Chapter 3

Emily settled into the sleek confines of Alexander's car as they made their way to his mansion. The car was filled with awkward silence, each passing moment weighed down by the image of Andrew and Lily that she couldn't shake off her mind.

"How could he do this to me?" That thought resonated in Emily's mind.

Emily stared outside the window and let the cool breeze blow hard on her face. Emily shivered involuntarily, her discomfort breaking the silence.

"I'm cold," she said in a gentle tone.

Alexander kept his eyes on the road, not giving her a glance. Completely ignoring her plea

"I said I'm cold; can you please close the sunroof?" she stated, frustration evident in her tone.

"Can you please maintain the silence? It's my car; I decide whether or not I close the sunroof." Alexander's sharp retort cut through the air, his eyes still fixed on the road.

Emily crossed her hands on her chest, hugging herself for warmth. She couldn't help but wonder if her future with Alexander would be as cold as the weather.

Emily stepped into Alexander Roberts's mansion, her mouth hanging open in awe at the luxury surrounding her. She couldn't believe that this was Alexander's home and that this was where she was going to live. It felt so much wealthier than what Alexander Roberts was known to possess.

"Welcome, Mrs. Roberts. Your room is ready," a maid said as she stretched out her hand, leading Emily.

"Just call me Emily," Emily said, putting on a soft smile as they both walked towards the grand staircases.

Emily looked around in awe; she couldn't help but admire the marble pillars, shimmering chandeliers, luxurious interior designs, elaborate ornamentation, and murals, which were nothing like she had ever seen before.

She settled on her bed, taking in the environment around her. "I guess this is my life now," she sighed to herself.

The image of Andrew and Lily flashed in her head again—her head began to ache, and she decided to take a bath. The door was pushed open, and it was Alexander. Emily's eyes grew wide as Alexander caught her partially naked body.

"We have a meeting to attend tomorrow by 9 p.m.," he said, his eyes locked on Emily's, least concerned about her nudity.

"Hey, don't you know how to knock?" Emily said, reaching for the bed sheet to cover her body fully.

"Prepare your things and wake up early," Alexander stated before shutting the door.

"I can't believe him," Emily murmured, embarrassment masking her face, as she made her way to the shower.

****

The cameras' flutter, their lights flashing, most of them affecting Emily's sight for a while. She had not been used to this attention-focused lifestyle, but she had to learn to accommodate it.

Emily adjusted her posture while sitting, and Alexander placed a kiss on her cheeks and felt rehearsed, putting up a smile before taking his seat next to her. Her stepmom and her dad settled into their seats in the adjacent space. The camera was about to roll when Lily walked in. Emily, fuming with rage, had to force a smile as Lily said, "Sorry, I'm late. I had some things to do."

"No worries, Miss Lily; we were just about to start," the reporter stated, motioning for Lily to take her seat.

The camera began rolling live. The host, a polished figure with a disarming smile, began the interview with generic questions about Emily and Alexander's relationship.

"How did you two meet?" she started, leaning towards them in curiosity.

"In a meeting."

"In an elevator," Alexander and Emily responded simultaneously.

Emily's eyes grew wide as Alexander gazed at her, annoyance evident in his eyes. "In an elevator after a meeting," Alexander quickly covered up.

"Okay, wonderful. How long were you two in a relationship?"

"About 4 years," Alexander answered, Emily silent, avoiding any more complications. 

"Mr. Roberts, I must commend you for your remarkable growth and bravery over the years. Building such an empire from the ground up is sincerely a testament to your aspiration and resolution. Can you share with the audience the journey that brought you to where you are today?"

Confusion is etched on the faces of Emily and her family. "What empire? He practically lives in the shadow of his father," Emily thought to herself.

"Yes. Through hard work, perseverance, and commitment, you can be anything you set your mind to," Alexander responded, making it clear that he wasn't obsessed with that kind of topic.

"Mr. and Mrs. Smith, you must be really proud of your daughter, being the beloved wife of the CEO of the multibillion-dollar AR Technologies company," the reporter stated, shifting her attention to Mr. and Mrs. Smith.

"AR Technologies?" Emily thought to herself; the surprise made manifest in her expression. "He's the CEO of AR Technologies?"

Mr. Smith and his wife paused for a second, trying to process what they had just heard. Lily's eyes grew wide as the name AR Technologies resonated in her ears.

"Yeah, oh yes, of course. We are very proud of our daughter for finding the right one," Mr. Smith stuttered, trying to submerge any hint of surprise in him.

"Yes, she has always been a dutiful daughter, and I hope she has a happily married life," Mrs. Smith added.

Lily blinked vigorously to prevent the show of tears from gathering up in her eyes as she glared at Emily with hatred and malice. Her envy was palpable. Emily was lost in thoughts; she couldn't believe what she had just heard. The billionaire's son, whom her family had despised so much, owns one of the biggest companies in the world.

"Mrs. Roberts, Mrs. Roberts," the reporter called for Emily to bring her mind back to the present.

"Yeah? Sorry, I was just... Please continue," Emily said, covering up with a smile.

"Now that you're married to Mr. Roberts, are you going to still continue in your father's company as the shoe project manager?"

"Uhmm—" Emily is about to proceed as Alexander interrupts her. "She is now going to be my business partner in AR Tech. Company. We agreed on that; it was my father's wish," Alexander said, placing his hand on Emily's in agreement.

Mrs. Smith and Lily furrowed their brows in shock. Emily being married to a multibillionaire CEO was one thing, but being the owner of the biggest tech company in the world crests fury and envy into their eyes.

As the interview continued, Emily and her family struggled to keep pace with the questions, their minds faltering from the revelation about Alexander's empire.

"So I guess that would be all. Thank you all for your presence; we really appreciate it," the reporter stated as she stood up, presenting a handshake to Emily and Alexander.

Emily made her way outside the studio to take some air and clear her head. "Me? A multibillionaire CEO's wife? A business partner of the biggest tech company in the world?"

Emily thought continuously to herself as she felt a hand grip on her shoulder and turn her over.

"Hey, you think you can just have everything you want served to you on a silver platter, right?" Lily spat, staring deeply into Emily's eyes.

"Oh! Wow. I'm the one acquiring things on a silver platter now. You and I know that has always been your life, Lily. I should slap you in the face for having the courage to screw my boyfriend," Emily blurted out, her eyes piercing into Lily's.

"Trust me, Emily, the battle line has just been drawn. I'm going to make Alexander Roberts mine," Lily threatened as she made a sharp turn and tread away from Emily.