Heir of Deception | (for mature audience)

Chapter 12: Alexandria

Alexandria

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Breakfast passed without much excitement; I found myself eating a bit more than usual. Perhaps it was the awareness of his gaze fixed on every bite I took. I knew he wasn't judging me, yet an inner voice nudged me to think otherwise. It was strange how his presence could alter my habits, making me more conscious of my actions, even in something as simple as eating.

For the first time in a while, I managed to keep my breakfast down. I was relieved, as there had been mornings when the thought of food made my stomach churn. After getting dressed, I headed downstairs and found him waiting in the living room. He looked at me with an intensity that made my heart flutter. He was dressed in black pants and a crisp white polo shirt paired with stylish sneakers, a slight departure from his usual tailored suits. It was a refreshing change, and I couldn't help but admire the way he carried himself.

"You look nice," he said, his eyes scanning my outfit appreciatively.

"Thank you," I replied, offering him a smile that I hoped conveyed my appreciation for his compliment.

My attire was nothing out of the ordinary-a denim long-sleeved shirt, unbuttoned to reveal a white cropped spaghetti strap top beneath, paired with fitted jeans and white sneakers that complemented my casual look. I felt comfortable, yet a part of me wanted to impress him, to show that I cared about how I presented myself, even in casual situations.

We made our way to the garage, where the array of luxury cars awaited us. Each one gleamed under the fluorescent lights, a testament to his impeccable taste. On a normal day, I might have opted for one of his sports cars, the kind that could make my heart race just by sitting in the passenger seat. But with our friends joining us, I settled on the familiar Rolls Royce-a classic choice that felt more appropriate for the occasion.

As we drove, the city unfolded around us, vibrant and alive. I could feel the excitement bubbling within as we approached our first destination-a shopping haven known for its high-end boutiques. I had envisioned this outing as a chance to indulge in some retail therapy, and I was thrilled to have invited Clinton and Alyssa along for the ride. Who better than my closest friends to help me navigate the world of fashion?

"Hello!" Alyssa exclaimed, throwing her arms around me as we met outside the store.

"Hi," I responded, returning her embrace. Then, I gestured to Christian, eager to introduce him. "Guys, this is Christian."

"Hello," he greeted them with a polite smile, his charm shining through.

"Hi," Alyssa replied, her tone noticeably colder. It was clear she wasn't his biggest fan, her disapproval of the whole arranged marriage concept hanging in the air like an unspoken tension.

"Here, call me when you're done," Christian said, handing me his card. "Enjoy yourselves."

With that, he left us to explore the store alone, granting us the luxury of an empty shop and his unlimited credit card. The whole store had been shut down just for us, creating a sense of exclusivity that made the experience even more thrilling. We wandered from boutique to boutique, our hands soon filled with bags of clothes, shoes, and various treasures. The excitement of shopping was amplified by the champagne we sipped, each bubbly sip loosening our inhibitions and enhancing our enjoyment.