Chapter 3: You look less of a billionaire's wife.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt." The voice came from Agatha, she stopped in front of them.

Her eyes darted between Eleanor and Liam while Eleanor rubbed her lips. "Sir….Dinner is served." She stammered.

"Leave! We'll be out shortly." Liam replied with his teeth gritted.

Agatha nodded before she quickly fled the scene, leaving Eleanor and Liam alone.

"We'll continue tomorrow." He said, as he opened the door and walked out. 

Eleanor sat down on the bed, her mind whirling. This was a nightmare, and she couldn't seem to wake up from it. Her heart racing with confusion and disbelief. She couldn't believe what had just happened.

She took a deep breath, trying to calm her racing heart. She knew she had no choice but to embrace her new life as Mrs. Chase.

With a sense of resignation, Eleanor got up and walked into the dinning room, her hands trembled as she slipped into the dinning seat. She busied herself with her food as she tried to calm herself.

Liam set down his fork and looked at Eleanor for the first time since she'd sat down.

"Now for the rules," he started. "To the rest of the world, you're my wife, but in this mansion, in this room, you are just another human being I have agreed to co-habit with, do you understand?" He asked with an eyebrow arched.

Eleanor sat motionlessly.

"This means I do not want you poking your nose into any of my business. We would do what we have to do as a couple. There will be nothing more."

"I understand." Eleanor nodded. She had no interest in his business, and quite frankly, she didn't plan on developing one.

"I don't want you to expect more from me."

Eleanor nodded, her throat tight. "I have no expectations."

"Why did you marry me? You could have had anyone else, so why me?" Eleanor found herself asking.

Liam paused. His eyes darted and the mood in the room changed drastically. "You are naive, Eleanor, and that is what made you the perfect bride."

She waited for him to elaborate, to maybe say a bit more and make her understand, but that was it. He offered no more explanations and left for his room.

Eleanor was speechless, her mouth gaping open. She gathered courage and went to her room.

The night was cold and tormenting. All alone in the big room, she could only think of all the terrible things she had been through. In one day, she lost her job and gained a possessive husband whom she knew nothing about.

She collapsed onto her bed and drifted off to sleep.

The next morning, the sunlight streaming through the windows woke her. She felt drained physically and emotionally. After slowly opening her eyes and stretching her arms to feel the comfort of the sheets that surrounded her, Eleanor sat up and surveyed the opulent room, admiring the exquisite paintings on the wall and the tasteful furniture. 

A gentle knock on the door interrupted her thoughts.

"Good morning, ma'am," Agatha called from outside. "Breakfast is ready for you."

She got out of bed and made her way to the door. As she opened it, the smell of freshly brewed tea and warm toast wafted in. She followed the aroma down the grand staircase, admiring the ornate banisters and gleaming marble floor.

In the dinning room, the table was set with a variety of breakfast items, including a hearty sandwich and a steaming cup of tea. Eleanor sat down quietly, taking a sip of the hot beverage and savoring it's rich flavor.

"Where's Liam?" She asked as she ate.

"He had an urgent meeting to attend this morning, ma'am," Agatha responded.

Eleanor was silent as she sipped her tea, savoring her breakfast. It was then that the small office beside the dinning room caught her attention.

She looked up to Agatha with curiosity. " I noticed no one enters that room, why?" She asked as she pointed to the direction of the room.

"Ma'am," Agatha said, catching her breath. "I'm afraid Mr. Chase has never allowed anyone enter the room, not even the cleaner."

Eleanor's hand shook as she set dowm her teacup and walked over to the small study. She was about to push the door open when she heard the sound of a man's footsteps rushing towards her.

She looked up to see her newly acquired husband, Liam standing behind her with his eyebrows furrowed.

"What are you doing here?" "I thought you left already…" Eleanor stammered.

He hesitated, then spoke. "I thought I already made it clear that you shouldn't meddle in my business, huh.."

"I'm sorry…" Eleanor continued stammered.

"Get ready, we're going to my father's house tonight." Liam broke the silence. "You need to dress appropriately, I would pick you up at 7:30pm."

Liam had dropped by to take a document. Without another word, he gave Eleanor a short glance before he left the house.

Eleanor spent the rest of the day preparing for the evening. She went through her wardrobe, agonizing over what to wear. She chose a silk dress with pearl buttons hoping it would be elegant enough for the occasion.

As the evening grew nearer, Eleanor got dressed, her body tingled as she ran her hands over the dress. She stared at herself in the mirror while she applied a red lipstick.

She took a deep breath, preparing herself for the night ahead. Liam was already in the car when she came outside, his eyes fixed on his phone.

She climbed in next to him, feeling his cold gaze on her.

"Next time, dress more appropriately," Liam started. "You look less of a billionaire's wife." He lamented.

He turned away, focusing on the road. Eleanor's heart sank, realizing he wasn't going to compliment her.

Shortly after, the car stopped at the entrance of Liam's father's residence. Eleanor stepped out of the car feeling self-conscious in her dress. Liam had already gone inside, leaving her all by herself.

As she approached the door, the voice of a man leaning against the car stopped her.

"Hey lady, you look like you've been through a lot. Care to talk?" His voice was calm and polite.

Eleanor stopped, her eyes momentarily locked with his. There was a warmth in his gaze.