Political Love

Entangled expectations- Chapter two

Alison POV:

FIVE MONTHS AFTER: 

My wedding day was the worst day of my life, and the honeymoon wasn't much better. We stayed in separate hotel rooms in Spain, each doing our own thing, though the country itself was undeniably beautiful. I tried to enjoy it, I really did. But being married to a workaholic stranger felt like both a blessing and a curse. He always seemed to be on a call or keeping me at arm's length, leaving me unsure if I even wanted to get close to him. What was there to get close about? He was a decade older than me, passionate about law, lacked hobbies, and most importantly, he despised sweets, while I adored them. After our week-long trip to Spain, I moved into his manor and have been living here ever since. However, I reside on the left side of the vast estate, as he wanted us to have separate spaces. The only shared area is the kitchen, with two kitchens available—one main and one smaller. The main one have more food in there. My side of the manor exudes elegance and sophistication, characterized by tasteful décor and luxurious furnishings. Every room boasts ornate details, from the grand foyer to the intimate sitting areas, emanating an aura of refinement and grace.

But my room is different. It's filled with pillows, blankets, and a few stuffed animals, because why not? He said I could decorate however I pleased, and I took him up on that offer. Plants adorn the space, and I keep the curtains open to let in the sunlight, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere that contrasts with the formality of the rest of the mansion.

Me and Lucas talk here and there, exchanging just "Good mornings" and "Good nights." We hardly ever eat dinner together; if one of us cooks, we inform the other and eat separately. Lucas usually leaves for work early or in the middle of the afternoon, depending on his clients. All I know is that he owns his own firm, so he has the flexibility to come and go as he pleases. He's a busy man, and I try to keep myself occupied. I started a garden in the spacious backyard out of sheer boredom. Though I have a job, my father insisted I take a break to enjoy newlywed life—or rather, to do his bidding. I've found myself standing and waving, engaging in small talk, and aiding him with his political campaign. My life now revolves around the Petrov name. People often question why I married Lucas and speculate if it was solely for the money. So, when we do have to go out together, we play the part of newlyweds, using our aversion to PDA as an excuse. I hope they believe us.

Finally, it's my birthday, and to my surprise, we decided to host a party. Pink and white balloons adorn the space, and my family from Virginia is in attendance, though sadly, my sister couldn't make it due to issues her husband is facing. At least I have some friends and one close friend who could make it. Outside, there are flickering firelights on the patio, adding to the ambiance. A simple yet elegantly decorated cake sits at the center, surrounded by flowers. Most of the attendees are family, apart from Lucas's parents. They live just a few miles away, separated from us by a beautiful field. For the past five months, I've had to deal with my helicopter mother-in-law, who frequently drops by unannounced, especially after Lucas leaves for work. She engages in conversation with me but often belittles me for almost everything. It's annoying, but for now, I let it slide.

My father is mingling with his group of followers, whom he treats like his "brothers." They're just a bunch of annoying grown men who shadow him because he's the group leader. I find myself standing by the snack table, a glass of sparkling champagne in hand, while Lucas chats with his parents. I glance around at the softly lit surroundings, the gentle music playing from the speakers installed throughout the house adding to the ambiance. A mix of old classics fills the air. Everyone is dressed in semi-formal attire, and a slight breeze blows through, signaling the arrival of early September. I'm wearing a sweater dress with an off-shoulder design and long sleeves, its light brown color complemented by my curls cascading down, adorned with a white bow that matches my heels.

My eyes scan the backyard, taking in the scene of my birthday party. Amidst the guests, I spot my old friend Daniel walking through the gates, a small gift bag in his hands. Setting down my glass, I make my way over to him. He's dressed in a charcoal suit, with his bodyguards trailing behind him. As he draws near, I realize it's really him.

"Daniel, aren't you supposed to be in another state for your presidential campaign?" I inquire, surprised to see him. He pulls me into a tight embrace, his words flowing out slowly as if he's preparing for a long speech. "It's your birthday. I missed your wedding, but I would never miss this," he says, his tone sincere. I release him from the hug and look up at him, taking in his appearance—just off a plane, his tie loosened, and his short blonde hair tousled.

A soft chuckle escapes my lips as I gently guide him over to my father. Dad sets down his drink and extends a firm handshake. "Ah, see, gentlemen? This is what I call an investment. I taught him so many things, and look at him. He could be President of the United States soon," my father boasts to his entourage of men, who nod in agreement and offer their greetings. I suppress the urge to roll my eyes. That was a rude comment to make, especially in Levi's absence. My father had replaced my brother with Daniel years ago, claiming he "raised" him. Daniel had been around since my brother left, and my father had taken him under his wing, teaching him politics despite Daniel's father being a politician himself.

"I'm thrilled to make you proud. The polls are looking promising," Daniel responds, his hand resting softly on my back as he draws me closer and then shifts it to my arm. "How's the birthday girl doing? Married into one of the wealthiest families. Was that your doing, James?" His tone is playful yet laced with a hint of aggression and suspicion.

"It had to be. Only a cunning man like James could pull off a stunt like that," Daniel continues, his emphasis on the word 'cunning' sending subtle jabs. My father's entourage chuckles in response. "Perhaps I've raised you too much like me. Yes, I arranged it, but Alison is a very happy woman. She has this grand manor, her family, friends, new opportunities. Isn't that right?" My father's gaze sends a shiver down my spine.

"Yes, happy. My husband is a hard worker," I reply, the possessive term 'my' feeling heavy on my tongue. I can't truly explain my marriage, can't reveal the complexities of Lucas's distant nature. I flash Daniel a smile, which only seems to deepen his frown.

"Let me meet him," Daniel leans in close to my ear, his minty breath mingling with the wind. "I can get you out of here if I don't like him." His words send another wave of shivers through me, exacerbated by my father's stern gaze. If not for the black tights, my brown skin would surely betray me.

I sigh softly and lean into Daniel. "I'm fine, he hasn't kidnapped me, okay? I'll introduce you to him. You guys can chat, and I'll slip inside to grab some more drinks. Just behave," I whisper, taking cautious steps away from my father and his friends, heading towards Lucas. He's engaged in conversation with some of my family members, sharing laughs with my judgmental, devout grandmother, which I take as a promising sign. She's not one to mince words in the name of Jesus.