Chapter 8- Was it worth it

“ Can I hear two thousand?”

I shifted on my seat, my heart pounding loudly in my chest drowning out everything else.

Why was my house on display? Didn't Pete sell it to some agency? That shouldn't be my focus now but those questions clouded my thoughts.

My nails dug into my skin as I tightened my fist. I had no money to compete with these rich dogs that screamed of arrogance.

All I could do was watch helplessly as my house was auctioned off.

Unless

I glanced at Alex, who looked uninterested in what was going on. I bit my lower lips mustering up the courage before my last chance slipped away.

“ Alex,” I tugged at his arm.

He shifted his gaze to me and I gulped. He was my only option if I wanted to get my house back. This was my chance and I wouldn't waste it

“ Alex, can you bid for this house, it's very important to me” he didn't say anything but just stared at me as the bidding fee got higher. “ Please”, my voice raised impatiently.

“ I don't waste money on unimportant things,” he responded plainly.

My jaw clenched. Of course, what was I thinking talking to a stone-hearted man? He would always be that cold, aloof guy they wrote him to be.

No wonder he had to pay me to be his wife.

“ Going once, going twice, sold to the gentleman in hats”

I closed my eyes as tears threatened to drop. That house meant a lot to me; even though it held Pete's memories, my parents' memories held a strong presence. It was all they left and what made me feel like they were still here.

Once again, I failed to protect something I loved. What was the essence of this if this was all I could get? Was it all worth it?

No,

I had to find a way out of this mess. I can't do this any longer. I have just stayed here a week thinking I could get all I had lost but all I am is just a tool in his hands and I refuse to let anyone control me anymore.

I have to find a job, something to give me income to escape this shit I got myself into. To hell with making Pete pay. I just want to live my life away from this hurt.

The rest of the night passed in a blur as we headed back to that cage as I prefer to call it. Where I couldn't even breathe without asking for his permission.

As soon as I stepped into the bathroom, I made sure the door was locked before slipping out of my dress.

After a long bath, I put on one of the many night dresses provided for me because, for some reason, my old clothes weren't to his taste.

I made my way to my usual place of sleep, the couch. How funny that I had gone from sleeping on a bed to a couch while he took the bed to himself.

My room, my rules. How cliche.

I missed my bed in my hotel room.

I walked to the couch ignoring his watchful gaze on me. I was about to make myself comfortable when his voice stopped me.

“ Elena” I didn't respond. I was still annoyed with him for not getting back my house even though I didn't expect him to. “ My grandma just called”

I sat down, looking at him. “And what does that have to do with me?”

“ It has everything to do with you, you're my wife.?”

“ Contract wife”

He didn't say anything but just stared at me calculatingly before nodding. “Correct, so I need you to act as one in front of her. Let me do all the talking.”

I sighed and nodded at him, “All right” Then I turned and laid down to sleep.

The next morning I woke up but didn't see him, which was a relief to me.

I got up and got dressed heading for the dining room where he would be as usual.

As I got closer, I could hear chattering coming from inside. His Grandma. I braced myself, checking my thoroughly before stepping in.

I was met with Alex's cold gaze,then his grandma's. She was a bit young for someone in her golden age, with her hair perfectly styled in a bob.

“ Oh, she's more beautiful than you described her to be”, she praised “Come dear, sit beside Nana”, and that I did.

“ Clearly my grandson has good eyes, don't you agree?” I just hummed slightly, stealing a glance at Alex. He just sat there, his expression unreadable.

I really didn't know what to do when it came to family because all my life I had lived without one, so this was strange to me. I had forgotten what it was like to have someone with me.

I just smiled at every word she said.

“ Have you picked a date”

A date? I looked at Alex, my eyebrows raised slightly, but he was as puzzled as I was.

“ A date for the wedding”

Wedding! I can't be getting married to him. Our agreement was just for a month and nothing more. There shouldn't be any need for any formalities.

“ Surely you guys can't have kids without getting married,” she said, noticing the confusion sparking between us both.

“ We ahmmm…” I stuttered not knowing what to say.

“ Nana, we haven't picked a date yet-” Alex cut me off.

“ Well then, let me help; in three months' time, you guys are getting married, and I am definitely handling the preparation”, sounding excited.

I exhaled sharply, I wasn't about getting married for real with someone like him.

“Nana, umm…. we'll think about it” I said, giving Alex a face to say something to convince her that there's no need to rush. But instead, he took his phone and gave his focus to it.

“ There's nothing to think about. I want you to get married in three months.” She demanded. “So, how did you guys meet,” she asked me, her warm smile almost disarming.

I gave Alex a look hoping he'd say anything to get me out. But he stayed silent. His gaze was cold and distant, completely unbothered.

I racked my brain for possible instances in which we met, but nothing came to my mind, and worst off, why isn't Alex helping? He always had something to say.

If I hesitated too long, she’d know something was off. But if I answer too quickly, she might catch on to our lie.

The weight of the stare grew heavier as she waited, expectant. I felt Alex's gaze shift towards me.

I was about to answer when Nana's phone vibrated. We all glanced down, curiously.