Eleanor slowly opened her eyes and stretched her arms, feeling the softness of the sheets surrounding her. She sat up and looked around the luxurious room, which also served as her prison. It was a reality she had to accept, no matter how strange it felt.
With a newfound sense of determination, Eleanor began to plan her next move. She knew that if she was going to uncover the truth about Liam's family, she would have to get close to her ruthless husband, to gain his trust. And that meant playing the role of the perfect wife.
Eleanor's eyes narrowed as she studied her reflection. She could do this. She could put on a facade, pretend to be the loving and devoted wife that Liam's father expected her to be. But it wouldn't be easy. She would have to be careful, to tread a fine line between reality and deception.
With a deep breath, Eleanor began to transform herself. She smiled brightly at her reflection, practicing the loving and adoring gaze that she would need to perfect. She smoothed out her hair, practicing the gentle and affectionate touch that a loving wife would use.
As she got out of her bedroom, the enticing aroma of freshly brewed tea enveloped her, drawing her to the dining room. The table was set with an assortment of breakfast delicacies, including a savory sandwich and warm, golden-brown toast.
Eleanor took a seat, her movements quiet and deliberate, and lifted the steaming cup of tea to her lips. As she sipped the soothing beverage, she turned to Agatha, who was busily arranging a selection of pastries on a nearby platter. "Excuse me, Agatha," Eleanor said, her voice soft and polite. "Do you know where my husband is?"
Agatha paused, her hands momentarily stilling as she replied, "He's still upstairs, ma'am. I believe he's getting ready for the day."
As Eleanor took another sip of her tea, she turned to Agatha with a warm smile. "I'm sure he must be busy getting ready for the day. Do you happen to know what his schedule looks like today?"
Agatha nodded, her eyes lighting up with a hint of curiosity. "Yes, ma'am. He has a meeting with some potential investors at the office. He's been preparing for it all week."
Agatha had been working with Liam for a very long time, and she happened to know some of his schedules.
Eleanor's eyes widened with interest, her smile growing even brighter. "Oh, that sounds like a big day. I'm sure he must be feeling a bit anxious."
Agatha nodded in agreement, and Eleanor saw her chance. She stood up, her movements fluid and deliberate. "I think I'll go bring him some breakfast. He must be starving after a long morning of preparing for his meeting."
Agatha's eyes widened in surprise, but she quickly nodded. "That's very thoughtful of you, ma'am. I'll just get the tray ready."
Eleanor took the tray from Agatha, her hands moving with a confident air. She made her way upstairs, the smell of freshly brewed coffee and warm pastries wafting up from the tray.
As Eleanor stood outside Liam's bedroom door, she hesitated, her hand hovering over the doorknob. She took a deep breath, steeling herself for the encounter ahead. With a quiet resolve, she knocked softly on the door.
"Come in," Liam's voice called out, his tone as cold and detached as ever. Eleanor's heart skipped a beat as she pushed open the door and stepped inside.
The room was dimly lit, the only sound was the soft hum of the air conditioning. Liam stood by the window, his back to her, his shoulders squared and unyielding. Eleanor's eyes were drawn to the rigid lines of his body, her heart aching with a mix of emotions.
She wore a stunning red lingerie, one she had carefully selected to make a statement. The delicate fabric hugged her curves, accentuating her beauty. As she moved further into the room, the soft rustle of the fabric seemed to fill the air, drawing Liam's attention.
He turned to face her, his eyes narrowing as he took in her appearance. For a moment, they just stared at each other. Then, Liam's expression hardened, his voice cold and detached.
"What is it, Eleanor?" he asked, his tone dripping with disdain.
Eleanor's heart skipped a beat as she met his gaze. She swallowed hard, her voice barely above a whisper. "I...I brought you breakfast, and I…." she stammered, holding out the tray.
Liam raised an eyebrow, his expression skeptical. "And you what?" he asked, his voice dripping with sarcasm.
Eleanor's cheeks flushed as she bit her lower lip. "I thought you might need to take your breakfast before your big meeting today," she said, her voice trembling.
Liam's expression hardened, his eyes flashing with anger. "Eleanor, I made it clear that this marriage is only an arrangement, nothing more," he spat, his voice firm. "Don't try to pretend that it's something it's not."
Eleanor felt a sting from his words, but she refused to back down. She took a step forward, her eyes locked on his. "I know that, Liam," she said, her voice firm. "But that doesn't mean I don't want to support you. Can I...can I come with you to your meeting today?"
Liam's expression turned incredulous, his eyes widening in surprise. "What? No, Eleanor. That's not necessary," he said, his voice dismissive.
Eleanor felt a pang of disappointment, but she refused to give up. "But I want to," she said, her voice persistent. "I want to be there for you, to support you."
Liam's expression hardened, his eyes flashing with annoyance. "Eleanor, I don't need your support," he said, his voice cold. "I can handle my own business. Just stay here and...and do whatever it is you do."
Eleanor felt a sting from his words, but she refused to let him see her hurt. She smiled, a bright, fake smile, and nodded. "Of course, Liam. I'll just stay here and...and take care of things."
As she turned to leave, Liam's voice stopped her. "Eleanor?"
She turned back to him, her eyes meeting him. "Yes?"
Liam's expression was cold, detached. "Don't forget your place," he said, his voice dripping with disdain.
Eleanor felt a surge of anger, but she bit it back, her smile never wavering. "I won't, Liam," she said, her voice sweet. "I'll remember my place."
As she left the room, Eleanor couldn't help but feel a sense of determination. She would play the role of the perfect wife, no matter how much it hurt. And she would find a way to get close to Liam, to uncover the secrets he was hiding. No matter what it took.