Taming the Titan

Chapter 4: A Lady's Terror

Lost in your eyes is where I want to be…

Anonymous

"No, damn! This cannot be the man I made this whole effort for?" Elena with a furred eyebrow hissed.

"My one night stand?" Her heartbeat increased, sinking deeper as she held the edge of the chair.

“Good morning Mr. Banks,” father Squealed with a gleeful smile.

“Have we met before?” The man behind the table asked, smiling with a beaming hysteria.

“I_I,” her words died off before she could say them, he eyes looking around the room in furry, she blinked fast.

“I don't think you two have met anywhere,” another male voice said from behind them. His was deeper and stern. “Why are you in my office, Drake?”

“Whatever! I came to deliver some papers to you as instructed by our father but you weren't in the seat.”

“And you decided to entertain my guests?” He asked again, giving him a stern look. “Please leave.”

His aura was commanding and Elena couldn't wait to be told that this was Alexander Banks.

Then, she looked closely and it all came back. He was the man she had seen in that elevator two days ago.

Her one night stand was his brother and now she had no choice.

Streaks of sweat appeared on her forehead. She was feeling heavily uncomfortable.

“I am sorry about that drama,” he grunted, planting himself on the table.

Elena could tell that he recognised her from that elevator but he pretended like he didn't.

“Is she your daughter, Mr. Parker?”

“Yes! My first daughter from my late wife.”

Father sounded nervous and excited while Elena drowned in agony.

“Does she understand the terms? This marriage isn't a regular kind. You will sign a contract to stay married to me for at least six months before you can acquire the funds promised. I am sure that is the reason you want her married to me.”

She turned to look at her father, confusion etched on her face.

Funds? Wait, she had no idea a cash prize was attached.

Shame washed through her as she thought of the idea that her father was simply about to sell her off.

“I am aware of this, Mr. Banks. She will do as you please and keep her head in the game. Six months isn't such a long time, afterall.”

“Good.” He turned to her with a contemptuous gaze. “Are you ready to tie the knot with me?”

She looked at her father whose gaze was piercing and nodded like a child about to be slaughtered, helpless and lost.

“I am sure you already heard all there is to hear about me because my legacy precedes me. I am not your best option and I don't plan to be. You will do as I say in this marriage Miss?”

“Elena!” Father replied, enthusiastically.

Elena's lips were clogged from the waving shock that cursed through her.

The shock of discovering that her future husband was a brother to her last one night stand and that her father was selling her off.

“Can't she speak for herself?” Alex asked with a quizzical glare at her.

“Surely!” Demetrius replied, nudging Elena with his elbow and she parted her lips, searching for her lost voice.

“Elena…” she finally mumbled, lowering her gaze.

“Whatever. We are now going to the court to get this thing done with. I am about to make you my wife.”

The words were cold and emotionless.

She was about to be given away to a man she knew nothing about except the stories she had heard about his ruthless lifestyle and her selfish father sat there, giggling happily because he was going to be rich again.

I hate you so much father, she mused to herself, feeling heavily sorrowful.

***

They arrived at the courthouse and Alexander got down from the car and walked into the courthouse without her.

“Run along to catch up with him,” her father urged her with a stern voice, pushing her forward.

“You didn't tell me you were going to get paid for this Dad. This is utterly cruel.”

Her voice was breaking and sorrow was evident in it.

Demetrius gave her a haughty look.

“One more word from you and I will tell him how nasty your past has been.”

She felt fear grip her heart. Fear of the unknown. So many questions travelled through her mind like What was she really going to make of this life?

Alexander was already seated in the courthouse, waiting impatiently for her.

She could tell from his haughty countenance that he was grossly unhappy.

The registrar, a stoutly built middle aged man was standing beside them with a few documents in his hands.

“May we proceed?” He asked, his gaze darting from Elena to Alexander and then settling on her father.

“Yes. Go ahead,” Alexander uttered, his voice emotionless.

He wasn't even looking at his soon-to-be wife and she felt a pang in her chest everytime she remembered that she was about to be his forced wife.

Even though it was only for six months, it felt like it was for an entire life time.

The only thought that went through her head over and over was; “what if I die like his late fiance? What if he does the same thing he did to her to me?”

“Elena!” He yelled at her, his deep voice cutting through her. “Where was your damn mind, Miss?”

She didn't realise how deep in thoughts she had been. She slipped away from the present.

“I _am sorry,” she stuttered, her body shaking with trepidation at how angry he was.

Her gaze wandered to her father and she could see the look of disapproval in his eyes.

“You better keep your head in this. I have no time for silliness.”

Such a shrewd fellow, she thought.

They said their vows with utmost disinterest. His words were grumpy and cold and hers were filled with fear.

“I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss…”

“That will not be necessary, sir” Alexander cut the registrar off, grabbing Elena's wrist forcefully. “We have to get home immediately because my father needs to meet his daughter in-law.”

It felt as though she was dreaming.

Her father was beaming with smiles as they walked out of the courthouse, with Alexander holding Elena like she was his slave.

Once they were outside he stopped by his car and turned to her.

“She will be heading home now with me, Mr. Parker. I have to introduce her to my family. You can send her things to our residence tomorrow.”

His voice was stern as usual.

He shoved her into his car and drove off hastily, not giving her a chance to think for a second or even say goodbye to her father.

Well, not that she cared about her father, anyway. To her, he was evil as well.

But he was a lesser evil than the man who killed his fiancee. Atleast, she didn't have to worry about her life being cut short by her father.

“Elena?” His voice roared into her ears for the second time that day.

She shuddered, looking up to his fiery gaze with panic attacks in her heart.

“Yeah?” she purred, her voice as tiny as a bird's.

“I am not sure why you are always easily distracted but again, you better get your head in the game. This isn't some elevator meeting lady, this is a real deal that could cost me everything.”

Her heart sank into her chest. Indeed, he remembered who she was.