Episode 6: The First Night
1085 Words
Elena found herself in the middle of her new bedroom gazing at the large bed which someone had carefully arranged. The estate atmosphere felt heavy and thick as it surrounded her.
She was married.
No joyful festivities occurred to warm her bones because reality chilled her to the core.
The wedding festivities served as a public spectacle alone. The reception, a performance. A dark and merciless shadow from their arrangement followed Elena into their private space.
She had stepped into the world of Adrian Sinclair.
She decided to resist the consuming force of their surroundings.
An Empty Marriage
When the door opened Elena shifted her gaze toward it.
Adrian entered the room with his tie untied and the top buttons of his formal white shirt unlatched. His silver-gray eyes shifted across her face without revealing any understanding.
For a moment, neither spoke.
He walked through the door and his dominance spread across the room.
The room belonged to her according to his quick announcement. The place provides all necessary amenities.
Elena kept her hands at her sides while her fingers turned into tight fists. “And you?”
The man walked to the bar cart against the window where he poured whiskey before moving down to his hallway room. “We agreed—separate lives.”
The twist in her stomach remained unexplained to her.
She should be relieved.
This wasn’t a real marriage.
His dismissive attitude along with the way he spoke to her produced a tightening sensation in her chest.
After drinking from his glass Adrian shifted his attention to her. You can request help from any member of staff if required.
Elena folded her arms. “That’s it? You will marry me and bring me to this house but will simply abandon me to stay here as if I were nothing more than an object of furniture.
Something brief appeared in his expression - it was either amusement or annoyance. Annoyance?
He spoke his words with a firm yet smooth tone when he said “Elena.” “This is what you agreed to.”
She moved forward one step while resisting intimidation. The contract I signed required me to be treated with presence rather than being ignored.
Adrian fixed his eyes on her while dangerous hidden emotions glinted through his expression.
“You’re here because the situation required it,” he explained with a calm voice. “Not because I need a wife.”
Elena used her fingers to create painful pressure on her palms.
She countered with the same intensity by saying "Husbands are unnecessary for me." I will live here under this arrangement but I absolutely refuse to be treated as nothing.
The space between them turned heavy with invisible emotions which neither party wished to admit.
Adrian suddenly displayed a smirk which surprised Elena.
He whispered his unexpected assessment to her.
Elena lifted her chin. “Good.”
He stared at her face without speaking because he seemed to consider something important.
The man finished his drink immediately before walking out the door without another word.
The heavy door closed shut after his departure.
She released her breath as her heartbeat raced out of control.
She had expected coldness. She had expected indifference.
She never anticipated that she would feel that undeniable tension sparking between her and Adrian.
A Home That Wasn’t Hers
When Elena awoke during the morning she felt the unfamiliar touch of silk sheets on her skin which served as a reminder for her changed circumstances.
Elena got out of bed to navigate toward the large closet space. Designer clothing created an endless display along the walls yet none of it belonged to her. Yet.
She reached the bottom floor after all rooms had fallen silent.
The dining room contained a lavish breakfast service when she entered.
But Adrian wasn’t there.
“Elena.”
Margaret stood by the dining hall as Elena turned to greet her. Margaret served as head housekeeper for the Sinclair family. The woman stood with a calm expression while her hands rested in front of her.
“Good morning,” Elena said.
Margaret nodded. “Mr. Before his business appointment Sinclair departed from the house early. The housekeeper received instructions to make sure I felt comfortable.
Of course, he did.
Elena forced a polite smile. I can handle things on my own so your offer of help is not necessary.
Margaret seemed to have a few additional thoughts on her mind before she left. Margaret finished her visit by nodding to Elena before allowing her to eat breakfast alone.
She took a seat while looking at the untouched plate in front of her.
Adrian vanished after spending just under twenty-four hours with Elena as his wife.
She should have expected it.
But somehow, it still stung.
A Clash of Wills
Adrian arrived back home during the late part of the afternoon.
The study door opened while Elena perused the unfamiliar books that probably remained unread by her husband.
She faced him when he entered with his commanding manner that remained unchanged.
He observed her as she settled down in the chair.
She lifted a brow. “Should I not?”
The corners of his eyes showed a subtle sign of mirth.
Then his expression hardened. “We have an event tonight. You must accompany me tonight since you are my wife.
Elena folded her arms. The situation seems to force me into going without any real option.
“No,” he said smoothly. “You don’t.”
She studied him for a moment. “What’s the occasion?”
“A business gala.” The man moved closer until their eyes met without blinking. Your first time as Mrs. Sinclair will be your debut at a public event.
The burden of being called his wife became her reality.
“I’ll be ready,” she said.
Adrian nodded, satisfied.
Elena stopped him when he was about to depart.
“Adrian.”
He halted his movement while turning his face to look behind him.
She paused before holding his eyes. While you do not want genuine marriage with me I refuse to disappear from your home.
His face showed an unreadable expression at that moment.
A brief sound of laughter escaped him which took her completely by surprise.
“Elena,” he murmured. The world could never conceal your pre
sence.
He proceeded to leave without another word.
She remained there motionless as her heartbeat raced while she understood their dispute had just started.
- Writer
