Chapter 3 A wedding without love

Chapter Three: The Wedding Without Love

Elena barely had time to realize what she had agreed to when her life was thrown into upheaval.

Less than twenty-four hours after they'd signed the contract, she faced a tall mirror in an upscale bridal shop, clad in a beautiful white gown she hadn't chosen. It was stunning-dainty lace trimming the bodice, the fabric tightening at her waist before cascading in a loose water falling skirt. But to her, it was a disguise, something borrowed for an acting role she wasn't sure she'd be able to fulfill.

The stylist pulled at her, smoothing loose strands of her black hair into place as the makeup artist dusted her cheeks with a light shine.

She should be excited. Anxious, for sure.

She was. hollow.

"Why do you look like you're going to be sick?"

Elena glanced over at the face beside her. Jessica, her best friend, stood with arms crossed, wearing a bridesmaid's dress she had grabbed on a whim.

"I don't think you're actually doing this," Jess continued. "A marriage contract? This is insane, even for you."

Elena took a deep breath, smoothing out an imaginary wrinkle on her skirt. "It's a year, Jess. That's all, and I'll be able to leave with a sufficiently sized nest egg to cover Mom's care. It's not so bad."

Jessica snorted. "I still think you're selling this guy short. You barely know him, and he's-cold? Bossy? Billionaire with a tragic past? The whole brooding deal?"

Elena smiled weakly. "Something like that."

Jess looked at her cautiously, her voice soft. "Are you sure you can manage this? I mean, living with him, playing model wife, being subjected to his daughter?"

At the mention of Lily, Elena's heart squeezed. The little girl had clung to her the moment she arrived at the mansion that morning, her tiny hands gripping Elena's dress as if afraid she would disappear. It was the only thing that made this whole ordeal feel less like a business deal and more like something real.

"I'll be fine," Elena whispered. "I have to be."

Before Jess could argue, the door swung open, and a wedding planner bustled in. "It's time."

Elena's stomach knotted. Time to marry a stranger.

-

The ceremony was everything a billionaire's wedding should be-grand, extravagant, and devoid of any real warmth.

There were no heartfelt vows, no affectionate glances, no whispered 'I love you's.' Just the cool exchange of rings and the firm signing of documents, sealing their fate like a business merger.

Elena looked over at Alexander as he put the wedding ring on her finger. He looked just the same as always-immaculately dressed, his face a mask, those ice-blue eyes showing nothing.

When the time came for the kiss, he paused for the smallest second before he moved in.

A whisper.

His lips on hers with the gentlest pressure, no passion, no feeling-just a sense of obligation.

But still, in its lack of warmth, Elena's heart betrayed a small flip.

When the official said the words husband and wife, she barely heard the crowd applauding.

It was done.

She was now Elena Vaughn.

-

The reception was worse still.

Guests wandered the ballroom, toasting champagne and offering polite congratulations. Elena felt like a guest at her wedding, beside a husband who did not really seem to notice she was there.

She had attempted to make small talk, to be the radiant bride, but Alexander's chilliness made it impossible. He was courteous but aloof, never staying too close by her side.

And then, naturally, she arrived.

Victoria Hayes.

Alexander's ex-wife, who looked ravishing in a scarlet gown hugging her like a second skin. She swept in as though she owned the estate still, her eyes landing on Elena with predatory glee.

"You are the new Mrs. Vaughn," Victoria stated, her tone dripping with contempt. "How. surprising."

Elena smiled tightly. "It's great to meet you."

Victoria tilted her head, as if she was studying a puzzle that didn't make sense. "I must say, I never thought Alexander would marry again. He's not exactly the sentimental type." She leaned in a bit, speaking in a hushed tone. "Then again, this doesn't seem like much of a love affair, does it?"

Elena's hand curled around the base of her champagne glass. She knew Victoria was teasing her, testing for a reaction.

It wasn't given. A hard hand came down on her waist.

Alexander.

His hand surprised her, his fingers resting lightly on her side-a warning unsaid.

"I see you haven't changed, Victoria," he drawled, his voice cool, with a warning hint.

Victoria's smile came sweetly. "And I see you have." Her eye expanded to where his hand rested on Elena's waist before giving a slow, knowing smirk. "How interesting."

She turned away with an air of satisfaction, leaving behind a heavy tension between Elena and Alexander.

Elena breathed slowly. "She hates me."

"She's irrelevant," Alexander said brusquely, jerking his hand away as soon as he had placed it there.

Elena moved next to him. "Why did you do that?"

"Do what?"

"Touch me. In public."

His expression was blank. "Appearances, Elena. That's what this is, isn't it?"

Yes. Appearances.

And so why was her skin still burning where his hand had rested?

-

The night was dragged out with dry small talk and forced smiles, but Elena wanted only to disappear.

Once the reception finally closed, they were led into the waiting limousine. As soon as the doors closed behind them, quiet filled the room.

Alexander refused to glance her way. He sat on the other side of the vehicle, his back ramrod straight, his eyes cast out the window.

Elena swallowed hard. "That was... exhausting."

He didn't answer.

Time ticked in oppressive silence.

"Look," she said finally, squirming restlessly, "I know that this is just a contract, but I do think we should at least try to be civilized. We're going to be sharing the same house, bringing Lily up together. It doesn't have to be so-"

He turned to her then, his gaze cold. "So what?"

"So cold," she admitted quietly.

Something flickered in his eyes, something almost vulnerable, but it vanished before she could place it.

"I don't believe in unnecessary attachments, Elena," he answered finally. "This is a business arrangement. That's all it will ever be."

Her breast hurt. She had known it-had accepted it from the beginning.

Why did hearing him say it feel so painful, though?

She pulled away from him, staring out the window as city lights whizzed by in a blur.

She had married a man who did not believe in love.

And yet, as the car rumbled up to the manor house, she couldn't help but feel that she had just committed the worst thing of her entire life.