CHAPTER THREE
The dress came in a black box.
It was waiting on the bed when Elena returned from a short walk on the balcony. The box was heavy, expensive-looking, with a silver ribbon she didn't bother untying carefully.
Inside was a gown. Dark green silk. Off the shoulder. Simple,elegant but sharp, like something meant to be worn by someone who knew how to walk into a room and own it….. Someone who demanded attention.
She didn't feel like that kind of person.
I am nowhere near that person.she mused as she threw the box down.Next to it was a smaller box—heels, delicate and high. And another—jewelry. Nothing too flashy. Just enough to whisper wealth.
No note. No instructions. But she already knew what it was for.
The charity gala they would be attending for as a couple… A newly wedded couple
Aiden hadn't spoken to her much since the morning after the wedding. Just a few short sentences at breakfast. A couple of texts with cold directions: Stylist at 4. Be ready by 7. We leave at 7:15 sharp.
That was all.
The stylist came on time. She was nice enough, though her eyes kept flicking to the wedding ring on Elena's finger like she was dying to ask questions. But she didn't. She just did her job.
Which was fine,she couldn't answer questions she had no answer to.
Hair curled. Makeup flawless. Dress fitted. Heels on.By 7:10, Elena stood by the door, ready.
Aiden walked in five minutes later.He was in a black tuxedo. Classic. Clean lines. Perfect fit.
Like a god
He looked at her slowly,like he was trying to look into her soul.
Elena stood nervously expecting him to say something. Anything.
He didn't.
Just a nod.
"Let's go."
---
The car ride was quiet. As usual.
Elena sat with her hands in her lap, trying not to ruin her dress, trying not to look nervous.
Aiden eyes were glued to the screen, checked his phone, replying to messages without looking at her.
She finally spoke. "What exactly is this event?" she couldn't stand the silence it was making her nervous,and she needed her wits for the event.
"Annual charity gala. Big donors, media, politicians." He said still focused on his phone.
"What do I have to do?" she asked softly making his eyes swing to her briefly for the first time since they boarded the car. Still looking at her,he said
"Smile. Stand beside me. Say as little as possible."
Elena turned her head, looking out the window. "I can do that."
"Good."
---
The hotel was glowing with lights when they arrived. Security everywhere. Cameras flashing. People watching.
The car door opened. Aiden stepped out first.Then he turned and offered his hand to her.
She took it.
His hand was warm, strong. Like a dream. For one second, it felt almost real. Then he let go,and she crashed back to reality.
They walked down the red carpet. Elena kept her shoulders straight and her eyes calm. While she shrank inside of her
Breathe in.
Out
You're strong. You can do this.
Photographers called their names. Well, mostly his.
"Mr. Black, over here!"
"Aiden! Is this your wife?"
Aiden stopped. Pulled her a little closer. Wrapped one hand lightly around her waist.
"This is Elena," he said coolly. "My wife."
The cameras exploded with flashes.
She didn't flinch.
She smiled.
Not a big smile. Just enough.
Fake—but good enough to pass.
They walked inside.
---
The ballroom was full of people in gowns and tuxedos, champagne glasses, fake laughter. Fake smiles. Everyone seemed to know everyone. Everyone seemed to be watching them.
Aiden was calm, cold, in control. He made small talk with other CEOs, politicians, people with too much money and too little warmth.
Elena stood beside him, smiling when needed, nodding politely, barely speaking.
As she was asked.
She felt invisible and exposed at the same time.
At one point, a woman walked up to Aiden. Tall, stunning, confident.She wore a red dress that showed off everything it could. Her smile was sharp and predatory.
"Aiden," she purred. "I didn't know you were bringing a date."
He smiled politely. "My wife."
The woman's smile froze just a little. Her eyes flicked to Elena.
"Oh. This is the famous bride." She said coolly
Elena held out her hand. "Nice to meet you."
The woman ignored it. Just looked her up and down. And Elena blushed a deep red and prayed internally for the ground to open up and swallow her whole
"How sweet," she said to Aiden. "You married a shy one."
"She's not shy," Aiden said smoothly. "Just smart enough not to waste words."
The woman raised an eyebrow, clearly not expecting him to defend her.
Then she turned and walked away.
Elena blinked,she turned to look at her husband but Aiden didn't look at her. Just sipped his drink and moved on.
But for the first time, she wondered—
Did he just stand up for me?
---
An hour later, they found themselves at a table with more people she didn't know. Aiden was pulled into another conversation about stocks, tech, numbers. Things she didn't care about
Elena sat quietly.
Then someone leaned closer.
"Your dress is beautiful," a woman said kindly. "Very classic."
"Thank you," Elena said softly careful not to show her surprise or satisfaction at the kind compliment.
"I've never seen you at one of these events before. Have you and Aiden been together long?" The woman asked again
Elena hesitated. She knew what she was supposed to say. The lie they'd agreed to.
"A few months," she said.
"Fast track to marriage, huh?" the woman laughed. "Well, I hope you can handle him."she said good natiredly
Elena smiled. "I'm trying."
Aiden turned his head slightly at that, just for a second, as if he'd heard her. But he didn't say anything.
---
The night ended late.
Back in the car, Elena let out a slow breath,she was exhausted.
Who would have believed keeping up appearances was tiring?
"You did well," Aiden said finally,breaking the silence
She looked at him, surprised.
"You mean that?" She asked,hoping she didn't look desperate for praise.
"You didn't embarrass me. You smiled. You kept quiet. That's all I asked."
"That's all I am to you, then? A prop?"She deflated and she didn't know why..
He looked at her. "I don't have space in my life for anything else."
She nodded slowly. "That's fine. I wasn't asking for anything."
They stared at each other for a long second. Something heavy passed between them. Not warmth. Not yet. But something.
Maybe a crack.
Maybe the start of one.
---
Back at the penthouse, Elena took off the jewelry, the heels, the dress.She stood by the window in her bare feet, looking out at the city.
She was tired. But not weak.
She had survived her first night in his world.
And somewhere deep inside, she felt it:
He saw me tonight
Maybe not fully.
Maybe not kindly.
But he saw her.
And that was a start.