Under His Dominion

CHAPTER THREE

Anna’s Pov

The clock was ticking to seven and my nerves were up. I had spent the past hour pacing my tiny apartment, mentally preparing myself for what was to come. The idea of pretending to be this man's fiancée was absurd, but here I was getting ready for the meeting.

I glanced at the mirror, trying to arrange the dress that my friend Sarah had let me borrow. “You look good!” I said to myself as I looked in the mirror.

My brother’s voice pulled me out of my thoughts, “Anna, are you sure you are okay? You have been a bit nervous since this evening.”

I put on a smile as I picked up my purse, “I'm fine Jack. I probably just have a long day ahead of me.”

Jack gave me a look to let me know that he did not entirely believe me, but he did not want to push it further. “Be careful though, and call me if you need anything.”

“I sure will,” I said to him and slipped out the door.

The Rizz-Carlton was as dark as always, its huge chandelier giving out a bright, warm, and golden glow. My steps were reduced as I sighted Alexander by the bar as he was waiting for me.

He looked every bit like what he was addressed as: a billionaire, the well-tailored suit, the surrounding aura, his charisma…. It screamed POWER!

“Anna.” he greeted me when his eyes fell on me, his voice calm and cooler than before.

I gave a nod, suddenly aware of the huge difference between us. He was from this world, and I was just passing by, and I was yanked in.

“Shall we?” he pointed to a private room.

I gave a slight nod and followed him in silence, trying not to trip and embarrass myself due to my anxiety rising. The room was dimly lit, had an intimate setting, and was empty. A table was sitting in the middle with two chairs and a vase filled with flowers.

Alexander motioned me to sit, and I did, but instead of feeling the romantic vibes the room was pulling off, I felt I was going to be questioned.

“Did you read the contract?” he asked immediately, wasting no time.

“Hmmm…. I skimmed through it.” I lied, because I had spent hours upon hours descending through the insane contract and, if anything would keep me trapped in there, also looking for loopholes.

“I see,” his tone, telling me he did not believe a word. “So, if you don't have any questions, you can sign it.”

I paused for a while, as we both stared at each other, “But why me?”

His gaze was locked on mine, cold and unwavering. “ I told you, Anna, you are unremarkable. Someone who would not draw unnecessary attention ”

His words hit me hard in the face like a baseball bat, but I refused to show how hurt I was by his words, “And you think that was supposed to make me feel any better?”

He leaned back into his chair, “It is not about feelings. This is a business arrangement, nothing else.”

I folded my arms, “And what happens if your psycho ex-fiancé finds out the truth?”

He had a smirk on his face, “Trina won't find out. She thrives from appearances and this arrangement is all about maintaining that appearance. As long as you play your role very well, she won't suspect a thing!”

My expression dimmed, “and if she does?” I pressed, not willing to let it slide.

His expression also darkened. “She won't.” he made it clear, like he was so sure about it.

Before I could say anything else, the door burst open and in walked the diva, Trina!

“Alexander!” She said with a sweet smile before her eyes moved to me and the smile fell, “What is she doing here?”

I rolled my eyes at the irony of an uninvited guest asking me what I was doing here.

“Trina, this is a private meeting… You are not invited.”

She ignored Alexander, her eyes glaring at me like a sharp knife ready to cut me. “Let me make a wild guess, this is the rumored fiancée?”

I sat up straight, my shoulders held up, determined to show her that I was not intimidated. “That’s right!” I said, my voice boosting with confidence.

She paused for a while before bursting into a fit of laughter. Her laugh was sharp and mocking, “Oh my goodness Alex, this must be the best joke you have come up with.” “Did you pluck from a charity case, or what's going on here?” she said in between laughs as she wiped the tears that fell down her cheeks.

Alexander’s expression was unreadable, but I could sense the surrounding tension, “Trina….” He called, and she paused to look at him. “Leave!” He ordered.

She stepped closer to the table, ignoring his order, “You think bringing in this low life would make me jealous?” she scoffed, “You are wasting your time pretty boy.”

My fist clenched under the table, as anger pushed through my veins, “Funny, so why are you bothered about this low life?”

His gaze blazed as she turned back to Alexander, my words making her face change, “Whatever it is you are doing, Alex, just know you are making a mistake. Don't come crying at me when this blows in your face and trust me, it will.”

Without waiting for a response, she stormed out exactly how she stormed in as she slammed the door behind her.

The room was silent.

“Well, she seems nice!” I said to ease the tension in the room.

“She is all bite and no bark!” Alex says as he gives a little smirk.

“I don't know.” I kissed my teeth, “She looks like someone who also bites hard.”

He let out a little chuckle. It was small but it made me feel victorious.

“Enough of the distractions”, his face got serious. Sign it. Let's make this official.

My hands trembled as I picked up the pen, my anxiety rising in my throat like bile. The weight of the decision pressed down on me. Just as I was about to pen the paper, my phone rang!