Diplomatic Affairs

Tangled Alliance

My anxious look towards Alex captured the tense atmosphere prevailing. His gaze was fixed on Reagan, displaying a mixture of anger and incredulity. As Reagan began to speak, a sinking sensation gripped my chest, signaling an imminent and significant revelation.

"Ladies and gentlemen," Reagan proclaimed confidently, "the man you see in the photo with the president's son is none other than..." Before he could conclude, Alex abruptly stood up, his interruption resonating loudly, "It's me!" The audience gasped collectively, absorbing this unforeseen disclosure.

Alex's father, taken aback by his sudden outburst, inquired sternly, "What is the meaning of this, boy?" Unfazed, Alex responded with determination, "Something I should have done long ago." He turned towards the crowd and confessed, "The man in the photo is me. However, Mr. Reynolds falsely claimed that President Harrington was aware. In reality, she merely sought to shield her son, just as she'll protect the people of Veridia."

"Alexander, take a seat," his father's voice was tinged with disbelief and a hint of frustration. Unfazed, Alex walked over to where I was. With a determined expression, he declared, "Benjamin and I have hidden our feelings for far too long. I'm done with that." As he approached, I stood up, my heart racing. Alex's hand tenderly cradled my cheek, his thumb caressing my skin.

"Alex," I murmured, his name escaping as a breath.

"I've never been worried about anyone's opinion of me, but now the only thing that matters is how you see me. I love you, Benjamin Harrington. I've loved you for a while now, and I'll continue to do it without shame." Alex leaned in, his lips initiating a passionate kiss. In that instant, it was just the two of us, the rest of the world fading into the background.

As we pulled away, Alex locked eyes with me, softly uttering, "I love you." The room's ambiance shifted, every gaze now fixed upon us. Various expressions adorned faces-satisfaction, astonishment, and enigmatic feelings. Yet, for the first time, their scrutiny held no sway over me.

Reagan's voice sliced through the air, exclaiming, "No! They're rivals! Embracing this is unacceptable!" Alex pivoted towards Reagan with anger flashing in his eyes and retorted, "I believe we've heard enough from you, Guards!" Acting upon his signal, the guards within the room apprehended Reagan. I watched with satisfaction as they escorted him away, despite his resistance.

As the guests commenced their departure, Ari enveloped me in a hug, jubilantly expressing, "That was genuinely the most remarkable election I've ever attended," her smile wide. Just as Alex approached us, Ari grinned and quipped, "I'll leave you two to catch up," before making her exit. My gaze met Alex's, the unmasked smile on my face revealing my joy, and I inquired, "What do we do now?"

Suddenly, Out of nowhere, our parents drew near, Alex's father clearing his throat as my mother fixed me with a stern gaze. A sense of surprise was evident on their faces. Alex's fingers intertwined with mine, our hands coming together as we readied ourselves for whatever was about to unfold.

Confusion tinged Alex's father's words. "Among all the young men in Rosewood, why did it have to be him?" My mother shifted her attention to me, her inquiry pointed, "Do you comprehend the predicament you've placed us in, Benjamin?"

With determination, Alex firmly voiced his disregard, stating, "I'm utterly unconcerned. I won't permit your senseless rivalry to keep us separated. I love Ben."

My mother exhaled audibly, her visible agitation dissipating as she turned to Alex, asking, "You love my son?" Her voice carried an emotion that was hard to decipher.

"With all my heart, ma'am," Alex responded firmly.

My mother's gaze turned to me, her question clear in her eyes. Meeting her gaze, flashes of Alex filled my thoughts. "I do, Mom," I affirmed. My words were infused with certainty and affection.

A gentle smile tugged at my mother's lips, radiating warmth as she rested a hand on my shoulder. "As a mother, all one wants is for their children to be safe and loved," she began, a note of regret in her voice. "I realize I might not have always provided that for you. I'm truly sorry." Her remorse felt heartfelt.

Tears welled up in her eyes as she continued, "If your father were here, he would have been immensely proud of the man you've become, just as I am." Her words stirred bittersweet memories and a sense of yearning.

Overwhelmed with emotion, she enveloped me in a hug. I held her tightly, sensing acceptance and solace. As we eventually parted, my mother directed her attention to Alex's parents.

"Vanessa, Henry, our longstanding rivalry has interfered with our children's happiness. They're bound to encounter judgment for this, but let's make an effort to be the few individuals they don't have to fret about," my mom implored, extending her hand.

Alex's father fixed a stern gaze upon Alex's beseeching expression before he let out a sigh and spoke, then extended his hand to shake my mother's. "Allies," he stated, finalizing the sentiment.