CHAPTER 6 Alone
Elizabeth POV
It's been twelve days.
Twelve long, dragging days since I walked in and saw that woman on her knees, sucking Christian's dick like she'd been starved for it.
Twelve days since I saw the cold, unapologetic look in his eyes as he zipped up his pants without shame.
And I haven't seen him since.
He left for a business trip without a word. No note. No goodbye. Just vanished—like I didn't exist. Well, I suppose I don't… not to him. I'm just his wife on paper. No vows, no wedding, no ring. Nothing binding except ink.
And maybe it's better this way.
A glorified arrangement, dressed up in silence and tension.
I pushed the covers off and sat up in bed, the cold air nipping at my bare legs. I tied my hair into a loose bun and walked toward the window, drawing back the curtains.
Morning light spilled across the room, highlighting the expensive furnishings that still didn't feel like mine.
The walls were too perfect, the silence too thick. This house felt more like a museum than a home.
I'd spent the last twelve days like a shadow. Eat, sleep, walk and Repeat.
The staffs treated me like I didn't exist.
Maybe they were told to. No one made eye contact. No one spoke, unless necessary.
Except for Nana—sweet, patient Nana. She was the only one who treated me like I was more than just a guest.
A soft knock interrupted my thoughts.
"Miss?" Nana's voice came from the other side of the door.
"Come in," I called out, wrapping my robe tighter.
She entered with a warm smile, wearing her usual black gown with a white apron, her silver hair tucked neatly into a bun.
"Good morning, darling. Did you sleep well?"
"I did," I lied, forcing a smile.
"You really don't have to come up here every morning, you know. I can walk downstairs just fine."
"I know," she said, bending to pick up one of my slippers from under the bed. "But I have my duties. Christian asked me to look after you, and I take that seriously."
I scoffed under my breath. "He asked you to look after me but didn't even bother to say goodbye?"
Nana didn't respond to that. Just gave me a sympathetic smile.
"He's not exactly the warm and fuzzy type, is he?" I muttered.
She straightened. "Don't worry, he'll come around in his own way."
I didn't believe her, but I didn't say so.
"Now come on," she said. "Breakfast is ready."
"I'll be down in five."
"Don't be late," she said gently, and left.
After brushing my teeth and freshening up, I changed into a soft knit top and leggings. Nothing fancy. There was no one to impress.
As I stepped out of my room, the rich aroma of butter, cinnamon, and coffee reached my nose.
"Is that what I think it is?" I grinned, jogging down the stairs.
"Yes, it is," Nana said as she placed a plate of pancakes on the table. "Your favorite."
"You're spoiling me," I said, sliding into a chair. "And I'm not even a real wife."
"Don't say that." She frowned. "You're still here, aren't you?"
I stabbed a piece of pancake with my fork. "Physically, yes."
She poured me coffee. "Is there anything else you need?"
I hesitated, chewing slowly before asking, "Any idea when Christian will be back?"
She sighed. "He doesn't share those things. His trips take time."
"Right," I mumbled. "Of course."
I looked down at my plate, the excitement over breakfast fading.
"I'm bored," I blurted. "I mean, completely and utterly bored. Do you know any place nearby I could visit? A bookstore? A coffee shop?"
She blinked. "You want to go out?"
"Just for a while," I said. "A quick outing. Something normal. I'm tired of pacing these perfect halls all day."
She hesitated. "Elizabeth, you know that's not allowed. Christian would be furious if he found out."
I folded my arms. "He doesn't have to find out. I'm tired of staying locked up in this house like some kind of prisoner. I just want one night to feel like me again. I won't go far, I swear. You can even choose the place."
"Elizabeth—" she hesitated, torn.
"Please, Nana," I pleaded, softening my voice, "just once. Just tonight. I promise I'll be back before anyone notices."
She sighed, defeated. "Fine. Where do you want to go?"
I grinned, but guilt tugged at me anyway.
"Maybe… a club?" I offered, shrugging awkwardly.
Her eyes shot open. "A what?!"
"A club," I repeated, more quietly. "I just want to dance, have a few drinks… nothing crazy."
"No way in hell!" she said, her hands flying to her hips. "You're a wife, Elizabeth!"
"On paper," I said quickly. "And even if I weren't, that doesn't mean I can't blow off steam once in a while. It's just one night, Nana. He's not even here."
Nana looked at me for a long moment, then exhaled like she was aging ten years in front of me.
"Fine," she muttered. "There's a small club not far from here. I'll tell the driver to take you. And I'll make sure he keeps his mouth shut."
My jaw dropped. "Are you serious?!"
"Don't make me regret this," she warned.
I squealed and hugged her tightly. "Oh my God, thank you so much, Nana!"
"Please, Elizabeth…" she said, patting my back with a sigh. "Be careful. And come back on time. Don't drink too much. Don't talk to strange men. And—"
"Nana," I cut her off gently, smiling. "I'll be fine. Promise."
She gave me a look — the kind of look a mother gives right before handing over the keys to a teenager — and then nodded reluctantly.
"I'll leave around eleven," I said, already running the timeline in my head. "Should be back by one."
"Make sure you are. If Christian comes back early and you're not here…"
"I'll be here," I reassured her, though a part of me wondered if he'd even care. He hadn't looked at me once with interest. Not after the study. Not ever. As far as he was concerned, I was just another signature on a piece of paper.
But tonight… tonight was for me.
I couldn't remember the last time I'd stepped into a club, let alone danced or let go.
The last time I got drunk, I ended up with a child.
But tonight would be different.
Just a little fun. A little freedom. A little reminder that I still existed outside of this cold, glass prison.
What could possibly go wrong?