Chapter Four - Three Months To Forever
4590 Words
The next morning, Alexander received the signed agreement.
He stared at Elena's signature.
For a moment, he said nothing.
Then he placed the document on his desk.
His assistant stood across from him.
“Should I begin making the arrangements?”
Alexander looked toward the windows.
“Yes.”
“And the wedding?”
“Three months.”
His assistant nodded.
“Will there be a public announcement?”
“Not yet.”
“Understood.”
The assistant turned to leave.
“Wait.”
He stopped.
Alexander looked down at the agreement again.
“Make sure everything concerning her brother is handled.”
“Yes, sir.”
“And quietly.”
The assistant nodded.
Then left.
Alexander remained alone.
He had what he wanted.
Elena had agreed to marry him.
So why did he feel as though something was about to go wrong?
He pushed the thought aside.
He had spent too long waiting for this.
He would not allow doubt to interfere now.
Three months.
That was how long Elena had before she became Alexander Blackwood's wife.
Three months to prepare herself.
Three months to hide the truth from the world.
Three months to continue loving Noah while preparing to marry another man.
Three months to save Daniel.
She didn't know that those three months would change everything.
She didn't know that Alexander Blackwood was not the only man watching her life from a distance.
She didn't know that somewhere in the city, someone else had already begun to take an interest in her.
Someone who had been waiting.
Someone who had been watching.
Someone who had been waiting for the perfect moment to enter her life.
And by the time Elena finally walked down the aisle, she would have no idea that the man standing beside her was not the only person waiting for her to say...
I do.
She would say those two words and her life will completely change.
“I do”
Elena woke up sweating.
For a few seconds, she lay completely still, staring at the ceiling.
She had said those words in her dream and it very much still felt like a nightmare. Everything came rushing back, opening her eyes to harsh reality.
Daniel.
Alexander.
The agreement.
Noah.
She shut her eyes again.
She had hoped that everything that happened yesterday had been a nightmare.
It wasn't.
Her phone was lying on the table beside her bed.
Elena reached for it.
There were three missed calls.
One from Noah.
Two from an unknown number.
She stared at the unknown number.
She didn't call back.
Her phone vibrated again.
This time, it was a message.
Alexander Blackwood: My driver will pick you up at ten.
Elena stared at the screen.
Her eyebrows pulled together.
She typed a reply.
Elena: Why?
The response came less than a minute later.
Alexander: We have things to discuss.
She frowned.
Elena: We can discuss them over the phone.
There was a longer pause this time.
Then:
Alexander: No.
Elena stared at the message.
Her blood began to boil.
Of course.
Of course he had to be difficult.
She threw the phone onto the bed.
Then picked it up again.
Elena: I have work.
This time, Alexander called.
Elena stared at his name flashing on her screen.
She almost ignored it.
Almost.
Then she answered.
“What?”
There was silence on the other end.
“Good morning to you too.”
“Why are you sending a driver for me?”
“I already told you. We have things to discuss.”
“I can come to your office myself.”
“You don't have a car.”
Elena froze.
“How do you know that?”
“Because I know things.”
“That isn't an answer.”
“It doesn't need to be.”
She gritted her teeth.
“I have work.”
“Call your employer.”
“And say what?”
“That you won't be coming in.”
“I'm a waitress, Alexander. I can't just decide not to show up whenever I feel like it.”
“Then quit.”
Elena laughed.
“Excuse me?”
“You won't need the job anymore.”
Her face hardened.
“I am not taking money from you.”
“I didn't offer you money.”
“You just told me to quit my job.”
“Because you don't need to work anymore.”
“That is the same thing.”
“No, it isn't.”
“Yes, it is.”
“Be ready by ten.”
The call ended.
Elena stared at her phone.
She had no idea how a man could be so irritating in less than five minutes.
She called Noah.
He picked up after the second ring.
“Hey.”
His voice sounded tired.
Elena's heart twisted.
“Hey.”
“Are you okay?”
“I think so.”
“Did you sleep?”
“A little.”
He was quiet.
She knew what he was thinking about.
She did too.
“I need to tell you something,” she said.
“What?”
“Alexander is sending a driver to pick me up.”
There was silence.
“Why?”
“He says we need to discuss the marriage.”
Noah exhaled.
“Are you going?”
“Yes.”
She closed her eyes, already feeling the tension.
“Where are you going to meet him?”
“His office.”
“Do you want me to come with you?”
“No. You don’t have to. I can go alone.”
“Why not?”
“Because I don't need you to fight with him.”
“I wasn't going to fight with him.”
“You were.”
Noah was quiet.
Elena smiled despite herself.
“Please don't.”
“Fine.”
She could hear the disappointment in his voice.
“I'll call you later.”
“Okay.”
The call ended.
Elena placed her phone on the bed.
Then she got up.
She had less than two hours to get ready.
At exactly ten o'clock, a black car stopped in front of her apartment.
Elena looked out the window.
She had never seen the car before.
A man stood beside it.
He was dressed in a black suit.
She grabbed her bag.
Before leaving, she looked around the apartment.
Everything felt different.
She had lived there for years.
But now, she had agreed to marry a man whose world was completely different from hers.
She didn't know where she would live.
She didn't know what would happen to her job.
She didn't know what would happen to Noah.
She stepped outside.
The driver opened the door.
“Miss Elena?”
“Yes.”
“Mr. Blackwood is expecting you.”
Of course he was.
She got into the car.
The driver closed the door.
As the car moved through the city, Elena looked out the window.
She had taken taxis all her life.
She had never imagined sitting in a car like this.
Everything about Alexander's world felt excessive.
The car.
The buildings.
The security.
The money.
And somehow, she was about to become part of it.
The thought made her stomach turn.
The car stopped in front of Blackwood International.
Elena stepped out.
The building was massive.
She had been there before.
But this time, the receptionist looked at her differently.
Elena noticed.
The woman looked at her hand.
Then at her face.
Then back at her hand.
Elena looked down.
She wasn't wearing a ring.
Not yet.
She walked toward the elevator.
“Miss?”
Elena turned.
The receptionist stood up.
“Mr. Blackwood asked me to send you directly to his office.”
“I know.”
The woman hesitated.
Elena raised an eyebrow.
“Is there a problem?”
“No.”
“Then?”
The receptionist looked nervous.
“Nothing.”
Elena stared at her for a moment.
Then entered the elevator.
She had barely pressed the button when the doors closed.
The elevator took her to the top floor.
When the doors opened, Alexander's assistant was waiting.
“Miss Elena.”
She looked at him.
“Where is he?”
“Inside.”
“Of course.”
The assistant opened the door.
Alexander was standing near the windows.
He didn't turn immediately.
Elena walked inside. She was feeling intimidated now that she was fully aware of everything that was going on. She was really going to marry Alexander. It still felt like a dream. One she desperately wanted to wake up from.
“You sent for me.”
“Yes.”
“I'm here.”
He turned.
His eyes moved over her.
Elena noticed.
She was wearing a simple black dress.
Nothing special.
But the way he looked at her made her uncomfortable.
“What?”
“Nothing.”
“Then stop staring.”
His eyebrows rose slightly.
“Still rude.”
“Still arrogant.”
For a moment, they stared at each other.
Then Alexander turned away.
“Please sit down.”
Elena remained standing.
“I'd rather not.”
“Suit yourself then.”
He walked to his desk.
There was a folder on it.
He picked it up and pushed it toward her.
“What is that?”
“Your new contract.”
She stared at him.
“I already signed the marriage agreement.”
“This is not the marriage agreement.”
“Then what is it?”
“Your living arrangement.”
Elena stared at him.
“I am not moving in with you.”
“I know.”
She frowned.
“You do?”
“Yes.”
“Then why did you prepare this?”
“Because you will need somewhere to stay.”
“I have a home.”
“Your brother's apartment.”
“Yes.”
“Which is currently under investigation.”
Elena froze.
“What?”
“His apartment.”
Her heart began beating faster.
“What about it?”
“Nothing has happened yet.”
“Yet?”
Alexander looked at her.
“Your brother is accused of stealing a significant amount of money from my company.”
“He has not been convicted.”
“I know.”
“Then why are you talking as if they are going to take his apartment?”
“I'm telling you to be prepared.”
Elena stared at him.
“What do you want?”
“I want you to move into one of my properties.”
“No.”
“It is safer.”
“I don't need your protection.”
“I didn't say you did.”
“Then why?”
“Because you are about to become my wife.”
She laughed bitterly.
“Your fake wife.”
His eyes darkened.
“Do not call it that.”
“Why? That's what it is.”
“It will be a legal marriage.”
“An arrangement.”
“Still legal.”
She looked away.
Alexander walked around the desk.
“You will move into the apartment.”
“No.”
“Elena.”
“No.”
His expression hardened.
“You are very difficult.”
“I'm beginning to think you enjoy saying that.”
“I don't.”
“Then why do you keep saying it?”
“Because you keep proving me right.”
She stared at him.
Alexander picked up another document.
“You will remain at your current job until the wedding.”
Elena blinked.
“What?”
“You said you needed the job.”
“I do.”
“Then keep it.”
She stared at him.
That was not what she had expected.
“You're not going to tell me to quit?”
“I changed my mind.”
“Why?”
“Because you want to work.”
She narrowed her eyes.
“That's it?”
“Yes.”
She didn't believe him.
“What is the catch?”
“There is no catch.”
“There is always a catch with you.”
Alexander looked at her.
“Your salary will be increased.”
“No.”
“It wasn't a question.”
“I don't want your money.”
“It will be transferred to you.”
“Alexander.”
“Consider it compensation.”
“For what?”
“For the inconvenience.”
She laughed.
“I'm not accepting money for marrying you.”
“You're already marrying me in exchange for your brother's freedom.”
The words hit her and she immediately went quiet.
Alexander seemed to realize it too.
The silence that followed was uncomfortable.
She looked down.
“Don't remind me.”
“Then don't pretend this is anything else.”
Her eyes lifted.
“What does that mean?”
“You agreed to marry me because I offered something you wanted.”
“Yes.”
“Then we both know what this is.”
She stared at him.
For some reason, the words hurt.
She didn't know why.
Perhaps because she had expected him to at least pretend.
Perhaps because she hated the fact that he was right.
“I hate you,” she said quietly.
Alexander didn't react.
“I know.”
She grabbed the folder.
“Where is this apartment?”
“About fifteen minutes from your workplace.”
She opened it.
The apartment was in one of the most expensive areas in the city.
Elena immediately closed the folder.
“No.”
“You haven't even seen it.”
“I don't need to.”
“You are moving there.”
“No.”
Alexander looked at her.
“You seem to think you have a choice.”
Her jaw tightened.
“I do.”
“You signed the agreement.”
“Not this.”
“You will.”
She threw the folder back onto the desk.
“I am not your prisoner.”
“No.”
“Then stop ordering me around.”
“Then stop making me order you around.”
She stared at him.
Alexander's expression remained calm.
That annoyed her even more.
“Why do you even care where I live?”
“I don't.”
“Then why?”
“Because I don't want my future wife living in an apartment that can be entered by anyone.”
Elena stared at him.
“What are you talking about?”
“Your building has no security.”
“So?”
“So, you are vulnerable.”
“I've lived there for years.”
“And nothing happened.”
“Exactly.”
“That's not an argument.”
“It is to me.”
Alexander sighed.
For the first time, he looked genuinely frustrated.
“You are going to be connected to me.”
“I already am.”
“Once the wedding is announced, people will start watching you.”
“Why?”
“Because they watch me.”
“I don't care.”
“I do.”
She stared at him.
“Why?”
His eyes met hers.
For a moment, something passed through them.
Something she couldn't understand.
Then it disappeared.
“Because I don't want unnecessary problems.”
Elena looked away.
“Fine.”
Alexander's eyebrows lifted.
“Fine?”
“I'll look at the apartment.”
“Good.”
“But I am not promising to move there.”
“You will.”
She looked at him.
“Don't push me.”
He almost smiled.
“I wasn't.”
“You were.”
She stared at him.
He stared back.
The moment became strangely quiet.
Then Elena looked away first.
She hated that.
The apartment was exactly what she expected.
Huge.
Expensive.
Unnecessary.
Elena stood in the middle of the living room and looked around.
The place had floor-to-ceiling windows.
The furniture looked like it belonged in a magazine.
There was a kitchen bigger than the one in her apartment.
She didn't know what to do with a place like this.
Alexander stood behind her.
“You don't like it.”
“I didn't say that.”
“You don't have to.”
She turned around.
“It's too much.”
“It is an apartment.”
“It has more rooms than my entire building.”
“You're exaggerating.”
“Am I?”
He said nothing.
Elena walked toward the windows.
The view was beautiful.
She could see almost the entire city from there.
For a moment, she forgot who she was with.
Then she remembered.
She turned around.
“I am not moving here.”
Alexander's expression hardened.
“Why?”
“Because I don't want to.”
“That is not a reason.”
“It is.”
“You will be living here after the wedding.”
“I haven't agreed to that.”
“You signed the agreement.”
“Not this one.”
He stepped closer.
“You are going to be my wife.”
“I know.”
“Then you will live in one of my properties.”
“Why?”
“Because that is how it works.”
“No.”
His eyes narrowed.
“You have a problem with everything.”
“Because you think you can control everything.”
“I don't.”
“You do.”
He looked at her.
Then, unexpectedly, he said:
“Fine.”
Elena blinked.
“What?”
“You don't have to move here.”
She stared at him.
He walked past her.
“You can stay in your apartment until the wedding.”
She frowned.
“That easy?”
“Yes.”
She didn't trust it.
“What is the catch?”
“There isn't one.”
“You're sure?”
Alexander turned to look at her.
“Do you always assume everyone is trying to manipulate you?”
“When it comes to you? Yes.”
He looked at her for a long moment.
Then walked away.
Elena remained near the window.
She didn't understand him.
And she didn't like that.
Noah was waiting for her outside the café when she returned.
Elena stopped when she saw him.
He was leaning against his car.
She had no idea how long he had been there.
“What are you doing here?”
“Waiting.”
“For how long?”
“Long enough.”
She sighed.
“Noah.”
“Are you okay?”
“Yes.”
“Did he hurt you?”
Elena stared at him.
“No.”
“Did he threaten you?”
“No.”
“Did he make you sign anything?”
She hesitated.
“No.”
Noah looked at her.
“Elena.”
“I signed the agreement yesterday.”
His face fell.
She immediately regretted telling him.
“Oh.”
“I didn't want to hide it.”
“You did.”
“I was going to tell you.”
“When?”
“I don't know.”
He looked away.
She stepped closer.
“Noah.”
“Are you moving in with him?”
“No.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
“Because I said no.”
He looked at her.
“And he listened?”
“Yes.”
Noah seemed surprised.
“He listened?”
“Yes.”
He nodded slowly.
“Okay.”
“Don't do that.”
“Do what?”
“That thing where you pretend everything is okay.”
“I am not pretending.”
“You are.”
He looked at her.
“I don't know what you want me to say.”
“Nothing.”
“That's the problem.”
She sighed.
“I don't want to fight with you.”
“Neither do I.”
“But you keep asking me questions.”
“Because I'm scared.”
The words silenced her.
Noah looked down.
“I know you're doing this for Daniel.”
“I know.”
“But I'm scared.”
Elena felt her heart ache.
“I am too.”
He looked at her.
“Then don't go through with it.”
She looked away.
Noah stepped closer.
“Please.”
Elena closed her eyes.
She wanted to say yes.
She wanted to tell him that she would cancel everything.
She wanted to choose him.
But then she remembered Daniel.
His face.
His voice.
His fear.
“I can't.”
Noah stepped back.
“Okay.”
The word was quiet.
Too quiet.
Elena looked at him.
“I'm sorry.”
He nodded.
“I know.”
She hated the way he said it.
Like he was slowly accepting that he was losing her.
“I'm still here,” he said.
She looked at him.
“I know.”
“But I don't know how long I can keep doing this.”
Her heart stopped.
“What does that mean?”
“I don't know.”
“Noah.”
“I love you.”
“I love you too.”
“But loving you doesn't make this easy.”
Elena stared at him.
He looked tired.
“I know.”
He smiled sadly.
“That's the problem.”
That night, Elena returned to her apartment alone.
She sat on the edge of her bed.
Her phone was in her hand.
She stared at Noah's name.
She wanted to call him.
But she didn't.
Instead, she opened the marriage agreement.
Her signature was still there.
She stared at it.
Then she noticed something.
The document had been updated.
A new clause had been added.
Elena's eyebrows pulled together.
She scrolled.
Her eyes stopped.
The bride shall not enter into any romantic or intimate relationship with another person during the period of the marriage.
Elena stared at the words.
Her heart began beating faster.
She read them again.
Then again.
She immediately called Alexander.
He answered on the third ring.
“What?”
“What is this?”
“What?”
“The new clause.”
There was a pause.
“You read the agreement.”
“I signed the agreement.”
“You didn't read it properly.”
Elena stood up.
“You added this after I signed.”
“No.”
“It wasn't there.”
“It was.”
“No, it wasn't.”
“Then you should have read it more carefully.”
Her hand tightened around the phone.
“You knew about Noah.”
“I know you have a boyfriend.”
“And you still expect me to sign this?”
“You already signed it.”
“That doesn't make it okay!”
“It's a condition of the agreement.”
“You never told me.”
“I shouldn't have to explain every line of a legal document to you.”
Elena laughed in disbelief.
“You're unbelievable.”
“Thank you.”
“I am not ending my relationship with Noah because of you.”
“You will.”
“No.”
“You will.”
“Why do you care?”
Alexander was silent.
The question seemed to catch him off guard.
Elena's breathing became heavier.
“Why do you care if I have a boyfriend?”
“It will affect the marriage.”
“It is a fake marriage!”
There was silence.
Elena immediately regretted saying it.
Alexander's voice was colder when he spoke again.
“Don't call it that.”
“Then what should I call it?”
“A marriage.”
“It's not.”
“You signed the agreement.”
“Because of Daniel!”
“And I agreed to release him.”
“Then leave Noah out of it!”
“You don't get to be married to me and continue seeing another man.”
“Why not?”
“Because I won't allow it.”
Elena's heart pounded.
“You don't own me.”
“I know.”
“Then stop acting like you do.”
“I am not.”
“You are.”
“I am simply reminding you of the terms.”
“You're insane.”
“Perhaps.”
She closed her eyes.
“I am not giving up Noah.”
Alexander's voice was quiet.
“You will.”
She froze.
“Don't be so sure.”
“I am.”
“Why?”
He didn't answer immediately.
Then he said:
“Because you will eventually realize that the man you love cannot save you from the life you have chosen.”
The call ended.
Elena stared at her phone.
She hated him.
She hated him so much.
But the worst part was that a small voice inside her wondered if he was right.
She immediately pushed the thought away.
Noah loved her.
She loved Noah.
That was enough.
It had to be enough.
Across the city, Alexander stood alone in his office.
He had no reason to be angry.
Elena had agreed to marry him.
That was all that mattered.
But the thought of her with another man had irritated him more than it should have.
He picked up the glass on his desk.
Then put it down again.
He hated the feeling.
He had never been a jealous man.
Not until Elena.
His phone rang.
He looked at the screen.
“Speak.”
His assistant's voice came through.
“Sir, the men we discussed have been seen again.”
Alexander's expression changed.
“Where?”
“Near Miss Elena's apartment.”
He stood up.
“How many times?”
“Three.”
“Did they approach her?”
“Not yet.”
Alexander looked toward the window.
“Find out who they are.”
“We're working on it.”
“Work faster.”
“Yes, sir.”
The call ended.
Alexander remained standing.
He looked down at the city.
Somewhere below, Elena was probably thinking about Noah.
Perhaps she was calling him.
Perhaps she was telling him that she loved him.
Alexander's jaw tightened.
He didn't know who the men were.
He didn't know why they were watching her.
But one thing was certain.
He would not allow anyone to harm Elena.
Not even if she hated him.
Not even if she loved another man.
She was going to be his wife.
And he would protect what belonged to him.
Elena woke up the next morning with a strange feeling.
She couldn't explain it.
It was the feeling of being watched.
She walked to the window.
The street below looked normal.
People moved around.
Cars passed.
Nothing seemed unusual.
She frowned.
Then she noticed a black car parked across the street.
It had been there yesterday.
She was sure of it.
Elena stared at it.
The windows were dark.
She couldn't see who was inside.
A moment later, the car drove away.
She remained at the window.
Her phone vibrated.
A message.
Unknown number.
You should be careful who you trust.
Elena's blood ran cold.
She stared at the message.
Then another one arrived.
Not every man who wants to marry you wants to keep you alive.
Her breathing stopped.
She looked toward the window.
The street was empty.
Elena slowly backed away.
She didn't know who had sent the messages.
She didn't know what they meant.
But for the first time since she agreed to marry Alexander Blackwood, she felt something other than anger.
She felt afraid.
And somewhere in the city, a man who had been waiting for two years watched her name appear on his phone.
He smiled.
The time had finally come.
- Writer
