The following morning, Elizabeth Bennet awoke to a world that had shifted on its axis. The sun streamed through the curtains of her modest room, casting a warm glow on the cold reality that had befallen her. She had proposed to a stranger, a man who was the very epitome of power and mystery in their city.
As she dressed in a simple day gown, her thoughts were a whirlwind of questions and fears. What had she done? And more importantly, what would Christian Grey expect from her now?
Descending the stairs, she found her father, Noah Calhoun, in the drawing room, his face like thunder as he read the morning newspaper. The headlines were cruel, painting her as a jilted fiancée who had made a spectacle of herself.
"Elizabeth," Noah said sternly, "you must see the damage youve caused. Your impulsive proposal to Mr. Grey has only fueled the gossip."
Elizabeth lifted her chin, her eyes meeting her fathers. "I did what I had to do to protect my dignity, Father. Edward Cullen has forsaken me for Jane Eyre, and I refuse to be made a fool of."
Noahs expression softened slightly. "I understand your desire to save face, but to propose to a man you barely know... its madness."
"Perhaps," Elizabeth admitted, "but Mr. Grey has agreed to a marriage of convenience. It will give me the independence I need, and he will have a wife who will not interfere with his affairs."
Just then, the door knocker sounded, and the butler announced the arrival of Mr. Christian Grey. Elizabeths heart fluttered in her chest as he entered, his presence as commanding as the night before.
"Mr. Bennet," Christian greeted with a nod, "Miss Bennet. I trust I find you well?"
Noah gestured to a chair. "Please, sit. We have much to discuss."
Christian turned to Elizabeth, his gaze piercing. "Ive come to finalize our arrangement. I assume you are still of the same mind?"
Elizabeth hesitated for only a moment. "Yes, Mr. Grey, I am."
Noah cleared his throat. "Mr. Grey, while I appreciate your willingness to take my daughter off my hands, I must ask what you get out of this... arrangement?"
Christians lips curved into a slight smile. "I find Miss Bennet to be a woman of great spirit and intelligence. I have no wish to marry a society woman who would rather attend balls than engage in meaningful conversation. Elizabeth offers me something... different."
Noah considered this, then nodded. "Very well. We shall have the contracts drawn up. A marriage of convenience, as you say."
Christian turned his attention back to Elizabeth. "Shall we discuss the details, Miss Bennet?"
Elizabeth felt a strange mixture of relief and trepidation. "Yes, Mr. Grey."
They spent the next hour discussing the terms of their marriage—everything from living arrangements to financial matters. Elizabeth was surprised to find that Christian was more than willing to be fair and generous in their agreement.
Elizabeth extended her hand, and Christian took it, his grip firm and confident. "As do I, Mr. Grey."
As he took his leave, Elizabeth was left with a sense of awe at the turn her life had taken. She was to be the wife of Christian Grey, a man who was as enigmatic as he was powerful. And as she watched him depart, she couldnt help but wonder what kind of husband he would be.