The Billionaire’s Reluctant Bride (Elara and Victor) novel Chapter 10

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Settling into the Role

Settling Into the Role

Elara had never felt more out of place in her life.

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The sprawling Blackwood mansion, with its towering ceilings and lavish decor, was a far cry from the modest apartment she had called home for years. As she stood in the grand lobby, taking in the marble floors, crystal chandeliers, and priceless art adorning the walls, she couldn’t help but feel like an intruder in someone else’s world.

“This way, Mrs. Blackwood,” a stern–faced butler uttered, motioning for her to follow him up the sweeping staircase.

Mrs. Blackwood. The title still felt foreign, like a role she was playing in someone else’s life. She wondered how long it would take before the name stopped sounding so strange.

The butler led her to a suite of rooms at the far end of the second floor. “This will be your private space,” he explained as he opened the double doors, revealing a luxurious sitting room connected to a spacious bedroom. “If you need anything, please do not hesitate to ask.”

“Thank you,” Elara replied, trying to keep her voice steady as she stepped into the room. The butler gave a curt nod before leaving her alone, the doors closing softly behind him.

Alone and having her room at last, Elara let out a long breath, allowing herself to take in her new surroundings. The suite was beautiful, decorated in soft, calming tones of cream and gold, with plush furniture and large windows that offered a stunning view of the estate’s manicured gardens. It was the kind of place she had only ever seen in magazines, a world so far removed from her reality that it was almost laughable.

But this was her life now, at least for the next year.

She moved to the bedroom and set her small suitcase on the bed. Most of her belongings were still in her apartment, where they would stay until she figured out how to blend her old life with this new one. For now, she had only packed the essentials, not wanting to fully immerse herself in this strange new existence.

As she unpacked, she couldn’t shake the feeling of Damian’s presence, even though he wasn’t physically there. The mansion was a reflection of him–powerful, imposing, and undeniably intimidating. And yet, as she had seen in brief moments, there was more to Damian than the cold, calculating exterior he presented to the world.

What exactly lay beneath that facade? Would she ever truly understand the man she had married?

Her thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door. Startled, she turned to find Damian standing in the doorway, his expression unreadable.

“How are you settling in?” he asked, his tone polite but distant.

“Fine,” Elara replied, her voice clipped. “This place is… overwhelming.”

A faint smile tugged at Damian’s lips. “It takes some getting used to, I suppose.”

He entered the room and glanced around before his gaze settled on her. A tense silence hung between them, neither willing to speak first.

“We have a dinner tonight,” Damian said, finally. “It’s a small gathering with a few business associates. It’s important that we present ourselves as a strong couple, showing intimacy.‘

Elara’s stomach tightened. She had expected this, of course–public appearances were part of the deal.

“Of course,” she said, masking her discomfort with a practiced smile. “I’ll be ready.”

Damian nodded, his gaze lingering on her for a moment longer than necessary. Then, without another word, he

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Settling Into the Role

turned and left, leaving Elara alone once again.

+25 BONUS

The evening came quickly, and before she knew it, Elara found herself standing in front of yet another mirror, this time in a sleek black evening gown that Damian’s assistant had selected for her. The dress was elegant, sophisticated, and–if she was being honest–designed to make a statement. It was a reminder that her role wasn’t just as a wife but as a partner in Damian’s public life.

As she descended the grand staircase, she could hear the low murmur of voices coming from the dining room. The closer she got, the more ware she became of the weight of expectations resting on her shoulders. This wasn’t just about surviving a dinner–it was about proving that she could hold her own in Damian’s world.

When she entered the dining room, all eyes turned to her. Damian was already there, standing at the head of the long, elaborately set table, surrounded by a small group of well–dressed men and women. He looked every bit the powerful, composed billionaire, but when he saw her, something flickered in his eyes–approval, perhaps, or maybe surprise at how well she fit into the role.

“Honey, come join us,” Damian said smoothly, gesturing to the empty seat beside him.

She walked over, feeling the gazes of the other guests following her every move. As she took her seat, Damian introduced her to the group, his voice warm and confident as he spoke of their recent marriage and how pleased he was to have her by his side.

Throughout the dinner, Elara played her part with precision. She engaged in polite conversation, smiled at the appropriate moments, and even managed to impress a few of Damian’s associates with her sharp legal insights when the topic turned to business.

But as the night wore on, Elara couldn’t shake the feeling that she was being watched more closely than usual. There was a particular woman, tall and elegant, with a calculating gaze that seemed to dissect every word and gesture Elara made. She had introduced herself as Veronica, a close family friend of the Blackwoods, and throughout the evening, she had made little effort to hide her skepticism of Elara.

“So, Elara,” Veronica stated, her voice smooth but with an edge that set Elara on alert. “How does it feel to be married into such a prestigious family? It must be quite an adjustment for someone with your background.”

The question was a veiled insult, and Elara knew it. But she met Veronica’s gaze head–on, refusing to be intimidated. “It’s certainly a new experience, but I’ve always enjoyed a challenge. And I believe Damian and I a good couple.”

Veronica’s smile was thin, almost predatory. “I’m sure you do. But don’t you think it’s a bit… overwhelming, stepping into a world like this so suddenly?”

“Overwhelming, perhaps,” Elara replied, her tone measured. “But I’ve built my career by facing challenges head- on. I don’t shy away from difficult situations.”

Damian, who had been listening to the exchange with a calm expression, finally interjected. “Elara is more than capable of handling anything that comes her way, Veronica. I have complete confidence in her.”

There was something in Damian’s voice–a subtle but unmistakable note of finality–that seemed to silence any further questions. Veronica’s smile remained, but it didn’t reach her eyes as she turned her attention back to her plate.

The rest of the dinner passed without incident, but Elara couldn’t shake the feeling that this was just the beginning of the tests she would face. Damian’s world was filled with people like Veronica—calculating, skeptical, and always looking for a weakness to exploit.

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