Contract to Hell's Den

First kiss

Elena's pov

I lay on the bed, lost in my thoughts, replaying every painful word I had overheard last night. Alex saying he was never truly in love with me. Alex called me poor, ugly, and useless. My chest still ached. I turned over to stretch and suddenly realized it was already morning. I had cried myself to sleep.

I sighed and stood up. Another day in this cold house, pretending to be part of a family that clearly didn’t want me. I might as well freshen up and face whatever daily routine this rich family had — which was basically doing nothing.

As I headed to the bathroom, a soft knock sounded on the door. I opened it and saw a young lady I had never met before.

“Who are you?” I asked politely.

“Good day, ma’am. I hope you had a good night’s rest. I am the fashion designer, and I have your clothes ready for the party tonight.”

The party. I had completely forgotten.

Yesterday’s drama with Serena had stressed me out so much that it slipped my mind.

“I’m yet to freshen up,” I told her. “Please wait for me in the living room. I’ll call you when I’m ready.”

“Okay, ma’am,” she replied and walked away.

I quickly bolted the door so no one could barge in. I stripped off my clothes and stepped into the shower, letting the warm water wash away some of the pain. When I came out, I put on my robe and called the designer back in.

She handed me a stunning short red dress covered in diamonds. They sparkled so brightly I wondered if they were real.

I slipped into the dress and gasped. It hugged my body perfectly. I looked… expensive. Beautiful. Nothing like the simple Elena from before.

“I love the dress,” I told her, unable to hide my smile.

“Yes, ma’am. We know you’ll love it. It’s worth $399,000. Everything we bring for you is luxurious.”

My eyes widened. That dress could buy my entire old life. I sat down carefully, afraid to damage it.

The designer worked quickly, adjusting every detail. Soon the stylist arrived and did my hair and makeup. When they finished, I stood in front of the mirror and barely recognized myself. My hair fell in soft waves, my makeup was flawless, and the red dress made me look powerful.

I was glowing.

I slipped on a pair of Christian Dior heels as the final touch.

As I stood admiring myself, the door opened without a knock. Alex walked in, probably to tell me the party was starting soon. But he stopped mid-step.

He stared at me, his usual cold expression cracking for a second. He stepped closer, his eyes darkening as they moved over my body.

“Elena…” he said, his voice lower than usual. “You are ethereal.”

Before I could respond, he cupped my face and kissed me.

His lips were warm and firm against mine. For those few seconds, everything else disappeared. My stomach fluttered wildly.

Butterflies exploded inside me. This was the first time he had ever kissed me, and it felt like fire spreading through my veins.

It was the happiest twenty seconds of my life.

Alex held out his hand, gesturing for me to walk with him to the grand hall where the party was being held. I took it, even though my stomach was still fluttering from the kiss. We started walking down the long hallway together. The designer and stylist followed, snapping pictures and posting them on i********: with the hashtag #CuteCouple.

For a moment, joy rushed through me. I felt like a real bride. But as we descended the grand staircase, Alex leaned closer and whispered in my ear, his voice cold despite the perfect smile on his face.

“Do not feel special. That was what I married you for — show-off for the paparazzi. So do not get it all worked up in your nasty little head.”

The butterflies in my tummy died instantly. The happiness vanished. I should have known. This was Alex. Nothing about his feelings for women was ever real. Disappointment hit me hard, like a slap to the face.

As we reached the bottom of the stairs, all eyes turned to us. I felt shy under the stares. People rushed over with congratulations.

“You both look perfect together!”

“Happy married life!”

“Alex, you’ve got a good eye for a perfect woman!”

I thanked them politely while Alex ushered me to two huge golden king-sized chairs reserved for us. He helped me sit, then sat beside me, placing his hand over mine for the cameras.

Soon the paparazzi swarmed us, flashing lights everywhere. Guests came forward with expensive gifts while two servants collected them. I looked around the grand hall.

Everything was decorated in gold and red, beautiful food trays, snacks, and butlers serving drinks. For a few minutes I enjoyed the view, but then boredom set in. I started noticing everyone’s shoes just to pass the time

.

I turned to Alex. “The designer mentioned a party tonight. Are we hosting another one after this?”

“Well, since the blabber mouth already said it, yes. There will be a party for me and my friends at the strip club. You are not invited.”

“Oh.”

“Yeah,” he replied plainly.

I hesitated, then asked, “Alex, I didn’t see my father or brother here?”

“Elena, I told you this is a party for people of class, right? So do not expect to see those people here. And please quit asking questions. You are starting to irritate me,” he said, still keeping that fake smile on his handsome face.

I didn’t reply. I just thought about my father and brother, wondering how they were doing. Suddenly Alex removed his hand from mine, pecked my cheek quickly, and whispered, “It’s for the paparazzi,” before standing up and walking away.

My eyes followed him across the room.

He was heading straight to Serena.

She stood at the far end, waiting for him with a satisfied smile on her face.