Chapter 4

Elena

Perhaps the events of the previous day had shaken me too deeply.

I slept fitfully. In my dreams, Beckett's filthy face and Charlotte's calculating expression merged together, trying to devour me. I kept running, hiding, but their malice was everywhere. My fear peaked. I tried desperately to cry for help, but no sound would come.

Just when I reached the edge of despair, Elias appeared before me, bathed in golden light that exposed all ugliness for what it was. In the sunlight, Elias reached out his hand, his voice gentle:

"Elena, you're my wife. I'll protect you."

I gratefully reached for his hand, only to be jolted awake by a shrill ringing.

I sat bolt upright and looked around. Morning light filtered through the curtains into the damp apartment. The air still carried that stale smell of mildew. Everything was as it always was—until I saw the clock on the wall pointing to 8:50, and urgency flooded my brain.

God! I was going to be late!

I leapt out of bed and rushed to the law firm as fast as I could. But just as I was about to enter, I collided headlong with Emma.

"Thank God you're finally here, Elena. Come with me to get coffee—you're the only one who remembers what all those weirdos in the office like." Emma pulled me by the shoulder into the elevator while complaining. "Been working at a BigLaw firm for almost a year and still doing grunt work like coffee runs and printing. With my clerkship ending soon, I haven't learned a thing. Who knows when I'll actually become a real lawyer."

I didn't disagree. Just as she said, our daily work as clerks was nothing but errands—we never got involved in actual case litigation. Still, landing a BigLaw clerkship right out of law school was already a huge break. Even if we didn't get offers here, this experience would make us attractive to other firms down the line.

I smiled and tried to comfort her. "You'll get your chance. Don't worry."

Emma seemed less pessimistic than I'd expected. She changed the subject abruptly, her face lighting up with excitement. "Elena, did you know? The new partner is one of the top three litigators in the country. Twelve years in practice, countless cases handled, and a ten-year undefeated record that no one's matched since."

"And he's not just incredibly handsome—he's single, too."

She struck a lovestruck pose and sighed. "If I could marry him, I wouldn't even need to practice law. I just wonder if I'm his type."

I couldn't help but laugh. I didn't reply.

The elevator reached the ground floor, and I walked calmly into the café to order. Emma followed at my heels, seeing I wasn't interested. "Elena, you don't seem curious about the new boss at all. You should've seen it when he came in this morning—every woman in the office went crazy."

I shrugged. "If he promotes us or gives us a raise, I might be even more excited than you. But if he's just good-looking, what's that got to do with me?"

As for what kind of person the new partner was, I had no interest. Money and status—those were the things I craved right now.

After buying the coffee, we returned to the firm. Emma, claiming she couldn't tell the partners' orders apart, made me deliver the drinks to the conference room. I shook my head helplessly and carried the tray inside.

Perhaps it was my intrusion, but a roomful of impeccably suited professionals turned their unsmiling gazes toward me. My heart began to race. The cold air from the AC made me shiver.

I forced myself to stay calm, not daring to meet their eyes. I kept my head down and mechanically set each cup in its proper place—until a familiar voice interrupted my thoughts.

"Elena, thank you for the coffee."

I looked up sharply and met Elias's amber eyes.

I froze on the spot. How could it be him?

My mind spun rapidly until I remembered the full name on our marriage certificate.

Elias Jefferson.

My boss was my flash-marriage husband?

What on earth was going on?

And he'd called my name in front of everyone? God knows I didn't want our marriage made public in this setting.

Elias's expression remained calm, but I could still catch a trace of kindness in his gaze. At that thought, I forced a strained smile, nodded awkwardly, and fled the conference room before anyone else could react.

Back at my desk, my heart was still pounding. I'd thought my marriage to Elias was just an obligation I'd fulfill after work. But I never imagined that from now on, I'd be spending twenty-four hours a day with him. Working together by day, sharing a bed by night.

This was beyond my control. No—I had to compartmentalize work and marriage. I needed to have a serious talk with him.

The meeting in the conference room stretched from morning until the end of the workday. A message popped up on my phone. It was from Elias.

"Elena, I'm waiting for you in the parking garage. Let's talk."

I took a deep breath, grabbed my bag, and headed straight to the garage. He stood in front of a silver Maybach. When he saw me, he opened the door for me like a gentleman.

Once inside, I cut straight to the point to avoid any awkwardness. "Mr. Jefferson, what exactly is going on?"

He calmly slid into the driver's seat and carefully fastened my seatbelt for me. We were so close. The clean, pine-like scent of him made me want to lean in closer.

"I'm sorry, Elena. I didn't tell you in advance that I was the new partner. I was preoccupied with work that day and didn't disclose it to you. Can you forgive me?"

His steady, sincere tone of apology dissolved all my frustration.

"It's... it's fine. I just didn't expect us to be colleagues on top of being married."

"This complicates our marriage. I think we should set some terms for our arrangement—it would be fairer to both of us."

I replied while nervously gripping the armrest.

Elias started the car and responded, "I was thinking the same thing, Elena."

"Elena, I have a few suggestions regarding our married life." I nodded, signaling him to continue.

"I value domestic life. Other than business trips, I'd like us to have communication time every evening. It will help us understand each other better."

"Second, I expect absolute fidelity in our marriage. I trust we can both honor that." I nodded in agreement. He looked satisfied and continued. "Therefore, we'll have a physical relationship like any normal married couple—at least six times a week. Of course, I'll always ask for your consent beforehand."

My face suddenly felt hot. I hadn't expected him to state it so plainly. Six times a week? Though he hadn't specified how long each time would last. Given his physical condition, I couldn't help but glance toward his... that area. It seemed I should be grateful he was leaving me one rest day.

Elias handed me a black card. "Elena, this card is yours now. Unlimited spending. Use it however you like—I won't ask questions."

I reached out and took the card, my fingers unconsciously tracing the engraved name: Elias.

"I'll discuss the wedding with my family as soon as possible. I won't keep you waiting long. Elena, do you have any requests?"

I thought for a few seconds before speaking. "Mr. Jefferson, I only have two requests. First, I need a real opportunity to become a practicing attorney. You may not know this, but my current job is just grunt work."

Elias's lips curved into a slight smile. "You're my wife. Married couples share resources. You'll certainly receive the treatment you deserve."

His assurance put my heart at ease.

"Second, I'd like to keep our marriage confidential. After all, I want to earn my law license through my own merit, not through your influence."

Elias frowned, clearly displeased with my suggestion, but he agreed nonetheless.

The car stopped in front of my apartment building. Before I got out, Elias asked in an expectant tone, "So, Elena, when will you move into our home?"

Faced with Elias's earnest gaze, my face instantly burned.

"I'll handle the lease termination as soon as possible and move into your place."

Only then did Elias nod with satisfaction. "Elena, I'm very much looking forward to our married life."

My heart stirred restlessly, hormones stirring something unsettled within me. I barely dared to meet his eyes. I just fumbled my way back into the apartment building.

It wasn't until I turned on the bedroom light that Elias's car slowly pulled away. I stood by the window, watching the Maybach drive off and disappear around the corner.

Perhaps our married life wouldn't be so bad after all.