Chapter 8 The Grand Invitation

Elena wanted to contribute to the household expenses, to share the burden of maintaining the home she now lived in. But Damien had different thoughts. He believed it was better if he handled the bills himself. He knew Elena's financial capacity-she didn't have the means to take on such responsibilities, while for him, money was never an issue.

"I really think I should be doing something in the house," Elena said, her voice calm yet firm. "So, let's try this-if I find that there are things I can't afford, then I'll come to you for help. If that's okay with you."

Damien studied her for a moment before giving a slight nod. "If you prefer it that way, then it's fine by me." His expression hardened slightly. "One more thing, Elena. Stay within your limits. You don't have to do too much in this house. This is a contract marriage, and as you already know, there are no emotional attachments involved. So, don't try to get close to me. Stay out of my space and, most importantly, don't play any funny tricks on me. It would go against our contract."

Elena met his gaze and nodded. "I will follow all the rules of the contract. You don't have to worry-I won't try to get your attention, and I won't overstep my boundaries."

"Good," Damien said coolly. "That will be all for now. You can go back to your room."

Elena turned on her heels and left without hesitation.

Damien stood there for a moment, surprised. An ordinary woman like Elena-plain, simple, nothing extraordinary-had just turned away from him without even a second glance. He was Damien Sinclair. A man desired by countless women, someone people wanted to be associated with. And yet, here she was, barely acknowledging his presence.

He couldn't deny that Elena had shown attributes that intrigued him, but that didn't mean she was special. For all he knew, she could be playing a long game, scheming to get closer to him, waiting for the perfect opportunity to manipulate him. He had seen women try to seduce their way into his life before. If Elena thought she could do the same, she was mistaken.

With that thought lingering in his mind, they both went their separate ways for the night.

The next morning, Damien woke up feeling slightly disoriented. He wasn't used to waking up in such a modest apartment. Before this arrangement, he had lived in a grand mansion, a Sinclair estate that exuded luxury. His bedroom alone had been the size of this entire house. Now, things were different. He was married to a random woman, living in a place that barely felt like home.

Letting out a sigh, he fell back onto the bed.

Then, reality set in.

He had work to do.

With a groan, he pushed himself up and headed straight to the bathroom. As always, his morning routine was quick-he brushed his teeth, showered, and wrapped a towel around his waist before stepping back into the hallway.

That was when it happened.

He bumped straight into Elena.

Her eyes immediately fell on his bare chest, and before he could react, she let out a loud, amused laugh.

Damien tensed, feeling uncharacteristically self-conscious. Without a word, he quickly adjusted his towel and rushed back to his room, slamming the door behind him. He could still hear her laughter echoing in the hallway.

His jaw clenched.

What was wrong with this woman?

After dressing up for work, he grabbed his briefcase and prepared to leave. But just as he reached the door, his stomach growled, reminding him that he hadn't eaten.

"Elena, is there anything to eat?" he called out.

Elena, who was already dressed and preparing to leave for her flower shop, walked up to him when she heard his voice.

"I couldn't make anything because the kitchen is practically empty," she said, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "There are no ingredients, no cooking supplies-nothing. That's what I was trying to explain yesterday. We really need to get some household essentials."

Damien exhaled sharply, rubbing his temple. "Alright. Just as we agreed yesterday, get whatever you think is necessary. If it exceeds your budget, call me, and I'll transfer the money to you." His voice was softer this time, less demanding.

Elena simply nodded.

"I'll be coming home late today, so don't wait up for me," Damien added. "I have my key, so I'll let myself in when I return."

Elena gave him a blank look. "I haven't been waiting for you to come home, Damien. Whether you return early or late is your decision." She glanced at the clock. "I'm almost late to open my shop, so enjoy your day. I'll be leaving now."

Without another word, she turned and walked out, leaving Damien standing there.

He blinked, momentarily stunned.

"What a woman," he muttered under his breath.

All his life, he had been treated like royalty-praised, worshipped, attended to by maids and bodyguards. But Elena? She treated him like he was just another man. It was humiliating to his ego, but he reminded himself that this arrangement was temporary.

One year.

That was all.

And once the contract ended, she would be out of his life.

For now, he just had to endure it.

Meanwhile, at Elena's flower shop, the day was already bustling with activity. It was also the same day she had agreed to attend the grand event with Natasha.

Thankfully, Damien had already mentioned he would be home late, which meant she could go to the event without worrying about him.

Just minutes before the scheduled time, Natasha arrived at the shop. She stepped out of a taxi and strode inside, dressed to perfection.

Elena's eyes widened in admiration. "You look beautiful, Natasha," she said, smiling.

Natasha twirled slightly, showing off her elegant blue gown. Her hair was styled to perfection, her makeup flawless. She carried a designer handbag, and her heels clicked against the floor as she walked.

"Thank you," Natasha beamed. "My aunt insisted I dress up properly for this event. She even got me this outfit, hoping I'd attract someone better." She let out a small sigh. "I could have refused, but honestly, I don't want to disappoint her. She has been supporting me financially while I'm stuck with my good-for-nothing husband."

Elena's expression softened. She understood Natasha's struggles all too well.

"Well, at least you'll be the most stunning woman at the event," Elena said, trying to lighten the mood.

Natasha smirked. "And you, my dear, are going to turn heads too. Now, come on-we have a party to attend."

As they left the shop and got into the waiting taxi, neither of them knew that the night ahead would change everything.