Heir of Deception | (for mature audience)

Chapter 35: Alexandria

Alexandria

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With the wedding and the MET Gala looming just three weeks away, a sense of foreboding clung to me like a heavy fog. It was as if the universe had a penchant for chaos, especially when I let my guard down. Ava and Christian had assured me that this would be a stress-free wedding, but I couldn't shake the nagging feeling that something would inevitably go awry.

Aliyah and her dedicated team had completed every detail of the wedding preparations, and Clinton had meticulously arranged his outfit to complement Leah and Lyssa without overshadowing them. He had chosen a special ensemble, one that would blend seamlessly with the elegance of the day while allowing him to remain subtly in the background, as he preferred. As for my own outfit for the MET, the final touches were almost ready, and I could hardly believe that the finished product would surpass even the breathtaking sketch I had initially approved.

The last three weeks had been a whirlwind of fittings-endless fittings. My makeup and hair team had concocted a stunning concept to harmonize with my dress, and I was bubbling with excitement at the thought of seeing it all come together. One last detail remained: my cover for the May issue of L'MUSE, styled by Clinton himself, which was set for release today.

"Are you still coming?" I asked Christian over the phone, remembering his earlier message about running late.

"Yes, but you can leave without me. Just send me the location of the venue," he replied, his voice tinged with an urgency that made my heart sink a little.

"Okay," I murmured, a mix of disappointment and understanding washing over me. It was better than him not showing up at all, I reasoned.

"I'm sorry, princess," he said, his voice softening. "As soon as I leave here, I'll come."

"It's fine," I replied, forcing a smile that he couldn't see but hoping he could feel.

After hanging up, Clinton entered the room, his silence speaking volumes. He could sense the weight of my conversation.

"He's running a little late," I said, taking a seat on the edge of my bed as I slipped on my shoes.

"He'll be there; he always shows up for you, Lex," Clinton reassured me, offering a warm smile that melted some of my worries.

"I know," I sighed, the tension in my chest easing slightly.

I rose and caught my reflection in the mirror. I was draped in a stunning red Vivian Maison gown, fresh off the couture runway, paired with sleek black stiletto heels and a matching purse.

"He's going to love you in this dress," Clinton said with an approving grin.

"I know; I look hot," I teased, flipping my hair with a playful confidence that made him laugh as we left the room together.

But when the event came, Christian didn't show up. I felt a hollow ache in my chest, longing for him to share that magical moment with me, but work had a way of stealing him away. Yet, he had promised me this would be the last time he missed anything important.

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The Day of the MET GALA

With our wedding just four days away, the air around me buzzed with a mix of excitement and nerves. Today, however, the anticipation was all-consuming, especially with the MET Gala only three hours away. Christian had been trying to soothe my anxious heart, but his words felt like whispers against the storm brewing inside me.

As part of my transformation, I would be donning a platinum blonde wig, a suggestion from Aliyah that perfectly matched the deep burgundy of my dress. She had hoped I would color my hair, but I refused, knowing that our wedding was just around the corner.