CHAPTER THREE
1032 Words
Ella's POV
When I entered the room, I couldn't shake off the feeling of what had just happened. Clara's words kept ringing in my ear. I locked the door behind me, trying to calm down.
Just then, Clara stormed in her eyes blazing. "You think you can just walk in here and steal Elijah's attention?
"I know why you're here for his money." She stared at me. "This house is too hot for you, you won't last.
Elijah walked in, "What's going on here?"
Clara spoke with anger "Just having a little chat with your so-called Fiancé".
Elijah's eyes narrowed. "You're wasting your time, Clara. Ella will be my wife and you'd do well to leave her alone."
He turned to me, his voice softening. "Let's focus on us, shall we? We have a lot to catch up on". Clara's face twisted in anger, but Elijah's firm gaze sent her scurrying out of the room.
After Clara left the room, slamming the door, Elijah walked in and asked me, "Are you okay? Did she hurt you?"
I replied, "Yes, I'm fine." I smiled and said, "Thank you for everything. Thank you for accepting me and my baby."
Elijah smiled back and said, "You're welcome. Just take care of yourself and your baby till you regain your memory. Elijah told me he would ask the cook to prepare something for me. He went out to tell the cook to make food that was good for pregnant women.
I felt happy. I looked at Elijah. I couldn't help but think about my ex-husband Michael. I wondered why he wasn't like Elijah, who, despite being rich, was humble and loving.
Elijah's kindness wasn't just limited to me and his Fiancé, but also to others. I felt grateful to have him in my life. The cook brought food to my room and I settled in to eat.
Elijah came in and told me "If you need anything please let me know don't hesitate." I smiled and thanked him.
After a few minutes, after we'd both settled in, Elijah sat down beside me and said, "We need to talk about our plan. We're going to pretend to be a couple, okay? You need to be free around me and if you're not comfortable with anything, just let me know."
I nodded; Elijah continued, "We need to make it convincing, so Clara believes our relationship is real. Can you do that for me? "
I thought for a moment and then asked, "I have a question. Who is this Clara, why does she feel you belong to her alone and why did you bring me here when you had her?"
Elijah looks worried. "Clara is my ex and my family wants me to marry Clara, but I have tried and it's not working. She's materialistic, and I don't think we'd be happy together."
Elijah continued to explain, "My mom is pushing for this marriage because Clara's family is wealthy and influential. She thinks that if we marry, our combined resources will give us an edge when my stepbrother returns."
Elijah's stepbrother had been away for a while but he was expected to return soon to take the company from him. Elijah's mom was worried that he'd try to take control of the company which Elijah had been running successfully. As part of a polygamous family, Elijah's situation was complex. His mom wanted to secure the company's future by forming an alliance with Clara's family.
Elijah turned to Ella his eyes pleading. "I know this is a lot to ask, but I need your help. Would you be willing to pretend to be my wife, especially now that you're pregnant? It would help me avoid marrying Clara and keep my mom off my back."
As Elijah shared his struggles with me, I couldn't help but recall my own experiences with Michael. The memories of being forced into a relationship still lingered, and I didn't want Elijah to go through the same pain.
Seeing the determination in his eyes, I decided to help him navigate this challenging situation. I promised Elijah that I would play along and do whatever it takes to make our act convincing.
Elijah looked relieved and said, "You're saving me, Ella."
Suddenly, I felt a surge of affection for Elijah. I reached out and held his cheek, looking into his eyes. "I promise you, Elijah, I'll play this role well. I'll give you the assurance you need."
Elijah's eyes locked onto mine and for a moment, we just stared at each other. It was late, and we were getting ready for bed. I took a duvet and spread it on the floor, preparing to sleep there.
But Elijah stopped me, saying, "No, you're my fiancée. "You can't sleep on the floor, especially when you're pregnant." he took my hand and led me to the bed.
"Come on, we can share the bed It's big enough, and we're pretending to be couples after all."
I hesitated for a moment but then climbed onto the bed. I was restless, tossing and turning, disturbed by the peaceful night.
Elijah, sensing my distress, stirred awake and reached out to me. He gently wrapped his arms around me pulling me close.
"Shh, it's okay I'm here," he whispered softly, trying to calm me down. As my nightmare began to fade, I slowly opened my eyes to find Elijah's concerned face inches from mine.
"Ella, what's wrong?" Elijah asked, his voice low and gentle. "You were having a bad dream, weren't you?" I nodded, still feeling a bit shaken. Elijah pulled me closer, his chest a comforting presence against my cheek.
"Don't be scared," he whispered. I think it's one of the symptoms of pregnancy. I am here for you, and I'll take care of you and our baby. You're not alone in this I will take you to the hospital first thing tomorrow morning to register you for antenatal care".
I felt a sense of peace settle over me. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice barely audible and Elijah's arms tightened around her, holding her close as they drifted off to sleep once more, the darkness of the night chased away.
- Writer
