To Have, To Hold

Chapter 12

### **Chapter Twelve: The Dance of Deception**

---

The ballroom glittered with opulence, chandeliers casting golden light across the room as music swirled in the background. It was **Alexander's** night—a celebration of his achievements, another accolade added to his already impressive career. The crowd was gathered to honor him, and the evening buzzed with admiration and praise for the man who seemed to have it all.

In the midst of the crowd stood **Marcus** and **Elena**, their hands lightly intertwined, a picture-perfect couple under the scrutiny of the elite. Marcus was all charm tonight, his eyes never leaving Elena's for too long, his touch soft and affectionate. It was a stark contrast to the cold distance she had grown accustomed to at home. He smiled often, his arm gently resting on her waist as they mingled with the guests. To anyone watching, they were the very definition of a happily married couple—loving, supportive, and strong.

But beneath the surface, Elena could feel the lie pressing down on her like a heavy weight. Marcus was putting on a show, playing his part to perfection. He had heard the whispers, the rumors about their distant marriage, and tonight he intended to squash them. His love was a performance, and she was nothing more than his unwilling co-star.

"Smile," Marcus whispered into her ear, his breath warm against her skin. "Everyone's watching."

Elena forced a smile, the expression not quite reaching her eyes. She could feel the eyes of the guests on her, could sense their curiosity, their judgment. This was what Marcus wanted—for them to believe that everything was fine, that the rumors were just that. Rumors.

The music shifted into a slower, more intimate melody, and Marcus turned to her with a smile that looked almost genuine. "Shall we dance, my love?"

Elena swallowed the lump in her throat and nodded, allowing him to lead her onto the dance floor. His hand rested gently on the small of her back, his fingers barely pressing into her skin, and for a moment, she almost believed the act. Almost.

As they moved in time with the music, Marcus held her close, his grip firm but not harsh, his movements smooth and deliberate. His touch was lighter than usual, his fingers tracing patterns along her spine in a way that might have been tender if it weren't for the truth that lingered beneath the surface.

"See," Marcus murmured, his voice low and controlled. "We're perfect together. Everyone's looking at us, and they see nothing but love."

Elena glanced around the room, her eyes meeting the approving smiles of the guests. They believed it—believed the illusion that Marcus was so carefully constructing. But Elena knew better. She knew the truth of what awaited them when the night was over, when the audience was no longer watching.

As the dance continued, Elena's mind wandered, her eyes seeking out **Alexander** across the room. He stood by the bar, deep in conversation with a group of executives, but even from a distance, his presence filled the space in a way Marcus's never could. There was a calm strength in the way he carried himself, a quiet confidence that made people gravitate toward him without effort.

Just as the song was coming to an end, Alexander's gaze caught hers. His smile was warm, genuine, but when he looked at her, there was something else in his eyes—something that made her heart stutter in her chest.

Without warning, Alexander made his way over to them, his smile widening as he reached them. "You two look wonderful out here," he said, his voice carrying easily over the music. "Mind if I steal a dance with my beautiful sister-in-law?"

Elena froze, her heart sinking at the request. She could feel Marcus stiffen beside her, his grip tightening for the briefest of moments before he forced himself to relax. His smile remained in place, but there was something darker behind his eyes now—something Elena knew would surface the moment they were alone.

"Of course," Marcus said, his voice too smooth, too controlled. He released her, stepping back with a flourish as if to show how gracious he was. "Enjoy, brother."

Elena forced herself to breathe as Alexander took her hand, leading her gently onto the floor. His touch was different—softer, more careful. Where Marcus's hands had always felt like a cage, Alexander's felt like a lifeline, a breath of air in the suffocating world she lived in.

"You're tense," Alexander said softly as they began to move in time with the music. "Are you alright?"

Elena smiled, but it was weak, fragile. "I'm fine," she whispered, though her mind was already racing ahead to the consequences that awaited her.

Alexander's eyes softened, his gaze searching hers as if trying to find the truth behind her words. He didn't push her for more, though she could see the concern etched into his features.

They danced in silence for a few moments, the world around them fading away as they moved together. For a brief, fleeting moment, Elena allowed herself to enjoy the feeling of being in his arms, to feel the warmth of his body against hers. But the fear never left her, a constant reminder that this moment would come at a price.

As the song came to an end, Alexander gently released her, his hand lingering for just a second longer than necessary. He smiled at her, but there was a sadness in his eyes that she couldn't quite place.

"Thank you for the dance," he said softly, his voice filled with a kindness she hadn't felt in so long.

Elena nodded, her throat tight with unshed tears. "Thank you."

When Marcus returned to her side, his smile was as polished as ever, but the darkness in his eyes had deepened. He leaned in close, his breath hot against her ear as he whispered, "We'll talk about this later."

Elena's stomach twisted in knots, her heart sinking as the evening continued. She knew exactly what "later" meant, and the weight of it pressed down on her like a crushing force.

---