MY MOON

CHAPTER 29: ALYA

The following day was a stark contrast to the celebration of the previous night. The glamour and joy of the event had given way to the grind of real work. Alex had been gone since early morning, buried in meetings with investors and the marketing team. I found myself equally occupied, immersed in my own tasks. The day had flown by, and before I knew it, the clock 6 PM before I even realised.

Just as I was about to take a breather, my phone rang. It was Casy.

"Hey, what's up?" she asked, sounding more worn out than usual.

"Just working. It's been a long day," I replied, rubbing my temples.

"Ugh, tell me about it. I'm exhausted. Meet me at the café across from the hotel? I need a break."

"Sure, I could use one too. I'll be there in ten."

I made my way to the café, the bustling Chicago streets a blur as I walked. Casy was already there, a steaming cup of coffee in each hand.

"Thank God you came. I'm so tired," she said, handing me one of the cups as I slid into the seat across from her.

"Thanks," I said, taking a grateful sip. "So, how's Chicago treating you?"

Casy let out a sigh. "What Chicago? From the moment I landed, it's been nothing but work. Yet, I don't get to stay in the Presidential Suite or give speeches," she added, a trace of frustration and, perhaps, jealousy in her voice.

I frowned slightly. "There were no rooms available, Casy. How can you say that as if its special treatment?"

"Yeah, yeah, I get it. You guys are family, so you can share," she replied, but there was a bitterness in her tone that was hard to miss.

"It's not like that," I began, feeling a knot form in my stomach. It was uncomfortable to think about the truth—Alex was my step-uncle. But Casy's words struck a nerve.

"But still, the speech?" she continued. "I get it, it's your idea and your design, but I'm the team leader. Shouldn't I get at least some credit? It's just...so much nepotism."

"Nepotism?" I repeated, my voice rising with a mixture of hurt and anger. "This is the third time you've said that word. What did I even do? To deserve Nepotism word? I've always worked hard for this. Just because Alex is my step-uncle, you can't keep throwing that in my face."

Casy looked at me, her eyes filled with frustration. "I agree, you're hardworking. But seriously, who gets transferred to New York headquarters within just a year of working? It takes years, even for me it took 9 years, Isn't that nepotism?"

"What do you mean?" I asked, my voice trembling slightly.

"You don't know?" Casy's voice increased, "Alex bought our whole company and personally ordered your transfer to New York."

The words hit me like a punch in the gut. "What?" I breathed, feeling a cold wave of shock wash over me.

"That's why I keep saying nepotism, Alya. High end projects, recommended job, speeches, suites, and what not. It's all because of him." She said in frustration.

I sat there, stunned and silent. The café's ambient noise faded into the background as Casy's revelation sank in. My mind raced, replaying every praise, every appreciation, every special opportunity I'd received since joining the company. Was it all because of Alex? Had my success been handed to me on a silver platter, tainted by favouritism? Did he again lie? Did he again played with my trust?

"Alya, I didn't mean to hurt you," Casy said, her voice gentler now, realising she made a mistake.

I nodded numbly, my thoughts in turmoil. I had prided myself on my achievements, believing they were the result of my hard work and dedication. But now, everything seemed tainted, overshadowed by the possibility that I had been nothing more than a pawn again in another Alex Hall's game.

"I... I need to go," I managed to say, standing up abruptly. The chair scraped loudly against the floor, drawing a few curious glances from other patrons.

"Alya, wait," Casy called after me, but I was already out the door, my heart pounding in my chest.

I hurried back to the hotel, my mind a whirlwind of confusion and betrayal. Entering the suite, I went straight to my room and began packing my things. I couldn't stay here, not with this new knowledge weighing on me. I needed to get away, to clear my head.

An hour later, as I was zipping up my suitcase with tears in eyes, the door to the suite swung open. Alex walked in, his face lighting up with a smile that quickly faded as he took in the scene before him.

"Alya? What's going on?" he asked, his voice tinged with concern.

I turned to face him, my eyes brimming with unshed tears. "I'm leaving, Alex. I can't stay here."

He looked taken aback. "Why? What happened?"

I took a deep breath, trying to steady my voice. "Because I realised, yet again I am just a plaything in your game that you so easily fooled me and transferred me here to New York like you wished."

Alex's face hardened, a storm of emotions flickering in his eyes. "Alya, it's not what you think."

"Then what is it, Alex?" I demanded, my voice rising. "Why didn't you tell me? Why did you let me believe in you again? I really was a fool to think I earned everything of it."

He stepped closer, his expression earnest and pained. "Because you did earn it, Alya. I saw your talent, your drive. Yes, I bought the company, but not to give you a free ride." He reached out, but I stepped back, my heart aching with a mix of anger and confusion. "Alya, please. Don't go. Don't leave me again. Let's talk about this. I can explain you."

"I have nothing to listen," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

He watched me, his expression filled with a helpless sorrow that tugged at my heart. But I couldn't stay. Not now. Not with everything so raw and uncertain. I rushed outside the room.