Chapter 38
Elaine’s POV
The party thins out slowly, like people don’t want to be the first to leave in case they miss something.
I’m ready to go an hour before anyone notices.
Zane barely leaves my side, which feels intentional. Like he’s doing it just to get under my skin. Every time someone congratulates us, he nods like this is already done and sealed, like I’m paperwork he’s finished signing.
I hate that it works.
My jaw hurts from clenching.
Just when I think we might slip out quietly, my grandfather’s voice cuts through the noise.
“Elaine. Zane. Walk with me p>
We follow him through a side door and into a smaller sitting room off the hall. It’s quieter here. Too quiet. The door shuts behind us with a soft click that feels loud in my chest.
My grandfather doesn’t sit, neither does Zane so I don’t too even though my feet’s are fucking kill me in these heels I choose.
My grandfather folds his hands behind his back. “Tonight went well p>
“That depends on who you ask,” I say.
He ignores my snark “The families are satisfied. The press will be satisfied once the marriage is done in a months time p>
Zane shifts beside me. I don’t look at him.
“I don’t see a reason to wait,” Zane says.
My head snaps toward him. “You weren’t invited to decide that p>
He meets my stare calmly. “Well I disagree p>
My grandfather turns to him, interested now. “Go on.
Zane doesn’t hesitate. “The engagement served its purpose. Dragging this out only gives people time to interfere. I’d rather be married p>
I laugh, short and sharp. “You’d rather own me quicker p>
His jaw tightens just a fraction. “Careful p>
“No,” I say. “I’m done being careful with you p>
My grandfather lifts a hand. “Enough p>
Then, to me, “Zane proposes the wedding take place in one week p>
The room tilts slightly. I steady myself without showing it.
“A week?,” I repeat. “That’s fucking insane p>
“It’s efficient,” Zane says.
I turn fully toward him now. “You don’t get to rush my life because you’re impatient p>
His eyes darken. “This isn’t just your life anymore p>
I fucking hate him.
I hate the way he says things like they’re facts carved into stone.
My grandfather watches us both. “Elaine p>
I look at him with so much anger in me. “You already decided p>
“Yes,” he says plainly. “I wanted you to hear it first p>
Zane exhales like this settles something for him.
I force my voice steady. “Fine.” I say thinking of the only reason I’m doing this ivy.
Both of them look at me.
“I said fine,” I repeat. “A week. You get what you want p>
Zane studies my face like he’s trying to read what I’m planning. I give him nothing.
My grandfather nods once. “Good. Preparations will begin immediately p>
He leaves us there.
The door closes again.
I turn to Zane, all the anger I’ve been holding back buzzing under my skin. “You did this on purpose p>
“Yes,” he says.
“I fucking hate you.” I tell him that with every once of anger and hate in me.
“I’m glad we are on the same page p>
Then he steps closer. Not enough to touch. Enough to crowd me.
“You can hate me all you want, Elaine ” he says quietly. “You’re still walking down that aisle p>
My hands curl into fists. “You think this is winning p>
“I think it’s inevitable p>
I look up at him, really look at him. At the arrogance and certainty.
I hate him so much it scares me.
“Enjoy the week,” I say. “Because I promise you this p>
He arches a brow.
“I will make your life hell p>
Something like amusement flickers in his eyes. “I’d be disappointed if you didn’t p>
I walk past him without another word.l
In my head, the thought repeats over and over, sharp and clear.
One week.
I’ll survive that marriage it’s not like I’m going to stay there for long.
And if I’m going to be trapped with him, I’ll make sure he regrets agreeing to this marriage thing with me.