Chapter 4
421words
But my gaze was immediately drawn to the bed in the center of the room.
Alexander Blackwood lay there, motionless.
He was paler than in his photograph, but still handsome. His hair was neatly combed back, his facial features still defined. If not for the various monitoring equipment connected to him, he would have looked like he was merely sleeping.
I slowly approached, looking at this stranger who would become my husband.
"He has a professional care team attending to him daily," Victoria said. "You won't need to be involved in any medical decisions."
I nodded, my gaze still fixed on Alexander.
"May I...?" I extended my hand, indicating I wanted to touch him.
Victoria hesitated, then nodded.
I gently placed my hand on Alexander's. His skin was warm, which surprised me. For some reason, I had expected him to be cold.
At that moment, the line on the monitoring device fluctuated.
"That's just a reflex," Victoria quickly said. "He often has these unconscious responses."
But as I leaned closer, I swear I saw his eyelids flutter slightly.
The doctor said it was just a reflex, but my heart skipped a beat.
"The wedding will be in four weeks," Victoria continued. "It will be a simple ceremony with only necessary witnesses. Afterward, there will be a small reception to introduce you to close friends and business partners."
I nodded, gently releasing Alexander's hand.
"Your room is ready," she walked toward the door. "The butler will show you there. You can come here anytime... if you wish."
Her tone suggested she didn't expect me to visit Alexander often. After all, this was just a transaction.
When Victoria left, I looked at Alexander again. He lay there like a sleeping king. And I would be queen of a kingdom whose ruler might never wake.
I said softly, "Hello, Alexander. I'm Olivia. It seems we're getting married."
I wasn't sure why I was talking to someone who couldn't hear me. Perhaps to make myself feel less absurd, less alone.
"I don't love you, and you don't love me. But I think we can get along well."
I turned to leave, but stopped at the door, looking back one last time.
"At least you won't betray me."
As I left the room, I didn't notice the line on the monitoring device fluctuating again.
