MOVING IN
1189 Words
The penthouse was even more intimidating the second time. Ellie stood in the massive living room with her two small suitcases—everything she owned that was worth keeping—and felt incredibly small.
"Sophia will show you to your room," Alexander said, gesturing to a woman who'd appeared silently. "I have a business call."
He disappeared into his office without another word.
Sophia smiled warmly at Ellie. She was in her late twenties, professional in a sharp suit, with kind eyes. "Welcome, Mrs. Hawthorne. I'm Mr. Hawthorne's assistant. If you need anything, just ask."
"Please, call me Ellie. And thank you."
Sophia led her down a hallway to a bedroom that was larger than Ellie's entire old apartment. King-sized bed, walk-in closet, private bathroom with a tub big enough to swim in. Floor-to-ceiling windows with a view that made her dizzy.
"Your clothing should be arriving shortly," Sophia said. "Mr. Hawthorne hired a stylist. Everything's been selected based on your measurements and the events you'll be attending."
"Events?"
"Oh yes. As Mrs. Hawthorne, you'll be expected at numerous functions. Charity galas, business dinners, society events." Sophia's tone was sympathetic. "It's overwhelming at first, but you'll get used to it."
Ellie sat on the bed, feeling like an imposter. "How long have you worked for Alexander?"
"Five years. He's a demanding boss, but fair." Sophia hesitated, then added quietly, "He's not as cold as he seems. He's just... been hurt. Learned to protect himself by not letting anyone close."
"He seems pretty close to hating me."
"Maybe." Sophia's look was knowing. "But I've never seen him as affected by anyone as he is by you. He watches you constantly. Like he's trying to figure you out."
Before Ellie could respond, her phone rang. The hospital.
"Mrs. Hawthorne? Your mother is settled in her new room. The treatment team would like to meet with you tomorrow morning."
Mrs. Hawthorne. The name sounded foreign.
"I'll be there," Ellie promised.
After hanging up, she found Sophia gone and Alexander standing in the doorway.
"Your mother?" he asked.
"She's at the hospital. They want to meet tomorrow."
"I'll drive you."
Ellie stared at him. "You don't have to—"
"We had a deal. I'm charming and kind to your mother, remember? That starts now." He leaned against the doorframe, studying her. "Besides, it's our first public outing as a married couple. We need to sell this."
"My mother's hospital room isn't public."
"The hospital is full of people with cameras and social media accounts. Everything we do is public now." His eyes raked over her worn jeans and t-shirt. "Change into something from your new wardrobe when it arrives. We're going to dinner."
"I'm not hungry."
"I don't care. We need to be seen." He pushed off the doorframe. "One hour. Don't be late."
He left before she could argue.
An hour later, Ellie stared at herself in the mirror. The dress Sophia had helped her choose was elegant—deep blue silk that hugged her curves and fell to mid-thigh. Designer heels. Hair and makeup that Sophia had expertly applied.
She looked like she belonged in this world.
It was terrifying.
Alexander was waiting in the living room, and his reaction when he saw her was gratifying. His eyes widened fractionally, and something hot flashed through them before his mask slammed back into place.
"You clean up well," he said coldly.
"You're such a charmer," Ellie shot back.
His lips twitched—almost a smile. "Let's go."
Dinner was at an exclusive restaurant where everyone knew Alexander. They were shown to a private table, but Ellie could feel eyes on them constantly. Phones discretely angled their direction.
"Smile," Alexander murmured. "You're madly in love with me, remember?"
Ellie forced a smile that probably looked more like a grimace.
Alexander reached across the table and took her hand. The touch sent electricity up her arm. His thumb traced circles on her palm—intimate, possessive.
"Better," he said softly. But his eyes remained cold. "Now, let's establish some rules."
"More rules?"
"Rule one: in public, we're the perfect couple. Touching, smiling, completely devoted. I don't care how much you hate me in private—outside these walls, you adore me."
"I'm aware. I read the contract."
"Rule two: you don't speak to the press without my approval. Everything goes through Sophia first."
"Fine."
"Rule three: you attend every event I require. No excuses, no complaints."
"Anything else, your majesty?"
His eyes narrowed. "Rule four: you don't embarrass me. Ever. One wrong move, one public scene, and the deal is off."
"Then I guess you better not give me a reason to make a scene."
They stared at each other across the table, tension crackling between them.
"You're not what I expected," Alexander said finally.
"What did you expect? A doormat?"
"Something like that." He leaned back, studying her. "Your father was weak. I assumed you'd be the same."
"My father was a lot of things, but he wasn't weak. He was cruel and greedy and a liar. But weak?" Ellie shook her head. "No. And neither am I. You want your revenge? Fine. I'll play my part. But don't mistake compliance for weakness."
Something like admiration flickered in Alexander's eyes. "Noted."
The waiter appeared with their food—dishes Ellie couldn't have afforded in her old life. She ate mechanically, aware of Alexander's eyes on her constantly.
"Tell me about Harvard," he said suddenly.
Ellie's fork paused. "What?"
"You dropped out your junior year. Why business and economics?"
"How do you know what I was studying?"
"I told you. I know everything about you."
It should have felt invasive. Instead, it felt weirdly intimate. Like he actually cared.
"I wanted to understand my father's world," Ellie said quietly. "Understand how it all worked. I was going to take over his company someday." She laughed bitterly. "Ironic, isn't it? I studied his business so I could continue his legacy. Instead, I had to watch it all burn down."
"Did you know? About what he did to me?"
"No." Ellie met his eyes. "I was fifteen. I didn't know anything about his business dealings. But after he died, I found some things. Documents, emails. I learned the truth." She paused. "I'm sorry. For what he did to you."
"Don't apologize for him."
"I'm not. I'm apologizing for myself. For benefiting from his stolen success. For being too blind to see what he really was."
Alexander was quiet for a long moment. Then he said, "You're not responsible for his sins."
"Then why am I being punished for them?"
No answer. Because they both knew why.
The car ride home was silent. In the elevator, Alexander stood too close, and Ellie was painfully aware of him. The heat of his body. The scent of his cologne. The way he looked at her like she was a puzzle he couldn't solve.
"Goodnight, Elena," he said when they reached her door.
"Goodnight, Alexander."
She escaped into her room and leaned against the closed door, heart racing.
This was going to be the longest year of her life.
- Writer
