Chapter 7: From Forced Unity to Mysterious Calls

Isabella's POV

As the wedding day unfolded, I realized that nobody had ever warned me about how utterly exhausting weddings can be. I found myself plastering a smile on my face, posing for pictures with strangers, and having conversations with people I never wanted to see again. It made me wonder, Why do people even get married? It's just so incredibly tiring.

By the time the wedding ceremony and the celebrations were over, and it was time to return home, I couldn't help but notice that my mom and dad didn't even pretend to be sad for me. In fact, they wore smiles that seemed a bit too permanent. It was as though they were celebrating the successful completion of a long-standing project.

I couldn't help but think, Well, good for them. If this marriage was the solution to some problem they had been dealing with for ages, then perhaps it was time for them to finally relax.

As I stepped into what could now be considered my new home or perhaps Alexander's, depending on how we looked at it, the feeling of relief washed over me as I realized I could finally be myself and didn't have to fake smiles any longer.

 I needed a moment to relax and take a breather, and what better way to do that than with a long, hot shower? I queued up some soothing songs and just let the warm water wash away the day's madness. It was time to pamper myself because, well, I deserved it.

Emerging from the bathroom with a sense of rejuvenation, I wrapped myself in a bathrobe and found Alexander rummaging through the wardrobe. "What are you searching for?" I asked, the mischievous side of me hoping to catch him off guard.

He started to mumble something but then stopped, and I couldn't help but chuckle. His attention had been drawn to me, and he was doing a terrible job of hiding it. As he looked in my direction, I flashed my best "innocent" smile, the bathrobe conveniently loosened just a bit. I had to admit, I was enjoying his reaction a bit too much.

Alexander, however, seemed to snap out of whatever fantasy he'd been lost in, mumbling something about his white T-shirt? "What about your white T-shirt?" I innocently inquired.

He blinked, then replied, "No, never mind. I guess I found it." He quickly selected some clothes from the wardrobe and made a hasty retreat into the bathroom.

I grinned wickedly, pondering the idea of teasing him further. So, I decided to loosen the bathrobe just a tad more. After all, a little fun couldn't hurt, right?

I couldn't help but chuckle at Alexander's reaction. The guy who used to be so silent and mysterious now seemed oddly different, almost like someone else entirely. Life truly was full of surprises.

I changed into comfortable pajamas and sank into the bed. It felt like heaven after being weighed down by the extravagant wedding dress. Slipping into my soft, cozy pajamas was a relief beyond words. After a while, Alexander emerged from the bathroom, wearing the famous white T-shirt he had been hunting for.

The bed was enormous, large enough to comfortably fit four people, if not more. Alexander glanced at me, his expression uncertain, as if he was debating whether or not to join me on the bed.

"You can sleep here with me," I offered, reading his hesitation.

Without a word, he lay down beside me, turning to the opposite side and engrossing himself in his phone. I was a bit surprised by his reaction. I thought we had moved past the silent treatment phase and were back to normal talking terms.

"Are we not on talking terms?" I asked.

"Edward came to meet me." He said with a stern voice.

"Edward came to meet you?" I asked, surprised and slightly puzzled. Alexander's revelation had caught me off guard.

"Yes," Alexander replied, his tone serious. "It was before you came to the church."

I couldn't help but feel a bit frustrated as I thought about it. "Why didn't you come to tell me?"

Alexander's expression shifted, and it was clear he was treading carefully. "Well, Isabella, I think we've already discussed this. You can't meet your ex-boyfriend now that you're married, or back then when we were about to get married."

I frowned, both at his words and the possessive tone in his voice. "That's a bit too controlling, don't you think?"

Alexander sighed, his frustration evident. "Isabella, it's not about control. It's about preserving the integrity of our marriage. If we want to make this work, we can't have exes hanging around."

I crossed my arms, still feeling miffed by his attitude. "So, what? I can never talk to any of my male friends ever again? What's next, a list of approved acquaintances?"

Alexander's eyes flashed with irritation, but he remained composed. "This isn't about banning you from talking to people, Isabella. It's about respecting the boundaries of a committed relationship."

I leaned back in my seat, throwing my hands up in exasperation. "Boundaries? Alexander, we barely know each other, and now you're laying down the law like we've been together for years."

He sighed, his tone softening. "I know this is all very sudden, but I'm just trying to make this work. We need to put our marriage first, even if it means adjusting our old friendships."

I couldn't help but roll my eyes, my sarcasm on full display. "Well, isn't this a fairy tale? 'Adjusting' friendships left and right."

Alexander's frustration was palpable, but he was desperately trying to stay patient. "Isabella, it's not like that. This is about us, about building a life together."

I waved a dismissive hand, challenging him. "Sure, let's build a life together. Starting with a ban on talking to anyone who has a Y chromosome. What's next, a curfew?"

His jaw tightened as the argument continued. "I'm just asking for a little compromise, Isabella. We both have to make sacrifices."

I leaned forward, locking eyes with him. "Sacrifices? Alexander, I'm your wife, not your prisoner."

Alexander's face flushed with frustration, and he retorted, "You're not a prisoner, Isabella. But can't you see? This is how marriages work. We're a team now, and we need to consider each other's feelings."

I huffed in response. "A team, huh? More like I've been recruited into the 'Alexander Harrington's Exclusive Club' with a strict 'No Ex-Boyfriends Allowed' policy."

Our faces were inches apart, and our stubbornness clashed like titans in the room. Alexander's voice was exasperated but still earnest. "Isabella, don't make this harder than it needs to be. I just want us to have a strong marriage."

I couldn't help but feel a twinge of frustration mixed with amusement. "And to think, all I wanted was a fairy-tale wedding with a dash of drama. I got the drama, alright."

Alexander leaned back, running his hands through his hair in exasperation. "This is serious, Isabella. Our marriage is serious."

I shot back, unfazed, "Of course it's serious. You've made sure of that."

"Tomorrow I have a business event, and it's  going to be our first event together as husband and wife," Alexander said. "I don't want any problems there."

I rolled my eyes but didn't respond. Instead, I lay back on the bed, trying to get some sleep. The idea of a business event didn't particularly excite me.

The next morning, I begrudgingly got ready for the business event, choosing an outfit that was neither too bold nor too understated. As I examined myself in the mirror, I couldn't help but think, Ah, yes, the perfect Mrs. Harrington look. My outfit was a tailored black dress, not too flashy, not too dull, with a matching blazer – a nod to corporate professionalism. My thoughts continued to play in my mind, Who would've thought? Irony dripped from every mental word.

As we stepped into the car, I couldn't contain my irritation. I knew the inevitable conversation was coming, and my mood wasn't ready to let it slide.

Alexander cleared his throat, obviously bracing for an argument. "Isabella, please, just for today, let's not create any drama at the event."

I couldn't resist a smirk. Drama? Me? Never. "Of course, Mr. Harrington," I replied sweetly, emphasizing his new title with a touch of irony.

He glanced at me with a stern expression, and his voice was cold and distant. "Isabella, this is important. We have to work together on this."

Work together. The phrase seemed more like a euphemism for Do things Alexander's way.

I leaned back in my seat, crossing my arms. "And what exactly does 'working together' entail, Mr. Harrington?"

His eyes, devoid of any warmth, darted to meet mine for a brief moment, his frustration evident. "It means presenting a united front, supporting each other."

I couldn't help but poke fun at the situation. "Ah, yes. The United Front of Mr. and Mrs. Harrington, working tirelessly for the family name."

Alexander let out an exasperated sigh, his rugged features hardening further. "Isabella, you know this is necessary for our image and our future."

I looked out the window, my ironic thoughts on full display. Our image. Our future. I'd barely known him for weeks, and now we were supposed to build an entire future together. The situation was almost too absurd for words.

As we entered the event venue, it was like stepping into a whirlwind of cameras and people. Flashbulbs went off in rapid succession, the reporters asking questions and holding out bouquets as if we were some celebrities. I couldn't help but feel like a character in a bizarre, over-the-top movie, playing a role I never auditioned for.

Smile, Isabella, smile, I reminded myself, offering what I hoped was a convincing grin while clutching Alexander's hand. It wasn't easy when I had a head full of sarcastic quips.

We made our way to the round table seating, and I spotted my parents sitting there, all smiles and pride. Oh, the happy parents of the bride, I thought, letting out an internal chuckle. It was all so surreal.

We greeted them, and I took a seat beside my parents, exchanging pleasantries with the Harringtons, who were in the VIP section, of course. I couldn't help but think, Ah, the elite club of the Harringtons.

The room buzzed with conversation as the six of us settled at the round table. The event was clearly significant, and I couldn't help but feel a mixture of curiosity and exasperation.

Mr. Harrington initiated the discussion. "Well, Alexander, it's quite an honor to be here today. The success of your latest project is truly remarkable."

Oh, an honor indeed, I thought. Alexander nodded graciously, his demeanor serious.

"Yes, Father," he replied. "It was a team effort. I had a great team to work with."

Team effort? I couldn't resist a tiny eye-roll at his humility.

Mrs. Harrington, elegantly composed, chimed in. "Isabella, I'm sure you must be proud of Alexander's achievements."

Proud. Yes, I'm oozing with pride, I mused, wearing a smile that could rival any Hollywood starlet's. "Absolutely, Mrs. Harrington. It's an impressive accomplishment."

My dad, the typical doting father, nodded in agreement. "Indeed, it's remarkable. We're thrilled to be a part of this celebration."

Thrilled, sure, I thought, sipping my champagne with a newfound appreciation for the bubbles. Meanwhile, my mom added her own enthusiastic applause.

Mr. Harrington raised his glass, and we all followed suit, toasting to Alexander's success. "Let us celebrate this milestone," he declared.

Oh, a toast. How unexpected, I couldn't help but think as I took a sip from my champagne.

The conversation veered towards our plans as a newlywed couple. My dad, ever the optimist, beamed at the thought. "Isabella, you and Alexander have a bright future ahead."

A bright future? Does that include endless, thrilling conversations? I mused, maintaining my pleasant facade. "Absolutely, Dad. We're looking forward to it."

Mrs. Harrington, her poise unwavering, chimed in with genuine warmth. "You two make a lovely couple. We're excited to have Isabella in our family."

Excited, indeed, I pondered, my smile not faltering. "Thank you, Mrs. Harrington. I'm grateful to be a part of your family."

"So, Isabella," Mr. Harrington began, his voice like a gentle command, "tell us, what are your plans now that you're officially a part of the Harrington family?"

Plans? My plan is to survive this night without snapping, I thought with a mental eye-roll before replying with a saccharine smile, "I'm looking forward to supporting Alexander and his career while exploring my own interests."

Mrs. Harrington gave me a warm smile, which I couldn't help but acknowledge with a subtle twitch of my lips. "That's wonderful to hear, Isabella. It's so important to have a supportive partner in marriage."

I nodded in agreement, though my thoughts ventured elsewhere. Supportive? Sure, I'll be the cheerleader on the sidelines of the Alexander Harrington show.

My dad, ever the enthusiast, chimed in again. "We're excited to see what the future holds for you two."

In a world of Oscar-worthy performances, I mused, I deserve an award for my role in this one.

"Well, it's quite fascinating," I began, my tone honeyed with feigned enthusiasm. "I've always been interested in criminology, and now that I have the support of the Harrington family, I can't wait to complete my degree."

I could sense their interest, their eyes gleaming with approval. For a brief moment, I allowed a genuine smile to slip through. "It's a field that's both challenging and rewarding."

Mr. Harrington nodded approvingly, and Mrs. Harrington was quick to chime in. "That's commendable, Isabella. We believe in the importance of education. Your degree will undoubtedly open up many opportunities."

Opportunities? Oh, I was sure it would. Opportunities to nod and smile my way through countless more events like this one.

My dad, never one to be left out, added his two cents. "And let's not forget about Isabella's passion for modeling. She's quite the talented one."

Talented? In modeling? Well, I couldn't argue with that. "Yes, it's something I've always enjoyed. I plan to explore it further in the future," I responded with an air of modesty that would make even the humblest person blush.

"An education and a creative pursuit. A well-rounded approach to life," Mr. Harrington mused, looking almost pleased. "I appreciate your dedication, Isabella."

Dedication? More like dedication to keeping up appearances. But I nodded in agreement, hiding my amusement and disdain beneath the mask of a devoted wife-to-be. "Thank you, Mr. Harrington. I'm committed to making a success of our life together."

Our life together, I mused as the conversation flowed on, however insufferable it may be.

As the tiring event finally came to an end, I couldn't have been happier. The smiles, the endless small talk with strangers – I needed a break from all of it.

On our way back home, Alexander broke the silence. "Isabella, you did really well back there. We managed to look like a happy couple."

Oh, absolutely. I'm practically a professional at playing the role of the perfect wife.

Alexander shot me a sidelong glance, and I could tell he was trying to gauge my sincerity. "It's not about playing a role, Isabella. We're married now. We have to show unity."

Unity, huh? I held back a laugh. "Right, because nothing says unity like a room full of strangers and forced smiles."

Alexander sighed, probably realizing that this was a losing battle. "Look, Isabella, I know this is far from perfect, but we have to make it work somehow. For both our sakes."

I leaned back in my seat and stared out of the car window. "You're right, Alexander. We'll figure it out, I'm sure."

Figure it out – a euphemism for continuing this elaborate charade, I thought, as we headed towards the house that was supposed to be our home.

I hurriedly changed into more comfortable clothes, determined to have a talk with Alexander about a few essential matters. My parents had brought up the issue of private tutoring when they had dropped the marriage bomb on me. And now that the bomb had detonated, I needed to know when I could start my studying. After all, my exams were just two months away, and I couldn't afford to waste time.

"When can I start my studying?" I asked Alexander, my voice a mix of urgency and determination. "I need to begin preparing for my exams."

Alexander leaned back, his mysterious demeanor firmly in place. "Your private teachers have been arranged, and they will start coming from Monday," he informed me with his customary seriousness.

"Well, that's a relief," I thought. "At least something is going smoothly in this crazy whirlwind of a life I've been thrust into."

But there was more on my mind. I couldn't let the moment pass without addressing my other passions. "Oh, by the way," I said, leaning in, "during today's conversation, I also mentioned my love for modeling and my occasional foray into photography. They both require a lot of traveling."

I could see Alexander's brow furrow slightly, but he remained silent, allowing me to continue.

"For all of that," I explained, "I'll need my own car and the freedom to go wherever I want, whenever I want, to take pictures and attend beauty pageants to showcase my modeling skills."

Alexander continued to listen in silence, his mysterious aura intact. It felt like I was talking to a sphinx – unflinching and enigmatic.

"As long as I'm not doing anything that defames your family or your career, it shouldn't be an issue, right?" I asked, hoping for a favorable response.

Alexander finally spoke, but his tone was rather severe. "As long as you don't bring any disgrace to my family and my career, I am fine with it."

Well, that's a vague, catch-all statement if I ever heard one, I thought with a chuckle. I'm sure this is going to be one interesting ride.

I was about to say something more when Alexander's phone rang, cutting our conversation short. His expression changed, a mixture of curiosity and something else I couldn't quite pinpoint. He looked at the caller ID on his phone and left the room in haste.

Another mystery to unravel, I mused, and decided that marriage to Alexander Harrington was going to be anything but dull.

I couldn't help but be curious about the phone call that had Alexander's expression shifting so dramatically. Was it a secret affair? Some clandestine rendezvous? Perhaps, a hidden life as a superhero? Whatever it was, I had to find out. Sneaking behind him, I strained my ears to eavesdrop on the conversation, because nothing says "healthy marriage" like good old-fashioned snooping.

"Do not try to bring out my bad side." he sneered over the call. "If I come back to my terms, then things would get even worse. I am warning you."

What in the world is he talking about? This doesn't sound like a typical business call, I pondered. Is there a business rival who has some sort of vendetta against him, or did they borrow the script from a drama series?

It was hard not to imagine Alexander as the mysterious protagonist of some intense TV show, dodging shadowy enemies and dealing with dramatic confrontations. I mean, who wouldn't want to be married to a character straight out of a spy novel?