Chapter 4 A Different Side of Him

Elena sighed as the car pulled up in front of the mansion. It had been a long day, filled with whispers and glares at the office. She knew her position wasn't welcomed, but she had no choice but to endure.

Stepping out of the car, she walked inside, feeling a strange sense of emptiness in the massive house. She hadn't seen Alexander since the morning, and honestly, she wasn't even sure if he would come home.

Elena stepped into the kitchen, the quiet hum of conversation stopping as the maids noticed her. Their eyes widened slightly, and Lily, one of the younger ones, quickly stepped forward.

"Ma'am, do you need anything? We can prepare whatever you want."

Elena didn't react to the title. She wasn't their 'ma'am.' She wasn't anything in this house except someone Alexander barely acknowledged.

"I want to help." Her voice was calm, without emotion.

The maids exchanged glances. Maria, the oldest among them, hesitated. "Help?"

Elena rolled up her sleeves. "Yes. Cooking isn't something I need permission for, is it?"

Maria pursed her lips. "It's just... the master wouldn't-"

"Does he live in the kitchen?" Elena's tone remained neutral, but the message was clear.

Lily let out a small laugh before quickly covering her mouth.

Maria sighed and shook her head. "Fine. But don't complain when your hands hurt."

Elena nodded and took the knife from the counter, beginning to chop vegetables in silence.

The maids continued working, occasionally glancing at her. Eventually, Maria spoke. "You're different from what I expected."

Elena didn't look up. "What did you expect?"

"A spoiled, demanding woman."

Elena's hand paused briefly before she resumed cutting. "I see."

Lily bit her lip. "It's not our fault for thinking that. The master never brings women here."

Elena said nothing. It wasn't like she was here because he wanted her.

Everything became silent again. Then, softly, one of the maids started humming a song.

Elena recognized it. Without thinking, she joined in, her voice blending with the quiet melody.

The maids stared at her, but she didn't notice. She kept her focus on the task, her voice melodious, the rhythm keeping her hands moving.

None of them noticed the figure leaning against the doorway.

Alexander stood there, watching. His sharp eyes swept over the scene, his expression unreadable.

One by one, the maids noticed him. Their bodies stiffened, their faces turning pale. Without a word, they lowered their heads and quickly filed out of the kitchen.

Elena kept cutting, unaware. "Where did-"

A presence loomed behind her, cold and heavy.

She froze.

His voice came, from behind "Did I marry a wife or a servant?"

Her fingers curled around the knife, but she kept her face blank. "I was only helping."

Alexander moved closer, the air between them vanishing. "You're not needed here."

Elena swallowed, staring at the cutting board. "Understood."

He didn't step back. Instead, he reached past her, his hand brushing against hers as he grabbed a glass of water.

Her breath hitched.

"If you have this much energy, use it where I put you." His voice was cold, laced with something unreadable.

She said nothing.

Alexander took a sip of water, his gaze never leaving her. "Or are you already tired on your first day?"

Elena forced her voice to stay steady. "No."

A cruel smirk tugged at his lips. "Good."

Then, as if she wasn't worth another second, he turned and walked away, leaving behind the suffocating weight of his presence.

Elena slowly exhaled, gripping the knife tighter.

She should have expected this.

There was no warmth in this house.

---

Ivy sat stiffly in the grand living room, her fingers twisting in her lap. The air was heavy, thick with tension. The walls, the chandeliers, the luxury,none of it mattered. Because the man standing across from her wasn't just anyone.

He was Damon Blackwood.

A man whispered about in fear. A man who knew the truth.

He leaned against the fireplace, watching her with a knowing smirk. The firelight cast sharp shadows over his face, making him look even more dangerous.

"You're awfully quiet, Ivy." His voice was smooth but laced with something darker. "Regretting your little trick?"

She inhaled sharply. "I didn't-"

"Don't lie to me." His words were a quiet warning. "We both know you weren't supposed to be my bride."

Her nails dug into her palm. "It must have been a mistake."

Damon chuckled, low and dangerous. "A mistake?" He took a slow step forward. "Your mother switched you out like a product on a shelf. And you went along with it."

Ivy swallowed, but her voice was steady. "You can annul this marriage. Let me go."

A muscle in his jaw twitched. "Let you go?" He repeated, as if the idea was amusing. "You think I'm some fool you can deceive and walk away from?"

She lifted her chin. "You don't want me. You wanted Elena."

His expression darkened instantly. "Don't say her name."

Ivy flinched, his tone slicing through her confidence.

Damon exhaled, pinching the bridge of his nose before his cold gaze returned to hers. "Let's get one thing straight, Ivy. I don't care that you weren't the intended bride." He stepped closer, his presence suffocating. "But you are my wife now. And I don't share what's mine."

Her breath hitched. "I'm not a possession."

He tilted his head, amused. "Aren't you? Your mother sold you off to the highest bidder. You just happened to land in my hands instead of Alexander's."

Ivy clenched her fists, heat rising to her face.It wasn't his fault,it was all Elena's fault."just wait till I get out of here, Elena,but what does he mean her mother sold off to the highest bidder,her lovely mother wouldn't do that,this is all Elena's fault." she thought to herself

"You're cruel," she whispered.

Damon smirked. "I'm a businessman, sweetheart. Cruelty is just efficiency."

She turned away, her chest tightening. "This isn't what I wanted."

"Neither was your lie." His voice was closer now, just behind her. "But here we are."

A shiver ran down her spine.

"So what now?" She forced the words out.

Damon's fingers brushed her hair back, his touch featherlight, yet it sent a wave of fear through her.

"Now?" His breath was warm against her ear. "You learn how to be my wife."