CHAPTER 13A

Xavier stood at the altar, his eyes locked onto the vacant space ahead. The grand hall exuded opulence, a reflection of his family's immense wealth and societal standing. The flickering candles scattered their warm, wavering light across the gilded ornaments, bestowing an otherworldly radiance upon the surroundings. Yet, in Xavier's heart, there was nothing but an overwhelming darkness, an abyss that loomed, ready to engulf him.

Xavier tugged at the collar of his suit, feeling it tighten around his neck like a suffocating noose. In his mind, a storm of emotions raged, a turbulent mix of anger, resentment, and an intense longing for liberation. The hushed murmurs of arriving guests echoed in his ears, their footsteps resounding like a relentless march toward his predetermined destiny. At the heart of this tumultuous gathering stood the woman he was moments away from marrying, a woman he had never met, an enigmatic figure in his impending life.

Xavier couldn't shake thoughts of Aurora from his mind, her name a symbol of his deep dissatisfaction. She unwittingly became part of a scheme he never wanted. The pressure from his father and family felt like a betrayal of his own wishes. He vowed to make Aurora pay, seeking revenge for what he thought she took away from him.

In the midst of his turmoil, Alex approached Xavier, his words delivered in a soothing, compassionate tone.

"Hey Buddy, I understand that this situation is far from what you hoped for. But giving in to this agitation won't improve matters. Remember, she might be just as reluctant about this marriage as you are. Don't allow it to consume you."

"No, Alex. If she really didn't want to get married, she had these last few days to say so. Her silence shows she's just as involved in this as everyone else," Xavier retorted with a sharp tone.

"I don't know what to say, Buddy," Alex sighed in defeat.

"But you need to calm down. Guests are starting to notice, and you're not exactly exuding 'happy groom' vibes."

Xavier gazed up as the guests began to take their seats, the buzz of chatter and laughter filling the opulent hall. Their glances and whispers converged upon him, creating a storm of anticipation. He leaned in closer, his voice dripping with bitterness.

"I've never given a damn about other people's feelings, so why start now? Let them gawk, Alex. It's a spectacle they've come for, and I won't disappoint."

Alex drew nearer to Xavier.

"I know you've never cared about others' opinions. But now, Angela is also watching. She believes in this fairy tale love story you've presented, and she believes in you. You've built that image for her. For her sake, you'll have to smile through this."

Xavier's face revealed a turbulent mix of frustration and disbelief, his head nodding reluctantly.

"I'm doing my best, Alex," he began, his voice laden with the weight of his predicament. "I feel like a lamb being led to the slaughter. My own father is blackmailing me, and I'm spinning lies to my sister. When will this nightmare end? As for relaxing, I'm giving it all I've got, but my soul and heart are burning with turmoil. I can't help but think about Aurora. I genuinely believe she's only after our family's wealth. How can someone who was a complete stranger suddenly appear, win my father's favor, and have me standing here at the altar so quickly? This marriage feels utterly fake, and the idea of being tied to her is more than I can bear."

Alex nodded with deep understanding, his voice infused with empathy.

"I understand your concerns, my friend. But remember, we haven't even met her yet. Jumping to conclusions without any firsthand knowledge isn't fair. People can be quite surprising when you least expect it. It's crucial to maintain caution, yet it's equally important to stay open to the possibility of something unexpected. For now, let's be patient and watch how things unfold. Once we have a clearer picture, we can make informed decisions."

Xavier's shoulders slumped as a wave of defeat washed over him. He released a heavy sigh, his voice carrying the weight of his turmoil. "Alex, I just can't find it in me to trust her. There's something about her that doesn't sit right, like she's orchestrating a twisted game. I can't allow myself to be deceived. I've seen how she manipulated my father, and I refuse to let her do the same to me. This marriage is nothing but a facade, and I won't be a mere pawn in her elaborate scheme."

Alex arched an eyebrow, his expression tinged with genuine concern. "I get your skepticism, Xavier, but let's not rush to judgment. As I mentioned before, people can be full of surprises. Maybe there's more to her than meets the eye."

Xavier scoffed, his voice thick with bitterness.

"I doubt that very much, Alex. She's already achieved what she aimed for - my father's complete favor. She's manipulated him to the point where he's jeopardized my inheritance and my role as CEO. I won't let her strip away anything more from me. I refuse to grant her any control over my life. Trust me, my instincts rarely lead me astray. There's no question in my mind; this girl is a gold digger, driven by some concealed motive. I just need to unveil what she's truly after."

Alex's eyes brows furrowed. "That's a serious accusation, Xavier. Are you sure about this?"

Xavier nodded firmly, his jaw clenched.

"I've seen it with my own eyes, Alex. My father's blind devotion to her, his willingness to sacrifice my happiness for her. It's clear as day. She's engaging in a treacherous game, and I must uncover her true intentions before it's too late."

Xavier turned to Alex with urgency.

" You need to gather evidence swiftly. As I mentioned earlier, if you don't find anything, then fabricate it. I want her exposed in front of my father. I want him to regret his promise and remove that woman from my life. It's the only way to rid myself of her!"

Alex sighed, his voice laced with concern.

"Xavier, I understand your anger, but we need to tread carefully. As I've promised, I'll gather as much information as I can about her. If it becomes clear that she's a manipulator, I'll have no qualms about crafting false evidence against her. But until then, let's refrain from making hasty decisions. Baseless revenge won't resolve anything."

Xavier's hands tightened into fists, his voice trembling with intense anger.

"You're correct, Alex. I understand that seeking revenge won't ultimately solve anything, but it's the only way I can find even a sliver of solace. I won't find peace until I've turned her life into a tormenting nightmare. She will deeply regret the day she dared to cast her wicked gaze upon my family."

Alex's expression turned grave as he tried to reason with his friend.

"Xavier, I understand your pain and frustration, but sinking to her level won't bring you peace. We need to rise above this and find a way to protect ourselves without losing sight of who we are."

Xavier's gaze hardened, his determination set in stone.

"I won't lose my principles, Alex. I refuse to stoop to her level. However, I'll ensure that she faces the repercussions of her deceit and manipulation. She'll come to understand the consequences of playing with fire."

Alex placed a gentle hand on Xavier's shoulder, his voice filled with concern.

"I'm here for you, Xavier. I'll support you through this, but let's focus on seeking justice instead of seeking revenge. We can find a way to expose her without compromising our own integrity. Maybe you'll be surprised with what you do find" Alex suggested, praying internally that Aurora was not what Xavier assumed

Xavier's jaw tightened, his eyes glinting with determination.

"You're right, Alex. We'll be strategic, we'll gather evidence, and we'll expose her true nature. We'll protect our family and ensure that she never has power over us again."

"Stay cautious, but don't let your caution make you too closed off. You could discover ways to understand each other, or at least handle this without losing your self-respect completely" Alex urged

Xavier looked at his friend, a mix of frustration and determination in his eyes. "I'll be cautious, Alex. But mark my words, I won't let her manipulate me or take advantage of my family any longer. I'll find a way to expose her true intentions." and that was a promise to himself