Chapter 4: Moving into his world

I had no response. Instead, I slid the ring onto my. It felt foreign, like wearing a piece of someone else’s life.

His gaze flickered to my hand before he straightened. “The press will hear about our engagement soon. Expect attention.”

“Great,” I mumbled. “Just what I wanted.”

“That's all I guess,” he said, checking his watch, “we are  done for today.”

I took in an unhurried breath  “So, that’s it? I just go home and wait to be your wife?”

Alexander met my gaze. “You can go home now, and make all necessary preparations but know for a fact that your life is about to change.”

A chill went down my spine.

I had signed a contract. I had agreed to this.

So why did it feel like I had just signed away something bigger than I realized?

As I stood to leave, the weight of the ring on my finger felt heavier than it should. This was just a deal, just a temporary arrangement. So why did it already feel permanent?

Like a chain, I couldn’t take off? I asked myself.

I eventually arrived at Alexander's home, I stood in front of his penthouse, my suitcase by my side, my heart was already beating so fast against my ribs. The elevator ride up had been smooth, but now that I was here, the reality of it all hit me so hard like a tidal wave.

This wasn’t just a sleepover. I thought to myself briefly. This was my new home at least for the next year and three months.

I exhaled sharply before pressing the doorbell.

A few Seconds later, a lady showed up by the door to confirm who it was.

 “you’re welcome ma,” she said in a soft tone, still smiling.

“Thank you,” I said, returning a smile as well, just then she swung the door open revealing Alexander standing behind the door, looking as effortlessly perfect as usual. He was dressed up in a nice-looking crisp white shirt, it was giving this all-serious vibe, the top two buttons undone, his sleeves rolled up just enough to make my breath hitch.

“You’re delinquent,” he said, as the young lady who welcomed me stepped aside to let me in.

I frowned. “I wasn’t informed there was a deadline.”

“There wasn’t. But I expected you sooner.”

I held back a sarcastic remark.

 “Anita, show her around the house, after that, you then show her to her room.” He instructed her.

“Okay sir, I will do just that” Anita replied almost immediately. she then helped me

wheeled my suitcase inside.

 He informed me that Anita was his maid, so anything I need I shouldn’t hesitate to inform because he won’t accept any form of disturbance from me. I couldn’t clear that off my head, so arrogant I said to myself. 

The penthouse was breathtaking just like what I’d imagined, floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city skyline, sleek modern furniture, and a space so pristine it looked like it belonged in a luxury home magazine. Everything about it didn’t just scream money but was also screaming power.

It also screamed Alexander pierce-cold, controlled, and untouchable.

“Please this way ma'am, let me show you to your room,” she said calmly stretching her hands forward. Then walked ahead to lead the way.

I went after her down a long hallway until we got to a door at the end. Anita pushed it open, revealing a bedroom that looked straight out of a five-star resort.

A Big king-sized bed, expensive furnishings, and a large window with thick curtains, I was so sure that it cost more than my rent, including other bills. I was very sure about that.

“This is your room,” Anita said.

I raised a brow. “You mean I and Alexander’s room?”

“No. Don’t flatter yourself, I have my room.” Alexander standing beside the door replied as he glanced at me, with his unreadable expression.

I wasn’t sure why that sent a weird sense of relief through me.

“Right,” I muttered, stepping inside. “Well, thanks.”

  

 “Excuse us”

He said looking toward Anita 

“Okay sir,” she said walking out of the room.

Alexander leaned against the doorway, watching me. “I assume you understand the rules.”

“Rules?”

His gaze remained steady. “We have to keep up appearances. That means public outings, social events, and interviews if necessary. You’ll need to dress the part.”

I rolled my eyes. “Right, because the press will crucify me if I wear the wrong shoes.”

“They will,” he said simply.

I sighed. “Anything else?”

He nodded. “No personal relationships during our marriage. No affairs, no complications. This is a clean arrangement.”

 “I have no plans of dating anyone while pretending to be your loving wife, so you shouldn't worry about that”,  I said.

“Good,” he said.

There was a long pause before he spoke again.

 “ I think that’s all for now. If anything new comes up I will give you a head’s up. 

 Not long after, Alexander turned and walked away without a word, leaving me alone in the massive room.

“He never ceases to amaze me”, I said to myself then sat down on the edge of the bed, staring at the door he had just walked out through.

This was my life now.

I had moved into his world, and there was no turning back.

That is not even an option now, nor anytime soon. That I know so well. Was surprised he had just one maid when I was expecting a lot of them looking at how big the penthouse was.

 Later that night 

After unloading my suitcase, I walked into the kitchen, feeling the weight of exhaustion settle into my bones. I was exhausted. That I won't deny. 

The penthouse was too quiet. I wasn’t used to this much space, this much… emptiness.

 The next thing on my mind was to check out the fridge. I opened the fridge, half-expecting it to be stocked with nothing but bottled water, most especially expensive wines, but to my biggest surprise, there was actual food. Fruits, vegetables, and even some leftovers in glass containers.

“I had the kitchen stocked,” Alexander's voice came from behind me.

I was startled for a second just to find Alexander standing in the doorway, watching me.

“Do you eat normal food?” I teased, raising a brow.

He smirked. “Contrary to popular belief, I am human.”

“And who asked if you were human or not?” I mumbled to myself.

“Debatable,” I muttered under my breath, but I noticed the way the corner of his lips twitched.

He stepped forward, opening a cabinet and pulling out a glass. “If I could remember vividly I told you Anita should be the one  showing you around the house ?”

“Yes, well, I decided not to bother her. I'm already settling in fine, at least as fine as I can be after uprooting my entire life,” I said, crossing my arms.

“You made a choice, Eleanor.”

I sighed. “I know.”

For a moment Silence stretched between us. Then, out of the blue, Alexander asked, “Why did you agree to this?”

The question caught me off guard.