Elena POV

She picked up the phone with excitement clearly showing on her face as her eyes sparkled.

“ Oh I forgot! Alex, you and Elena, dear,” she took my hand, “will be going on a vacation to Sweden.” her excitement bubbling more “ I have reserved a nice place for you guys to bond”

I didn't know what to feel. I just looked at Alex, hoping he would refuse this, and he didn't fail.

“ Nana, no one's going anywhere “ he said “ I am busy and I still have to”

“ I have cancelled all your appointments and your schedules, so you have no excuse,” she interrupted.

“ But Nana”

“ No buts, you're going whether you like it or not,” she demanded, shooting him a death glare “Wonder why she fell in love with you” she teased

“ Just as you fell in love with Grandpa”, he shot back, making her stand, dragging his ears, and cursing him.

I just smiled, looking down. There was something about their relationship I wish I had. The love they shared for each other was undeniable and It made me feel a little bit emotional.

If only my parents were alive, maybe everything in my life wouldn't have turned upside down.

And did I just see Alex Donovan get scolded by his grandma? This was the best scene I have ever seen in a long time. He screamed in pain as she screamed at him. I wanted to laugh but I held back so much.

“Alright, alright, ouch, fine, we will go as you commanded,” he said, finally succumbing to his grandma's request. “ Old witch”

“ What did you just call me?” She asked. I raised my eyebrows in an amused way. “ Listen, Elena dear, if he gives you a hard time, make sure to tell me so I will teach him a lesson”

I nodded but knew that it wasn't my place to report that. She was really nice. It was a shame that I was a fake daughter-in-law and she didn't know that.

Alex showed a side of himself that amused and at the same time confused me so much. I could see the light in those grey eyes that weren't there before and the hint of vulnerability in them.

The rest of the dinner went smoothly, with Nana sharing her love story with Grandpa. I could tell they loved each other even though they faced a lot.

Their love seemed too good to be true, but it was. The smile on her face as she went on talking made my day and for some reason I envied them.

It was sad he passed away.

We soon finished, and I left for my room feeling a little light-headed. Alex took Nana back home so I wanted to use the time to figure out my next move.

I really needed to talk to Alex about the job. As for the vacation, I knew there was no way of me backing out of that as long as Nana persisted.

I just have to embrace myself with the Idea of going without any force.

It was already evening and the sun had already gone to rest. The evening breeze was cool, brushing against my skin.

I stared at the night sky. Its glorious beauty of orange and purple radiated through the sky.

Below me, the city retired to rest gradually. I just stayed on the balcony, enjoying the scenery before me.

Alex hadn't entered since giving me the privacy I so wished for. There were no events or dinner parties today, and it felt so relaxing and relieving.

It was already late and Alex hadn't come back in. Not like I cared. I stretched to get the water but the jug was empty so I decided to get myself some water.

The house was dead silent. I just went straight to the kitchen and after successfully getting my glass of water, I headed back.

As I walked back along the corridor, I couldn't help but notice the light coming from his study. Guess that's where he is.

I still haven't discussed the job and the marriage with him and this was a perfect time to do that. I wasn't about getting married to him for real

I walked forward. The door was slightly open and I could see Alex back facing me as he stared out the window.

He seemed to be talking to someone over the phone in a low, discreet tone. My curiosity grew, and I tilted my head slightly on the door, attempting to hear what he was saying.

“ I don't have anything to say to you.” I heard him say in a threatening tone, “ This is just the beginning of what I'll make you go through. You'll regret and beg for death but it won't come. Don't ever call this number again ”

I flinched as I heard his words before cutting the phone. My heart pounded and my mind raced. Who was he talking to?

Fear engulfed me, leaving me petrified. Oh my God, what have I gotten myself into? I tried steadying my breath, but I couldn't shake the chill I felt creeping up my spine.

As I stepped back, careful not to make a sound. I unintentionally bumped into a vase, which shattered on the floor, the sound echoing through the corridor and making me curse under my breath.

Panicked, I turned, ready to bolt, but before I could take another step, the door swung open, and there he was. Alex, standing tall, his piercing eyes locked into mine.

For a long, tense moment, we just stood there. His eyes, laced with darkness, bore into me with a mixture of suspicion and something else.

“ Elena….” he said his voice barely above a whisper. “ Were you eavesdropping on my conversation?”

I opened my mouth to respond but just a whispered no came out. He raised a questioning eyebrow before moving closer to me.

I stepped back not wanting him close. My back hit the wall behind me, letting him close the distance between us, leaving us in a breath of space.

“ Then what are you doing walking in front of my study at this time of the night” he leaned in, his voice dropped to a murmur, low and chilling.