Chapter One

Marriage Proposal 

~ Elena ~

"Do you, Elena Moretti, take Alexander Drake as your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, for as long as you both shall live?"

The priest’s voice echoed through the majestic cathedral. My throat felt dry, and my palms were clammy beneath the silk gloves my mother insisted I wear. Every pair of eyes in the room was fixed on me. My father sat in the front pew, stiff and unreadable, as if this moment was just another business deal he was overseeing. To him, it probably was.

I stole a quick glance at Alexander. He didn’t return my gaze. His eyes were focused straight ahead, his jaw set like stone, dark hair slicked back perfectly, and his tailored suit as sharp as the intensity in his stare. I had never seen a groom look so eager to be anywhere but here.

"I do," I whispered.

The words felt heavy, like chains clinking around my wrists.

The priest looked at him intently. "Do you, Alexander Drake, take Elena Moretti.."

"I do."

His answer was quick and almost rushed, as if he wanted to wrap up this charade as fast as he could. There was certainty in his voice, but it felt devoid of any real emotion.

The priest gave a slight smile. "Then, by the authority granted to me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."

For what felt like an eternity, Alexander stood frozen. Then, almost mechanically, he leaned in and placed the lightest kiss on my cheek. My very first kiss as a wife, and it wasn’t even on the lips. I forced a smile for the cameras flashing, for the guests watching, for my father’s scrutinizing gaze.

The ceremony wrapped up, and applause filled the hall. To me, it all felt hollow.

---

Hours later, the wedding reception turned into a blur of champagne toasts and hollow congratulations. I smiled until my cheeks ached. When it finally wrapped up, Alexander and I drove to his penthouse in silence.

The elevator ride was suffocating. I stood beside him, clutching my bouquet, while he scrolled through his phone as if I wasn’t even there.

When the doors to his home swung open, I was completely taken aback by how massive it was—glass walls, marble floors, and city lights that seemed to stretch on forever. It felt cold yet perfect, much like him.

He set his phone down and finally locked eyes with me. His gaze was piercing and distant, cutting through the fragile hope I had been holding onto.

"Let’s get one thing straight, Elena." His voice was low and firm. "This marriage is just for appearances. It keeps our fathers happy, satisfies the press, and makes sure business runs smoothly. That’s all there is to it."

I swallowed hard. "I understand."

"Good." He stepped closer, his cologne sharp and his presence overwhelming. "Stay out of my way. Don’t interfere in my business, and don’t embarrass me in public. Just know your place. That’s all I need from you."

My chest tightened. His words stung more than I expected. I wanted to scream at him, to ask why he agreed to marry me if he felt such contempt for me. But I stayed silent.

He turned and strode down the hallway, disappearing into a room without a second glance. The door closed behind him with a finality that left me standing alone in my wedding dress, feeling smaller than I had ever felt in my life.

---

Flashback – One Month Ago

"Elena, you’re marrying Alexander Drake."

I stared at my father across his mahogany desk, the heavy scent of cigar smoke hanging in the air. "What?”

He stayed calm, unfazed. "This marriage will finally put an end to the long-standing feud between the Morettis and the Drakes. It’ll bring our reputations together, strengthen our business ties, and draw in new investors. It’s the perfect solution."

I shook my head, feeling a wave of disbelief wash over me. "You can’t be serious. Alexander Drake can’t stand us."

My father leaned back, his eyes cold as ice. "He doesn’t have to love us. He just needs to marry you. And you..." he pointed a finger at me, "will do your part. This family has given you everything. Now it’s your turn to give something back."

I opened my mouth to protest, but he cut me off. "This isn’t up for discussion, Elena. You will marry him. That’s final."

I left his office with tears brimming in my eyes, but deep down, I knew I had no choice. I was just a pawn in his game of power and profit.

---

~ Alexander ~

The moment I heard her say "I do," a bitter taste settled in my mouth.

Elena Moretti. The daughter of my father’s enemy. Now my wife.

This wasn’t what I wanted. But my board insisted. My father insisted. A merger between the Drakes and the Morettis would solidify the company’s standing, put an end to the endless media drama, and attract investors tired of the ongoing scandal.

And here I was, tied to her.

I caught a glimpse of her at the reception. She wore a too-bright smile, her eyes betraying the anxiety she was trying to hide. She looked fragile in that wedding dress, but I couldn’t allow myself to feel anything.

I just couldn’t bring myself to trust her. Not with the Moretti name hanging over her. Not when she was the daughter of the man who had tried to tear my family apart.

Victoria’s warnings echoed in my mind. “Be careful with her, Alex. Elena is just like her father. She’ll greet you with a smile while secretly plotting your ruin. Don’t let her fool you.”

Victoria. My rock, my steadfast supporter. She had warned me, and I took her advice seriously.

So, I built up my defenses. I gave Elena what she wanted, my name, my home, but nothing more. She wouldn’t break through my walls.

---

~ Elena ~

There I was, sitting alone on the edge of the massive bed that was supposed to be our shared haven. My wedding dress lay around me, heavy and suffocating.

The city lights twinkled outside the window, mocking me with their sense of freedom. Somewhere out there, people were falling in love, celebrating, laughing. And here I was, trapped in a gilded cage, married to a man who despised me.

Tears welled up in my eyes, but I fought hard to keep them at bay. If Alexander Drake thought I was weak, I wasn’t about to give him the satisfaction of seeing me break down.

Yet, as I lay in that huge, empty bed that night, one question echoed in my mind.

What have I done?