THE NIGHT THAT CHANGES EVERYTHING
Elena had a feeling about how the evening would unfold.
She would don a grand outfit.
She would smile and nod, feigning the perfect wife persona.
She would stand beside Alexander as if she belonged there.
And he?
He would overlook her until someone else noticed her, then act as if she were his most treasured possession.
It was just a game.
A performance.
An endless cycle.
However, tonight… things felt different.
The atmosphere was charged with an unnamed energy.
She would soon discover that some facades no matter how unfeeling eventually fracture.
A DANCE WITH THE DEVIL
The gala took place in one of New York's top hotels, its elegant ballroom illuminated by golden chandeliers and the gentle sound of violins.
Elena emerged from the Blackwood limousine, her deep emerald gown fitting her perfectly, the silk flowing around her feet like liquid luxury.
She sensed Alexander's gaze before even looking at him.
And when she finally did…
Something flickered in his eyes.
It was fleeting so fleeting that she nearly overlooked it.
But in that brief moment, he regarded her as something more than just a mere piece in his life.
Then, just as fast, his demeanor changed to its usual coldness.
He extended his hand. "Let's get this over with."
Elena swallowed hard and placed her hand in his. His grip was warm and steady. But the instant she stepped inside, that warmth dissipated.
Alexander reverted to the merciless, distant man she was familiar with.
And she?
She was back to her role as the devoted wife.
THE GAME BEGINS
As they entered the ballroom, all eyes were on them.
Whispers. Stares. Envy.
Alexander Blackwood was always the focal point. But this time, it wasn't just him they were watching.
They were looking at her.
"She's stunning."
"How did she end up with someone like him?"
"I heard it was an arranged marriage. Poor girl."
Elena maintained a stoic expression, pretending to tune them out.
Alexander tightened his grip around her waist. "Ignore them."
Easy for him to say.
Before she could reply, a voice interrupted.
"Alexander."
They turned to find a tall, charismatic man, exuding confidence with a mischievous smirk.
"Damien," Alexander acknowledged, though there was no warmth in his tone.
Damien's gaze shifted to Elena, and his smirk grew. "And you must be the famous Mrs. Blackwood."
Elena forced a polite smile. "Elena."
"Ah, Elena. I've heard a lot about you," Damien said, his eyes lingering longer than comfortable.
Alexander's grip tightened once more.
Possessive. Warning.
Elena barely had time to react before Damien continued. "May I take her for a dance?"
Alexander's entire body stiffened.
"She doesn't dance," he replied sharply.
Elena blinked, surprised. That was a lie; she loved to dance.
Damien chuckled. "I don't know, Blackwood. She looks like she would enjoy a dance."
He extended his hand.
Elena hesitated.
But a spark of recklessness ignited within her, a silent rebellion.
She accepted Damien's hand.
Alexander's jaw clenched, but he remained silent.
And so, she danced.
Not with him, but with another man.
For the first time in a long while, she felt… free.
WHEN JEALOUSY BURNS
As soon as the dance concluded, Elena barely had a moment to breathe before she was pulled away.
Alexander's grip was firm as he guided her through the crowd, leading her down a quiet hallway.
"Alexander"
He spun around, pinning her against the wall.
Her breath caught.
His eyes were fiery. Not cold. Not indifferent.
Fiery.
"What was that?" His voice lowered, laced with danger.
Elena swallowed. "Just a dance."
His hands curled into fists. "With him?"
"Why does it matter?" she responded defiantly.
He exhaled sharply, his jaw tightening. "Because you're my wife."
She let out a bitter laugh. "Oh? I thought I didn't matter enough to you."
A muscle in his jaw twitched.
For a heartbeat, he was silent.
Then, slowly, he positioned his hands on either side of her, enclosing her.
"You think I don't care?" His voice was quieter now, but a raw intensity lingered beneath.
Something dangerous.
Elena's heart raced.
"You treat me like I don't exist," she whispered.
His gaze darkened. "Is that really what you think?"
"Isn't it true?"
Silence enveloped them, heavy and suffocating.
Then
"Go to the car," he commanded, stepping back.
Elena blinked. "What?"
His expression was inscrutable. "Now."
She hesitated, hoping he would say something more. Anything.
But he didn't.
So, she walked away, her heart a tumult of emotions.
And Alexander?
He stood there, watching her depart, his hands clenched at his sides.
Because tonight…
Something had changed.
And for the first time, Alexander Blackwood didn't sense he was in control.