The Billionaire’s Reluctant Bride (Elara and Victor) novel Chapter 11

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Adjusting to Married Life

Adjusting to Married Life

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Elara’s new life as Mrs. Blackwood began with a sense of overwhelming displacement.

She had stepped into a world of privilege and luxury, a stark contrast to the life she had known before. Every corner of Damian’s sprawling mansion seemed to whisper of old money and aristocratic lineage–a world that felt as foreign to her as another planet. As she wandered through the corridors, each room more opulent than the last, Elara couldn’t help but feel like an outsider.

Moving into the fansion was supposed to be part of the arrangement, a formality to solidify their public image as a married couple. But now that she was here, surrounded by this display of wealth and power, she wondered how she would ever feel at home. The mansion was stunning, with its marble floors, crystal chandeliers, and priceless art. But to Elara, it was also cold, impersonal, and daunting

She spent days exploring the estate, trying to familiarize herself with the labyrinth of rooms, salons, and galleries. The gardens, with their perfectly trimmed lawns and intricate topiaries, seemed to go on forever. It was all breathtaking, but the sheer grandeur felt overwhelming

The staff, while professional and polite, only heightened her discomfort. They called her “Mrs. Blackwood” with such deference that it made her cringe. Their flawless manners served as a constant reminder of the vast gulf between her and the world she had married into. Elara had always prided herself on her independence and hard work, but here, everything was done for her–her meals prepared, her clothes pressed, and her every need anticipated. It left her feeling disconnected from the life she had worked so hard to build.

The real challenge, however, began when she started attending the high–society events that came with her new role. Damian’s world wasn’t just about wealth–it was about power, influence, and status. These gatherings were arenas where deals were struck, alliances formed, and enemies identified.

Elara attended a charity gala with her husband at a luxurious downtown hotel. The evening was a whirlwind of introductions, forced smiles, and polite small talk with unfamiliar faces. Damian, the polished and charismatic billionaire, stood by her side, but Elara couldn’t shake the feeling of being under constant scrutiny. She could almost hear the whispers behind their perfectly manicured hands–whispers about her background, her sudden marriage, and whether she was truly fit to be Damian Blackwood’s wife.

As they moved through the crowd, Damian introduced her to his business associates, socialites, and a few politicians. Elara forced herself to smile, to engage in conversation, and to play the role of the devoted wife. But inside, she was struggling to keep up, feeling like a fraud in a designer dress.

At one point in the evening, she found herself standing alone, watching Damian from across the room as he spoke with a group of men. He was so at ease, so in control. The perfect picture of a man who belonged in this world.

“Elara, darling,” a smooth voice interrupted her thoughts. She turned to find Veronica, the same woman who had questioned her so pointedly at dinner the other night, standing beside her with a glass of champagne in hand. “ You’re looking radiant tonight.”

“Thank you,” Elara replied, keeping her tone polite but guarded. Veronica’s compliment felt more like a subtle challenge, a reminder that she was still being checked.

“These events can be quite overwhelming for someone new to our circles,” Veronica continued, her eyes glinting with something Elara couldn’t quite place. “But you seem to be handling it well. You must have a very thick skin.”

“I’m learning as I go,” Elara responded, determined not to let Veronica see her discomfort. “And I’m committed to supporting Damian in every way I can.”

Veronica’s smile was tight, as if she could sense the steel beneath Elara’s words. “That’s good to hear. Damian is an exceptional man, but this world can be unforgiving. It’s important to keep up appearances and not let anyone see the cracks.”

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Adjusting to Married Life

Elara met her gaze, understanding the veiled warning. “I appreciate the advice.”

She smirked. “You should. For your sake.”

“Stop acting like a bitch, Veronica,” she advised in a low tone.

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“What did you just call me?” she asked, her voice laced with anger. Veronica was furious, but she still tried to compose herself.

“Just some advice: take a chill pill and stop overreacting.”