The Billionaire’s Wife: A Love Built on Lies

THE WEDDING THAT SHOCKED MANHATTAN The wedding garnered media attention even before the vows were exchanged. The whole city was buzzing about the KnightMoore ceremony, which brought together Manhattan's most enigmatic millionaire and an unidentified art gallery assistant. It was dubbed the decade's fairy tale by every news organisation. However, Elena Moore couldn't get rid of the impression that something terrible was happening somewhere, tucked away between the champagne and the flowers, like she were living in a fantasy world. Light and gold glistened throughout the church. The candle flames that lined the marble aisles were reflected by dozens of crystal chandeliers that hung like frozen rain. Senators, fashion stars, and New York's top CEOs were seated in the pews, all of them talking and observing her. Elena gasped as the doors opened. All eyes turned in her direction. Her silver gown whispered on the floor as she moved gently down the aisle. Her veil was as delicate as a breeze, and Lace trailed like stars. Her hands, however, shook under the beauty. Something she couldn't identify electrified the air, making it feel heavy. Then she caught sight of him. Tall, calm, and very attractive, Alexander Knight stood before the altar like a statue made of silent might. His look was composed yet inscrutable, and his black tuxedo was a great fit. His dark, staring eyes were the only ones that moved. The clamour surrounding her subsided as their eyes locked. Her heartbeat was the only sound in the world. Elena forgot she was terrified for a while. He held her hand when she came to him. His hold was icy yet solid and strong. He muttered, just loud enough for her to hear, "You're shaking." She returned the whisper, "So are you." A little grin appeared on his lips and vanished as fast as it appeared. The priest's voice reverberated throughout the opulent hall as he started talking. Elena made an effort to concentrate on the words, but her mind kept wandering. It all seemed too good. Too practised. As if each note had been prewritten for a novel she hadn't written, even the choir's voices seemed too controlled. Then she caught a glimpse of her out of the corner of her eye. A lady in black stood at the rear of the church. She didn't appear to breathe, move, or even clap. Her face was hidden by a wide-brimmed hat, but Elena felt cold because of her quietness. Only she was being watched by the lady. The lady vanished as Elena blinked. The air changed, but the ceremony went on. Her destiny was sealed in light as Alexander kissed her and camera flashes burst across the room. The world outside the church burst into celebrations as the loud ovation erupted. But for a brief while, Elena's grin wavered. At the Reception afterwards Like something from a dream, the Knight penthouse shone. A panoramic view of the city, with night lights sparkling like falling stars, was provided by glass walls. Soft jazz was performed live by an orchestra. Trays of champagne floated across the throng, carried by waiters in white gloves. Actors, politicians, and businesspeople all wanted a piece of the new Mrs Knight, so Elena struggled to keep up with the introductions. A lady wearing emerald silk replied, "Congratulations, my dear." "You have to explain to me how a man like Alexander falls in love with an art girl." Elena gave a courteous grin. "Perhaps he desired something tangible." The woman's chuckle was too harsh. Men like Alexander Knight don't really get married, my darling. They get married for a good purpose. Elena heard a familiar voice behind her before she could reply. Alexander put his arm around her waist and remarked, "The reason is exactly what I've been running from." After blushing and muttering something about champagne, the lady vanished. Elena turned to face Alexander. "You did a good job handling that," he said softly. But use caution. Curiosity is the lifeblood of the world you have inhabited. If you give them too much, they will eat you up. Firm, protective, and perhaps possessive, his hand remained around her waist. "I'll keep that in mind," she muttered. Later, Alexander escorted her to the dance floor while the orchestra played their song. Enchanted, the visitors watched. He danced gracefully under the golden lights, leading her through the beat with ease. She mocked, "You don't dance like a man who despises attention." He gave a little smirk. "I don't dance for attention, but for control." Her head was c****d. "Dominance?" Right now, of the mayhem. Elena chuckled softly, but the words stuck in her throat. He did not instantly let go after the song finished. Rather, his demeanour was impenetrable as he gazed down at her. You're stunning, Elena. How long I've been waiting for you is beyond your comprehension. It ought to have had a lovely sound. Her chest tightened as he spoke in a calm, respectful, and almost haunting tone. Alexander grabbed her hand and escorted her to the private balcony with a view of Manhattan after the throng had subsided and the last toast had been given, some hours later. It carried the faint murmur of traffic below, and the night air was cold. He said, "Do you like it?" She leaned on the railing and said, "The view?" "The life." She paused. It's stunning. However, it doesn't seem genuine. He looked closely at her face. "Reality is hyped. I like to be in charge. That word was there once more. He pulled something little and icy out of his jacket before she could react. A key. "What is this?" He said, "To your new world." "You will comprehend when we return home." "Home?" she asked again. "The estate," was all he said. "Tomorrow. There, I have something to show you. He looked toward the glass doors, his reflection merging with the skyline. "Slumber up, Ellen. Tomorrow is the beginning of a life the world will never see. Before she could ask him what he meant, he was gone. Elena stayed outside long after he had left, staring at the luminous city below. Somewhere, the music continued to play. Laughter drifted through the glass. But she couldn't shake the feeling that the woman in the black outfit was still watching and waiting. The veil fluttered about her face as the wind picked up speed. Not because she had married a billionaire, but because she had stepped into a story that had been written long before she had come, her life had changed forever in one moment. It was an incomplete story. She had just become the next chapter in it.