CHAPTER 3

Alaric Pov:

Five years later.

I sat down in my office. Tired and frustrated, I ran my hand over my face, a habit I took on since the day SHE disappeared. Nova had developed a kidney disease, which I was not a match for a transplant. I had the best doctor for her treatment, but they couldn't find a match for her too; only Marissa was said to be a match or maybe a sibling.

I am now engaged to Stella. Ever since the engagement, I have been avoiding the marriage talk, using Nova as an excuse. I knew I had two options: find Marissa or marry Stella, which means I would be marrying Stella for another child for Nova’s transplant. I couldn't bring another child to the world for another child to live.

I have hired the best private investigator to find Marissa, but no results. It was as if she never existed. She occupied my head, and I want to know if she suffers as I do. She left Nova to suffer too.

I was hoping I would be able to talk to the Alden’s heir at the phantom dinner party, which is tomorrow. At the phantom dinner only influential people were invited, and I got invited for the first time. For four years, I have been looking for chances to talk to the Alden heir, that arrogant bastard. He would always ignore me every time we met or I tried to talk to him.

I have tried many times to get him on my project but failed. This is my only chance to enter their inner circle, and with their collaboration on my upcoming project, it will make me more successful.

My thoughts were cut off when my phone rang. I checked. It was the private investigator, Luke.

“Tell me you got something,” I said into the phone, clenching my jaws.

“No sir, maybe she is dead, and I don't even think the woman ever existed, cause I couldn't find her at all,” he says.

“Are you saying I am crazy, that she doesn't exist?” I asked him angrily, crushing the pen in my hand.

“No sir, I am the best in this field, but I have been looking for this person for five years and I couldn't. It is either she is dead or doesn't even exist,” he said.

“Find her. I don't care what you have to do, but you must find her. If not, I will make sure you never get to work for anyone,” I threatened as I hung up, not waiting for his reply.

I ran my hand over my face again. At this kind of time when I am stressed, Marissa would bring me lunch and offer to massage my shoulders. ‘Why am I thinking about her again? She is nothing but a filthy whore,’ I thought.

✮✮✮

“Alaric, welcome back,” my mother says as I enter the large sitting area. “Yes, Mother,” I replied.

“Why are you here, Stella?” I asked Stella when I saw her coming into the living room.

“Do I have a reason to see my fiancé? And I heard you have been invited to the phantom dinner party. I also came to check on Nova. I wanted to congratulate you on your first step to great success,” she said with a sultry voice, the same voice I have grown to hate.

I snorted, knowing that is not the main reason she was here. I watched as she looked at my mother. I knew they had a plan.

“Now that we got invited to the phantom dinner party, everything is almost settled. We are one step to having what we want, so why don't you choose a date for your wedding? I heard the patriarch of the Alden’s is very traditional. He likes a responsible family man and values good reputation. It will increase your favor. His grandson will not be able to say no to you when you have his grandfather's blessings and, most importantly, so that Nova can have a younger sibling, you know what I mean, son,” my mother said softly. I groaned, knowing what she was insinuating.

Stella is good for one thing, and that is public image. In public she makes it look like I am the perfect man, knowing I was never that way after HER.

Stella might have been my first love, but that love was gone five years ago. I am only with her for the public. The rich marry the rich, you say.

“Who are we? Mother, Nova is still young to have a younger sibling, and I will find a perfect donor for her,” I asked. I looked at my mother, but she gave a hard stern look. I saw Stella's face twitching with anger.

“We got invited, yeah. How does that have to do with me marrying Stella? And I don't know what you mean, Mother,” I continued. I loosened my tie. I had gotten tired of their little schemes.

“Alaric, we have been engaged for four years. Do you have any idea how that makes me feel in public? It is as if I have been forcing myself on you. Do you have any idea what ladies in my club say? I will not be used for your public image. If you don't do the right thing by me, I am leaving you,” she literally screamed, but that doesn't make me feel guilty.

“And yet you are still here posing like my fiancée. You sure haven't been forcing yourself on me,” I said nonchalantly.

Her face got red and was about to cry. My mother stood up and hugged her. I walked to Nova’s room, my poor daughter lying there almost lifeless.

“Mr Monroe,” the doctor called. I turned to look at him.

“Yes,” I answered, watching him as he took a deep breath.

“We could not find a match from our new source. I recommend we find the mother of Nova. She could be a match. If not, there's nothing we could do to save Nova,” he explained.

“I gave you everything you asked for, and you couldn't find a perfect kidney match for my daughter. You stand there and tell me you can't save my daughter?” I bellowed. If I marry Stella, I would be giving her what she wanted. Marrying her would also save Nova.

“Sir, we are very sorry for our….” he was interrupted by my phone ringtone.

“What is it?” I asked the person on the other end of the phone.

“Based on what you asked me to find, sir, it seems that the Alden’s patriarch values a good reputation,” my assistant said.

I scoffed. The Aldens are rumored to be rulers of the underworld and business; that is why they are the most powerful family in the country. Yes, of course they care about their image. No wonder you can't find dirt on them.

People who are associated with them are more respected and powerful, and I plan to become one of them. The dinner party is one step closer, and nothing will stop me, even if I would have to marry Stella for that reputation.

“Okay,” I said as I hung up the call. I ran my hands over my face again, frustrated I would be giving my mother and Stella what they wanted: good reputation. And I would be saving Nova.

Nothing is going to stop me from getting the Aldens on my project and saving Nova. I walked back to the large living room, my eyes wandering around the room, and landed on my mother and Stella.

“Let's get married, Stella,” I said. I watched as her face grew a smile, as she rushed to hug me.

“Really…?” Stella asked. I nodded my head.

“I knew you still loved me. I thought you had fallen out of love with me. I was so scared,” she says, and I roll my eyes. I used to love Stella but not anymore. But I could do it for the good reputation and for Nova. I raised my head when I heard the steps of someone running, and it was Prissy.

“Guys, I heard Alden’s daughter, Lucien’s twin sister, is going to be there,” Prissy literally screeched.

“Really?” Stella asked almost happily. I knew these two were planning to befriend the Alden daughter, because this is the first time the Alden’s daughter is going to be out in public as their daughter, even if it is still a secret.

“Yes, the girls at the golf club said so, but they aren't planning to show her yet, but she will be there. I am planning to find her and become her best friend before any of those girls befriend her. It will help to get closer to Lucien Alden,” she said shyly as the Alden heir’s name rolled off her mouth.

“Yes, you should do that, dear. It will be great to show her the socialite ways, and it will do us some good too,” my mother said, who had been quiet for a while.

As if the Alden heiress wouldn't know who to be friends with. They are ignoring the fact she is rumoured to be the underworld heiress. I have heard about her. She is ruthless when doing business. I think she is called Sable. It means sharp, black, merciless. A person like that would never be fooled.

My mother ignored my sister's delusional imagination of marrying the Alden’s heir, because everyone knew that every lady who tried to seduce him, it did not end well for them.

“Do you think the Alden’s heir will notice you there? There are going to be a lot of ladies at the party, so I think we should first focus on finding out who the heiress of Alden’s is first and becoming her friends,” Stella said softly, but it still stung Prissy.

“Are you saying I am not good enough?” Prissy asked, shocked. I watched as Stella feigned sadness and quickly rushed to Prissy to hold her hand.

“No, you got it all wrong. I am not saying you aren't beautiful enough to catch the Alden’s heir’s eyes. What about we go shopping tomorrow for our dinner gown, and you can get the Alden’s heir? And of course, it is on me. Dear sister-in-law.” Stella smiled.

“Uhh, sister-in-law?” Prissy asked, looking at me and Mother.

“Yes, Alaric and Stella are getting married,” Mother answered.

“Wow, so we have a wedding to prepare for, but first the shopping and dinner,” Prissy squealed. She kissed Mother’s cheek as she walked upstairs to the large hallway.

✮✮✮

At the party dinner.

I walked in with Stella holding my hand as we posed for pictures. She was showing off her engagement ring. I am sure she will be telling everyone at the party that we are getting married.

As I walked with her, Prissy came to her. They talked in hushed tones before they disappeared into the crowd, but not before Stella kissed my cheek.

As I walked further to find Lucien, I saw a familiar back. The person turned around with a smile.

Marissa.