Chapter Two

The Morning After 

~ Elena ~

The first morning of my marriage felt strangely surreal. I woke up in a bed that seemed way too big, in a room that wasn’t familiar, next to a man who had decided not to stick around. The space beside me was untouched, the sheets still perfectly smooth.

I got up slowly, changed out of the wrinkled wedding dress I had fallen asleep in, and slipped into a robe I found hanging in the closet. As I looked at my reflection in the mirror, I noticed my pale complexion and the puffiness around myself eyes from the tears I had fought back the night before.

I told myself to stop fixating on it. This was the life I had been thrust into, and I had to find a way to cope.

When I walked into the kitchen, Alexander was already there. He was dressed in a navy suit, holding a cup of coffee, with his phone resting on the counter. His presence filled the room, even though he didn’t look at me right away.

“Morning,” he said in a flat tone.

“Morning,” I replied quietly.

Finally, he met my gaze, his eyes sharp and intense. “There’s a gala tonight. Be ready by seven. The press will be there, and I don’t want you to mess anything up.”

“Okay,” I said.

“Pick something appropriate. Elegant. Nothing that will draw negative attention.”

I nodded. “Got it.”

He didn’t say a word after that. He finished his coffee, grabbed his briefcase, and walked past me. "Stay out of my way," he said just before the door clicked shut behind him.

I lingered in the kitchen, the silence pressing down on me.

---

The hours dragged on. I roamed around the penthouse to keep myself busy. It was spacious and filled with fancy furniture, but it felt so cold. There were no photos, no personal touches. Everything seemed set up to impress guests rather than to feel like a home.

I stumbled into his office. On the desk, there was a framed picture of him with a woman. She had blonde hair, sparkling eyes, and a smile that could light up a room. He wasn’t grinning widely, but the way he stood next to her said everything I needed to know.

I gently put the photo back where I found it and left the room. I didn’t want to linger on the reminder of who truly mattered to him.

As evening rolled in, I forced myself to get ready. I picked out a sleek black gown from the wardrobe my mother had sent. My hair was neatly pulled back, and my makeup was simple. I looked like I belonged at a gala, even if I didn’t feel that way.

When Alexander returned, he glanced over me once. "That’ll do."

That was the closest I had come to earning his approval.

We made our way to the event in a hush. He was glued to his phone the whole ride. I found myself staring out the window, watching the city blur by, feeling like I was living someone else's life.

---

The gala was buzzing with energy, cameras ready as soon as we stepped out of the car. Alexander's hand rested lightly on my back, guiding me forward. To the crowd, it probably looked sweet. To me, it felt like just another act.

“Mr. and Mrs. Drake,” a reporter called out. “Congratulations! How does it feel to unite your families after all these years?”

Alexander beamed a perfect smile. “It’s a big step for us. We’re really looking forward to what’s next.”

Then the microphone was pointed at me. “And you, Mrs. Drake?”

I managed a smile, even though it hurt. “I’m happy. Very happy.”

Camera flashes went off, and I kept the smile plastered on until we stepped inside the venue.

The night continued in much the same way. We greeted guests, made small talk, and listened to speeches. I stood by his side, nodding and smiling at all the right moments.

And then I saw her.

The woman from the photo I found in Alex's office.

She stepped into the room wearing a stunning red dress that radiated confidence. As she walked straight up to Alexander, I noticed his expression change. A genuine smile broke across his face, not the usual stiff, polite grin he reserved for everyone else; this one felt real.

I stood there, frozen, as she lightly touched his arm while they chatted. They seemed so comfortable together, as if they were meant to be.

When his eyes flicked toward me from across the room, his smile faltered for just a second. But then he turned back to her, as if I had vanished from sight.

Eventually, I gathered the courage to approach. I positioned myself next to him, waiting in silence. The woman shifted her gaze to me, offering a polite smile that felt thin and insincere.

“It was lovely to see you, Alexander,” she said softly before making her exit.

He didn’t even look my way. Not once.

The drive home was filled with a silence that felt heavier than usual. I couldn’t take it anymore.

“Who is she?” I asked.

Alexander didn’t bother to look up from his phone. “A friend.”

“She didn’t seem like just a friend.”

I could see his jaw tighten.

I locked my eyes on him. “You want me to keep quiet in public, but I won’t pretend to be blind in private. If you expect me to play the role of your perfect wife, fine. But don’t act like I don’t see what’s right in front of me.”

His head snapped toward me, his eyes cold as ice. “Watch your tone, Elena.”

I bit my tongue. There was no point in pushing it any further.

The rest of the ride was steeped in silence.

When we finally got home, I retreated to the bedroom without saying a word. I changed out of the gown, slipped into my pajamas, and lay on the bed facing the window. My eyes burned, but I refused to let the tears fall.

I wasn’t about to give in. Not for him.

But as I stared at the twinkling city lights, one question kept nagging at me.

What have I done?

---

~ Alexander ~

The gala was just what I needed. Investors were happy, the media got their snapshots, and everyone seemed to think the merger was solid. On paper, it looked perfect.

Still, Elena’s words from the car kept replaying in my mind. “Don’t pretend like I don’t see what’s right in front of me.”

She was sharper than I had given her credit for. I thought she would just smile, nod, and go along with everything. Instead, she spoke her mind.

Once we got back, I poured myself a drink and gazed out the window.

Victoria had been in my life long before Elena. She understood me, supported me, and stood by me. Elena was just here for business. I had no reason to let her in.

Yet, when she looked at me tonight, there was something in her eyes that took me by surprise. Maybe it was just fear or sadness.

I brushed the thought aside.

This marriage wasn’t about feelings. It was about control, power, and appearances. That was all there was to it.

---

~ Elena ~

The days that followed fell into a familiar routine. Alexander left early every morning and came back late at night. He was always buried in work. I found myself alone in the penthouse most of the time.

I spent countless hours wandering around the city whenever I could, even though I always felt like someone was keeping an eye on me. Maybe it was security, journalists, or just people waiting for me to slip up.

On the days I chose to stay inside, I’d read, whip up some meals, or pace the hallways just to remind myself I was still here. Sometimes, I’d catch myself glancing at that photo in his office again, the one with him and that same woman. Each time I saw it, I’d quickly look away, annoyed with myself for caring so much.

The silence between us was becoming heavier by the day. Dinner conversations were scarce, and in the car, he was glued to his phone. Inside the apartment, we brushed past each other like we were strangers.

But I was determined not to fade into the background.

If Alexander wanted me to be invisible, that was his choice. I had no plans of disappearing.

I didn’t know how, but I was sure this wasn’t the end of my story.