Alexander's POV
I adjusted the cuff of my tailored tux, my patience wearing thin as I scanned the room. The ballroom was already filled with guests, all mingling and exchanging pleasantries. Victor was outside greeting the guests and I greeted them once. Everything was going smoothly except for one thing.
Elena wasn't here.
My jaw clenched as I checked the time again. She was supposed to be here by now. She was 20 minutes late and this wasn't just some gathering.
Where the hell was She?
I was beyond annoyed but I controlled myself then I signalled for Maria, her assigned maid. "Go upstairs and tell Elena to hurry up." I ordered.
Maria nodded. "Yes sir."
As she disappeared up the grand staircase, I relaxed my face. The last thing I needed was to show any sign of frustration.
Just Then, the arrival of one of the oldest and influential board members, Mr Henderson caught my attention. The man was in his late fifties, dressed in an expensive dark suit, with his elegantly dressed wife by his side.
"Mr Henderson." I greeted smoothly, shaking his hand. "It's good to see you, Welcome."
"Likewise, Alexander." The older man said, smiling. "Quite the gathering you have here."
Mrs Henderson gave a polite nod. "We were very intrigued when we got your invitation. A big announcement you said?"
I smirked. "I think you will find it interesting."
As we were still talking. The soft murmur of conversation shifted. It wasn't loud but noticeable.
Then I saw her.
Elena had just walked in.
For a brief moment, I forgot myself.
She looked...breathtaking.
The midnight blue dress hugged her figure perfectly, accentuating her curves in a way that was captivating. Her lush Brown curly hair spread all over her shoulders. The lighting in the room seems to catch her skin giving her this ethereal glow.
She wasn't the most glamorous woman in the room but compared to most of them dressed in diamonds and luxury, she was simple. But something about her stood out.
And that irritated me.
I wasn't supposed to notice her like that. She wasn't supposed to affect me in any way. This was just a contract. A business arrangement where we benefited and got what we wanted. Nothing more.
I forced the thought away, my expression returning to my usual detached neutral look as I approached her. I didn't compliment her, instead my sharp gaze locked onto hers. "Where have you been since? You're late."
She missed her steps slightly before she regained composure. "Something happened to my dress."
My brows drew together. "What do you mean?"
"The zipper broke."
A bit of suspicion crossed my mind. Not now. Not here but I knew who was responsible. Instead I said, "Next time, don't keep me waiting."
Then as if she hadn't just made me lose focus, I turned and continued greeting guests.
Hours passed, the Dinner flowing smoothly. The guests were settled. Everyone was waiting for the announcement.
I stood up from my seat, made my way to the prepared stage at the front of the ballroom. The hall became quiet as all eyes were on me anticipating the announcement.
With ease, I took the microphone, my voice steady and authoritative.
"Ladies and gentlemen, Thank you all for coming tonight." My gaze swept through the crowd. "I have a very important announcement to make."
Whispers began. My eyes swept the ballroom again landing on my mother, acting unbothered as she met my eyes. I chuckled a little. She better hold her glass tight for the big announcement.
"I am engaged to Elena Carter."
Gasps ripple through the crowd. Whispers and shocked exclamations spreading like wildfire.
Elena's name was unfamiliar to most of them. They knew the daughter of the wealthiest, the socialites who graced the events. But Elena Carter?
No one had heard of her before.
"Elena Dear, come up here." I said, looking at her and stretching my hand to her.
My gaze found hers across the room where she sat frozen. Then, as though breaking out of a trance, she stood making her way towards me.
The reactions were immediate.
"Who is She?" Someone muttered.
"A Carter? From where?"
"Isn't she some restaurant girl?" another voice sneered.
Victoria, sitting with her usual group of socialite snobs, let out a quiet disdainful laugh. "Gold digger," one of them shouted.
Elena heard it.
But she kept walking, head high, shoulders squared. Not caring what they said or letting it affect her.
She finally got to the stage and took my hand which was stretched towards her. To anyone watching, we looked like a real couple with love but behind the scenes, it was far from that.
Photographers took pictures, reporters asked a lot of questions but now the world knew we were engaged and she was to become my wife soon.
The next morning.
The news spread like wildfire.
Headlines dominated the morning papers, trending across the social media platforms.
"ALEXANDER STERLING ENGAGED TO A POOR GIRL - ELENA CARTER."
A picture of the two of us from last night's event was plastered on every site and in the newspapers.
I sat in my office at home, a copy of the newspaper in my hand with my usual morning coffee on the table beside me.
I smiled to myself.
This was just the beginning. My plan worked.
With a sigh, I downed my remaining coffee then closed the newspapers and stood up. I needed to get ready. I have meetings scheduled and no time to be distracted.
After a quick shower, I dressed in a crisp black suit, adjusting my tie in front of my mirror.
As I made my way downstairs, I checked my watch. My driver was already waiting outside. But just as I reached the entrance, movement near the side of the house caught my attention.
Elena.
She was heading towards the gates. Her bag slung around her shoulder. Unlike last night, when she was in a gown that turned heads. She was in a simple white blouse and fitted jeans, her curly brown hair packed in a messy bun.
My steps slowed. She hadn't seen me yet.
She walked with purpose. I should have ignored her or something but I didn't.
"Where are you going ?" I asked stoppping her in her tracks.
She turned. Shocked to hear my voice, her fingers tightened around her bag.
"My apartment." she said simply.
I arched my brows. " But you no longer live there."
Her lips pressed into a thin line. "Even if. I have to check on my brother. I haven't seen him or my mother since all of this started."
I understood her concern. But she was the center of attention now. She can't just be seen outside like that. The media was relentless and if she thought she could just walk around unnoticed, she was being naive.
"You can't just be outside like that."
She crossed her arms. "I don't need your permission."
No hesitation.
I pulled my phone from my pocket. "Henry, one of the drivers will take you." I said, making the call. Make sure you hide in plain sight so no one sees you. You need to keep a low profile, wear a hat or sunglasses, whatever it takes." I said with seriousness. "You need to be careful."
Elena narrowed her eyes. "I can take care of myself."
"Clearly," I said dryly. "Which is why your name is all over the news with people calling you gold digger."
She stiffened. I had hit a nerve.
"I don't care what they think." She snapped.
"Maybe you don't, but I do," I countered. "and whether you like it or not, your actions affect me now."
She sighed, clearly frustrated but didn't argue further. Better.
A sleek black car pulled up near the entrance, near my driver who was waiting for me. I had to take care of this first unfortunately.
Henry stepped out. "Sir?"
"Take her whenever she needs to go," I instructed, my gaze never leaving her. "Make sure she stays out of sight."
Henry nodded. "Understood."
Elena didn't move at first. She just stood there for a moment, as if debating if to enter or not to spite me. Then, with one last look of spite at me. She got into the car without another word.
I watched as the vehicle pulled away, di
sappearing down the long driveway.
I entered the car and we took off to the office.