Elena's POV
The next morning, I woke up to the sound of a soft knock at my door. I barely had a chance to rub the sleep from my eyes when the butler entered, carrying a polite but firm smile. "Miss Elena," he said, "the hair stylist and makeup artist have arrived would be arriving by 4:00pm for the event this evening, Be getting ready ma'am"
I sighed, feeling like a pawn in a game of chess, moved from one square to the next at Justin's command. My heart felt like it weighed a ton in my chest, but there was no point resisting. This was my life now, I have to accept it.I got up and went into the bathroom to have my bath, Got to the dining room for my breakfast, went back upstairs, opened the windows to take in some fresh air cause I was feeling chocked and I read a book just to while away time. Eventually slept. Thankfully for me I woke up by 3:00 pm, I had time to freshen up before the team of stylists came . When I done and I was in the bed thinking about how I got here, it made no sense and I was not giving up on my freedom. Looking down the window thinking of how I was going to escape, I heard a knock. I rushed to my bed to sit, then I said "Come in". The butler came in and said "They are here ma'am" Okay, I followed him out of the room, stupid to say my bedroom cause all this here is not mine.The butler lead me to the living room, where a team of stylists was already unpacking their kits like soldiers preparing for battle.
"Good Evening Miss Clark," one of them a young woman with bright pink hair chirped, as if this was just another client to beautify. She gestured for me to sit, and I obeyed, though every cell in my body screamed to run.
They got to work immediately. Brushes swept over my cheeks, foundation was patted, eyes were lined, lashes curled. My hair was washed, dried, and styled into soft, cascading waves that fell down my shoulders. They transformed me into someone who looked polished and elegant someone who might even belong in Justin's world. But inside, I was still the same frightened girl whose father had betrayed her.
"Wow, you look stunning," the pink-haired stylist said, stepping back to admire her work. I stared at my reflection in the mirror. A stranger stared back, her eyes rimmed in soft gold, lips painted a gentle pink, hair shining like a waterfall. I barely recognized myself. Couldn't help but admit, I was looking so fine
"Thank you," I whispered, though the gratitude felt hollow.
The butler returned and handed me a sleek, designer dress in a box. I remembered vividly, this was the dress that came in yesterday from Justin. The dress shimmered faintly under the lights. "Mr. Shawn requested you wear this today like he said on the call," he said. His tone was polite but final.
I went back to my room to change. As I slid the dress on, I felt like I was slipping into a costume, playing a role in a twisted drama I never asked to be part of. I tried to steady my breathing, but the reality of the situation pressed on my chest. This was real. My father had traded me like a commodity. Justin had taken me, and now he was parading me in front of his world.
When I returned to the living room, the butler was waiting with a pair of heels and a small clutch. "These are for you, The car is waiting and please be fast about putting that on," he said.
Outside, a sleek black limousine idled by the curb. The driver opened the door for me, and I stepped inside. The leather seats smelled of luxury and intimidation. My stomach churned with anxiety as the car glided through the city streets.
I didn't know exactly where we were going, but it didn't matter. Every street felt foreign. Every building felt cold. My phone had been confiscated, and I felt utterly alone. I wondered if my father was at home, cursing himself for his mistakes, or if he'd already moved on, thinking he'd solved his problem by giving me to Justin.
I thought Justin was going to pick me up but he did not. Thankfully fully I had time for myself to prepare myself for what was coming.
After what felt like an eternity, the car pulled up to a gleaming skyscraper that reached arrogantly toward the sky. The entrance was draped in red carpet, cameras flashing like lightning. People in designer suits and dresses milled about, all smiles and air kisses. I knew instantly that this was no ordinary gathering. This was a gala. And I was the billionaire's prize.
The driver opened the door for me, and I stepped out, blinking against the camera flashes. I heard whispers around me:
"Is that her? The girl from nowhere?"
"She's pretty, I guess."
"Is that Justin's fiancee? she doesn't look bad"
"That's the one he's marrying? She looks so… ordinary."
Every word sliced through me like a blade, but I forced my head high. I would not let them see me cry. Justin's world was a jungle, and I'd already been thrown to the wolves.
A familiar figure approached: Justin himself, dressed in a perfectly tailored tuxedo that made him look like he'd stepped out of a magazine cover. His eyes, cold and calculating, locked onto me as if assessing a business acquisition. Play along and be good. If you do all this, there would be a reward for you. Also
"Elena," he said, his tone smooth but empty. "You look… presentable."
"Thank you," I replied, my voice trembling. He offered his arm, and I had no choice but to take it. As soon as I took this hand, the cameras were all over us. Bloggers, Influencers, popular tv stations wanting to ask us question and the only thing Justin said "she is my fiancee". That gave me the chills.
We went Inside, the venue was even more extravagant than I'd imagined: chandeliers dripping with crystals, tables set with gold-rimmed china, waiters in white gloves gliding between the guests. Everyone looked so at ease, laughing and sipping champagne. I felt like a shadow among them.
"Smile," Justin whispered, leaning close enough that only I could hear him. "You're about to meet the people who will be investing in my projects. They expect a perfect couple. Do not embarrass me."
His words froze my smile in place. I had become a prop. A pawn. And there was no escape.
I let him guide me from one group to the next, shaking hands, smiling, nodding politely at jokes I didn't understand. Every time Justin introduced me, it was the same: "This is Elena, my fiancée." The words felt like poison, each one tightening the chains around my soul.
At one point, as I sipped on sparkling water to calm my nerves, I caught sight of myself in a mirror. The girl staring back looked composed, elegant even, but her eyes my eyes were dull, like the light had been snuffed out. This is not the Elena I know.
"Don't wander off," Justin said sharply, as he excused himself to speak with a group of older men. I nodded obediently, my hands clenched at my sides. I wanted to run, but I had nowhere to go.
Time blurred into a haze of polite conversations and practiced smiles. My cheeks ached from holding them in place. Every now and then, I'd feel Justin's eyes on me, cold and watchful. I wondered if he saw the cracks forming in my facade. I wondered if he cared.
Eventually, the event drew to a close. Guests began to leave, each one offering congratulations and thinly veiled curiosity about our upcoming marriage. Justin thanked them with the practiced charm of a man who'd done this a thousand times before.
"Time to leave , don't forget to smile as we get to the entrance" Justin said We got outside, the limo was waiting. He opened the door and acted like he was a perfect gentleman. When he had entered the care. The car got into motion. Justin turned to me. "You did well tonight," he said, his tone like ice water on my skin. "Get some rest. Tomorrow, we finalize the paperwork and can talk about the reward you would be getting for your good behavior "
I nodded, unable to find my voice.
When we reached the penthouse,(Mr Shawn penthouse )I stumbled inside the room designated for me and collapsed onto the couch. I buried my face in my hands and let the tears finally fall. Silent, bitter tears that tasted of betrayal and helplessness.
This was my life now a game I never asked to play, a role I never wanted to audition for. And the worst part was, I had no idea how to escape.
Sleep claimed me in the early hours, but it was fitful and broken. Dreams of chains and cages haunted me, and every time I woke up, I was still trapped in Justin's world.
Morning light filtered through the curtains, but it brought no comfort. I dragged myself to the bathroom, splashed cold water on my face, and stared at the girl in the mirror. She looked older now. Sadder. But beneath the fear, a spark flickered a tiny flame of defiance. Justin might own my body, but he'd never own my soul.
I clenched my fists and whispered to my reflection: "You're stronger than this. You have to be."
The butler knocked at the door, interrupting my thoughts. "Miss Elena," he said. "Mr. Shawn requests your presence in the dining room."
I took a deep breath, smoothed the lines of my dress, and walked out of the room with my head held high. The fight wasn't over. Not yet.