2: Most Eligible Bachelor

THREE WEEKS LATER.

I didn’t marry Alexander Sterling for his wealth but half of the country thought otherwise.

It wasn’t their fault to think so—only a few knew I was born in an affluent family, as my late father, Daniel Hale, was one of the most respected men in the city.

Hale Engineering was his life’s work, a company known for building half the bridges that connected the entire state.

However, whenever their comments got to me, I had to remind myself that I wasn’t some poor girl looking for an escape. I didn’t need saving, all I truly wanted was love and Alex was my happy ever after.

To crown our union with honor, tonight would be my first public appearance as Mrs. Sterling, wife to the heir of Sterling Biotech Group.

The president of the country was hosting a lavish gala in his villa to award outstanding families and individuals and Sterling Biotech Group was nominated for ‘Most Innovative’ of the year.

Alex on the other hand, was nominated for five different categories in business and lifestyle. My husband couldn’t be anymore perfect and I was extremely proud to be his wife.

Sitting before the huge mirror in our master’s bedroom, I glanced at the time on my phone while a stylist put the finishing touches on my makeup.

My blonde hair was swept into an elegant bun, with a signature gold piece adorning my neck, my dress hugging my curves in ways that made me blush at myself.

Once my stylist was done, I stood up and smoothed my silk rose-gold dress, letting myself dream that for a second I could take Alex’s breath away.

I knew if he saw me like this, something would soften inside him, reminding him of why he chose me in the first place.

My heels clicked softly as I came down the stairs of the mansion, sighting Alex waiting near the door, already dressed in his black tuxedo, his straightened posture exuding authority.

I slowed my steps, waiting for his grey eyes to take me in and they did for half a second before his brows furrowed tight, staring at me like I was the most repulsive thing ever. “You’ve gained weight.”

His words cut through me like glass and I froze, gripping onto the railing to keep me upright, but I managed to put on a smile and make it better.

“I thought it was normal to add a little weight after the wedding.” I laughed softly. “Happy weight, maybe?”

Alex’s frown deepened the lines on forehead, and could sense he didn’t find it funny as a vein pulsed at his temples like a ticking time bomb.

“I’ll go on a diet,” I quickly added to put my husband at ease. “Starting tomorrow.”

He said nothing but checked his watch and walked out the door without lending me a hand down the stairs. Taking a deep breath, I followed him outside and into the courtyard to see a black limousine parked in front of us.

“Mrs. Sterling, you look gorgeous.” Our driver, Mr. Richards said immediately he saw me.

“Oh, thank you.” I smiled as the sweet old man opened the door and helped me get in.

The ride was oddly silent between Alex and I. He sat with his legs crossed and his phone in hand, scrolling through emails or messages when I wished he’d looked at me.

I wanted to tell him was handsome tonight, to kiss him deeply and ask if he was proud of me but his silence was a wall I couldn’t climb, no matter how hard I tried.

Finally, he slipped his phone into his pocket and shifted his gaze to me. “Don’t do anything to embarrass me tonight.”

“Of course, not.” I shook my head, leaning forward to place my hand on his thigh but he withdrew from my reach.

“Smile when spoken to and don’t talk too much.”

“Yes, Alex.”

“Good.” He turned away again and I folded my hands neatly on my lap, staring at the city lights flashing by.

Camera shutters went off the moment we arrived at the red carpet. “Mr. and Mrs. Alexander Sterling.” Several paparazzis called from behind the crowd, which was controlled by the president’s security.

“Smile,” Alex whispered through his teeth as we posed for photos, pressing his palm on my lower back to keep me close.

“Amara Sterling, how does it feel being married to one of the sexiest and wealthiest men in the country?” A female journalist asked over the cacophony of overlapping voices.

“It feels amazing,” I said and Alex tightened his grip on my hand. It wasn’t affectionate, just possessive, guiding me like a prized jewel he wanted to display.

Inside the presidential villa, it shimmered like heaven on earth, glittering chandeliers spilled light across marble floors, and guests in gowns and tuxedos filled the hall with friendly chatter and champagne glasses.

We were escorted to the Sterling family table with the rest of Alex’s family as he took his seat beside his father while I sat next to him on his right side.

“Amara. You look lovely tonight.” Jameson Sterling, Alex’s father, greeted me with a warm, polite smile, his features an exact replica of Alex’s grey eyes and brown hair.

“Thank you, Mr. Sterling,” I said softly, relief flooding through me as I’d gained two pleasant compliments tonight, but still waiting for one word of affection from Alex.

Eleanor Sterling, his mother, didn’t bother to look at me as she sipped her champagne, only turning to speak with her beloved son. I honestly couldn’t blame her for disliking me, she only believed Alex deserved better.

Beside me was Alex’s younger sister, Victoria or Vivi as she was called. The teenage girl was glued to her phone, tapping on the screen with her earbuds still in one ear.

And then there was Selene Sterling, Alex’s grandmother, who clasped her hands together with a tender smile. “Amara, dear. You’re glowing.”

I blushed faintly. “Oh, thank you, Mrs. Sterling.”

“What? Call me Grandma Selene,” She corrected with a wave of hand. “We’re family now, titles are too stiff.”

I nodded quickly. “Yes, Grandma.”

The old woman smiled though a visible tension pulled at the corners of her mouth as she tried bringing everyone together at the table.

Regardless of her efforts, Vivi was clearly uninterested as Jameson argued about his daughter's poor table manners, Eleanor dismissed her husband and spoke over everyone while Alex calmly stared at his phone.

After hours of pretending not to see me, Eleanor finally spoke to me, her voice crisp. “I trust you’re adjusting to the family, Amara?”

I forced my smile wider. “Yes, I’m very happy to be here.”

Her unkind eyes flicked over me, unimpressed. “We’ll see how long that lasts.”

My cheeks burned, but I nodded, lowering my gaze to my hands, wishing Alex would say a word in my defense but his mind was still on his phone.

Dinner began and laughter rose from other tables but ours was quiet and cold. I tried to engage, asking Vivi about her studies, but she shrugged without looking up from her phone, picking at her meal.

I asked Grandma about her health and we held a minute chat before Eleanor cut in, changing the subject.

Every attempt I made to fit in seemed to vanish into the air until a voice, deep and amused, cut through the room.

“I’m guessing there’s no chair for the illegitimate son.”

The entire Sterling table stiffened and curious eyes from the other guests glanced at us.

It was Julien Raines, Alex’s half-brother, dressed in a perfectly cut navy suit, his dark hair slicked back and his smile too sharp to be polite.

“Why are you here?” Eleanor questioned, her face tightening like stone.

Julien strolled closer, confidence in every step. “Oh, you didn’t know?” He let out a low chuckle. “I was nominated for the president’s ‘Most Eligible Bachelor’ list.”

He waved casually at a waiter. “Please, get me a chair at this table.” The waiter looked nervous or confused, but hurried to obey.

Julien’s eyes swept across the table, pausing on me for a beat too long and I shifted in my seat, a shiver running through me as we locked gaze.

And I knew in an instant, he was trouble.