Chapter 5: The Woman Behind

"Lily, your marriage is going to be a mess!" Sofia slurred, her words laced with alcohol. She raised her hand with the gun as the hotel security approached to confiscate it and asked her to leave, but she screamed and ranted obscene words and even slapped one of the guards.

"Cut it out, Sofia!!" Jacob jumped towards her and grabbed her arms. “Stop this nonsense! ”And he whispered in Sofia’s ears something only they could hear and turned to the guards, who nodded his instructions.

Tears welled up in Sofia's eyes as she whimpered, "Jacob, you need to keep your promise." With that, she and the security guards exited the scene.

The party atmosphere became a dramatic celebration, and I was secretly relieved to escape the chaos. But on our way out, tabloid reporters bombarded us with questions. Mr. Alvarez managed to give a brief response.

A few journalists approached me, but Jacob swiftly pulled me close, fielding all the questions on my behalf. “Is it true that you are a runaway bride? ”We hurried towards the exit, ignoring the questions, and Jacob practically pushed me into the waiting limousine. "Get in!" He shut the door before him as the chauffeur sped away, leaving Jacob to face the media frenzy alone.

Where are we headed? "I asked, my tension returning. "This isn't the way to..."

The chauffeur's voice was polite and warm: "I've been instructed to take you to the Monson Hotel, madam." I couldn't help but admire his loyalty to Jacob. I now remember the reception to be held at the Monson Hotel.

"So, how long have you worked for Mr. Jacob Alvarez?" I inquired, curious about how Jacob treated his staff.

"Today is my first day, but I've read about him in the news," he replied. "He's known as one of the top businesspeople in the city." And then he was silent.

As the car stopped, Jacob Alvarez was already at the hotel entrance, standing tall. How did he manage to escape the media? I wondered.

Still dressed in my bridal gown, I hastily opened the car door without waiting for the driver and stepped out. Wrestling with the hem of my long wedding dress, I almost stumbled on the curb, and then strong arms reached out, preventing my fall. Jacob lifted me effortlessly and carried me into the building.

"Put me down," I whispered, but he responded with his characteristic dry expression. "Be more careful next time," he murmured. "You looked quite foolish stumbling like that." With a hint of sarcasm, he finally set me down.

His comment sent a flush of heat to my cheeks. "I apologize, Mr. Jacob Alvarez, but I'm not accustomed to this ridiculous gown," I retorted with a sarcastic smile.

He held onto my waist firmly and advised, "Never complain in public." He guided me towards the elevator, adding, "I understand you might not be used to this, but you should appreciate the unique experience I can offer."

The elevator doors opened on the 38th floor, and Jacob led me into a spacious room. "Get in," he instructed, urging me into the room before locking the door behind him.

Nervously, I asked, "Whose room is this?" but I was already alone.

The room was expansive, with a glass wall stretching from floor to ceiling, partially covered by a heavy curtain. The city lights sparkled from the top floor of the hotel. I had only read about such luxuries in magazines before, but now I'm experiencing them.

"This is your room, but don't even think about trying to escape. I'll be in the adjoining room," he said flatly, opening another door and disappearing.

Instead of plotting an escape, an unexpected decision formed in my mind. I chose to endure his harshness for one of the many reasons: to uncover the mystery of Lily and to sustain myself from my salary as a paid wife.

I flopped onto the bed, letting my wedding gown drape over half. The pillows welcomed me with their warmth and softness. After a moment, I got up to explore the room further. I opened the cupboard and was surprised to find a collection of women's clothes hanging inside. What were these outfits doing here? Curiosity piqued, and I noticed a package underneath the hanging garments with Lily's name.

"Are you for the real Lily or me?" I mused aloud, addressing the mysterious package. For the fun of it, I decided to open the box. Inside, I discovered a pair of closed-toed black shoes. My heart leaped with joy as I held the pair of shoes. Acting on a whim, I tried them on, and they fit perfectly. "So, you're meant for me," I concluded.

After a quick bath, I examined myself in the mirror. "Not bad, Rose," I complimented myself, a smile tugging at my lips. I couldn't deny my excitement about this unexpected turn of events. "Consider this an opportunity to explore the other side of the world—the world of the wealthy," I told myself. Thoughts of William crossed my mind. "Yes, William, I can use Mr. Alvarez to find you." As I glanced at the wedding band on my finger, it reminded me that I was now legally married. "Is this happening?" The sparkling diamond on the ring seemed to confirm its reality. "Is this all authentic, or just a façade, a fake wedding?"

Restlessness kept me pacing around the room throughout the night. I raided the fridge, devouring whatever was inside. I knew I acted ignorantly.

Another morning came, and my towering husband stood by the foot of the bed. His gaze scanned the room, and I knew I'd done something wrong. "It seems you haven't read the book I gave you," he remarked.

I quickly sat up, wrapping myself in the white blanket, and started picking up candy wrappers and other debris from the floor. "I'm sorry. It's just that..." I struggled to explain, but he was already walking towards the door.

"Take a bath and prepare yourself to be presentable as my wife." His command carried a sharp edge. "Breakfast is on the terrace, in my room. Don't keep me waiting." With that, he opened the door and shut it firmly behind him.

A few minutes later, I was catching my breath after applying a light pink lipstick. I recalled the makeup tips Josie had given me in a brief workshop. I settled on a loose pink blouse paired with white straight pants. "Good enough," I muttered as I rushed to the door and went to his room to search for the terrace.

My assumed husband was already seated at a corner table on the terrace. The spread included an assortment of foods and a cup of coffee in front of him. He was engrossed in a newspaper. "I apologize for being late," I said, slightly breathless.

"Don't abuse the word'sorry.' Put in more effort," he retorted with a smirk.

I approached the breakfast table silently, pulled out a chair, and settled down in silence. The array of bread spreads and sliced loaves bewildered me. Without looking at me, Mr. Alvarez continued to read the newspaper. A coffee maker and a basket of fruits were also on the table. I chose an apple to mask my unease.

"Having fruit after breakfast is a good choice," he instructed in a didactic tone.

I carefully returned the apple to the basket and picked up a loaf of bread, spreading peanut butter on it. I nibbled slowly.

"How old are you?" he inquired, his expression serious.

“I’m 18,” I mumbled. Silence lingered, and I carried on eating.

"Now that you're my wife, you should act the part," he said matter-of-factly. "I want a wife who creates a homely atmosphere, not a wild young one. You're 18, act your age, not like an 8-year-old." He stood up, discarded the newspaper, and fixed his gaze on me. "Finish your breakfast, and get ready for our honeymoon trip. Pack enough items from your room for a week." He provided me with directions before leaving me alone to finish my meal.

He mentioned a suitcase, and I located it inside the cupboard. I packed a few items, assuming they were meant for Lily and that I should use them for our honeymoon. Memories of William's imaginative plans for our honeymoon flooded my mind—his desire for a waterfront location where we could witness the sunrise and sunset. It was such a beautiful dream. I pushed those thoughts aside, focusing on my current situation. I looked at myself in the mirror, applied a touch of makeup, and chose a delicate yet classy fragrance from the array of perfumes on the dresser. It seemed likely that they belonged to Lily. “Okay, since Lily is not here, you are all mine.”

Then, I waited for my assumed husband for a few moments until a knock echoed at the door.

"Follow me," Mr. Alvarez instructed, his demeanor slightly lighter.

I followed without questioning. We rode the elevator to the top floor and walked down a quiet corridor. He stopped abruptly, turning to me with a mix of sadness and frustration in his eyes.

"Behind that closed door is the most important woman in my life," he told me, his eyes flickering and a deep sigh escaping his lips. "Don't say too much.” He moved towards the door and opened it slowly. He glanced back at me, transforming into a different man—huge and courteous. A smile curled his lips. "Come here, sweetheart."

I moved towards Jacob, accepting his hand as we entered the room. What I saw was a shocking reality.

The room didn't fit in the luxurious hotel setting we were in; instead, it resembled a hospital room.