Mr CEO, Love me gently

Chapter 3

Elena tossed and turned all night, her mind replaying the argument with her dad. She couldn't shake off the feeling of unease that lingered long after they'd stopped talking. When morning finally rolled around, she got out of bed and changed into her workout clothes, hoping some exercise would clear her head. The silence in the hallway felt oppressive, but she pushed through it and headed to the gym in the basement.

As she walked in, the familiar smell of sweat and equipment greeted her like an old friend. She started on the treadmill, the steady rhythm of her footsteps a welcome distraction from her thoughts. The sound of Nina clanging pots in the kitchen drifted through the vents, a reminder that the rest of the world was waking up too.

After an hour of working out, Elena felt a bit clearer-headed. She turned off the treadmill and grabbed her towel, wiping the sweat from her face. As she left the gym, she ran into her dad. "I went to your room, and you weren't there," he said. "I figured you'd be here." He paused, his eyes searching hers, before adding, "Let's talk in my study." Elena followed him, her mind racing with what he might say. What did he want to talk about? Was he going to apologize or bring up something new?

The walk to his study felt like a walk to the gallows, her heart pounding in her chest. She had no idea what to expect, but she knew it wouldn't be easy. Her dad's study was a familiar space, filled with books and papers, but today it felt different. Today, it felt like a place where things would be settled, one way or another.

He pushed the door open and walked in, his broad shoulders filling the frame, while she followed closely behind. As they stepped into the study, the soft glow of the lamps enveloped them, casting a warm ambiance that seemed to contradict the tension lingering between them, her eyes scanning the room with a bit of apprehension. Remembering how their conversation had ended, she hesitated for a moment at the door, her hand lingering on the handle, before making her way to the couch beside him. The plush cushions welcomed her weary body, and she sank into them, her eyes fixed on his profile.

His next words were like a balm to her troubled heart, "My sweet girl, I'm so sorry for walking out on you like that." The sincerity in his voice was palpable, and she felt a weight lift off her shoulders as he stretched out his hands to hold hers. She let him, and the warmth of his palms enveloped her cold fingers, sending a shiver down her spine. Her shoulder finally relaxed a bit, and she felt a sense of comfort wash over her. "I should have explained everything to you better, I'm sorry," he whispered, his eyes locked on hers.

As he looked down at their entangled hands, his grip tightened, and she could sense the desperation emanating from him. When he met her gaze again, she saw the sadness swirling in his eyes, like a stormy sea. "Our family's company is on the verge of bankruptcy, and Mr Moretti has agreed to help us on one condition," he paused, letting the weight of his words settle in. Dread crept into her stomach, like a cold draft on a winter night.

"You have to marry his son," he finished, his voice barely above a whisper. Elena's eyes widened in shock, and she immediately pulled her hands out of his, the sudden movement a reflex she couldn't control. She instantly regretted it when she saw the sad, apologetic look on his face. She placed her hands on her lap, her fingers intertwining in a nervous knot, and looked away, trying to process the information.

"But why?" she asked, her voice laced with confusion and a hint of fear, as she looked back at him. Elon shook his head, his eyes mirroring her confusion. Then, with a desperation painted all over his face, he pleaded, "Please, save Daddy this once, and you can divorce him after two years of you want." His eyes locked onto hers, filled with a deep sadness and a plea for understanding.

The silence that followed was oppressive, heavy with unspoken words and unresolved questions. Elena's mind reeled with the implications of his words, her heart heavy with the weight of his request. She looked at her father, searching for answers, but all she saw was desperation and sadness.

_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_

Elena stood before the full length mirror in her walk-in closet, her reflection staring back with an air of quiet contemplation. Her strawberry blonde curls were tamed into a sleek low bun, the soft lighting dancing across the subtle wisps that framed her face. Light makeup accentuated her features perfectly, adding a subtle glow to her complexion that seemed almost ethereal.

She stood there, the white dress clinging to her curves like a second skin. The fitted bodice showcased her slender waist and voluptuous hips, while the sweetheart neckline framed her face. The satin fabric shimmered in the light, and delicate lace details added a touch of romance – a stark contrast to the turmoil brewing inside her. Her legs trembled beneath the dress, and her mind reeled under the weight of the moment. She fixed her gaze on the little heart-shaped pink diamond necklace that dangled from her neck, a gift from her father before she left his study. It had once belonged to her mother, and the familiar sparkle brought a fleeting sense of comfort. But it was quickly consumed by the anxiety that threatened to overwhelm her.

With a deep breath, Elena turned away from the mirror, her gaze lingering on her reflection for a moment longer. "I guess I'm really doing this," she whispered to herself, the words tasting bittersweet. A knock on the door broke the silence, and her heart skipped a beat. What would her future husband be like? She pushed aside the flutter of uncertainty, her mind racing with possibilities. Hopefully, he wouldn't be too... intimidating. With a quiet resolve, she stepped out of her closet and made her way to the door, her heels clicking softly on the floor.