a thousand times.

To anyone watching, they looked in love.

To Elena, it felt overwhelming and drowning as she can't control the sensations he is causing her anymore even while they have no mutual feeling.

He turned his head and pressed a kiss to her temple. It was light, Chaste and Meant for show, this made Elena's cheek burn red.

But he didn’t pull away right away.

This is my wife, Elena Herbert, George said as he introduced Elena to Venessa since there was no proper introduction when they first met. his voice carrying across the room. Calm, Possessive and Final. And I suggest you take your hands off my mother-in-law, Vanessa.

Vanessa’s face went white and frustrated.

Your wife? she laughed, but it cracked in the middle. George, we both know this is a contract. You told me.

What I told you was that we were over three months ago,

George cut her off. His arms tightened around Elena. Right after you lied about a pregnancy to trap me.

Lillian gasped.

Vanessa stood up so fast the chair screeched. You can’t do this to me. I am the one the board approves of. I am the one your family wants.

My family, George said, wants to meet their daughter-in-law. And they will. Tomorrow night. At dinner.

He turned Elena in his arms then, slightly forcing her to face him. His hands came up to cup her face, his thumbs brushing over her cheeks in a way that made her forget there were two other people in the room.

His grey eyes searched hers.

Are you okay honey? he murmured calmly but loud enough for any other person in the room to hear.

Elena nodded, because she couldn’t speak. As his hands were warm and his voice had gone soft and for one second she almost believed this was real.

Good, George whispered. Then, louder, for everyone: Because we’re taking her home now.

He scooped Lillian’s hand into his and kissed it. Rest, Mrs. Thomas. Your daughter is in good hands.

Ten minutes later they were back in the car, escaping the cameras. It was already Sunset, and was getting a bit dark.

The moment the doors closed, George let go of her. The warmth vanished.

Elena hugged herself, then suddenly cold.

Thank you, she whispered. For... in there.

Don’t thank me yet, George said, staring out the window. Tomorrow's dinner is the real test. If my parents don’t believe you, the board will tear up the contract. And your mother’s bills go unpaid.

Elena’s stomach dropped as she swallowed before speaking,,What do you want me to do?

Be my wife, George said. For real. Starting tonight.

He turned to look at her then, and in the dim light of the car, his eyes were dark.

Move into my room, Elena. Not the guest room. Mine.

If we are going to sell this to my parents, we can’t have separate bedrooms.

Elena’s breath caught, the she spoke,, But that wasn’t in the contract.

I’m amending it, George said simply, his eyes still on the road as he drove them back to the penthouse. His tone left no room for argument.

The car pulled into the private garage. The doors opened.

And as they stepped into the elevator, Elena's phone buzzed.

She brought it out and it was a message. She looked at it for some seconds and went completely numb and still.