Chapter Two: Bound by Command
1232 Words
ELENA
Kat was told by her mom or rather my mother-in-law to show me to my room. We climbed upstairs with a maid carrying my luggages– just a box of clothes.
We got to a particular room and Kat opened and Wow!!!
The sheer elegance of the room stole my breath away. The golden chandelier dripped light, the velvet drapes whispered luxury and for a moment I forgot how to breathe, I couldn't even hear Kat call my name.
“Back to earth El” Kat said and snapped her fingers
“This is so beautiful” I said after finding my voice back and Kat smiled
I observed Kat for a minute– waist length blonde hair, dark blue eyes, an oval face and a balanced figure with a narrow waist accentuating the soft curves of her hips and bust. She was effortlessly beautiful.
“Wait a minute, don't tell me that you only came here with a single box of clothes?” Kat asked in a shocking way
“Well…….yes” I said and she sighed
“You know what, tomorrow you and I are going to shop for new clothes”
“But that's not necessary” I said
“It is, baby girl, you are a Rodriguez now and moreover we need to shop for your engagement night in two days time” she said
Yeah right. The engagement. I was so caught up with Kat’s bubbling chat that I forgot what I came here for. The feeling of fear that I had forgotten about crept back into my heart and I felt helpless once again.
“I will let you settle down now, dinner is by 6pm, don't miss it” She said and left.
I sat on the queen sized bed and reminisced on my life. From a half-orphan who isn't loved to the wife of a billionaire. I didn't know if I should be happy or sad. Suddenly I remembered my mom, if only she was here, this wouldn't be happening.
“I miss you mom” I said softly as tears rolled down my cheeks.
“This wasn't the time for self-pity. I have to be strong for myself, it's just a marriage contract of two years and after two years I will gain my freedom”. I assured myself
After 2-3 minutes, I drifted off to sleep.
When I woke up, it was almost time for dinner, so I quickly refreshed up and went down for dinner.
Almost everyone was downstairs for dinner except Alex and Ashley . I wonder where he is but that is the least of my problems
“Good evening ma, Good evening sir” I greeted
“Good evening dear, and no “ma and sir”, it's mom and dad” Caroline said with a smile
“Ok ma..mum” I said and sat down.
The maid served me a plate and began eating.
“Where is Ashley?” Dad asked
“She is ups…oh there she is” Kat said
Ashley came downstairs and instead of joining us, she was about to leave
“Ashley, come join us for dinner, let's eat as family”
“I thought this was a family dinner, didn't realize we were running a charity dinner,” Ashley said glaring at me.
“ASHLEY RODRIGUEZ!!! Mind your tongue” Dad shouted.
“What!!! Aren't we allowed to be honest in this house anymore” She said and stormed out of the house.
Dad left the dining room angrily and mom sighed in disbelief. I just sat there unable to eat anymore and I almost broke down in tears.
“I am sorry for what happened dear, Kat take her upstairs” mom said.
Kat helped me up and took me to my room, I let the tears roll down as I couldn't control them any longer while Kat pat my back consoling me
“I am sorry baby” she said. “When Dad mentioned the contract marriage, Alex and Ashley was against it but we never knew that she will take it out on you”
“It's fine Kat. Thank you” I said and flashed her a smile.
There was a knock on the door and it was a maid who informed me that Alex wants to see me in his room. My hands turned clammy and my stomach twisted into tight knots and my heart pounded so hard.
I wasn't ready for this but Kat assured me that nothing bad would happen and left my room. The maid showed me to his room and I knocked
“Come in”
I entered and took a minute to look around–
The room was a masterpiece of minimalistic luxury—black marble floors gleamed under the soft glow of recessed lighting, and floor-to-ceiling windows framed a breathtaking city skyline. A massive king sized bed, draped in the finest silk sheets, sat in the center, flanked by sleek, custom-made nightstands. Everything was curated to perfection, from the rare abstract paintings on the walls to the state-of-the-art sound system embedded seamlessly into the ceiling.
“Sit” his commanding voice brought me back to reality and like a puppet, I obeyed and sat down.
Fear slithered up my spine like an icy serpent, coiling round my throat, stealing my breath. The room around me blurred, but his cold, commanding voice echoes in my mind, leaving no room for escape.
For a moment, there was silence until…
“I assume you know why you are here” he said in a dark icy tone that made me shiver. I tried to maintain my stand and not give the impression that I was scared of him as I forced myself to meet his gaze
“I know my father signed a contract. I wasn't given much of a choice”.
“Good at least we are honest”
“Why are you doing this? You are a billionaire, you can marry anyone” I said, hiding the fear in my voice.
“It is simple. You are collateral for your father's debts”
That's it. A business deal.
“ Let's get this straight. This marriage will happen. But I have no interest in playing house. You will have my name, protection and anything you need. But in private, we will live our separate lives. Understood?”
Separate lives. It would have been a relief but instead it left a hollow ache in my chest.
“And if I refuse?”
Alex's face darkened.”Your father will pay his debts another way”.
A chill ran down my spine. I had no idea what he meant but whatever it was, I am sure it isn't a good thing. At that moment, I knew I had no way out.
“Fine” I said “Is that all?”
“Yes,for now” he said.
I turned, desperate to leave but before I could reach the door, his voice stopped me
“One more thing”
I look back, my heart hammering. Alex’s dark blue eyes held mine, his voice dead serious.
“Don't try to run”
My breath caught in my throat. Because of the way he said it– calm, confident– made me realise something.
If I try to escape….
He would find me.
- Writer
