Chapter 35: Hidden Intentions

After dinner, Miranda excused herself for a moment, leaving him and her mother alone in the dining room. The woman wasted no time imposing her ideas with a stern and authoritative voice:

—Alexander, this engagement is the next step to securing the future of the company. With our family's support, nothing and no one will jeopardize what you've achieved.

—Yes, I understand —Alexander replied in a neutral tone, trying to sound respectful, though discomfort was barely concealed in his voice.

—I also hope you don’t forget what we promised you when you accepted Ethan into your life —Miranda’s mother continued, narrowing her eyes coldly—. You know there’s no room for mistakes. Miranda is an understanding woman, but even her patience has its limits.

Feeling pressured, Alexander cleared his throat and shifted in his chair, attempting to avoid the intensity of her words. He was about to respond when Miranda returned to the room with a radiant expression. Unaware of the previous conversation, she enthusiastically resumed the topic.

—Alexander, there’s so much to plan for the engagement. I still can’t believe we’ve already set a date. This will be the beginning of a new era.

Despite the celebratory atmosphere, her mother’s words lingered in Alexander’s mind. He knew that agreeing to this engagement meant making sacrifices, but it was clear he would never risk Ethan’s happiness or safety. The shadow of his decision loomed before him, and deep down, he knew he would eventually have to take a firm stance to protect what he truly loved, even if it meant defying Miranda’s family’s demands.

Miranda stepped out into the garden, phone in hand, ensuring no one was nearby before making a call. The ringing tone was brief, and soon, a man’s voice answered on the other end.

—How’s the plan going? —he asked, his tone cold and calculated.

Miranda smiled, glancing back at the house where Alexander was still talking with her mother.

—Everything is going better than expected —she replied in a low voice, struggling to hide her satisfaction—. Alexander is falling into the trap, little by little. Soon, he won’t have control over anything.

There was a brief silence on the line before the man spoke again.

—That’s exactly what I wanted to hear. Remember, Miranda, we can’t afford any mistakes. This opportunity won’t come again.

Miranda nodded, though he couldn’t see her, fully aware that the success of this plan would not only secure her a comfortable future but also rid her of anyone she considered an obstacle.

—Don’t worry, everything is in order. By the time Alexander realizes it, he’ll have lost everything. And I’ll be the one controlling it all from the shadows.

Both laughed softly, confident that their trap was working perfectly.

Miranda returned to Alexander after the call, easily masking her satisfaction. With a kind gesture and a gentle voice, she said goodbye, ensuring her plan remained on track.

—See you later, Alex —she said, kissing his cheek.

Alexander nodded distractedly as she left. Once back at the mansion, he headed to the garden where Ethan was playing under Isabella’s supervision.

—Ethan —Alexander called, crouching to speak with him—. I want you to know something. No matter what happens, even if I marry Miranda, you’ll always be the most important thing to me. Nothing and no one will change that.

Ethan looked at him with serious, sincere eyes and paused before responding.

—If I’m so important, why do you want to marry Miranda? —he asked, frowning—. She’s mean, Dad. She makes me feel bad, and she yells at me when you’re not here. I don’t want her to stay…

Alexander was speechless. He hadn’t expected such a direct response from his son.

Ethan’s words echoed in Alexander’s mind as he tried to maintain his composure. He knew Ethan’s relationship with Miranda was strained, but hearing the pain and rejection in his son’s voice made him reconsider his choices.

Alexander sat beside him, placing a hand on his shoulder.

—Ethan, I don’t want you to feel bad or think I don’t care about you. It’s… complicated —he sighed, searching for the right words—. Sometimes adults make decisions thinking it’s the best for the family.

Ethan looked at him with hopeful eyes.

—Dad, can’t you just decide not to marry Miranda? I know there are things I don’t understand, but she’s not good for you… or for me.

Alexander felt a lump in his throat. The simplicity of his son’s perspective made him question whether he was truly making the right decision. But there was a debt, a past, and the pressure from Miranda’s family that still weighed heavily on him.

—I’ll think about it, Ethan —he replied, trying to reassure him—. But I promise I’ll do everything I can to make sure you’re always happy and safe. You’re my priority.

Ethan nodded slowly, though doubt still lingered in his gaze, clinging to him like a persistent shadow. However, as the minutes passed, he became absorbed in his games again, leaving Alexander alone with his thoughts.

Alexander stayed seated next to him, watching with a mix of relief and melancholy. The soft sound of the pieces clicking in Ethan’s game contrasted with the turmoil raging in his mind. His son’s words continued to resonate like an echo he couldn’t silence.

Where had he gone wrong? At what point had his decisions, which once seemed firm and necessary, become so questionable, even to someone as young as Ethan?

He ran a hand over his face, letting out a heavy sigh. There was something profoundly unsettling about the honesty of children, their ability to point out the most uncomfortable truths with almost cruel clarity. That spark of doubt ignited by Ethan’s words now spread like a slow but unstoppable fire within him.

Standing carefully to avoid disturbing his son, he walked toward the window. The landscape before him was serene, almost indifferent to the storm brewing in his mind. He could hear Ethan’s soft laughter as he overcame an obstacle in his game—a sound that should have filled him with peace but instead left him feeling hollow.

What if he was wrong?

That question, so simple yet so devastating, lodged in his chest like a weight he couldn’t ignore.

And the worst part was that he knew he wouldn’t find an answer tonight.