Chapter 6: The New Beginning in School  

Exclusive university

 The campus was a world in itself—sprawling, manicured grounds of imposing buildings and luscious gardens; students moved with weakness and yet with considerable purpose and privilege. Elsie stood at the gates, wrapping her fingers around her bag, with her heart thumping against her. Never had she seen so grand a sight before, and it weighed heavily on her.

Damian had not spared any expense for one of the most exclusive finishing schools in the city. It had a promise to polish her manners and speech, teach her how to maneuver in tight little corners of Damian's elite world. But standing on campus, it felt like a fraud, a village girl masquerading as someone else.

Damian had dropped her off early that morning, and his tone was encouraging but firm. "This is your chance to grow, Elsie," he said, resting his hand on hers. "I know it's intimidating, but you're going to do great. Just remember, you're my wife now. You belong here."

She had forced out a nod and a smile but, as she saw the car drive away, she was overtaken by a swell of panic. Here, apart from these strangers in this strange, ominous place, she had no clue how she would manage. She had gotten used to Mrs Cole, who taught her in private and in a way that lasted barely two months.

Elsie opened up

The initial day of classes turned into a frenzy of introductions, lectures, and embarrassing moments. Elsie was somewhere in the back of the class, and her hands were trembling while trying to jot down notes. The other students were polished, confident, and bubbly, filling the very atmosphere with the type of noise that sent Elsie right over the top.

During a break, a group of women approached her. Impeccably dressed and flawlessly made over, they spoke with smooth, confident voices: "You're Damian Cole's wife, aren't you?" was asked by one of them. Her voice was marked by curiosity but yet not unfavorable in the tone. 

Elsie nodded, flushing a deep red. "Yes, I am."

The women exchanged glances, matching wry smiles. "Well, welcome to the club," another drawled, this time completely saturated in sarcasm, "marrying a billionaire must be quite the adventure."

Elsie did not know how to respond, but the women did not mind. They got her pulled into their circle, and their chatter filled her ears with stories they shared about parties, vacations, and the latest gossip. For the first time, there was a flicker of something in Elsie; it could be curiosity, or even something more like jealousy. These women were so sure, so independent. They did not seem to need anyone to take care of them. They were so much at the helm of their lives.

As days began rolling into weeks, Elsie could not resist the pull these women had on her. They opened her eyes to a completely different kind of world she never knew—one of riches, freedom, and power. Shopping, dressing, and socializing were the lessons they imparted to her to perfect her art in those areas. Gradually, Elsie started to change her self-perception. To her, she was more than just Damian's wife; she was someone who could earn and stand alone.

She began her series of queries

An evening after a particularly long day of classes, Elsie lay in her dorm room staring into the mirror. So much change had taken place in such a small amount of time. Her long, sleek hair artfully tossed into an updo, her makeup flawless, clothing from the latest fashion houses—yet as she looked into that reflection, strange, ill-defined qualms stirred within her.

Damian came to her mind; all memories of their joint life. He had given all—wealth, security, status in his world. But, in the midst of all such luxury, that purity rang in her ears no matter how she tried to ignore it. She had been taught to be obedient, to treat her husband as god above all else. But now, for the first time, there was inner conflict about whether that should continue to be enough.

Here in this school, the university's ladies had opened her eyes to a different course—independent lifestyles, and one's choices. That human dependence was no longer mandatory through Damian, but it had room for power and control within her own life.

Her mind was racing with future thoughts. What was it that Elsie really wanted? That life existed in a man's shadow as 'his' wife? Or was it more? Doubt was now planted and growing within every day.