Chapter 4 The Public Debut

Elena stood before the full-length mirror in the expansive walk-in closet of Alexander's penthouse. The room was a testament to luxury—mahogany shelves lined with tailored suits, rows of Italian leather shoes, and glass cases displaying an array of silk ties. Yet, amidst this display of masculine elegance, a section had been meticulously curated for her, filled with designer gowns, shoes, and accessories she could scarcely have imagined owning.

She smoothed the fabric of the navy-blue evening gown that clung to her figure, its simplicity exuding an understated elegance. The dress's deep hue contrasted with her fair skin, and the diamond earrings she wore caught the light with every movement. Elena barely recognized the woman staring back at her—a transformation orchestrated by a team of stylists Alexander had insisted upon.

Tonight was their first public appearance as a married couple. The charity gala hosted by King Enterprises was an annual event, attracting the city's elite. Elena's stomach churned at the thought of facing the scrutinizing eyes of high society, but she steeled herself. This was part of the deal.

A soft knock interrupted her thoughts. She turned to see Alexander leaning against the doorframe, impeccably dressed in a tailored black tuxedo. His gaze traveled over her, a flicker of approval in his eyes.

"You look stunning," he said, his voice smooth.

Elena offered a tight smile. "Thank you."

He extended his arm. "Shall we?"

Taking a deep breath, she looped her arm through his, and together they descended the grand staircase to the awaiting limousine.

The venue was a masterpiece of architectural brilliance, with towering glass walls and crystal chandeliers casting a warm glow over the elegantly dressed attendees. As they entered, conversations hushed, and all eyes turned toward them. Elena felt the weight of their gazes, whispers buzzing like distant bees.

Alexander's grip on her arm tightened slightly, a subtle reassurance. He led her through the crowd, stopping to exchange pleasantries with various guests. Elena plastered a polite smile on her face, nodding and responding when appropriate, all the while feeling like an imposter in a world she didn't belong to.

"Ah, Alexander!" A tall man with graying hair approached, a young woman with striking features on his arm. "And this must be the lovely Elena I've heard so much about."

"Richard," Alexander greeted with a nod. "Elena, this is Richard Lawson, one of our major investors, and his daughter, Victoria."

Elena extended her hand. "A pleasure to meet you both."

Victoria's gaze was sharp, assessing. "The pleasure is ours. Welcome to the family."

Family. The word felt foreign in this context. Elena merely nodded, her smile unwavering.

As the night progressed, Elena found herself engaged in superficial conversations, each one more draining than the last. She excused herself momentarily, seeking refuge on the balcony. The cool night air was a relief against her flushed skin.

She leaned against the railing, gazing at the city lights below. The reality of her situation settled heavily on her shoulders. She was a pawn in a game far larger than herself, bound by a contract to a man she barely knew.

"Escaping already?" Alexander's voice broke through her thoughts.

She turned to find him standing a few feet away, hands in his pockets, an unreadable expression on his face.

"Just needed some fresh air," she replied.

He stepped closer, the distance between them shrinking. "You're handling this well."

Elena let out a soft, mirthless laugh. "Is that your way of saying I haven't embarrassed you yet?"

A hint of a smile tugged at his lips. "Not yet."

They stood in silence for a moment, the sounds of the gala muted behind the glass doors.

"Why did you agree to this?" Alexander's question was unexpected, his tone softer than she'd ever heard.

Elena hesitated, choosing her words carefully. "We both have something to gain. It's a mutually beneficial arrangement."

His gaze searched hers, as if seeking something beneath her composed exterior. "And that's all it is to you? An arrangement?"

She met his eyes, her own guarded. "Isn't that what we agreed upon?"

A muscle in his jaw tightened, but he nodded. "Yes. That's what we agreed."

The tension between them was palpable, a delicate balance of unspoken words and restrained emotions.

"We should get back," Alexander said finally, offering his arm once more.

Elena took it, and together they reentered the ballroom, the facade of the perfect couple firmly in place.

The remainder of the evening passed in a blur of introductions and polite conversations. By the time they returned to the penthouse, Elena's feet ached, and her face hurt from forced smiles.

In the privacy of their shared space, the silence was deafening. Elena moved to remove her earrings, her fingers fumbling with the clasps.

"Here," Alexander's voice was closer than she'd expected. He stood behind her, his hands gently brushing hers aside to unfasten the earrings. His touch was surprisingly gentle, sending an unexpected shiver down her spine.

"Thank you," she murmured, stepping away to place the earrings on the dresser.

Alexander loosened his tie, watching her with an intensity that made her skin prickle. "You did well tonight."

Elena met his gaze in the mirror. "I'm glad I met your expectations."

He took a step closer, his reflection looming behind hers. "This doesn't have to be difficult, Elena."

She turned to face him, her chin tilted defiantly. "No, it doesn't. As long as we both remember why we're here."

Something flashed in his eyes—frustration, perhaps—but he merely nodded. "Goodnight, Elena."

"Goodnight, Alexander."

She watched as he retreated to his own room, the door closing softly behind him. Alone, Elena let out a breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding. The evening had been a test, and she had passed. But as she prepared for bed, the lingering sensation of Alexander's touch haunted her thoughts, a reminder that the boundaries of their arrangement were not as clear-cut as they seemed.