His Real Bride

"Don't take too long, Elena. Alexander won't like his bride looking like a stray cat," Ivy's sharp voice echoed through the room.

Elena's trembling hands fumbled with her veil as she tried to secure it. She stood in front of the mirror, dressed in an elegant white gown, but the nervous flush on her face made her feel far from beautiful.

"I'm doing my best," Elena muttered quietly, avoiding Ivy's piercing glare.

"Your best?" Ivy scoffed, adjusting her glittering jewelry in the mirror. "That's why you ended up with Damon, isn't it? The second choice. My Alex wouldn't settle for someone like you."

"Ivy!" Elena's voice cracked as she looked over her shoulder. "Can you stop? Just for today?"

"What?" Ivy smirked. "Am I lying? Damon is practically giving you charity by marrying you. You should thank me for taking Alex off the market."

"I didn't choose Damon. The families decided,"

"And the families knew better than to let Alexander marry someone like you," Ivy interrupted with a snort. "God, just look at you." She stepped closer, brushing invisible lint off Elena's gown. "All your life, you've been the quiet little shadow, following me around, hoping for scraps of attention. But guess what, Elena? Today, everyone's attention will be on me."

"Enough already" came a stern voice. Their mother, Mrs. Calloway, swept into the room, her heels clicking sharply against the polished floor. Her gaze immediately softened as it landed on Ivy. "You look perfect, darling."

"Thanks, Mother," Ivy said, her tone dripping with sweetness. "I just hope Elena doesn't embarrass us in front of the guests."

"Mother..." Elena started, her voice barely above a whisper.

Mrs. Calloway turned to her, her expression hardening. "Elena, I've told you before. Today isn't just about you. This is about the Calloway family's reputation. Do you understand?"

"I understand," Elena said, lowering her gaze.

"Good. Now fix that veil and stop looking so nervous. You're lucky Damon agreed to marry you at all," Mrs. Calloway added coldly.

Elena swallowed the lump in her throat. She had grown used to this,a lifetime of being overshadowed by Ivy, the favored daughter. Ivy, with her confidence, beauty, and charm, had always been their mother's pride. Elena, on the other hand, was the mistake.

"Don't listen to her, Mother," Ivy said with mock concern. "I'm sure Damon doesn't mind a bride who looks like she's about to faint." Mrs Calloway laughed as she walked out.

"I'm the bride, Elena. You're nothing but a mistake," Ivy continued with a smirk as she fixed her veil.

Elena swallowed hard, her voice trembling. "I never wanted to take anything from you. Why do you hate me so much?"

Ivy's eyes turned cold. "Because you exist. That's reason enough."

Elena clenched her fists. For once, she decided to push back. "Why do you always have to tear me down, Ivy?"

"Because someone needs to keep you grounded," Ivy replied smugly. "Honestly, Elena, do you think I enjoy doing this? It's exhausting being the one who holds everything together while you just float through life, hoping someone will save you."

"I don't need saving," Elena said, her voice shaking.

"Oh, please," Ivy snapped. "If it weren't for Mother, you'd be living in some tiny apartment, probably working in a diner. You should be grateful for this marriage. Damon's doing you a favor."

"Ivy, that's enough," Mrs. Calloway interjected, though her tone lacked conviction. "We don't have time for your games. The carriages are ready. Let's go."

Ivy smiled victoriously and grabbed her bouquet. "Don't trip on the way out, Elena," she whispered as she brushed past her sister.

____

The grand Calloway estate buzzed with activity. Guests milled about, admiring the decorations and eagerly awaiting the twin brides. The carriages stood ready at the front entrance, each one adorned with flowers and ribbons.

Elena stepped out hesitantly, her heart pounding. She glanced at Ivy, who walked with the confidence of a queen. Their carriages were parked side by side, ready to take them to their respective grooms.

Ivy smirked as she climbed into her carriage. "Good luck, Elena. You'll need it."

Elena didn't reply. She took a deep breath and stepped into her own carriage. As the door closed behind her, she couldn't shake the uneasy feeling growing in her chest.

The carriages began to roll down the driveway, the horses' hooves echoing against the cobblestone path. Elena stared out the window, her thoughts swirling.

---

Halfway down the road, the carriages slowed.

"What's happening?" Elena asked the driver.

"Just a minor delay, Miss Calloway," he said without turning around.

Elena frowned but stayed silent. She was too nervous to question him further.

A few moments later, Ivy's carriage came to a stop as well. She opened the window and yelled at her driver. "Why are we stopping? I don't have time for this!"

"Apologies, Miss Calloway," the driver replied. "We'll be moving shortly."

But instead of continuing on their way, the drivers exchanged brief, hurried whispers. Then, without warning, they switched carriages.

Elena's heart raced as her carriage jolted forward again. She leaned out the window to speak to the driver, but he ignored her.

"Ivy?" she called, but her sister's carriage was nowhere in sight.

Meanwhile, Ivy leaned back in her seat, unaware of the change. She adjusted her veil, a smug smile on her face. "Alexander won't know what hit him," she muttered.

---

Elena's carriage arrived at a grand estate, but it wasn't the church. Her eyes widened as unfamiliar staff opened the door and helped her out.

"Wait... where are we?" she stammered.

"Right on time, Miss Calloway," a deep voice said. A man stepped forward, his face unreadable. "Your groom is waiting."

Elena froze, dread creeping up her spine.

Far away, Ivy's carriage arrived at the church. She stepped out confidently,still full of herself, looking up to....

Ivy stepped out of the carriage, her gown trailing behind her. She expected to see Alexander Carter, the man she had dreamed of marrying, waiting for her at the grand church entrance.

But the moment she looked up, her stomach twisted.

The man standing at the altar was not Alexander.

It was Damon Blackwood.

Her breath hitched. No. This isn't right.

The doors behind her slammed shut.

Damon's cold, piercing eyes locked onto hers. He didn't smile. He didn't speak. He just watched.

The priest cleared his throat. "Shall we begin?"

Ivy's pulse pounded in her ears. She turned sharply. "There's been a mistake..."

Damon's deep voice cut through the room. "There is no mistake."

Her heart dropped.

He knew.

And yet, he was still standing there, still claiming her.

Ivy swallowed hard. No, no, no.

This wasn't supposed to happen.

---

Elena's hands trembled as she stepped out of the carriage. The grand mansion before her was not the church. The towering gates, the cold, lifeless statues, the sharp scent of rain,everything felt wrong.

"Where are we?" she whispered.

The butler bowed. "Welcome to the Carter estate, Miss Calloway."

Her chest tightened. Carter. As in Alexander Carter.

"No," she breathed. "This is a mistake."

A chilling voice made her freeze.

"Ivy."

She turned.

Alexander Carter stood at the top of the stairs, his presence dominating the space. He was tall, intimidating, and completely unreadable. His sharp features remained expressionless, but his eyes,his eyes held a dangerous glint.

Elena's heart pounded. He thinks I'm Ivy.

Alexander descended slowly, his gaze never leaving hers. "You're quiet."

She forced a shaky breath. "I'm just... overwhelmed."

He studied her, his face cold. He got to where she was standing,bent his head down to her level with a smirk on his face,he brought up his hands to her face, tracing lines on her face. "You should be. You're my wife now."

Elena's stomach twisted. She had to keep playing along.

She couldn't let him know. "Yes,yes.." she stuttered. If the looks could could kill,she would be dead by now. But somehow,his touch turned on a sensation in her,which has never happened since that night.

Alexander studied at again, turned and left.

---

Ivy gritted her teeth as she faced Damon. "This wasn't the plan."

Damon tilted his head, his dark eyes void of sympathy. "The plan changed."

Her fingers curled into fists. "I refuse to marry you."

Damon let out a low, amused chuckle. "You already did."

Ivy's breath caught as the priest handed over the signed documents. Her signature. Her stomach churned. When!!how!

She turned back to Damon, fury burning through her veins. "I will find a way out of this."

Damon leaned closer, his voice a whisper of steel. "Try, and I'll make sure you regret it."

Ivy's blood ran cold.

She had walked into a trap.

And Damon wasn't letting her go.

---

Elena sat stiffly in the massive bedroom. The walls were too grand, too suffocating. The bed, with its silk sheets, felt like a cage.

The door opened.

Alexander entered, his gaze unreadable. He pulled off his jacket, tossing it aside with calculated ease.

"You're tense," he observed.

She forced a smile. "It's just... a long day."

Alexander poured himself a drink, his movements were slow. He didn't speak for a moment, just watched her.

Then, he murmured, "You're different."

Elena's heart skipped a beat. Did he notice?

He stepped closer. "Not as arrogant."

She swallowed hard. Ivy must have been arrogant around him.

She forced a small laugh. "Marriage changes people."

Alexander raised an eyebrow but said nothing.

The silence between them was heavy. Dangerous.

Then, he spoke.

"I hope you're not thinking of running."

Elena's breath caught.

He leaned down, his voice a quiet warning.

"Because I don't let go of what's mine."

Her hands clenched at her sides. She was trapped.

And Alexander was watching her every move.

---

Ivy sat in the dimly lit study, her hands gripping the armrests of the chair. Damon stood by the fireplace, his posture relaxed, as if he hadn't just stolen her life.

She glared at him. "What do you want from me?"

Damon swirled his glass, his expression unreadable. "Everything."

Ivy's jaw tightened. "You can't keep me here."

Damon finally turned to her, stepping forward with slow, controlled steps. "You think this is a game?"

She refused to flinch. "I think you made a mistake."

Damon chuckled. Dark. Low. Dangerous.

"The only mistake," he said, gripping the armrest beside her, caging her in, "is underestimating me."

Ivy's pulse roared in her ears.

She had underestimated him.And now, she was paying the price.

------

Alexander entered his study, Nero,his right hand man followed behind him, while the other bodyguards stayed outside, closing the door.

Alexander walked straight to the couch and sat down, rubbing his fingers together as if lost in thought. Nero stood beside him, waiting for his orders.

After a few moments of silence, Alexander finally spoke. "Look into that Ivy girl." His voice was calm but firm. "She doesn't seem to be her. Something is off."

Nero raised a brow slightly. "What makes you say that?"

Alexander leaned back. "I don't know. I just have this feeling. She's not acting the way she should. Find out everything about her."

Nero gave a small nod. "I'll handle it."

Alexander exhaled and shook his head, pushing the thoughts aside. "Let's talk about the designs."

Nero pulled out a notepad from his pocket and flipped it open. "These are the new jewelry designs for the upcoming collection." He placed the notepad on the table and pointed at the first sketch.

"This necklace is the highlight. They used a rare cut to make it unique."

Alexander studied the design. "It looks good. What about the stones?"

"They are using high-grade diamonds. Only a few pieces will be made."

Alexander nodded. "Limited edition?"

"Yes. It adds value."

Alexander smirked slightly. "Good. Make sure the quality is flawless. No mistakes."

Nero flipped to the next page. "This bracelet is another exclusive piece. It has a custom chain design, so no two will be exactly alike."

Alexander tapped his fingers against the armrest. "That's what I want. Something no one else can copy."

Nero closed the notepad. "Yes."

Alexander glanced at Nero and said "Arrange a maid for Ivy. Make sure she has everything she needs. Clothes, accessories, whatever is necessary."

Nero gave a short nod. "I'll take care of it."

Nero was about to leave when Alexander's voice stopped him.

"And one more thing." His tone was sharp, his expression unreadable. "Get that Ivy girl useful. She can't just sleep and wake up in this house like she's here for a vacation."

Nero turned back, a hint of hesitation in his stance. "What do you want me to do?"

Alexander leaned forward, his fingers tapping against the armrest. "The only thing I signed with her family was marriage. Nothing more. Whatever she sees next is up to her." His lips curled slightly, almost mocking. "Give her a job at the company. Make her my personal assistant."

Nero raised a brow. "Your personal assistant?"

"Yes." Alexander's voice was cold. "Since she's here, she might as well be useful. Let her run my errands, sort my schedule, and do whatever I ask. She'll take notes in meetings, bring me coffee, and make sure I don't have to deal with the little things." He paused, then smirked. "No special treatment. If she wants to be here, she'll have to earn it."

Nero didn't say anything, but his silence spoke volumes.

"I'll arrange it." He finally nodded before walking out.

Alexander exhaled slowly, leaning back into the couch.

She was about to find out exactly what it meant to be his wife.

Elena stirred awake, blinking at the soft morning light streaming through the curtains. She stretched lazily, then sat up, rubbing her eyes.

Her gaze swept around the large, luxurious bedroom, expecting to see Alexander. After all, they were married now. Shouldn't they be sleeping in the same room?

Not that she wanted that.

But wasn't that how it was supposed to be?

Her eyes narrowed slightly. Now that she thought about it, she hadn't seen him since last night. He had left her in the room without another word.

Did he even sleep in the house?

Before she could think further, a soft knock came at the door.

"Come in," she called, sitting up straighter.

A maid stepped inside, bowing slightly. "Good morning, ma'am. Your breakfast is ready, and you should get dressed. The driver is waiting to take you to the office."

Elena's brows shot up. "Office?"

The maid nodded. "Yes, ma'am. You are expected at the company today."

Elena raised her brows. "Isn't it funny? A newly wedded wife should be on her honeymoon, but instead, I'm going to work?" She thought.

Elena sighed and waved a hand. "Alright. You can go."

The maid bowed again and left.

Elena swung her legs off the bed and padded toward the wardrobe, pulling the doors open. Her eyes widened in surprise.

Everything she could possibly need was neatly arranged inside. Clothes in her size, shoes, bags, even jewelry.

So he had prepared all this?

She swallowed, what could she have expect,she is now a rich man's wife on paper,even though the marriage was nothing but a business deal between families.

With no choice, she picked out a simple but elegant outfit, got dressed, got her sketch book with her,she couldn't do without it after all, it's the only that makes her happy and keeps her alive,then, made her way downstairs for breakfast.

---

She sat at the long dining table, her appetite is nowhere to be found. The food was there,freshly made, looking delicious,but her mind was elsewhere.

She stabbed her fork into a piece of pancake and muttered under her breath. "Not even a single word from him. Only to be told she had to resumed to work which she knows nothing about,is this how her life is going to go on,from frypan to fire. Guess she's never going to be loved." She thought.

Her thoughts were interrupted by a voice. "The driver is ready, ma'am."

She turned to see another maid standing nearby.

Elena sighed, pushed her chair back, and stood up. "Let's go, then."

She walked outside, where a sleek black car was parked in the driveway. The driver, a middle-aged man, opened the door for her. She hesitated for a second, then slid inside.

As the car pulled out of the mansion, she stared out the window, a bitter smile forming on her lips.

First night of marriage,spent alone.

First morning as a wife,sent straight to work.

If Alexander was trying to send her a message, she had received it loud and clear.

----

Alexander sat on the leather chair in his office, flipping through some documents while Nero stood at a short distance, arms crossed, his usual unreadable expression on his face.

"Did you handle the morning reports?" Alexander asked without looking up.

"Yes," Nero replied. "Everything is set for the board meeting."

Alexander nodded, then leaned back. "Good."

A knock came at the door.

"Come in," Alexander said coldly.

Nero stepped aside as the door opened, and Elena walked in.

She hesitated slightly before taking a step forward, her hands nervously clutching the strap of her handbag. She had expected an office, but not this level of tension. The space was big and polished, but cold,just like him.

Alexander didn't lift his gaze, his fingers tapping lightly on the desk. "You're late."

Elena blinked. "I-"

"I don't need excuses," he cut her off sharply. "From today onward, you'll be my personal assistant. Nero will guide you through your tasks."

Elena's lips parted slightly, but she quickly shut them. She wasn't expecting this, but what could she say? Complaining wasn't an option.

Nero glanced at her, then back at Alexander. "Do you want me to take her through the schedule now?"

Alexander finally looked up, his gaze cold and distant. "Yes. Make sure she earns the position."

Elena's heart sank slightly at his words, but she only gave a small nod.

Nero motioned for her to follow him. "Come with me."

She turned without a word, trailing behind him as he led her through the office.

---

As they walked past the main workstations, romors floated through the air.

"Who's she?"

"I heard she's the new assistant."

"Already? She must have connections."

"She's lucky. Imagine working so close to Mr. Carter."

"Lucky? Or did she use something to get that spot?"

"She must have done something "

"No doubt,she is beautiful but..."

Elena kept her gaze forward, pretending not to hear, but every word burned into her. She wasn't new to rumors, but somehow, these felt different.

She followed Nero to a sleek desk near Alexander's office. "This is where you'll be working," he said simply. "Your tasks will come directly from Mr. Carter or me. Don't slack off, don't make mistakes, and don't expect special treatment."

Elena nodded. "I understand."

Nero studied her for a moment before nodding. "Good." He placed a tablet in front of her. "Start by going through today's schedule. Mr. Alex doesn't like delays."

She sat down quietly and tapped the screen, determined to do her job well.

Even if Alexander wanted to make things difficult for her, she wouldn't complain.

She was used to it anyways,even when her mother could do all she did to her,then who wouldn't. She is just a piece of trash toyed around the way they wanted.

Elena was still lost in thought, scrolling through the schedule, when the sound of heels clicking against the floor made her look up.

A tall woman with sharp eyes and perfectly styled hair stopped in front of her desk, arms crossed.

"So, you're the new assistant." Her voice was smooth, but there was something unsettling behind it.

Elena nodded politely. "Yes, I am."

The woman's lips curled into a smile, but it didn't reach her eyes. "I'm Rita, Mr. Alex's secretary. Since you're new, let me give you a little advice..." she leaned in slightly "...don't get too comfortable."

Elena's fingers tightened slightly around the tablet, but she kept her face neutral.

Rita straightened, flipping her hair back. "I hope you won't be a problem." With that, she turned and walked away, her heels clicking against the floor.

Elena exhaled softly, her heart beating a little faster.

So, this was how it was going to be? Just the first day,and it is getting this rough,she definitely in an hot mess