Elena's heart skipped a beat, her eyes widening in astonishment at the unexpected words. The note held a weight that reverberated through her, sending a surge of emotions coursing through her veins. The term "wife" was one that hadn't fully registered until now, and the sudden realization of its implication left her momentarily speechless.Her mind raced as she glanced back at the gown in her hands, her thoughts swirling with questions and confusion. The elegant attire before her was more than just a dress—it was a symbolic gesture that seemed to carry a deeper meaning, one that Elena was struggling to comprehend.She stared at the note for a moment longer, as if the words would somehow reveal their hidden meanings. With a mixture of uncertainty and intrigue, Elena set the note down on the bed beside the gown. Her gaze lingered on the elegant writing before she took a deep breath, her mind a flurry of questions and emotions.Elena's fingers brushed the smooth fabric of the cloth as sh

Elena's anger was a boiling cauldron, threatening to spill over as she walked away from Liam's presence. She could feel the eyes of stares from onlookers, their curious gazes like prying fingers that only fueled her frustration. But she didn't care. She was done with playing the perfect companion to Liam's whims.Trying to compose herself, Elena took a deep breath, her chest rising and falling in an attempt to regain her composure. She clenched her fists at her sides, her nails digging into her palms, as if the physical pain could somehow distract her from the anger boiling within.She needed an outlet, a way to release the torrent of feelings that was building inside her. Her fingers fumbled as she pulled out her phone, hastily scrolling through her contacts until she found the one she needed: Rosa, her best friend.With a quivering breath, Elena pressed the call button. After a few rings, Rosa's voice came through the line, her tone immediately concerned. "Elena, what's wrong?"The s

"Are you going with me or not?" Liam asked Elena when she hesitated."I am, but you need to relax," she said."I need to relax?" His voice was rising now. "You're telling me to my face that I need to relax? Look, I don't have the social madness to shout my lungs out here. Get into the car."As Elena was pulled into the car, she heard Stephan's voice call out behind her. "You never told me you had a husband." He sounded betrayed. "That's so unfair, if you ask me."She had no time to respond, for Liam had slammed the doors of his car, given Stephan a deadly look and turned on the ignition. Throughout the drive, a pulsing silence prevailed in the car. Each person fumed and frothed. Words and armory flew around in their heads, threatening to spill over the dashboard in red.When the car pulled to a stop, Liam left Elena behind and walked into the hotel. She nodded severally at this gesture, feeling the anger sizzle in her chest. But she was going to keep the words forming in her mouth to

Elena's heart pounded in her chest as she reluctantly followed Liam into the wedding dress shop. She was seething with anger, her cheeks flushed with resentment as they entered the store. She couldn't believe she was here, in a place that symbolized everything she didn't want—forced into an arranged marriage with her rude and arrogant boss, Liam Hemsworth. Liam, walking several steps ahead of Elena, appeared completely nonchalant, his hands casually tucked into the pockets of his designer suit. He glanced back at her briefly, his eyes flickering with mild curiosity but devoid of any sympathy or understanding.Inside, the shop was a sanctuary of lace, tulle, and satin. A delicate fragrance of flowers and fabric wafted through the air. Rows of pristine white wedding gowns lined the racks, each one more extravagant than the last.A shop assistant approached with a friendly smile, oblivious to the tension in the air. "Good afternoon. How can I assist you today?" She said in native Thai la

In their mansion, after the evening gyrations had died down, and it was left with only Liam and Elena, he went into the shower. Elena undressed and waited for him to finish."What are you doing there?" he called out."Er, waiting for you?" Her heart was already hammering in her chest."Step into the shower with me," he said. His masculine voice sent chills down Elena's spine.Elena couldn't stop her trembling. Was this about to happen? Was she about to see Liam in his... naked glory? And after that? "Elena!""Coming."Elena didn't know what to do with herself. She was standing awkwardly by the door, like a burglar waiting for the right moment to peel into the room and do away with the spoil. She could hear the soft trickle of the water, and each sound brought her another bout of panic. "I didn't call you to listen to me bathe," Liam said. "Step in here.""Sir, you're naked..." It came out as a squeaky question."Yes, I am. What about that?""Maybe you finish up and I —""Shut up a