After settling into her room, Joanne changed into a simple black dress and made her way downstairs for dinner. She had barely recovered from the whirlwind of the day—signing the marriage certificate, moving into the mansion—yet she knew one thing for sure. She needed to understand the man she had just married.
The dining room was just as grand as the rest of the mansion—an impossibly long table set with fine china and a dazzling chandelier overhead. Yet, despite the extravagant setup, only two seats were occupied.
Alexander sat at the head of the table, dressed in a crisp white shirt with the top two buttons undone, exuding effortless power. His gaze flicked to her as she entered, sharp and unreadable.
"Sit," he said simply.
Joanne took the seat beside him, feeling the weight of his presence. The moment she did, the silent staff moved, serving dishes she didn't even recognize. Everything was precise, efficient—like a well-oiled machine.
She picked up her fork, but the silence between them was suffocating. Clearing her throat, she decided to break it.
"So… are we supposed to act like a real couple in front of others?"
Alexander smirked, sipping his wine. "Why? Are you expecting public displays of affection?"
Joanne rolled her eyes. "I mean, if we run into people who know you, should I pretend to be a loving wife?"
"You don't have to pretend," he said casually. "They'll believe it because I say so."
Her brows furrowed. "That's a bit arrogant, don't you think?"
His gaze darkened, a slow, amused smile forming. "Joanne, you'll soon learn that in my world, what I say becomes reality."
A shiver ran down her spine. What kind of man is he?
Trying to regain control of the conversation, she took a small bite of her food. "Fine. But since we're married, I think I should know more about you."
Alexander leaned back in his chair, his expression unreadable. "Like what?"
"For starters, what do you do?"
He smirked. But didn't respond to her.