I pushed his arm away .
"I don't need you trying to defend me. I can fight my battles myself."
"Noted."
The drive back to the mansion was quiet. The iron gate opened slowly and the car stopped.
I held the door, "I don't care what you are planning Elijah" I paused my breath hanging out.
"I'll trust our arrangement, but if I find out you're lying to me, Elijah Sterling i won't spare you."
A soft chuckle escaped from his lips
"So this is what Elsa Stone means to you."
"What my mom is to me is no one's business."
"I hope you don't regret that one day."
He turned his gaze from me.
A chill traced my spine. Elijah never spoke without a hidden edge, his words like a trap I had not quite seen yet.
He pushes a folder across.
" That's everything you'll need to remember about the Sterlings"
I picked it up . I wasn't surprised Elijah would keep tabs on his family. This was exactly how the elite class worked. Everyone wanted to hold something over others. This was leverage that kept them at the top.
A knot formed in my stomach. I stepped outside.
Rrrrrrg
The caller said Grandma. What could they want now?
" I'm listening"
" Have you had enough Eliza? Why can't you be like your cousins " she paused "You're lucky the Crawfalls still want you. City Hall 1pm two weeks from today"
She didn't need to say more. I was the fool who dropped her dreams to follow a man. I turned to look at Elijah who also stepped out of the car. At least all he wants is leverage and an advantage over others. The Stones would rather step all over their own. What was I saying? Was I their own to begin with?
" I don't need the Stones making arrangements for my future. I can handle my business myself "
" You ungrateful child" My grandma spat " You should be thankful we still care about you"
" Save your care and consideration."
" No wonder Demian left you , your attitude is really difficult."
My voice was caught in my throat as my face turned red in anger.
" I don't owe the Stones anything anymore," I hung up the phone.
I knew he heard my conversation just now but I didn't care to explain anything. I walked past him into the building.
I entered my room banging the door after me. I crumpled on the floor letting the tears fall freely. I hand reached for my chest.
" Eliza, stop. You should be used to this already."
I knew I meant nothing to the Stone family and this shouldn't hurt but somehow it did.
I heard a knock on the door.
" Madam, Mr. Sterling wants you at City Hall tomorrow by 3pm"
I wiped my tears.
" Tell him I'll be there."
" Yes ma'am."
" Today would be the last time any of them hurt me again." I placed my phone down
"If they think they can step all over me they're mistaken"
***
His Rolls-Royce parked outside City Hall was enough of an announcement . He didn't need to say who he was . His presence alone showed this person wasn't a regular at City Hall.
"Mr. Sterling, she'll be here in thirty minutes" The assistant said,voice stuttering even as his hands trembled at his side.
The air shifted even as his gaze turned cold." Five minutes " The voice was velvet cutting the stillness deeper.
" I….I will call again"
" Sorry I'm late " I interrupted breathing heavily.
He didn't look at me at first. When he did, the air shifted.
" If this happens again, do not show your face in front of me again"
He stood there like a man accustomed to obedience. Every movement was precise. Controlled. Dangerous.
" Shall we ?"
Mrs. Sterling
The marriage certificate felt heavier than paper.
I stood outside the City hall, my name inked beside his permanent, undeniable.
Mrs. Eliza Sterling
This was my new reality. One I had chosen to get to the top.
"Lucius will take you home"
I nodded agreeing.
Lucius picked me up and brought me directly to Elijah's second mansion at Ragal Regency .
Every staff bowed as I walked in with Lucius.
" I'll bring your things over Mrs. Sterling"
" Mrs. Sterling, if you need anything you let me know immediately" Lucius said.
" Thank you" I said
Lucius quietly left.
" So I'm Mrs. Sterling now" I thought to myself
After dinner I sat on the couch waiting for him. not knowing when I passed out.I suddenly felt someone lift me up. I kept my eyes shut till he placed me gently on the king size master bed.
The sound of running water told me he was in the bathroom. After a while he casually strolled out wearing just his towel.
" Did I wake you up?"
I'd read a couple of articles on him but goodness the media really aren't good with description.
His slightly unruly waves brushed his forehead as though it had a mind of its own. It wasn't perfectly styled; it simply was effortless, natural, and quietly charming. Beneath it, his eyes carried a calm intensity, thoughtful and observant, the kind that suggested he saw more than he ever said. They held a softness too, a warmth that made his gaze feel less intimidating and more inviting tonight.
" No"
He was drying his hair with a towel when I sat at the end of the bed.
" I'll be traveling to Paris for work," I said, trying to avert my gaze from him.
" I'll be leaving tomorrow with Julie"
" Send the tickets to Lucius" he said calmly as ever.
My phone vibrated against the table.
" Julie"
" Eliza, what have you done?"
" What happened?"
" The entire Sun City thinks you're a bedclimber" Julie paused
" Nia posted a picture of you entering a black Rolls-Royce at City Hall"
" Julie…"
" Do you know how important your image is right now?"
She wasn't giving me a chance to talk, " I'm married Julie"
I finally blurted out.
" What! Eliza you're joking right?"
I turned to look at him. He was on his phone.
" Let's talk about it tomorrow"
Two beeps and I hung up.
" Julie is family, I hope you don't mind me telling her"
" What do you want done about the situation?"
I knew he was talking about Nia. I'd seen his viciousness and the last thing I would want is him getting involved.
" Nia's not a problem"
" If you want revenge "
His voice firm
" Then do so without your emotions"
" You know nothing about me" my voice soft yet trying to contain my anger .
" You think"
His voice was calm yet there was something sinister about the way he talked.
" If you're still unable to hurt others,then you're not good enough"
" I won't change to please you"
" I won't settle for someone who isn't number one"
His expression darkened.
His hand balled into fist.
He was staring at his phone.
He dialled a number " If I still hear about this person tomorrow then I have no need for you"
" Yes sir"
Minutes later a notification popped up.
Demian's in the hospital,did you hear?
Julie.
My palm became sweaty.
My pulse raced violently against my ears.
" Did he do this?"