Chapter 29

Xavier was feeling under the weather, so we decided to spend the day at home together. After I made him a cozy breakfast in bed, we lounged around in our PJs, enjoying each other's company.

As we sipped our hot chocolate, Xavier suddenly had an idea. "Let's have a movie marathon!" he exclaimed, his eyes sparkling with excitement.

I grinned. "Sounds like a plan!"

We picked our favorite films and snuggled up under the blankets. Xavier even set up a special "movie theater" in our living room, complete with pillows, blankets, and a little popcorn bar.

As we watched our favorite scenes, we couldn't help but laugh and quote along. Xavier even did a few impressive impressions, making me giggle uncontrollably.

During a break between movies, I pulled out my old art supplies and started sketching Xavier's portrait. He pretended to be a serious model, striking poses and making funny faces.

As the day went on, we played board games, had a mini dance party, and even baked some cookies together (well, I baked, Xavier supervised from the chair!).

Despite being sick, Xavier was beaming with joy. "This is the best sick day ever," he said, snuggling up close to me.

I smiled, feeling grateful for our little day together. "Anytime, my love. We'll have fun even on the sick days." I said and I was surprised at myself. I was already calling him love.

As the day went on, Xavier started to feel a bit better, and we realized it was time to get ready for my father's party. We had been forced to attend by my father. Even though it was against my wish, I had no choice to refuse.

"Okay, let's get dressed up!" I exclaimed, pulling out my favorite dress from the closet.

Xavier grinned, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "I've got just the thing," he said, pulling out a sleek black suit and tie.

As we got ready, we chatted about the party and what to expect. My father was throwing a party, for some of his friends who were also in the same party as him.

When we were both dressed and looking sharp, Xavier took my hand and spun me around. "You look stunning, babe," he said, his eyes locked on mine.

I blushed, feeling a flutter in my chest. "You don't look so bad yourself, Xavier," I replied, smiling up at him.

We took a few photos together, and then headed out the door, ready to celebrate and make some special memories with my father's annoying party.

As we arrived at the party venue, I could feel the excitement and energy in the air. There were balloons and streamers.

But as we made our way through the crowd, I noticed something that made my heart sink. Reporters. Everywhere.

Xavier squeezed my hand, sensing my tension. "What's wrong?" he whispered.

"I didn't know they'd be here," I muttered, trying to navigate through the sea of microphones and cameras.

Suddenly, a reporter spotted us and rushed over. "Avery, who's your guest?" she asked, shoving a microphone in our faces.

I felt a surge of protectiveness towards Xavier. He'd never been introduced to the public before, and I knew he wasn't ready for this.

"Nobody," I growled, trying to brush past her.

But the reporter was relentless. "Come on, Avery, spill the beans! Who's the mystery man? Is this your husband? What is his name? Is he a big shot?"

Xavier's eyes met mine, and I could see the confusion and discomfort there. I knew I had to get him out of here, fast.

"I need to get you out of here," I whispered to Xavier, grabbing his hand and trying to push through the crowd.

But it was too late. The reporters had already surrounded us, firing off questions and snapping photos.

I felt my frustration boil over. "Leave us alone!" I shouted, trying to shield Xavier from the chaos.

But it only seemed to fuel the frenzy. More reporters closed in, asking invasive questions and making assumptions about our relationship.

Xavier's eyes were wide with discomfort, and I knew I had to act fast to protect him.

I quickly grabbed Xavier's hand and pulled him through the crowd, trying to escape the chaos. "Let's get out of here," I muttered, my heart racing with frustration.

We pushed through the front door and I dragged Xavier upstairs, away from the mayhem. As soon as we reached the privacy, upstairs in my former room. I turned to him and said, "I'm so sorry about that. I had no idea they'd be here."

Xavier looked shaken but understanding. "It's okay, babe. I know you didn't plan it."

But I was still fuming. I stormed into my father's study, where he was sitting calmly, a smile on his face as he was talking to someone on the phone.

"Dad, what is going on?" I demanded. "Why are there reporters downstairs?"

My father looked up at me, his expression unrepentant. "I invited them, sweetie. I thought it would be a great opportunity for you and Xavier to share your relationship with the world."

I was incredulous. "You knew Xavier wasn't ready for that! He's never been in the public eye before. How could you do this to him?"

My father shrugged. "I just wanted to help you two lovebirds share your happiness with the world and to fuel my political ambition. Do you know how many people will support me if they find out Xavier is my son-in-law?"

I was furious. "Well, you've ruined the party. Xavier is upset, and I'm livid. How could you be so thoughtless?"

My father finally looked taken aback by my anger. "Avery, calm down. I didn't mean to cause any harm."

But I was beyond reason. "You never mean to, but you always do. I need some time to think, and I need you to make this right. Fix this, Dad."

"Avery, calm down and listen to me," my father said, his voice smooth as silk. "I know you're upset, but hear me out. My aim was to introduce Xavier as my son-in-law, and I thought this party was the perfect opportunity."

I was stunned. "What do you mean? Why would you do that?"

My father leaned forward, his eyes gleaming with political calculation. "Because, Avery, I want to win this election, and I need a boost. And what better way to get it than to show the public that my daughter is happily married to a wonderful young man? One of the richest man in the country."

I felt like I'd been punched in the gut. "You're using Xavier as a prop for your campaign?"

My father shrugged. "Politics is about image, Avery. And Xavier is a great asset. He's charming, handsome, and well-liked. I can use that to my advantage. Nobody knows Xavier Presley but the world loves him."

I was horrified. "But Xavier is a person, not a prop! And what about his privacy? His life is not yours to use for your political gain!"

My father waved his hand dismissively. "Don't be dramatic, Avery. I'm just trying to help Xavier too. He'll benefit from the exposure."

I couldn't believe what I was hearing. "Benefit? You're putting him in the spotlight without his consent! That's not benefit, that's exploitation!"

My father's face hardened. "Avery, I'm your father and I know what's best for you and this family. And what's best is for Xavier to be part of this campaign."

Xavier came into the study, his eyes calm and understanding. "Avery, it's okay. I know your father's just trying to help. I'll do whatever I can to help him out."

But I was having none of it. "No, Xavier, it's not okay. My father can't just use you like this. You have a right to privacy, to a normal life."

Xavier smiled gently. "Babe, I'm willing to do this. I want to support you and your father."

But I was resolute. "No, Xavier. You can't let him do this. You have to think about yourself, your own well-being."

Xavier looked at me, his eyes searching. "Babe, I'm doing this for you. I want to help your father win the election."

But I shook my head. "No, Xavier. This is not right. You can't let my father use you like a prop. You have to stand up for yourself."

Xavier's face fell, but he nodded slowly. "Babe. I understand."

I felt a surge of relief, but my father was not so easily deterred. "Avery, be reasonable. This is a great opportunity for Xavier."

"Shed Lilith father." Xavier added.

But I stood firm. "No, Father. Xavier has a right to privacy. You can't just exploit him for your own political gain."

My father's face turned red with anger, but I didn't back down. I knew I had to protect Xavier from my father's political machinations.

My father's face turned red with anger, and he grasped Xavier's hand, pulling him towards the door. "Let's go, Xavier. We have a press conference to get to."

I was furious. "No, Father! You can't just drag him out there like a puppet on a string!"

My father ignored me, his grip on Xavier's arm tightening. "Come on, Xavier. Let's show the world what a great team we make."

I was livid. "You're using him, Father! You're exploiting him for your own gain!"

My father sneered at me. "You're just jealous, Avery. Jealous that Xavier is willing to help me and you're not."

I spat out the words. "You're disgusting, Father. Using Xavier like this. He's not a tool for you to use!"

Xavier looked uncomfortable, but my father just pulled him along, determined to get him to the press conference.

As they reached the door, I shouted after them. "You'll pay for this, Father! You'll regret using Xavier like this!"

My father just laughed and pulled Xavier out the door, leaving me seething with anger and helplessness.

As they reached the press conference, my father proudly announced, "Ladies and gentlemen, I'd like to introduce my new son-in-law, Xavier Presley!"

The room fell silent, with all eyes on Xavier. The reporters looked stunned, their mouths agape.

One of them stammered, "X-Xavier Presley? THE Xavier Presley?"

Xavier nodded graciously, his eyes gleaming with amusement.

The room erupted into chaos, with reporters shouting questions and snapping photos. "Xavier, how does it feel to be part of the family?" "What's your stance on politics?" "How did you and Avery meet?"

Xavier handled the questions with ease, charming the reporters with his wit and charisma.

Meanwhile, I was still fuming, my anger boiling over. How could my father do this to Xavier? To me?

As the press conference continued, I noticed the party guests starting to stir, their whispers and gasps spreading like wildfire.

"Is that...Xavier Presley?" someone asked, eyes wide with disbelief.

"The one and only," my father boasted, beaming with pride.

The room was electric with shock and excitement, everyone struggling to wrap their heads around the news.

Xavier Presley, the legendary business man, was the Mills son-in-law

It was a bombshell, and I was still reeling from the explosion.

As the press conference continued, the room grew more chaotic. Everyone wanted a piece of Xavier, bombarding him with questions and requests for photos.

But I wasn't having it. I pushed my way through the crowd, my eyes fixed on Xavier. "That's enough," I said firmly, grabbing his arm.

Xavier looked at me with a hint of amusement, but he nodded and let me lead him away.

"Hey, Avery, can I get a selfie with Xavier?" someone called out.

"Avery, how did you two meet?" another reporter asked.

But I ignored them all, my focus on getting Xavier out of there. I could feel his eyes on me, sense his confusion, but I didn't care. I just wanted to protect him from this madness.

"It's Lilith not Avery." He corrected.

Finally, we reached the door, and I pulled him out into the hallway. "Let's get out of here," I said, my voice low and urgent.

Xavier nodded, his eyes scanning the area. "Where are we going?"

"Away from here," I replied, already pulling him towards the exit.

As we emerged into the fresh air, Xavier turned to me, a hint of a smile on his lips. "Thanks for rescuing me, babe."

I smiled back, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. "Anytime, Xavier."

As we walked away from the chaos, I turned to Xavier and asked, "Hey, are you okay? That was a lot to handle."

Xavier nodded, his eyes still scanning the area. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just a bit overwhelmed."

I nodded understandingly. "I can imagine. My father can be a bit much sometimes."

Xavier chuckled. "That's an understatement."

I smiled and took his hand. "Let's get out of here. I'll take you somewhere quiet."

Xavier nodded, his eyes softening. "Thanks, babe. I appreciate it."

As we walked, I couldn't help but notice the way Xavier's eyes sparkled under the Moon light. He was still getting used to the attention, but he was handling it with grace.

After a few minutes of walking, we arrived at a small café. I pulled him inside and we sat down at a quiet table in the back.

Xavier looked around, taking in the cozy atmosphere. "This is nice," he said, his voice relaxed.

I smiled and squeezed his hand. "I'm glad you like it. I needed to get you out of there before things got any crazier."

Xavier nodded, his eyes locking onto mine. "Thanks, babe. It was a bit uncomfortable but I'll do anything for you and your family."

I smiled and leaned in close. "You don't need to do everything."