Morning After

I woke up to the sound of Julian's voice, his words dripping with sarcasm. "Good morning, wife. How's your head?"

I groggily opened my eyes, taking in the opulent bedroom. Julian was sitting in a chair, sipping a cup of coffee. The sunlight streaming through the window highlighted the sharp angles of his face, making him look even more menacing.

I rubbed my temples, trying to remember the events of the previous night. "What happened?"

Julian's smile was cold. "You fainted, darling. Must have been the excitement of our wedding night."

I felt a wave of nausea wash over me. "Where's my mom?"

Julian's expression turned serious. "She's being taken care of, Alex. You don't need to worry about her."

I sat up, my heart racing. "I want to see her."

Julian's eyes narrowed. "Not now, Alex. You need to rest."

I threw off the covers, my anger boiling over. "I don't need to rest. I need to see my mom."

Julian's smile returned, but it was laced with menace. "Fine, darling. You can see your mom. But first, you need to get dressed. We have a meeting with the press."

I felt a wave of panic wash over me. "What do you mean?"

Julian's eyes glinted with amusement. "We're going to announce our marriage to the world, Alex. And you're going to smile and wave like a good little wife."

I felt a surge of rebellion, but I knew I had to play along. For now.

As I got out of bed, Julian's eyes roamed over me, his gaze lingering on my body. I felt a shiver run down my spine, but I refused to show him how much he affected me.

"I'll get dressed," I said, trying to keep my voice steady.

Julian nodded, his smile growing wider. "Good. I'll meet you downstairs in 30 minutes."

As he walked out of the room, I felt a wave of relief wash over me. But I knew it was temporary. I was trapped in this nightmare, and I didn't know how to escape.

I quickly got dressed, my mind racing with thoughts of my mom and how I was going to get out of this situation.

As I made my way downstairs, I saw Julian waiting for me in the foyer. He was dressed in a tailored suit, his eyes gleaming with confidence.

"Ready?" he asked, offering me his arm.

I hesitated for a moment, but then took his arm, trying to play the role of the dutiful wife.

As we walked out of the house, I saw a sea of reporters waiting for us. Julian's smile grew wider as he waved at them, pulling me closer to his side.

I felt a wave of panic wash over me, but I knew I had to keep up the charade. For now.

The reporters began to shout questions at us, but Julian just smiled and waved, his arm tightening around me.

I felt like I was going to suffocate, trapped in this nightmare of a marriage.

But then, I saw a glimmer of hope. A reporter asked Julian about his business dealings, and for a moment, his mask slipped.

I saw a flash of anger in his eyes, a hint of the ruthless man beneath the surface.

And in that moment, I knew I had to be careful. Julian Blackwood was not a man to be trifled with.