Chapter 4 Trapped

• Alexa didn’t have a chance to ask anything. Her lips, which were about to open, closed tightly again. To be honest, she was quite surprised by what she heard. She thought Alice was Eric’s biological mother. No wonder that middle-aged woman seemed suspicious.
• Alice should have explained everything without Alexa needing to ask. It turned out that Alice, who appeared elegant and refined, wasn’t as good as she seemed. The middle-aged woman was full of deceit.
• Alexa didn’t regret her decision to take a short walk before bed. This way, she could meet the woman who was her mother-in-law and ask for clear explanations without having to wait long.
• If not now, it would be difficult to find the right time to talk privately, especially once they returned home. While there was time, Alexa would ask everything.
• “Don’t be so tense, let’s sit down first, okay? So we can talk more freely. It’s uncomfortable to talk while standing like this.” Alice pulled Alexa’s hand to follow her.
• Reluctantly, Alexa complied with Alice’s request. They sat side by side on the park bench. Although this place was very quiet with dim lighting, Alexa didn’t want anyone to look at her strangely.
• The place was indeed deserted, but there was always a risk of being seen by someone passing by accidentally. Hopefully, Eric wouldn’t show up suddenly like before, or Alexa wouldn’t get anything but deep-seated frustration.
• “You should have explained this from the beginning. I may just be someone you hired, but I have the right to know. If things are like this, I could easily act wrongly and harm you too, right?”
• Just as she wasn’t intimidated by Eric’s rough attitude and sharp gaze, she would act the same now. Alexa might not have power, but that didn’t mean she would appear weak.
• Alice’s eyes slowly darted around, ensuring no one else was listening to their conversation. This talk was very secret, no one should hear it.
• Alice leaned in slightly and whispered, “Please don’t call me that. You do work for me, but in front of others, we are mother-in-law and daughter-in-law. Even though I’m not very close to Eleanor, we can’t appear stiff.”
• “I understand, but that’s not what I want to discuss now. I know what I have to do. Before I carry out that task, please explain everything first,” Alexa replied.
• “Last night, you asked how Eleanor’s real demeanor was, right?” Alice asked with a meaningful smile.
• Alexa only gave a brief nod in response. Of course, she needed to know about that. When playing the role of someone else, she needed to know every small detail.
• “Her demeanor is almost like yours, but she is more graceful. What I know is that she was quite headstrong. Proof is that she dared to run away before the wedding day. You don’t have to go to great lengths to follow her character. At a glance, your characters are almost the same,” Alice explained, staring straight ahead.
• Before the wedding ceremony this morning, Alexa was already fed up with the lengthy scolding from Eleanor’s parents. They weren’t truly angry about the runaway act but worried instead.
• Even though she had only met Eleanor’s parents once, Alexa could see their sincerity. It seemed that if Eleanor had been honest, she wouldn’t have needed to run away because she didn’t want to marry Eric.
• Alexa sighed softly. She shouldn’t have accepted this offer so quickly. Apparently, only Alice knew about this plan. Everyone else thought she was Eleanor—Eric’s real wife.
• “Eric and Eleanor were not close. Eric always found excuses whenever he was asked to meet Eleanor. They only met when we had dinner together. Eric doesn’t know Eleanor’s real character, so whatever you do won’t be suspicious,” Alice added.
• Alright, that would make her role easier. Fortunately, Eric also offered a marriage contract, at least that could ensure her safety.
• Alice turned with a mysterious smile on her lips. “I know you need a lot of money. You want to leave your job, right? Consider that I’ve helped you out of that dirty place. After the contract is over, you can start a more decent business.”
• Thump!
• Alexa’s expression changed instantly. She didn’t expect Alice to know about a fact she had kept tightly closed all this time. Even at her workplace, only certain people knew about it.
• “How do you know about that problem? Did you deliberately investigate me beforehand?” Alexa accused, her eyebrows furrowing sharply. She hated it when people intruded on her privacy.
• Alice chuckled softly. “Of course, I had to know your background before making the offer. Despite the environment you’ve been in, I know you’re a good girl. That’s why I dared to ask for your help.”
• Alexa’s hands clenched unconsciously. It seemed that if she had refused back then, Alice would still find a way to drag her into the plan. Who knows what other surprises she would receive in the future.
• “Even though it’s temporary, you have the chance to experience a luxurious life without needing to work,” Alice added casually. Without any guilt at all.
• After a long chat in the park, Alice immediately escorted Alexa back to her hotel room. Although Alexa had expressed her desire to find another available room there, Alice ignored it.
• “Rest, you must be very tired welcoming guests all day. Just enjoy your new role. If you need anything, you can tell me.”
• Alice let go of her arm linked with Alexa’s as their steps stopped. If Alice hadn’t bothered to hold her hand, Alexa might have preferred to stay in the park until morning. She was too lazy to meet and share a room with Eric.
• Her mother-in-law was so kind, even willing to escort her back to the room safely. Maybe the middle-aged woman was afraid she would run away after knowing everything in detail.
• “Thank you for everything, Ma’am. Good night.”
• The room door was still unlocked when Alexa returned. She preferred if Eric had locked it so she’d have an excuse to find an empty room elsewhere. Unfortunately, her wish couldn’t come true.
• As soon as the door opened, the room was dimly lit. Most likely, Eric was already asleep. Understandably, it was almost midnight. She, who was used to staying up late, rarely slept at this hour.
• Alexa closed and locked the door slowly to avoid disturbing Eric’s sleep. Someone like Eric would definitely go berserk if his sleep was interrupted. Alexa was too tired to argue with him.
• Alexa almost screamed when her eyes caught sight of Eric still awake. The man was sitting on the bed with a piercing gaze directed at her.
• Despite the dim lighting, Alexa could see that Eric wasn’t wearing a top. Not wanting to make him think anything inappropriate, she quickly looked away.
• “Just returning almost at midnight? Where have you been? Why don’t you just sleep outside?” Eric sneered without preamble.
• “None of your business! The important thing is that I’m back now, right? No need to pretend to care,” Alexa retorted sharply.
• He was the one who made the agreement that they wouldn’t interfere in each other’s business. But, before long, he was the one breaking that rule.
• Eric threw off the blanket covering him and walked over to Alexa, who was still standing near the door. He pinned her against the wall.
• “I know you’re deliberately avoiding me, aren’t you?” Eric whispered with a deep voice.
• Panicking, Alexa tried to stay calm by averting her gaze. Both her hands pressed against Eric’s chest to keep him from getting closer.
• “Why should I be scared? What do you want to do?” Alexa challenged, daring to meet Eric’s gaze.
• Eric grinned widely, then laughed evilly. “Do I still need to explain?”