The morning sun shone through the wide window and filled the large room with light. Elena slowly opened her eyes, feeling lost for a moment. For a few seconds, she couldn't remember where she was until her eyes landed on the silk sheets, the golden curtains, and the ring on her finger. Then it all came back to her. She was in Alexander Knight's mansion. She was his wife now, at least by contract.
A soft knock came at the door. "Good morning, Mrs. Knight," Mrs. Carter said with a polite smile. "Breakfast will be ready soon. Mr. Knight asked me to remind you that his assistant will meet you later."
"Thank you," Elena said, forcing a small smile even though her chest still felt heavy. When Mrs. Carter left, Elena stood before the mirror. Her hair was slightly messy, her eyes looked tired, and she didn't even recognize her reflection. She looked like someone else now — someone playing a role in a story that didn't belong to her.
Downstairs, the breakfast table was already set. Alexander sat quietly with a newspaper in his hand. His black suit fit him perfectly, every line of his posture showing control and power. He didn't look like someone who had just gotten married. He looked like someone heading to another meeting.
"Good morning," Elena said softly as she sat down ,and she feels the softeness of the chair, fully knows that it's expensive.
He lifted his eyes briefly. "Morning."
Silence filled the air. She felt her fingers tighten around her glass of water. She wanted to say something, anything, but his calm expression didn't invite conversation. They ate quietly, the sound of forks against plates echoing in the large room allowing every one to be happy,while she is just bored knowing fully well that she have been in a new home.
When the meal ended, Alexander stood and buttoned his jacket. "Daniel will meet you in the study after breakfast," he said. "He'll explain what's expected from you in public."
Elena nodded. "All right."
He left without another word, leaving behind the faint smell of his cologne — sharp, clean, and powerful.
Later, she entered the study. It was wide, lined with tall shelves filled with books and awards. A young man stood near the desk. He looked confident and polite, dressed in a dark suit, White watch and just an ordinary shoe worth $23
"Mrs. Knight," he q. "I'm Daniel, Mr. Knight's assistant. My job is to make sure you understand your schedule and responsibilities."
"My responsibilities?" she asked, trying to sound calm but was confused at the moment.
He smiled lightly. "You'll need to attend public events with Mr. Knight — business dinners, charity parties, interviews, and social gatherings. People must believe this marriage is real. You'll also need to learn a few things about him — like where you supposedly met, what kind of movies you both like, even the restaurant you had your first date in."
Elena frowned. "So even our memories are part of the deal?"
Daniel's smile faded a little. "Yes, ma'am. In this world, image means everything."
Her heart sank. It wasn't just a marriage. It was a performance. "And what if I forget something?" she asked quietly looking tired at the face.
Daniel hesitated. "Then Mr. Knight won't be pleased."
Elena gave a small nod. "I understand."
When Daniel left, she stayed in the study for a while, staring at the walls. Everywhere she looked, there were signs of Alexander's success — trophies, certificates, awards, and pictures of him shaking hands with powerful people. But none of them showed him smiling ,always with a face that looks like he is forced to something .
By evening, the house felt too large and quiet. Elena wandered the hallways, her heels clicking softly on the marble floor. Everything looked perfect — too perfect, as if the house itself was afraid to show a flaw. Then she noticed a door slightly open at the end of the hall. Curiosity made her pause.
Inside was a room filled with shelves of books. A grand piano sat in the center, covered in dust. The soft moonlight from the window made the room look almost alive. Elena stepped inside slowly. Her eyes landed on a small framed picture sitting on the piano. It showed a young woman beside Alexander. He looked different there — younger, gentler, with a real smile, looking like some one she knows.
But she was still more confused at that moment, making her to pause and look closely, trying to recall something.
Before she could look closer, a deep voice came from behind. "You shouldn't be in here."
Elena turned sharply. Alexander stood in the doorway, his expression unreadable, though his eyes looked darker than before.
"I'm sorry," she said quickly. "The door was open. I didn't mean to intrude."
He walked forward and took the photo from her hand. His gaze stayed on it for a moment before he turned it face-down. "This room is private. Next time, ask before entering its only made for few people"
"Yes, of course," she murmured, her heart racing like a horse going to war.
He looked at her again, his tone calmer now. "You should get some rest. Tomorrow will be busy."
She nodded, then quietly left the room. But before closing the door behind her, she saw him still standing there, staring at the piano as if it carried memories he couldn't forget,all this while ,her mind Is still telling her something.
She stands looking confused and trying to fish out something.
That night, Elena couldn't sleep. She sat by the window, looking at the city lights in the distance. Somewhere out there, people were living freely, cholosing their own lives. But she was here, trapped in a deal that felt more like a prison. Still, there was something about Alexander that she couldn't stop thinking about — that photo, that hidden sadness in his eyes.
Maybe behind his cold walls, there was a story. And maybe, just maybe, she was already becoming part of it.
But all this happens,it does not stopped here ,that reaching at the afternoon, something happenes wich Alexander could not imagine...