CHAPTER 9A

William's gaze softened slightly, a flicker of sorrow passing through his eyes.

"I understand your frustration, Xavier, I truly do. But sometimes we have to make sacrifices for the greater good. There's more at stake here than just your personal desires. This marriage is a chance for us to secure our family's future, to build a strong alliance. I hope that one day you'll come to see the value in it."

Xavier's jaw tightened, his resolve unyielding. "I'll fulfill my duty, Dad, but don't expect me to pretend to be happy about it. My heart will never be in this. You can force me into this marriage, but you can't force me to love her."

Xavier's bitterness seeped into his voice as continued to speak, his frustration evident.

"I never asked for any of this, Dad," he retorted, his words laced with a touch of resentment.

"But it seems I have no choice in the matter. I'll go through with it, fulfill my duty as expected, but don't expect me to put on a facade of happiness."

The tension in the room thickened as Xavier's words hung in the air.

The clash between his desire for freedom and his impending marriage created an undeniable rift, one that seemed to grow wider with each passing moment

William's stern expression softened slightly, a flicker of understanding crossing his face.

"I understand your reluctance, Xavier," he said, his tone softer but still resolute.

"But remember, sometimes the path we least desire leads us to unexpected places. Perhaps this marriage holds a greater purpose for both of you."

Xavier's gaze met his father's.

He couldn't deny the truth in his father's words, however unwelcome they might be. With a heavy sigh, he nodded in reluctant acceptance.

"Whatever Dad," Xavier conceded, his voice laced with resignation.

"I'll honor the commitment, but I won't promise happiness. That much is beyond my control."

William nodded, a sense of pride mingled with sorrow in his gaze. He recognized the weight his son carried and knew the road ahead wouldn't be easy.

But he hoped that in time, Xavier would find a way to embrace his destiny and discover a path that held unexpected joys and fulfillment.

As Xavier stood there, burdened by the thought of his upcoming vows, the woman stepped forward, her figure concealed within rumpled bed sheets.

Her presence in the room heightened the already palpable tension, causing William's frustration to surge.

William's eyes narrowed, his voice carrying a sharp edge of exasperation. He glared at the woman, his gaze then shifting to Xavier.

"For Heaven's sake, I want them out of here immediately," he commanded, his tone firm.

"We have a wedding to attend, and there is no place for women like her in this picture."

Both women's faces contorted with anger..

The blonde woman stepped forward, trying to assert her place next to Xavier, her hands firmly gripping his chest.

"Well Mister, Men like your son," she began, her tone dripping with sarcasm,

"usually indulge in the company of women like me, and he seemed thoroughly pleased, old man!"

Refocusing her gaze on Xavier, the woman attempted to regain control of the situation.

"Don't let your father dictate your life, babe," the auburn girl chimed in, stepping up on the other side.

"We heard everything. You're a grown man, and he can't manipulate you into marrying anyone," she declared defiantly.

Desperate for his attention, she extended her hand and gently caressed his face in a feeble attempt to regain his focus.

Xavier stepped back, shaking his head.

"I thought I told both of you to leave."

"But..." the blonde began.

"I SAID LEAVE... and shut the door behind you," he snapped.

"Babe"

"I'm not your 'babe', and I won't tolerate your touch," Xavier retorted, his tone dripping with venomous disdain.

She made another futile attempt to reach out and touch him, pleading with her eyes.

"But... we had such an amazing time together."

Xavier, maintaining a cold and resolute expression.

"That was a momentary escape, nothing more. Now, it's time for you both to leave. Our encounter ends here."

With disappointment etched on their face, the women reluctantly began to dress, their hopes of a lasting connection shattered. Xavier watched her silently, a mixture of relief and frustration coursing through his veins.

The two women exchanged glances, realizing their efforts were futile. Reluctantly, they turned and left the room, the door shutting behind them.

William, who had observed the entire exchange, approached Xavier with a heavy sigh.

"Xavier, I hope you understand that these fleeting encounters won't bring you lasting happiness. There's more to life than momentary pleasures."

Xavier locked eyes with his father, a flicker of resentment burning in his gaze.

"I'm well aware of that, Dad," he replied, the bitterness in his tone palpable.

"But it's my decision to make, whether I choose those fleeting pleasures or not. In the last few days, it's felt like my only means of escape from a future you've ruthlessly set out for me."

William's features softened, a blend of disappointment and empathy lingering on his face. He placed a hand on Xavier's shoulder, speaking with a mix of compassion and concern.

"My decision may seem ruthless to you now, but I genuinely believe that you'll find true happiness someday, son. Just remember, it won't be found in the arms of a stranger."

"You can't force happiness, Dad; it doesn't work like that," Xavier exclaimed, taking a seat as he attempted to collect his thoughts.

"True happiness should come naturally, not through a marriage arranged for me, or by adhering to expectations. It should be about following my heart and my own desires."

William's gaze shifted to the antique clock on the wall. Time was ticking by, and he had no time for this debate with Xavier. The old mahogany clock, with its ornate golden hands, emphasized that moments were slipping away.

"I expect you ready in the next half hour, Xavier," William stated firmly, his voice tinge of concern.

"The guests will be arriving soon, and it's crucial that you make a good impression. This is not just about you now —it's about our family's reputation"

"I understand, Dad," he replied, his voice laced with a touch of bitterness.

"I'll be there, and I'll do what's expected of me. But don't mistake my compliance for acceptance. This marriage is not my choice, and it never will be."

William sighed, the weight of their strained relationship evident in his weary eyes.

"I know you're unhappy, Xavier, but sometimes we must make sacrifices for the greater good. I believed this union would bring stability and ensure our family's future. You may not see it now, but there's more at stake than just your personal desires."

Xavier's jaw tightened, his resentment simmering beneath the surface.

"I understand your perspective, but it doesn't make it any easier for me," he admitted, his voice tinged with a mix of defiance and resignation.

"I will fulfill my duty, but please don't expect me to pretend to be happy about it." he said as he made his way to the bar

Xavier's fist clenched around his glass as he muttered a curse, reaching for the bottle of whiskey.

"Isn't it a little early for alcohol, Son?" William's voice cut through the room as he came to stand by Xavier's side. He grabbed the bottle before Xavier could pour another shot of whiskey into his glass.

"Dad, do you mind? I need the liquid courage," Xavier retorted.

William put the bottle down and sighed, his tone taking on a touch of exasperation.

"For God's sake, Xavier, it's not the end of the world."

"It may not be the end of the world, but for me, it's the crumbling of my universe!" His words resonated, lingering in the air.

William sighed, a weariness etched across his face, yet he stood resolute.

"You have a bride waiting for you," his father reminded him, a tenderness creeping into his voice.

Xavier scoffed, unable to hide his bitterness. "Thanks, Dad. I definitely needed that reminder."

"Aurora is not the villain you're making her out to be, Son," his father insisted.

Xavier paused, feeling the spark of rage building within him.

"If she's the angel that you make her out to be, then why is she marrying me?" he gritted out.

Xavier heard William's footsteps approach, and soon his father was standing directly in front of him. Their heights and builds were nearly identical.

William's declaration carried the weight of unwavering determination, his voice firm and unyielding. "I've shown you patience, Xavier," he asserted, his words leaving no room for debate.

"But that patience has worn thin. There will be no more alcohol for you. On the day of the wedding, you will arrive sober. You will stand by Aurora, not with reluctance, but with a genuine smile. You'll take up the mantle of a husband, a role you've committed to. She's not just any woman; she's going to be your wife and the mother of your future children. It's time to grant her the respect she truly deserves." William's authoritative words reverberated through the room, leaving no doubt about his resolve.

William's gaze softened momentarily, his disappointment mingling with a glimmer of understanding.

"I never wanted you to be unhappy, Xavier," he confessed, his voice filled with regret. "But sometimes life doesn't grant us the choices we desire. All I ask is that you give this marriage a chance—to see beyond the surface and perhaps find something unexpected."

Xavier's features hardened once again, the weight of his impending vows settling heavily upon him. "I'll do what needs to be done, Dad," he replied, his voice heavy with determination.

"But whether I find anything beyond the surface or not, only time will tell."

"Xavier...."

Xavier jaw clenched and he locked eyes with his father - a silent battle neither of them were ready to lose.

"I expect you to be back in your tux and at the venue in the next hour and this is final." Xavier's lips thinned.

"Is that understood, Xavier?" A big hole burrowed itself inside his chest and he gave his father a sharp nod, before stalking away.

With a nod of acknowledgment, William left the room, leaving Xavier to grapple with his conflicting emotions and the looming reality of his impending marriage.

Time seemed to slip away as Xavier stood there, grappling with conflicting emotions. In just a few hours, he would be bound in a marriage he had no desire for. His inheritance and CEO position were at stake, pushing him to fulfill his obligations, even against his own wishes.

Running his hands through his hair in frustration, Xavier resigned himself to the reality of the situation. He would deal with Aurora later that night, but for now, he needed to focus on the impending wedding and the façade he would have to maintain.

Under the unrelenting stream of cold water, Xavier's words carried the weight of an impending storm.

"Aurora Johnson. I vow to spend the rest of my life making you regret marrying me. To inflict pain on you, to shatter you... and to harbor resentment for all our days. I will never be your protector; instead, I vow to be your tormentor, your assailant. I won't be your defender; I pledge to be the antagonist in your story, not your savior."

The water splashed against his strong shoulders, mirroring the storm within him. His voice remained unwavering as he continued, each word cutting through the steam-filled air.

"In health and in sickness, through sorrow and pain, for all the days of my life, I will be your worst nightmare. Till death do us part..."

"Be ready, Aurora. I'm coming. Your life will never be the same!" Xavier whispered, a promise of his determination to confront the impending wedding with a tempest of emotions that raged within him.

Xavier's jaw tightened, his fists clenching at his sides.