Chapter 6: Unexpected Attention
917 Words
Emily woke slowly, the sunlight filtering through the tall curtains and warming the room. For a moment, she lay still, listening to the quiet. No traffic, no neighbors arguing, no alarm ringing from her small apartment. Just silence.
Then reality returned.
She sat up, running a hand through her hair. Last night’s event replayed in her mind — the cameras, the whispers, the way people stared at her as if she didn’t belong. She wasn’t sure she ever would.
A soft knock came at the door.
“Come in,” she said.
Mrs. Collins entered with her usual gentle smile. “Good morning, Mrs. Reed. Mr. Reed asked me to inform you that breakfast is ready.”
Emily nodded. “Thank you. I’ll be down shortly.”
After changing into a light cream blouse and fitted trousers, she looked at herself in the mirror. Even her casual outfits now looked expensive. She still felt like she was pretending.
Downstairs, Alexander sat at the dining table, reading a newspaper. He looked as composed as always.
“Good morning,” he said.
“Good morning,” Emily replied, taking a seat.
A cup of coffee was placed in front of her. She reached for it, but her eyes caught something on the table. Her own face stared back at her from the newspaper.
She froze.
“That’s… me,” she whispered.
Alexander folded the paper and slid it toward her. The headline read: Alexander Reed Marries Mystery Woman — Sudden Wedding Shocks Business World.
Her stomach tightened as she read. The article described her as “unknown,” speculated about her background, and questioned why Alexander chose her.
“I wasn’t ready for this,” she admitted quietly.
“It was inevitable,” he said calmly. “The media thrives on speculation.”
“They’re asking who I am,” she said, glancing up. “What if they dig into my past?”
“They won’t find anything you don’t want them to,” he replied. “I’ve already handled it.”
Emily blinked. “Handled it?”
“I limited access to your personal records,” he explained. “Your privacy is protected.”
Relief washed over her. “You didn’t have to do that.”
“Yes, I did. It benefits both of us.”
She nodded slowly. Even if it was practical, she appreciated the gesture.
After breakfast, Alexander left for work. The mansion felt quiet again. Emily wandered into the garden, breathing in the fresh air. The fountain trickled softly, calming her nerves.
Her phone buzzed.
Then buzzed again.
And again.
She pulled it out and stared in shock. Messages flooded her screen — former coworkers, classmates, distant relatives. Some congratulated her, others asked how she met Alexander, and a few sounded suspicious.
She sighed and set the phone aside. She wasn’t ready to answer anyone.
As she returned inside, she heard voices from the living room. A young man in a gray suit stood beside Alexander, holding a tablet.
“This is Daniel,” Alexander said. “My assistant.”
Daniel smiled politely. “Nice to meet you, Mrs. Reed.”
“Nice to meet you,” she replied.
“We’ve received invitations,” Daniel continued. “There’s a charity gala this weekend. The press expects both of you.”
Emily blinked. “Another event?”
“Yes,” Alexander answered.
She felt overwhelmed. “Do we have to attend?”
“It would be beneficial,” he said.
Daniel handed over the schedule and excused himself. Once he left, Emily sat on the sofa.
“Everything is moving so fast,” she admitted.
“It will slow down,” Alexander said, though his tone suggested otherwise.
She laughed softly. “I don’t think your life ever slows down.”
“No,” he agreed.
Later, Emily explored the house again, eventually finding the library. Tall shelves filled with books surrounded the room. Sunlight poured through large windows, creating a peaceful atmosphere.
She ran her fingers along the spines, smiling. Books had always been her escape.
“You like it here?” Alexander’s voice came from the doorway.
She turned. “It’s beautiful. I didn’t know you had so many books.”
“I don’t read them often,” he admitted. “But they’re available.”
She selected one and sat on the sofa. “I might spend a lot of time here.”
“That’s fine,” he replied.
He stepped further inside, watching her. The silence between them felt different — less awkward, more natural.
“Are you adjusting?” he asked.
“I’m trying,” she said honestly. “It’s just… everything is new.”
“You’ll adapt,” he said.
She looked up at him. “You seem very sure.”
“I am.”
Their eyes met briefly. Emily felt a strange warmth she couldn’t explain.
Later that evening, they had dinner together. The conversation was light, mostly about the upcoming gala. Alexander explained what to expect, how to handle reporters, and where to stand during photos.
“You’re giving me training,” she joked.
“Preparation,” he corrected.
After dinner, Emily returned to her room. She sat by the window, looking out at the city lights in the distance. Her life had changed so quickly, and she still felt like she was catching up.
But one thing was certain — people were watching her now.
And she had a feeling the attention was only going to grow.
- Writer
