The Villainess' Husband For Hire

Why was he thinking about her so much? She was practically a stranger to him. They were simply partners. They were using each other for personal gain. And yet, he was so enamoured by her.

What made Selena Whitlock so interesting? Was it the facade she put on for years? Or was the recent changed? Her vulnerability was something he rarely experienced. As the future Emperor, he was surrounded by those who only wish for favour.

Many were afraid to speak their mind even, fearful of the consequences, they would only tell him what he wished to hear... As for the noble ladies, they were curate themselves according to what they think his type was.

Selena, oblivious to Alex's musings, stared out the window, her mind racing with plans. The ball was only days away, and every detail had to be perfect. Her dress would be ready soon and hopefully so would Alex's.

Her fingers tapped impatiently against her knee. Time was running out, and rushing another order wasn't ideal, but what choice did she have?

She cast a quick glance at Alex, who seemed unusually quiet. He was resting his head against the window, his green eyes half-lidded, the faintest hint of a smirk playing on his lips.

She frowned. Is he drunk? She thought, narrowing her eyes.

Before she could say anything, the carriage jerked to a stop, signalling their arrival. Alex straightened, shaking off his daze as the driver opened the door.

Selena stepped out first, her head held high as she strode toward the boutique. Despite the late hour, the shop was still lit, its windows displaying an array of elegant garments.

"Come on," she said briskly, glancing over her shoulder at Alex.

He followed her without a word, his long strides easily keeping up with her determined pace. The shopkeeper, a wiry man with an eye for detail, greeted them with a startled look. Selena didn't give him time to recover.

"I need formalwear for him," she said, gesturing to Alex. "For the royal ball. Something sharp and tailored. And it needs to be ready by tomorrow."

The shopkeeper blinked, his eyes darting between Selena and Alex. "Tomorrow?" he echoed, his voice tinged with disbelief. "My lady, that's an impossible deadline—"

"I'll pay triple," Selena interrupted, her tone leaving no room for argument.

The shopkeeper hesitated, then nodded. "Very well. But we'll need to take measurements immediately."

Alex raised an eyebrow as Selena turned to him, her expression expectant. "Well? Go on," she said, motioning toward the fitting area.

He smirked, amused by her no-nonsense attitude. "Yes, Your Highness," he teased, earning a glare from her.

The fitting process was quicker than expected, though not without its challenges. Alex's broad shoulders and towering height posed a unique problem.

Most of the ready-made garments in the shop were too small for him, and the tailor muttered under his breath as he adjusted his measuring tape.

"You're a big one, aren't you?" the tailor said, not bothering to hide his exasperation.

Alex chuckled. "I get that a lot." The people in this kingdom were very different. The people in his empire were relatively taller, while the people in the kingdom... Their average height was lower than his Empire's.

Selena, meanwhile, paced the showroom floor, her arms crossed. Every delay was a reminder of how rushed this plan was. She couldn't afford any missteps. Matching dresses were simply the first part of the plan.

When Alex emerged from the fitting room, "You're really worked up about this, huh?" he said, leaning against the doorframe.

She shot him a look. "Of course, I'm worked up. This has to be perfect."

He studied her for a moment, his usual playful demeanour softening. "You know, you don't have to do this alone."

Her eyes narrowed. "What's that supposed to mean?"

Alex shrugged. "Just that you've got someone in your corner now. Whether it's about the ball or dealing with that Duke, you don't have to take it all on yourself."

Selena stared at him, caught off guard by the sincerity in his voice. For a fleeting moment, she felt the urge to let her guard down, to admit how much this all weighed on her. But the moment passed as quickly as it came. She straightened her posture.

"No need to worry, I'm fine."

The shopkeeper returned with a fabric swatch, interrupting the moment. "This should suit him well," he said, holding up a deep emerald fabric that matched Alex's eyes. Selena approved with a quick nod.

"Have it ready by tomorrow," she said.

As they left the shop and climbed back into the carriage, Selena allowed herself a small sigh of relief. One more task was done. Now, she just needed to focus on the rest of the plan. Alex, for his part, leaned back in his seat, his gaze once again lingering on her.

"Do you ever relax?" he asked, breaking the silence.

Selena glanced at him, her lips curving into a wry smile. "No. And I don't plan to start now."

Alex laughed, shaking his head. "Fair enough."

She rummaged through her bag and took out a document. "Take this."

Alex tilted his head in curiosity, "What is this?"

"Information about me. Just in case anyone asks you questions about me." There was a cunning smile on her face which made him even more interested.

He glanced at it before posing a question of his own, "Then shouldn't you know information about me too?"

She rested her head on her hand casually. Her eyelashes fluttered before her gaze landed on him. "I don't have to. You will be everything I expect."

Alex chuckled under his breath. He understood what she meant. If she tells people he is humble, it is on him to adapt to the situation. If she told people he was possessive, it was on him to act immediately.

She will not learn anything about him. That was it. Her arrogance might annoy some but he was thoroughly amused.

He will be whatever she says he is. 

"Meet you at the ball, partner." She said as he got off. 

As he watched the carriage leave... He couldn't help but feel excited.