Chapter Four : Rachel's Accidental Meeting with Elvis at the Charity Ball The air is filled with the chimes of laughter and music as I step into the grand ballroom. The hall is decorated with shiny lights and expensive pieces of art. In my simple dress, I am like a fish out of water among all these fancy whirling gowns. I look up at Noah, who seems deep in discussion with his business partners. Guilt reeks from his disposition as he looks very serious. He does not even notice me standing next to him. I know I was only here to play the part of his wife. As Noah walks away, the loneliness sets in. I look around, wondering what will amuse me, but it seems everyone has something to do, and they are all important. I take a deep breath and decide to wander a bit, hopeful to stumble upon a friendly face or maybe even a snack. I drift away from the main crowd, past beautiful decorations to a quiet corner of the room. Just when I think that maybe I'll escape this pressure, I hear that fami
Chapter Five: The Risk of Meeting ElvisThe night I see him again, everything changes. Just one glance at Elvis, and it's like all the feelings I've tried to bury rush to the surface, flooding me with memories of love and laughter, of dreams we once shared. I barely make it through the evening, forced to stand by Noah's side, pretending to be his devoted wife. But my heart begins to race, my mind now filled with thoughts of Elvis. Then later, in the quiet of my room, my phone buzzes with a message.From Elvis."Can we meet tomorrow? I know it's risky, but I have to see you."I fixate on his words, a mix of excitement and fear. He's asking me to meet him, to take a chance despite everything that could go wrong. And, of course, I do know what I risk. Noah had made it clear from the beginning that this was a marriage about appearances, about control. The breaking of unspoken rules he wouldn't tolerate, most of all with someone from my past.But my heart is racing, and I refuse to fight t
Chapter Six: An Unexpected GuestIt's a quiet Saturday afternoon, and the soft light filters through the curtains in the living room. I'm sitting on the couch with a bowl of popcorn on my lap, staring blankly at the TV. Noah sits next to me, his gaze fixed intently on the screen. The show is nothing more than background noise. I can feel the space between us filled with things unsaid.I glance at Noah, who looks relaxed, but his expression gives away that he's not fully here with me. I wish I could understand what's going through his mind. It’s strange because the closer you are to someone—and we are—the more removed you can sometimes feel.I nibble on a piece of popcorn, trying to focus on the show, but my mind eventually wanders. I find myself speculating about Noah's past. I really don’t know anything about him; what’s between us is just boss and worker before all these contracts.Suddenly, the front door bursts open, and my head jerks up in surprise. A woman walks in, catching my
Chapter Seven: A Message from the PastI suppose sit in the living room with Noah, the silence between us close to tangible. The TV is on, but I hardly register what's playing. Noah seems engrossed—scrolling through his phone with a calm expression, oblivious to the storm inside me. My mind is a million miles away, thinking about Elvis, our meeting, and the promise he made to set me free. I know I should not be holding onto his words, but I just can't help it—after all, I am in a marriage where I am nothing more than a placeholder.Noah’s phone pings. He opens the message and reads aloud in a cold, even voice. The words slice through the quiet, razoring into my chest."How do you feel living with a woman you do not love? How do you feel going in a contract marriage because she needs your help? Release her now!"My heart drops, and the room seems to close in around me. I instantly know who sent the message. There’s only one person who could know the truth, only one brave—or stupid—enou
Chapter 8: you are not my wifeNoah steps through the front door, his sharp gaze sweeping across the spotless living room. His expression remains unreadable as he walks further inside. I brace myself, expecting at least some acknowledgment of my effort even though I don't like the fact that he put me through this, but his silence stretches on. He doesn’t look pleased. If anything, he seems almost irritated.I swallow my disappointment.“The work is done,” I say, forcing my voice to remain steady. Noah’s gaze flickers at me, cold and distant. “Are you sure you did not seek any assistance from anyone?" "You sent them away," I answered.And even if he didn't, is he expecting me to be fully sincere with him about it? “I also prepared dinner. You should eat before it gets cold.” "I am not interested in your meals.”His words hit like a slap. I stare at him, hoping for some sign that he’s just being difficult, but he doesn’t waver. "You should at least try it...I tried out
Chapter 9: A cruel DisplayI step out of the bus and inhale deeply, adjusting my bag on my shoulder as I approach the grand entrance of the Sterling Regency Hotel—one of the most prestigious five-star hotels in the city. The place gleams under the morning sun, its glass exterior reflecting the towering skyline above. Every time I walk through these doors, I’m reminded that I don’t belong in a world like this. But work is work and I have to survive regardless.Just as I am about to reach the main doors, a convoy of luxury cars pulls up in front of the entrance. The black sedans and stretch limousines glisten as uniformed chauffeurs rush to open the doors. It isn't new to me, and I see these every single day, but I can not help but pause to take a look. A group of elegantly dressed men and women step out, their laughter and conversation flowing smoothly like a well-rehearsed symphony. These people don’t just have money; they have power. Politicians, maybe? Business moguls? Whoever they
CHAPTER 10: HEAT.I wipe a bead of sweat from my forehead as I place the last dish on the rack. My arms ache from the endless hours of scrubbing, dusting, and polishing. I glance at the time on the wall clock—8:30 p.m. I exhale deeply, feeling both exhaustion and relief.Finally, I am done.Curiosity tugs at me when I realize I haven't seen Noah since that morning. I hesitate for a moment before summoning the courage to ask one of the maids."Do you know where Mr Noah is?" I inquire, keeping my voice neutral."I saw him. He left about an hour ago," the maid answers, barely sparing me a glance as she folds freshly laundered linens.My stomach tightens at the realization. He left without saying a word? Not that I expected him to, but still, something about it unsettles me. Shaking off the thought, I grab my purse and step out into the night. "Goodnight." "Same here."I hail a cab and give the driver the address of the hospital my dad is in. The ride is quiet, save for the occasion
CHAPTER 11: SHE SHOULD TRAIN HERSELF.NOAH'S POV The sound of Marianne’s heels clicking against the polished marble floor grates against my ears, a sharp reminder of her presence. I don’t need to turn around to know she’s behind me as her smell of perfume never seems to change. It is her signature mode of appearance. She didn't leave with the dignitaries who came that morning so I guessed correctly that she would come find me instead. Her gaze pierces into my back like a predator assessing its prey. I sigh, placing my whiskey glass on the counter, and bracing myself for the inevitable confrontation.“Noah,” she calls, her voice laced with its usual saccharine sweetness, but I know better than to be deceived. I turn to face her, my expression is as impassive as ever.“What do you want, Marianne?” My tone is calm but laced with warning.She had displayed one of the skills that she is good at that morning. I expected it to happen and when it did, it was simply none of my business to i
CHAPTER 47: BIRTHDAY DISASTER (2)NOAH'S POVI slam the door shut behind me, my breath ragged as fury claws at my chest. The house is silent, but I do not mind it; I am used to that kind of life. I can’t even think straight. My mind is a hurricane, spinning out of control, each gust of anger fueled by the images of Rachel that had been sent to me.Marco looks up, startled. So he knows about the birthday party. He probably wasn’t expecting me home so early. Neither was I. Today was supposed to be my birthday. A day I never really cared about, but somehow, I let myself believe—for a brief moment—that it could be different. That maybe, just maybe, I could enjoy something normal. But I was a fool. “Sir? Why are you back this early?” Marco takes a cautious step forward.I ignore him, heading straight to the wine cabinet. My fingers tremble as I grab the first bottle of strong whiskey I can find. The cap clatters onto the marble countertop, forgotten as I pour myself a heavy drink. The a
CHAPTER 46: BIRTHDAY DISASTER (1)NOAH'S POV. Rachel walks toward me, carrying the birthday cake with both hands. The cheers died down instantly as they all expected my reaction. The flickering candlelight casts a soft glow on her face, and for a moment, everything else fades. She stops just in front of me, her voice gentle as she says, “Happy birthday, Mr. Noah.”It's been a while since I heard her call me that but I get why she did. I don’t respond right away. I just look at her, at the sincerity in her eyes. Then, with a slow breath, I close my eyes and make a wish—though I have no idea what to wish for. Maybe peace. Maybe clarity. Maybe something I’ll never have. I don't know. It never actually works. It's just a facade. When I open my eyes, I blow out the candles.The room erupts in cheers and applause. The sound is loud, yet strangely distant, like I’m underwater. I nod slightly, forcing a small smile, not because I’m comfortable with this, but because I recognize their
CHAPTER 45: SURPRISE BIRTHDAY FROM WIFEYNOAH'S POVI jolt awake, my entire body drenched in sweat, my breath ragged as I struggle to shake off the remnants of my nightmare. The darkness of my room offers no comfort, the dim glow of the bedside lamp casting long shadows on the walls. My heart pounds erratically as the echo of a child’s terrified screams still rings in my ears.I swallow hard, forcing myself to sit up. "Not again," I mumble helplessly as I try to gain control of my senses again. Leaning forward, I rest my head on my lap, my hands gripping the sheets as I try to calm down a bit. Even with the air conditioning humming in the background, the cool air does nothing to ease the clammy heat enveloping me. I stay in that position for a moment, trying to slow my breathing, but the weight in my chest refuses to dissipate.Eventually, I reach for the drawer beside my bed, pulling it open with shaking hands. That is my last option right now.My fingers close around a familiar
CHAPTER 44: PREPARATION.RACHEL'S POV "Wait, what?" I blink at Liam, utterly baffled. "Noah’s birthday is next week?"Liam smirks, leaning back against the counter like he’s just delivered the most important news of the century. "That’s right, Mrs. Sinclair. Your dear husband’s special day is right around the corner, and lucky for you, I’m here to spill the beans."I gape at him, feeling a mix of excitement and disbelief. "Why am I just hearing about this now?"Liam stretches lazily, his grin widening. "Because your husband is a cryptic, brooding man who doesn’t exactly throw confetti at the thought of birthdays. Why do you even think he is going to open his mouth and tell you about it?"I cross my arms, narrowing my eyes at him. Well, he is right. "And you’re telling me this now because…?" "What do you mean by that? Do you mean that you would have preferred if I kept it away from you?"I quickly shake my head, "No, not at all. I didn't mean that. I apologize if my words sound
CHAPTER 43: YOU ARE BLUSHING.RACHEL'S POVIt has been a week since I arrived at the house with Noah. Surprisingly, things have been going well between us. He hasn’t been as cold, and while he still keeps his distance, there’s a certain ease between us now that wasn’t there before. It feels...different.On this particular Saturday, I prepare to leave for an outing. I had promised Emily to come and see her when I came back from the event. As I make my way through the house, I ask Marco if he has seen Noah. Before leaving, I decide that it is best to let Noah know since I didn't speak about wanting to leave the house earlier this morning. "He's in the guest room with someone," Marco informs me. I pause, wondering if it’s even necessary to interrupt him just to inform him about my plans. Would he even care?But something inside me urges me to go, so I do. I find myself standing outside the guest room door. Taking a deep breath, I knock and push it open.As I step into the guest room,
CHAPTER 42: LET ME KISS YOU. RACHEL'S POV.I went to bed last night with mixed emotions, I couldn't even say anything. Noah didn't come to the bedroom last night. I have no idea where he has spent some nights sleeping in. My sleep wasn't that great because of the burden in my night.Waking up this morning is nothing but a pain in my neck. I feel like everything happened because of me. As I dress up, I wonder how my colleagues are going to react to me. Will they stop talking to me? A huge sigh escapes my lips as I weakly sit back on my bed. "Why is all this happening to me? Can I just go a week without feeling this much pressure?" I mumble. I really do not feel like making an appearance, but today is the last day, so I can't bail out now. I have no choice.I step out, and a little part of me is scared about what is likely to happen to me, the cold shoulders that I am going to receive, and other reactions.I get to the kitchen and I meet Beatrice speaking with the girls. They soon
CHAPTER 41: YOU ARE FIRED.RACHEL'S POV "What the hell are you even insinuating?" I shout at Sandra as I can not seem to control my anger anymore. "What?" she looks at me innocently as if she isn't the one brewing the storm. "I am just saying the truth." "Do you know you can get into trouble for saying all of these if you don't have any evidence to back it up?" Beatrice reminds her. "Why should I provide evidence when she can deny it all with her life and her family's? More like swearing. I believe in the active power of swearing so she should swear that she hasn't slept with the boss once. Let her do so."I am on the verge of crying as I watch Sandra continue to belittle my effort and insult me. She has never come for me in a full-blow proportion before. Of course, I knew she didn't like me from the start that I won the best hardworking staff with her going second, but still, she has always maintained her lane, and so have I.I can't even open my mouth to defend myself be
CHAPTER 40: A WINNERNOAH'S POVThe morning light casts a warm glow across the room. I stretch slightly, feeling the unfamiliar lightness in my chest. My hand instinctively reaches out to the side, only to meet empty sheets. My brows furrow as I shift onto my elbow, scanning the room. She's not here.A small exhale leaves my lip as I sit up. Rachel must be up already and with her mates in the kitchen. I sit up, running a hand through my hair, and that's when it hits me—the memory of last night. A small, unconscious smile tugs at the corner of my lips before I quickly suppress it. I wonder, did she enjoy it? Or was it just the heat of the moment? My fingers brush over the space where she slept before I shake my head and get up. There's no time to dwell on this. There's only one day left before everything wraps up, and today’s event is important.After freshening up, I head to the venue, where the competition among the hotel staff is already underway. The energy in the air is palpabl
CHAPTER 39: WAVE OF PLEASURE.RACHEL'S POV{WARNING: THERE IS AN INTENSE SCENE BELOW}Noah carries me to the bed and places me gently on it. His hand reaches the bed lights and he slowly turns the brightness low. The air between us is thick with tension, every inch of space charged with anticipation. My heart races as Noah steps closer, climbing on the bed. His huge body overshadowed me, the warmth of his body drawing me in. His eyes lock with mine, a silent promise flickering within them. I feel my breath hitch as his fingers graze my cheek, his touch featherlight but electrifying. There's a pull between us, a magnetism that leaves me powerless to resist.Is it because it's been long since I last felt a touch that has made me go this crazy? I am not too sure. But whatever the reason, I desperately want to get loosed up tonight.His hand moves to the back of my neck as I push my body up a little, his thumb brushing along my skin in slow, deliberate strokes. A shiver runs down my spin