Elena POV

Both of our attention turned to where the sound came from. It turns out it was just a maid being reckless.

Alex, on the other hand, didn't want to leave me alone. He just stood there with his back facing me. After several failed attempts to convince him, I gave up

I decided to bathe with him there, making it the most uncomfortable and the longest bath I’d ever had.

After bathing he scooped me up as usual, in a bridal style, then carried me to the dresser. “ I can walk, you know” I insisted.

“ And I can see that” he replied teasingly, setting me on the chair to face the mirror. I thought he was going to leave me now but he took the hair dryer and began using it on my hair.

His hand tangled with my hair making me flench a little. I could hear my heartbeat reverberating in my ear, quickening with every second.

As much as I liked this treatment it wasn't something I was used to. Pete never had time to do these things or even think of doing them.

This attention, this care, none did I get in exchange from him. It was either he was out with the boys or had something important to do every single time I needed him.

He was never there and now having someone to care for me this way was just foreign.

Looking back to those days and how blinded I was in love with Pete made me start questioning what exactly made me hurt.

Was it the betrayal, the pain of losing someone dear, or was it really because I was so blinded and ignorant to certain facts?

I looked up at Alex. The gentleness of his hands as he glided through my hair, so focused on what he was doing.

I was a fool. Everything was there: the lies, late night, arrogance, red flags, everything was so clear, but I didn't see any of these flaws; why? Because I was in love.

Mistakes that we ignore, just because we're in love. I tilted my head to the right, not wanting Alex to see the already-formed tears that threatened to explode.

These memories tugged at my gut, and it would be embarrassing for me if I cried in front of Alex, but I couldn't control it.

“ Hey, hey,” he said, coming to a halt, dropping the dryer and bending to my level. “ Was I too harsh on your hair? I'm sorry” he apologized, cleaning the already fallen tears on my cheek.

I shook my head “No, no, it's not you. It's not your fault, I just -” I sighed, unable to control myself.

“ Hey, it's not your fault either, even though I don't know what it is,” he said, trying to comfort me but it wasn't working. “ And besides, I can't risk Nana's scolding. Please spare me and stop crying” he pleaded.

I chuckled when he said that. He must be lucky to have someone that cares for him the way Nana does. His hands caressed my cheeks, removing a strand of hair from it.

“ You are beautiful when you smile, Elena, don't ruin it,” he said, and I smiled. Our eyes locked together and my stomach started doing those weird feelings, as if my stomach were knotting.

A knock once again interrupted our moment and we both looked at the door simultaneously.

“ Sir Alex, Grandma is calling for you and Miss Elena at the dinner table,” the maid announced.

“ We'll be there in a minute” he replied then stood up and started finishing whatever he was doing with my hair.

I smiled looking up at him. Oh. My. God. Wasn't it too early to be having those feelings for someone, let alone that someone being Alexander Donovan?

I didn't need these right now, I don't want to fall in love with anybody right now. Not after those heartaches.

What if he is just like Pete? Pretending to be nice when he was rotten all along inside.

And besides, he and I aren't in the same league. He's way higher than I am. He would definitely go on getting someone in his league.

This whole arrangement is just some temporary thing that would end within a month. I shouldn't be so comfortable playing house with him.

“ Again, you could take a picture. It would last longer.”

I rolled my eyes. Asshole

“ Alright, come on,” he said before sweeping me off my feet.

If I didn't know better I would think he likes when he does this because he's enjoying it.

Two hours went by In a flash, and I was now lying on the bed staring at the sky. To be honest, this was what having a family looked like. Nana was really a vibe and a caring one at that.

She didn't let me do anything at all, not even lift a finger to serve myself. And this made me wonder.

Did I deserve this love? I already feel worse lying to her and the love and affection I'm getting was just too much.

What if she eventually finds out I'm not her son's real bride, then what? Will her feelings towards me change?

I don't even want to think that far ahead. Besides, I will be gone before she knows anything.

I just need a job so I can know where else I could go from here.

“Alex,” I called. He turned towards me from the files on the table.

“ Can you lend me your laptop?” I asked. I was going to write an email sending it to some companies that need hiring.

“ Why?” he asked, arching a brow, his tone laced with curiosity.

“ I just need to check something real quick,” I said, trying to sound convincing. I didn't want him to be in charge of my job after having my life for a month.

He looked at me as if studying me for some second before handing me the laptop. “Here, but don't go beyond the search”, he warned, and I nodded while collecting the laptop from him.

I opened it to see a picture of him and a lady in her thirties with a child. She was still so beautiful. I wonder who she was to him.

Maybe his wife.

For some reason, my heart lumped heavily. She was perfect for him in every way by just merely looking at her.

I decided to shake it off as I knew very well that I didn't stand a chance when it came to him.

After so much scrolling, I was so exhausted. I couldn't find a job that would cover up my basic needs let alone rent an apartment.

I was still searching when a message popped up on the screen.

Alex, please don't do this to us anymore. I am sorry.

I was right. He had another family just like Pete did