Chapter 4 Sleep Wherever You Like

Only a few days had passed since Elena's last visit to the Wilson family, yet this time, when she stepped out of the car, the household staff all bowed and greeted her with a respectful, "Mrs. Wilson."

Their formal greeting sent a flutter through her chest, and a subtle nervousness followed her into the living room.

Greyson sat beside his mother. Sallie's gaze lingered on her son, brimming with tenderness, affection, and a quiet trace of worry.

The closeness between mother and son sparked a quiet longing in Elena.

Those gentle family moments seemed like scenes from a half-forgotten dream.

"Elena, come sit with us," Sallie called out warmly.

The gentle tone stirred an ache, reminding Elena of how her own mother used to beckon her with a smile.

Swallowing down the ache, she crossed the room.

Sallie motioned for her to sit down beside Greyson.

Despite knowing that Greyson's feelings toward her were lukewarm at best, Elena slipped into the seat next to him, offering Sallie a polite smile.

Joy softened Sallie's face as she looked at the two of them. "You really do make a beautiful pair."

Greyson's face stayed unreadable while Elena mustered a shy smile.

Sallie offered a few words of encouragement. "Greyson, you're lucky. Elena is a treasure, and she's your wife now. Be good to her."

Greyson gave no response, his face unreadable.

Sallie rose and reached for Elena's hand.

Elena quickly stood and clasped it, allowing Sallie to loop her arm through hers.

Together they walked upstairs, Sallie chatting lightly, her tone affectionate.

The moment the bedroom door closed behind them, Sallie released her hand. Her voice lost its warmth as she asked quietly, "You and Greyson are not living together, are you?"

Elena lowered her head and gave a small shake.

Sallie frowned. "How will you develop feelings if you don't live together?"

Deep down, Elena knew better. It wasn't love Sallie was concerned about. The Wilson couple wanted her to bear Greyson's child.

That was the true urgency behind their eagerness to see her by Greyson's side.

Choosing her words carefully, Elena explained, "Greyson had no say when I became his wife. He's still struggling to accept me. Forcing myself into his space right now would only make things worse between us. But don't worry, I'll do my best. Now that we're married, I'll do everything I can to settle in, start a family, and bring the household some joy."

That response brought a flicker of approval to Sallie's face.

She reached out and gave Elena's shoulder a light, reassuring pat. "You're thoughtful, Elena. Give Greyson an heir and you'll always have a place in the Wilson family."

A polite smile curved Elena's lips.

"Both of you will stay here tonight," Sallie declared suddenly.

The smile on Elena's lips stiffened.

Sallie's warmth never faltered as she added, "Chances don't appear by themselves. Sometimes you have to create them."

With effort, Elena mustered another smile. This time, it felt less forced.

Still, she doubted Greyson would agree to such a plan.

Once dinner ended, Elena hung back, expecting Greyson to leave.

But instead of leaving, he walked straight upstairs.

Her brows knit in faint surprise.

When the servants carried out a tray of fruit, Sallie placed it in Elena's hands with a smile. "Bring this up to Greyson. Share it with him."

Elena accepted the plate, her tone obedient. "Okay."

She climbed the staircase slowly, pulling in a steadying breath.

Once she reached the door, her hand lifted, ready to knock.

The door creaked open, revealing Greyson's pale face, his eyes flat and unreadable.

"Hi, darling," Elena greeted sweetly.

That only deepened the shadows in Greyson's eyes.

Lifting the fruit tray, she tilted her head and offered a dazzling smile. "I brought you some fruit. You should have some."

Greyson caught sight of movement near the stairwell corner, then stepped aside and allowed her in.

As soon as the door clicked shut, he cornered her, pressing her into the wall. The cherries slipped from her hands, scattering like red marbles across the floor.

Pain shot through Elena's back as she collided with the wall, her sweater doing little to cushion the blow.

Her gaze shot upward into his, meeting eyes colder than steel, danger simmering in their depths.

His fingers closed around her throat, uncaring whether she could handle his grip. "Why are you trying so hard? What are you up to?"

For a fleeting moment, Elena thought she had misjudged-this man might not just be cruel but something far darker.

Her breath caught as his hold tightened, making her eyes sting with tears. Desperate, she tapped his shoulder.

Greyson hesitated, and seeing her eyes glisten, he finally released her.

Coughing, Elena steadied herself, drawing in several shaky breaths.

She extended the fruit platter toward him once more.

Greyson's frown deepened as he realized she still offered the fruit despite what had just happened.

"Your mother said you needed more fruit. I thought I'd help. It's supposed to be good for you," Elena said, her voice unsteady.

Greyson took the platter from her, and Elena slumped against the wall, pressing her palm over her pounding heart, trying to steady herself.

Though he told himself he hadn't gone too far, the sight of her gasping for breath planted an unwelcome doubt.

A brittle smile crept onto Elena's face, her vulnerability plain. "What do you think I could even do to you? If you're convinced I'm after something, just put it in writing. I won't touch a thing that's yours."

Greyson looked at her with cold contempt. Her chin tilted upward just a little, and her tear-filled eyes carried a fragile, almost sorrowful plea.

For once, she appeared genuine.

"I will," said Greyson, his tone stripped of warmth. "Whatever I possess has nothing to do with you."

"Then can I at least admire you?" Elena inquired, her hopeful eyes searching his face with timid affection.

Greyson couldn't help but find the situation absurd.

Elena had just ended things with Jerald, jumped straight into a marriage with a stranger, and now looked at him as though she was head over heels in love.

He lowered himself until they were eye to eye. "What kind of person are you, exactly?"

Elena went perfectly still.

"You act like you can't live without me. What? Are you going to kill yourself after I die?"

Greyson's words were biting.

Noticing the way she stared blankly at him, Greyson let a thin smile play at his lips. "If you're set on avoiding divorce, I'll go along with it. Whatever it is you want from me, you're just my wife in name only."

The close proximity, despite his sickly appearance, made Elena's heart race with unease.

Straightening up, Greyson looked down again. "Don't talk about our marriage to anyone else. You have no connection to the Wilson family."

Elena drew a silent breath and said nothing, her silence an agreement.

She never meant to share the news, and this marriage felt temporary at best.

"Your mother asked that we stay in the same room tonight," she murmured, her lashes glistening.

Greyson turned his back on her. "Sleep wherever you like, but not in the bed."