Chapter 3 – No Honeymoon for a Wife Like Her

Elena stirred awake, blinking at the soft morning light streaming through the curtains. She stretched lazily, then sat up, rubbing her eyes.

Her gaze swept around the large, luxurious bedroom, expecting to see Alexander. After all, they were married now. Shouldn't they be sleeping in the same room?

Not that she wanted that.

But wasn’t that how it was supposed to be?

Her eyes narrowed slightly. Now that she thought about it, she hadn't seen him since last night. He had left her in the room without another word.

Did he even sleep in the house?

Before she could think further, a soft knock came at the door.

"Come in," she called, sitting up straighter.

A maid stepped inside, bowing slightly. "Good morning, ma'am. Your breakfast is ready, and you should get dressed. The driver is waiting to take you to the office."

Elena's brows shot up. "Office?"

The maid nodded. "Yes, ma'am. You are expected at the company today."

Elena raised her brows. "Isn't it funny? A newly wedded wife should be on her honeymoon, but instead, I’m going to work?" She thought.

Elena sighed and waved a hand. "Alright. You can go."

The maid bowed again and left.

Elena swung her legs off the bed and padded toward the wardrobe, pulling the doors open. Her eyes widened in surprise.

Everything she could possibly need was neatly arranged inside. Clothes in her size, shoes, bags, even jewelry.

So he had prepared all this?

She swallowed, what could she have expect,she is now a rich man's wife on paper,even though the marriage was nothing but a business deal between families.

With no choice, she picked out a simple but elegant outfit, got dressed, got her sketch book with her,she couldn't do without it after all, it's the only that makes her happy and keeps her alive,then, made her way downstairs for breakfast.

---

She sat at the long dining table, her appetite is nowhere to be found. The food was there,freshly made, looking delicious,but her mind was elsewhere.

She stabbed her fork into a piece of pancake and muttered under her breath. "Not even a single word from him. Only to be told she had to resumed to work which she knows nothing about,is this how her life is going to go on,from frypan to fire. Guess she's never going to be loved." She thought.

Her thoughts were interrupted by a voice. "The driver is ready, ma’am."

She turned to see another maid standing nearby.

Elena sighed, pushed her chair back, and stood up. "Let's go, then."

She walked outside, where a sleek black car was parked in the driveway. The driver, a middle-aged man, opened the door for her. She hesitated for a second, then slid inside.

As the car pulled out of the mansion, she stared out the window, a bitter smile forming on her lips.

First night of marriage,spent alone.

First morning as a wife,sent straight to work.

If Alexander was trying to send her a message, she had received it loud and clear.

----

Alexander sat on the leather chair in his office, flipping through some documents while Nero stood at a short distance, arms crossed, his usual unreadable expression on his face.

"Did you handle the morning reports?" Alexander asked without looking up.

"Yes," Nero replied. "Everything is set for the board meeting."

Alexander nodded, then leaned back. "Good."

A knock came at the door.

"Come in," Alexander said coldly.

Nero stepped aside as the door opened, and Elena walked in.

She hesitated slightly before taking a step forward, her hands nervously clutching the strap of her handbag. She had expected an office, but not this level of tension. The space was big and polished, but cold,just like him.

Alexander didn’t lift his gaze, his fingers tapping lightly on the desk. "You’re late."

Elena blinked. "I—"

"I don’t need excuses," he cut her off sharply. "From today onward, you’ll be my personal assistant. Nero will guide you through your tasks."

Elena’s lips parted slightly, but she quickly shut them. She wasn’t expecting this, but what could she say? Complaining wasn’t an option.

Nero glanced at her, then back at Alexander. "Do you want me to take her through the schedule now?"

Alexander finally looked up, his gaze cold and distant. "Yes. Make sure she earns the position."

Elena’s heart sank slightly at his words, but she only gave a small nod.

Nero motioned for her to follow him. "Come with me."

She turned without a word, trailing behind him as he led her through the office.

---

As they walked past the main workstations, romors floated through the air.

"Who's she?"

"I heard she’s the new assistant."

"Already? She must have connections."

"She’s lucky. Imagine working so close to Mr. Carter."

"Lucky? Or did she use something to get that spot?"

"She must have done something "

"No doubt,she is beautiful but..."

Elena kept her gaze forward, pretending not to hear, but every word burned into her. She wasn’t new to rumors, but somehow, these felt different.

She followed Nero to a sleek desk near Alexander’s office. "This is where you'll be working," he said simply. "Your tasks will come directly from Mr. Carter or me. Don’t slack off, don’t make mistakes, and don’t expect special treatment."

Elena nodded. "I understand."

Nero studied her for a moment before nodding. "Good." He placed a tablet in front of her. "Start by going through today's schedule. Mr. Alex doesn’t like delays."

She sat down quietly and tapped the screen, determined to do her job well.

Even if Alexander wanted to make things difficult for her, she wouldn’t complain.

She was used to it anyways,even when her mother could do all she did to her,then who wouldn't. She is just a piece of trash toyed around the way they wanted.

Elena was still lost in thought, scrolling through the schedule, when the sound of heels clicking against the floor made her look up.

A tall woman with sharp eyes and perfectly styled hair stopped in front of her desk, arms crossed.

"So, you’re the new assistant." Her voice was smooth, but there was something unsettling behind it.

Elena nodded politely. "Yes, I am."

The woman’s lips curled into a smile, but it didn’t reach her eyes. "I’m Rita, Mr. Alex’s secretary. Since you’re new, let me give you a little advice..." she leaned in slightly "...don’t get too comfortable."

Elena’s fingers tightened slightly around the tablet, but she kept her face neutral.

Rita straightened, flipping her hair back. "I hope you won’t be a problem." With that, she turned and walked away, her heels clicking against the floor.

Elena exhaled softly, her heart beating a little faster.

So, this was how it was going to be? Just the first day,and it is getting this rough,she definitely in an hot mess