Chapter 3 You Think Defying Me Comes Without Cost

Greyson's eyes lingered over Elena's figure, the implication clear in the silence between them.

Elena's jaw tightened, refusing to believe he would push things this far in such a place. She wasn't about to back down.

Her hands tugged at the hem of her sweater, lifting it inch by inch.

A flash of pale skin revealed her narrow waist, the edge of her white underwear stark against the dark fabric.

Then, without warning, he shoved her away, his expression twisted with disgust.

Elena staggered, nearly losing her balance, but quickly steadied herself. Inside, her heart leapt with relief, though she wore the look of innocence on her face.

Greyson watched her, his gaze cutting. The act of playing pure while chasing wealth made him sick.

Did she not understand? If he died, she would be nothing but a widow, forever carrying that brand.

He could turn a blind eye to many things, but marriage was not something to treat like a game.

"Get out," Greyson said coldly, his voice laced with contempt.

To Elena, the words felt like chains falling away. Joy surged through her chest, though she forced her face into reluctant sorrow.

"Honey..." she cooed.

Greyson's patience snapped. "Don't make me repeat myself!"

Not daring to linger, Elena yanked her sweater back down, snatched her coat, and hurried out without looking back.

The moment she stepped out of the club, she let out a shaky breath.

Though she wasn't wearing her coat, the chill didn't touch her. Her pulse was still racing too fast, her whole body thrumming with leftover adrenaline.

It had been reckless, dangerous, a dance at the edge of a blade, but she'd walked away intact.

The very next day, Elena treated Mina to a lavish meal.

"You really have nerves of steel," Mina said, shaking her head in reluctant admiration.

Elena slipped her arm through Mina's with a grin. "Fortune favors the bold."

Mina's eyes widened slightly. "But weren't you afraid he might actually cross the line?"

"Come on! With that face, that body, and that kind of pedigree, what's not to like?"

Mina's brows drew together. "What are you even saying?"

Elena chuckled, mischief glinting in her eyes. "Honestly, if I had a child with him, the kid would be stunning."

Mina froze, caught off guard.

Elena laughed with delight, and Mina told her if he brought up divorce once more, she should simply say yes. Dealing with a man like Greyson was playing with fire.

"I understand." Elena knew Mina's warning came from a place of care, so she didn't argue.

By the time the meal was over, Mina finally felt relieved.

The two wandered through the mall together, chatting easily, when Elena suddenly froze mid-step.

Mina followed her gaze and her expression hardened. "That bastard!"

Elena's stomach churned at the sight of Jerald. It wasn't about lingering feelings-just a visceral disgust that twisted inside her.

"Let's turn back," Elena urged, tugging on Mina's arm.

Mina resisted, her brows furrowed. "Are you scared? Don't worry. I'll teach him a lesson." She yanked her arm free, rolling up her sleeves, ready to storm over.

Elena quickly caught her again. "I'm not scared. I simply don't want to stain myself dealing with trash."

Mina spat on the floor. "You're right. He's nothing but a filthy creep."

They turned to leave, wanting no part of him.

"Elena!" Jerald's voice rang out as he rushed forward, planting himself in their path.

Mina instantly stepped in front of her friend, her body tense, ready for a fight.

But Elena gently pushed Mina aside and faced him head-on. "What is it you want now?"

"You've ruined my life. What do you think I want?" His voice dripped with wounded pride. Losing face had eaten at him, and unless he put her down, he couldn't bear it.

As the words left his mouth, his hand shot forward to seize her arm.

Elena slipped back swiftly, his grasp cutting only air.

Fury twisted his face as he lunged again, this time aiming for her wrist.

Elena's palm cracked across his cheek before he could touch her, the sound sharp and ringing. Pain jolted through her hand, but she didn't flinch.

Jerald's head snapped to the side. Shock froze him for a second before rage took over. "How dare you hit me!"

"You should be grateful it was only my hand," Elena retorted, her eyes blazing with contempt. "Try to lay a finger on me again, and I'll make sure you regret it."

She had never been the type to cower-push her hard enough, and she always struck back twice as fiercely.

Back when she and Jerald were together, their relationship had been more about calls and texts than actual time spent face-to-face.

She had always spoken softly, treated him kindly, and carried herself with grace. To Jerald, that meant she was the perfect obedient girlfriend.

But today shattered that illusion. He hadn't imagined she could burn this hot when cornered.

In his mind, a woman like her needed to be broken, brought under control.

The crowd around them thickened, whispers rising, and Mina tugged Elena toward the exit. She knew too well that in public scuffles, women often bore the brunt of criticism.

Jerald's hand pressed against his reddened cheek, fury boiling over as he yelled after her retreating figure, "Elena! I'll make you regret this!"

Not far off, Greyson had seen everything, even the slap.

His assistant, Frank Begum, tilted his head, astonished at Elena's boldness. "She's got guts. That man's Jerald Martin, a playboy. A while back, a video of him went viral in their circle. Now I see-Mrs. Wilson was the one who leaked it."

Jerald had tried to erase every trace of it, but Frank had already dug it up. He handed his phone to Greyson, the evidence playing out in silence.

Greyson watched the video in silence, his face betraying nothing.

Frank slid the phone back into his pocket with a faint sigh. "Jerald's the type to hold a grudge. After being humiliated like that, he'll probably try something."

"Anyone who acts ought to be prepared for the fallout," Greyson said coldly as he turned away. "If she ends up facing retaliation, then she brought it on herself."

Frank wondered if he should remind Greyson that Elena was his wife.

He quickened his pace to catch up. "Sir, do you still plan to divorce her?"

Greyson's brow furrowed, the image of Elena's fake smile flashing across his mind.

"Yes," he answered curtly.

...

Elena stayed by Mina's side until nightfall. Mina's anger hadn't cooled, her voice sharp as she railed against Jerald, though her worry for Elena was obvious.

But Elena showed no trace of fear.

"Why not turn to your husband?" Mina asked. "You're still married. He should help you put Jerald in his place."

A flicker of unease rippled through Elena's chest at the mention of Greyson. Just the thought of asking him for help made her stomach tighten.

That man was nothing short of vile.

"You think I'd ever willingly accept him as my husband?" Elena scoffed.

"Then what's your plan? Why don't you just move in with me for now?" Mina asked.

"He wouldn't dare to lay a finger on me."

Elena repeated her assurances until Mina finally relented and let her head home.

The apartment she returned to was modest, a two-bedroom her father had bought for her before remarrying. It wasn't spacious, but it was hers, and it was enough.

After a shower, she curled up on the sofa, scrolling through videos, when her phone buzzed with an unfamiliar string of digits.

She let it ring a moment before picking up. "Who's calling?"

"Courthouse. Tomorrow morning. Eight o'clock. Divorce." The voice on the other end was clipped, cold, and unmistakable.

Elena's eyes flicked to the screen, confirming the strange number.

Her first thought was disbelief. How had Greyson even gotten her contact?

Then the realization hit. For a man of his means, tracking down her number would have been child's play.

He really was relentless.

Elena sat up cross-legged and said in a sweet voice, "When I married you, I never thought of a divorce."

"Not divorcing? Then you're just waiting around to be a widow once I'm gone?"

His words struck Elena like a slap. Yes, she had thought of it herself once, but hearing him talk about his own approaching death like that was something else entirely.

"Don't talk like that," she said quickly. "Medical technology is so advanced now. With treatment and the right mindset, any illness can be fought. You just need to cooperate and stay hopeful."

She meant every word.

Everyone, sick or not, wanted to hear something reassuring.

Greyson stood at the window, gazing out, picturing the cool, detached look that was probably on her face at that moment.

"If you don't want to make this harder than it already is, then be sensible," Greyson said flatly.

Elena could tell he had no intention of embracing this marriage.

Neither of them were naive; he could see straight through her sincerity, and she knew it.

"I won't agree to a divorce," she replied calmly. "Not unless you explain it to your parents, and they approve. Then I'll follow."

Maybe marriage had been an impulse, but whoever she married, the risks and struggles would likely be the same.

At least with him, the path felt a little more straightforward.

Greyson's eyes narrowed to slits.

She was shrewd.

His parents adored her-there was no chance they'd ever side with him on this.

The thought of her manipulations only deepened his distaste.

"You think defying me comes without cost?"

His low voice carried a dangerous edge, making Elena's chest tighten with unease.

"It's late," she answered quickly, forcing calm into her tone. "Focus on your health. When you've decided-or if your parents agree-we'll discuss it then. Goodnight."

Before he could fire back, she ended the call in one swift motion.

Exhaling slowly, she lowered the phone, staring at the unfamiliar digits glowing on the screen.

After a pause, she saved the number under his name, Greyson Wilson.

Her mind conjured his pale, striking face, and she could almost feel the storm brewing behind it.

No doubt he was livid.

Better to keep her distance, she thought. The less she saw of him, the safer she'd feel.

But the next morning, Sallie dispatched someone to fetch Elena.