Between Us

Chapter 20

Max

"Congratulations," one of the actresses under my management says. Audrey, I believe her name is? "When I got the invite, I assumed it'd be something like this, but for some reason, I thought it'd be Crystal and you. I always thought there was secretly something going on between you two, but it all makes sense now. You were just looking out for your sister-in-law."

My heart clenches painfully at the thought of Crystal being my sister-in-law, yet that is exactly what she is now. I force a smile to my face, and Alianna tenses beside me.

"The Arceta's and the Lim's have always been good friends," I tell her, unsure what else to say.

She glances at Alianna and grins, "I guess this explains why there haven't been any rumors about you in a while. You were secretly dating Max."

I tighten my grip on Alianna's waist and pull her closer.

"Yes," Alianna says, "Max and I are both very private people, so we've tried our best to stay out of the spotlight, and we'll continue to do so."

I nod and press a soft kiss to her temple, tired of this fucking charade. It's been an endless barrage of questions that neither of us has answers to, and I'm exhausted.

I'm sure Alianna is too.

She slumps against me once Sakura walks away, and I pull her closer with a big fake smile on my face.

"Let's get the fuck out of here," I tell her.

She grins at me so cheerfully that even I'm deceived for a moment, "Gladly," she snaps, smiling brightly.

I chuckle. I can't help it, "This is fucking ridiculous, but let's put on our last act of the night," I tell her, before bending down and lifting her into my arms. Cheers erupt around us as I carry her away, both of us smiling the way that's expected of us.

There's a limousine waiting for us, and I carefully put Alianna down in front of it. The relieved sigh that escapes her lips grates on me. I suppose a small part of me wishes that she didn't hate every second of today, of marrying me.

I hold the door open for her, and she freezes for a moment before getting in. It wasn't until I joined her that I understood her reaction. Abuela is sitting in the car, her arms crossed and a deceptively serene smile on her face.

"Alianna Lim, "she says, "Welcome to the family."

Alianna tenses and nods. She's smiling the way she did throughout the day, but I notice the way her hands tremble.

"Why are you here, Abuela?" I ask, weary. Today has been a complete mess, and I'm not sure how much more I can take.

"Everything went as I expected today, but I understand that both of you are confused and uncertain about your future, so I'd like to take the time to ensure you're familiar with the rules you must abide by throughout the first three years of your marriage."

She looks at me then, "You might be aware, but Alianna is not."

"I can—"

"No," she cuts me off, "It's best that I explain this myself, and it's best for both of you to go into this knowing what is expected of you."

I sigh and glance at Alianna, my heart aching. I can't imagine how hard today must be for her, and the last thing I want for her is to be overwhelmed with restrictions and Rules.

"Alianna," Abuela says, her voice soft and tender, "In order for Max to inherit her shares and for you to inherit your parents' stake in the company we'll be merging, there are a few rules you must abide by. I'm not sure how much you know already, so I'll explain everything, okay?"