Rory's heart was racing as she stepped out of the car and onto the driveway of Elijah Jackson's mansion. She had never been one for luxury and opulence, and the thought of meeting one of the wealthiest men in the city was daunting, to say the least.
Rachel, who had been quiet during the drive, smiled reassuringly as she led Rory to the front door. "Don't worry, Rory," she said. "Elijah is a nice man. He's just... particular."
Rory raised an eyebrow, wondering what Rachel meant by that. But before she could ask any questions, the front door swung open and a tall, imposing figure loomed in the doorway.
"Ah, Rachel," he said, his voice deep and commanding. "Thank you for bringing Rory to meet me."
Rory's eyes widened as she took in Elijah's imposing figure. He was even more handsome than she had imagined, with piercing blue eyes and chiseled features. But there was something about him that made her feel uneasy, something that made her wonder if she had made a mistake by agreeing to this charade.
"Elijah, this is Rory," Rachel said, smiling. "She's the woman I told you about, the one who's agreed to pretend to be your wife."
Elijah's eyes narrowed as he looked at Rory, his gaze sweeping over her from head to toe. "Ah, yes," he said finally. "Rory. It's... tolerable to meet you."
Rory felt a flush rise to her cheeks as Elijah's gaze lingered on her. She didn't know what to say, didn't know how to respond to his cold demeanor.
"I trust you're aware of the terms of our agreement?" Elijah said, his voice dripping with condescension. "You'll be pretending to be my wife for the next few months. I expect you to play the part convincingly."
Rory nodded, feeling a sense of resentment wash over her. Who did this guy think he was, anyway?
"I understand," she said coolly. "I'll do my best to play the part."
Elijah raised an eyebrow, his eyes glinting with amusement. "I'm sure you will," he said. "After all, you're being well paid for your services."
Rory felt a surge of anger at his words, but she bit back her retort. She was here to do a job, after all. And she would do it, no matter how much she disliked Elijah Jackson.
As the evening drew on, Rory found herself growing more and more uncomfortable in Elijah's presence. He was arrogant and condescending, and he seemed to take great pleasure in making her feel inferior.
But despite her growing dislike for him, Rory couldn't help but feel a spark of attraction whenever their eyes met. It was infuriating, really. She didn't want to be attracted to this arrogant, condescending man.
As they sat down to dinner, Rory found herself struggling to make conversation. Elijah seemed to be enjoying himself, but Rory couldn't help but feel like she was just a prop, a mere accessory to his wealthy lifestyle.
As the meal drew to a close, Elijah pushed his chair back and stood up. "I think that's enough for tonight," he said. "You may retire to your room, Rory."
Rory felt a surge of relief wash over her as she stood up. She couldn't wait to get away from Elijah's condescending presence.
As she made her way to her room, Rory couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. She had a feeling that she was in for a long and difficult few months.
But as she lay in bed, staring up at the ceiling, Rory couldn't help but wonder if there was more to Elijah Jackson than met the eye. Was he really as cold and unfeeling as he seemed, or was there something more beneath the surface?
As she drifted off to sleep, Rory couldn't shake the feeling that she was about to embark on a journey that would change her life forever.