Chapter 8

• Elleina's view.
• Dinner was served in a lovely, big dining room. The French chef served different kinds of French food and talked about each one. I didn't know any of the food, and I couldn't even remember what it was called, but it was all delicious and I was so full.
• Alexander was sitting next to me. I was very aware of what was going on because three sets of eyes kept looking at us. Even though he didn't seem to care at all.
• During dinner, I found out that my future husband got his degree in engineering from Harvard. He had already been helping his dad run the family business for four years. I thought he was 27 years old based on the years that were mentioned.
• "What do you do these days?" Alexander asked me, which made me drop my fork.
• I said, "Sorry about that," and grabbed the fork before the maid could.
• Grandpa answered for me, "The usual things girls do," which was shopping. Then he laughed out loud.
• I don't agree. Pia's forehead wrinkled as she said, "Not all women like shopping. Some of us read books, do research, run businesses, and do many other things."
• "Get rid of Elleina and her mother. Grandpa turned to me to make sure, "Right, Elleina? They just love to shop all day and spend my money."
• Completely false. I didn't get even one penny from him. He just kept his good name by showing them he wasn't a selfish monster.
• "You sure, Elleina?" Again, Grandpa asked.
• "Right," I said, and the Grandson family's faces changed all of a sudden. They didn't seem happy to hear that I loved to shop.
• I had a bad idea all of a sudden. If I turned out to be a lot of trouble as a daughter-in-law, they might not let their son marry me.
• I talked about high-end brands for the last five minutes. Because of where I used to work, I knew a lot about fashion. But Mr. and Mrs. Grandson didn't feel anything. As they listened to me, they looked like they were very interested.
• Mission didn't work.
• After dinner, Alexander took me to the garden so we could talk without anyone else there.
• I asked him right away, "Are you really into this marriage?"
• "Well, yes. Is that so?" He gave an answer to the question.
• "I don't have any other choice."
• He laughed and said "same."
• My heart hurt more. This was a forced marriage for both of us.
• "I'm afraid you won't like me very much, Alexander..."
• "So what? You seemed to be a good person."
• "That's what you think," I said with a half-smile. I'm too much for you. I'm a girl with a lot of wants and needs.
• "Yes, I get it. Your grandfather already told me. You like to shop a lot. "Well, you can go shopping every day if you want to. I don't mind."
• "No, I don't want to talk about that. I can't stay in the house, right? I have lots of things to do."
• "Well, do what you want. When we get married, it won't matter."
• "You really don't care?"
• "No," he said with a firm voice, "Elleina, we're getting married. Only in name. Do what you want, and I'll do what I need to. So long as you don't bring shame on the name of Grandson."
• How stupid of him. He really wanted this marriage for himself, to make more money and get more power. He didn't care that the marriage was broken.
• "What if I do it? Does that mean you want to get rid of me?"
• He looked sad, "I know you hate this arranged marriage and are doing everything you can to stop it," he moved closer to me and put his fingers on my chin. "But I tell you this. No matter what happens, our marriage will last. You can't get a divorce. We'll always be friends."
• I lost the calm I had been keeping.
• Why would I ever want to be with this man? Last night, I even saw him kiss someone. He could be a Casanova for all I know.
• "You're a selfish piece of garbage. I can't always be tied to you. I yelled at him, "All you want is more money and power!"
• "It's the same for both you and your grandfather. "We're both Elleina, and we both want the Grandson fortune," he said with a smirk. "Stop whining."
• "Screw you!" I blew up.
• "It was nice to talk to you, too," he said. "I hope to see you at our wedding, where you should wear the whitest wedding dress you can find."
• Adonis' point of view
• "That woman is evil!"
• I suddenly stood up and threw the cloth napkin on the fancy dinner table for two.
• The orchestra stopped playing romantic music right away, and seven sets of shocked eyes looked straight at me.
• I bit down hard on my lips to stop myself from yelling in anger. No one has ever stood me up and made me wait for two hours before. Elena Pallis, the witch, was really making me wait.
• I should have known that I couldn't charm this woman and that she didn't care about anyone but herself.
• I thought I was too cold and rude to her when we first met. That's why I wanted to make up with her and show her that she wasn't going to marry a monster but a nice guy. She didn't have to worry about anything because, as my wife, I would treat her well and show her the most respect and loyalty.
• But where the hell is she now?
• When I called Constantine, he answered after ten rings, just like he always does.
• "You said she would come," I said through clenched teeth.
• The answer was a loud roar of laughter, then hard coughs.
• "I'm no longer surprised. When my granddaughter goes shopping, she always forgets about her plans. Adonis, you have to get used to it. You're getting married to a spoilt heiress."
• Oh, no! I muttered a curse and put the phone down. This marriage I didn't choose is harder than I thought it would be.
• I was suddenly interested in Elena, so I googled her name. Her Instagram account with a million followers was the first thing that came up. Several pictures of her buying expensive clothes, bags, accessories, makeup, and so much more on a shopping spree.
• I have to say that she is a very attractive woman who looks just like me. As soon as I saw her, my heart started to race. I had to stop and remind myself that I had been there before, felt the same way, and it did not turn out well.