003

Amelia's POV

I tried so hard to study Alexander, but I simply couldn't figure out what he was up to. I had thought it was a perfect plan when Annie suggested it, but somehow, I had managed to get myself into a mess I could barely find my way out of.

Alexander stretched out his hand towards me, a faint smile playing on his lips.

“Let's go, wife.” I glared at him, imagining a million ways I could kill him while he stood there looking so pleased with himself. He didn't seem bothered. His hand remained extended, waiting.

“Remember, your brother is just outside the door. One word, and this whole fiancé arrangement will blow up in your face.”

His expression remained calm, as though he hadn't just threatened to expose me. I clenched my jaw before placing my hand in his. Together, we walked out of the room and headed towards the dining room.

Laughter greeted us before we even stepped inside. My parents and Aurora were laughing loudly, looking perfectly happy in one another's company.

A small sting settled in my chest. It felt as though they were perfectly happy without me, as though my presence was nothing but an inconvenience.

However, the moment they noticed us approaching, their smiles gradually faded.

Mum quickly stood up, pointing towards an empty seat beside her.

“Oh, come, Amelia. Mr. Alexander is having breakfast with us for the first time. Please, sit.” She wore a fixed smile, and I caught myself tugging at my dress as Alexander led me towards the table. I could feel Aurora's eyes following us. He helped me into my seat before settling beside me, his arm resting casually behind my chair.

Our eyes met briefly. A faint smile touched his lips, and I immediately looked away. Only the two of us knew what was going through our minds. Once the food was served, Aurora's voice broke the silence.

“So, tell me, how did you two meet? Because, judging by the looks of things, I never imagined my sister could date someone like you, Mr. Alexander.”

I rolled my eyes, trying hard to keep my composure. “It's enough, Aurora. You don't need to know anything.”

“Why not, sister?” She tilted her head, wearing an innocent smile that didn't reach her eyes. “Tell us how you met him. How did you seduce him? Or did you try to sleep with him the same way you tried with Sebastian?” The room fell awkwardly silent.

Sebastian gently stroked Aurora's shoulder, while I glanced between them. The mocking smile on her face made my fingers tighten around my glass. But before I could respond, Alexander spoke.

“As a matter of fact, I was the one who approached her first.” He leaned back slightly, his attention shifting towards me. There was a faint smile at the corner of his lips, but something about the way he regarded me made me uneasy. “It was unexpected love. Perhaps I should call it love at first sight.”

He paused, holding my attention for a second before continuing. “She was the only woman who could talk to me when no one else could. And she was the only woman who gave me her bank card just to pay for a flight ticket.”

I nearly choked on my wine. What?

I began coughing, completely caught off guard by his words. This wasn't in the script. This wasn't what I had asked him to say! Everyone turned towards me as Alexander quickly handed me a napkin.

“Careful, sweetheart.” He said it so calmly, with an amused glint in his eyes, as though he knew exactly how much trouble he was causing me.

I accepted the napkin, wiping my mouth before setting it down. Aurora's attention suddenly dropped to my left hand. A smug smile appeared on her face.

“Is that your engagement ring?” she asked, examining it. “It's quite cheap, isn't it?” I glanced down at my ring, then back at her.

Before I could respond, she raised her own left hand, making sure the large diamond on her finger caught everyone's attention.

“Sebastian knows I deserve the best,” she said, admiring her ring. “He would do anything for me. He never lets me settle for less.” She turned her hand from side to side, clearly pleased with herself.

I rolled my eyes. Of course, Aurora had to turn everything into an opportunity to show off. I pushed my chair back.

“Excuse me. I need to use the restroom.”

Without waiting for a response, I walked away.

I needed air. Alexander was making things far more complicated than they needed to be. Was he planning to expose everything?

My hands trembled as I hurried into the restroom. I splashed water on my face, trying to steady myself, when the door suddenly opened. I turned towards it and froze.

Sebastian stood there with both hands in his pockets and a strange smile playing on his lips.

“What are you doing here?” I asked, glancing towards the entrance.

He stepped closer, reaching out to stroke my hair, but I immediately moved backwards, narrowing my eyes at him.

“Come on, what's the matter? Have we suddenly become strangers?” He let out a low laugh, studying my face. “I remember how you used to run around me, and now I can't even touch your hair?”

I stared at him, taken aback by his audacity. I quickly picked up a napkin to dry my hands and turned to leave, only for him to step in front of me.

“Amelia, I know you want me. You're just putting up this act because I chose your sister. Let's make a deal. After I marry Aurora, you can be my mistress.” My jaw dropped. For a second, I simply stood there, struggling to believe he had actually said that.

I shut my eyes briefly, trying to suppress the anger building inside me. When I opened them, I looked him straight in the eye.

“You are nothing but an asshole, and I'm glad I dumped your ass back then.” I turned to leave, but he grabbed my hand tightly.

“Let me go!” I shrieked, struggling against his grip. Suddenly, the door burst open.

A fist connected with Sebastian's cheek, sending him stumbling backwards onto the floor.

“Touch my fiancé again, and I'll kill you.”

Alexander stood between us, his expression cold as he looked down at Sebastian. Sebastian's eyes widened in horror as his attention shifted from me to Alexander.

My parents appeared at the entrance, with Aurora rushing towards Sebastian.

“Amelia, how dare you!” I stared at her, unable to believe she was blaming me without even asking what had happened.

“What did I do?” Alexander pulled me against him, his arm settling firmly around my waist. His cold attention shifted to Aurora, and whatever she had been about to say died on her lips.

Mum stepped forward, looking as though she wanted to intervene, but one glance from him made her stop.

“Perhaps you should ask your soon-to-be husband what he was trying to do to my wife.” His voice was controlled, but there was no mistaking the warning behind it.

Nobody said another word. Alexander took my hand and led me out. I glanced back once, catching sight of Aurora still crouched beside Sebastian. I said nothing until we reached our room. As soon as the door closed behind us, I finally released the breath I'd been holding.

“Thank you,” I whispered. Alexander turned towards me, a faint smile playing on his lips as he shrugged.

“You don't need to thank me. It's one of the packages that comes with being my wife.”

Speaking of this new title, I just had to be patient. Once we returned to our city, I would file for divorce. There was absolutely no way he would disagree.

Just then, footsteps approached the door.

Someone was trying to eavesdrop. I quickly pushed Alexander onto the bed, forcing his arms around my waist as I climbed over him. For a second, he froze, staring at me in surprise.

“Moan with me,” I whispered. His brows lifted, and then a low chuckle escaped his lips before he began moaning along with me.

Soon, the footsteps faded. I tried to climb off him, but he caught my hand and pulled me back onto the bed. A gasp escaped my lips as I froze.

“You can't just leave me hanging, Mrs. Brooks.” His husky voice echoed in my ears. I tried pushing him away, but he barely moved. His eyes held mine, and I swallowed hard.

“Alexander, this isn't the agreement.”