Heir of Deception | (for mature audience)

Chapter 29: Alexandria

Alexandria

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It has been exactly two weeks since I bared my soul and confessed my love to Christian, and yet, the silence hangs heavy between us like a thick fog. A part of me clings to the fragile hope that he feels the same way, but a more prominent part is ensnared by the belief that he does not.

No matter how fiercely I try to banish those gnawing doubts, they slither back into my thoughts, persistent and unforgiving. In a desperate bid to distract myself, I’ve thrown myself into the chaotic whirlwind of wedding planning, an endeavor that, surprisingly, has become a productive outlet for my restless mind.

I had promised myself to keep work at bay during this tumultuous period, but yesterday, Sofia called with an enticing offer that I find hard to resist. Now, I sit on edge, anxiously awaiting her arrival to unveil the details. The elevator doors slide open, and she steps through, radiating confidence in her signature pantsuit.

“Wow, this place is incredible!” she exclaims, her eyes sparkling as she takes in the surroundings .

“Thanks! I’m glad you like it,” I reply, forcing a smile as I guide her to the living room, trying to ignore the flutter of nerves in my stomach. “Can I get you something to drink?”

“Yes, a cup of tea would be lovely,” she responds, her enthusiasm infectious, lighting up the room like sunshine breaking through the clouds.

Grace prepared two cups of tea, the warm aroma wafting through the air, wrapping me in a comforting embrace as I settle down with Sofia. Her radiant smile eases some of my tension, a balm for my fraying nerves.

"You won't believe the news," Sofia says, her voice bubbling with excitement, each word dripping with anticipation.

"Spill," I urge, my curiosity ignited like a match to kindling.

"Your father wants you to be the global brand ambassador for Carter & Co.!" she exclaims, and I am momentarily speechless, the ground beneath me shifting.

My father has worked with countless A-list celebrities—singers, actors, just about everyone who lights up Hollywood—yet here I am, unexpectedly thrust into this elite circle. Why me? Whenever I expressed a desire to work alongside him, he would always insist, “The Carters don’t mix business with family.”

Now that the landscape has shifted, doubt seeps in like a slow poison. I can’t help but wonder if his intentions are genuine. Is this a real opportunity for me, or is there something lurking behind his sudden interest? The gnawing questions claw at my insides, making me wonder if he truly believes in my potential or if my impending marriage to Christian has somehow influenced his decision. Is that why he wants me to tie the knot with someone I barely know?

"That’s amazing," I manage to say, attempting to conceal the tumult of uncertainty swirling within me.

"What's wrong?" Sofia asks, her perceptive gaze catching my hesitation.

"I don't know; I just wasn't expecting this," I admit, my voice trembling as I try to gather my scattered thoughts.

"You don’t have to make the decision right now, love. You can sleep on it," she reassures me, her kindness a soothing balm to my frayed nerves.

"Yeah, I will," I reply, grateful for her support. "I’ll get a second opinion and get back to you."

"Thanks for the tea! I have to dash to another meeting in a few minutes," she says, rising to leave, her energy now a memory lingering in the air.

And just like that, she’s gone, leaving me in a swirling vortex of confusion. The rest of the day, I grapple with the idea that my father wants me to be the face of his brand because he truly believes in my abilities, not because of any hidden agenda. Yet, knowing he orchestrated a marriage for me with a man I barely know, and now love, makes it nearly impossible to trust him completely.

But I resolve to give him the benefit of the doubt.

When Christian finally comes home, he heads straight for the shower, and I seize the opportunity to prepare dinner, my mind racing with thoughts of his honest opinion on my father’s proposal. He’s the only person close to me who can provide the clarity I desperately seek.

"Hey, can I ask you something?" I venture as he joins me at the table, my heart pounding.

"Of course, princess," he replies, his voice a soothing balm as he settles in.

"My father asked me to be the face of Carter & Co.," I pause, searching his eyes for a reaction before continuing, "Do you think I should do it?"

"Don't you want to do it?" he asks, dropping his fork onto his plate, concern etched on his features.

"Yes, but I'm just... I need your honest opinion," I admit, my voice barely above a whisper.

"What do you want to hear, princess? I’ll give it to you straight," he says, offering an assuring smile that warms me from within.

"I just don’t know if he’s being genuine. I don’t trust him like I used to," I confess, the weight of my uncertainty crashing down on me.

"I don’t trust the man as far as I can throw him, princess," he chuckles, "but I think he means it this time."

"You think?" I ask, my heart searching for reassurance in his eyes.

"Yeah, maybe this is his way of showing that he cares about you and supports you." He squeezes my hand, anchoring me in this moment.

"Thank you." I smile, the warmth of his belief in me wrapping around my heart.

"If you have any hesitation, call me, and I'll have Taylor read the contract and give you some advice," he offers. "She technically works for you now, too."

"No, she doesn’t; we’re not married yet," I chuckle, the tension slowly dissipating.

"Oh, so you have to be married to me first?" he teases, a playful glint in his eyes.

"Yes," I laugh, the sound lightening the atmosphere.

"Okay, so fuck the big wedding, and let’s do it tomorrow," he says, his tone a mix of seriousness and mischief that leaves me in a delightful haze of confusion.

"Don't be silly," I reply, half-laughing, half-hopeful.

"I'm not," he insists, his gaze steady and sincere. "I'm serious; we can still plan the big wedding for everyone, but let's have our intimate wedding with just the people we genuinely care about."

In that moment, I feel the world shift ever so slightly, the weight of uncertainty lifting just enough to let in a glimmer of hope.