Elaine’s heart skipped, her body unrelaxed “What would be the next step?” Victor leaned forward, his voice low, his eyes gleaming. “Elliot is already having second thoughts. He has been spending more time with Jonah... avoiding Clara... dodging wedding plans. He is not committed to this... not even close.”
Elaine gave out a sinister smirk, gripping the body of her glass a bit more tightly. “Do you have any evidence to prove that?” Victor nodded, "I believe I should get some soon. Jason would deliver them to your house. This time it will not only be pictures but videos maybe even voice recordings."
Elaine’s eyes narrowed, her jaw clenching. “And what do you get out of this? I mean you seem to be so eager to see the downfall of the Sinclair's." Elaine continued. Victor’s smile was wicked, his eyes beaming with odd satisfaction. “I want to see them destroyed. I want to see the Sinclairs lose everything... their power, their wealth, their reputation. I want them ruined.” His fingers tightened, his knuckles turning white. “This merger is the last thing holding them together. If it fails... they fall apart.”
Elaine's smile widened, "I will be waiting. I have to leave now but I would be expecting it. It would be a lot better if it's closer to their wedding." She says as she grabs her purse and walks out of the cafe. Victor looked out the window a sinister smile on his face. His plans are finally coming together.
***
The dining room was grand and elegant, the long mahogany table set with fine china, crystal glasses, and exquisite silverware. A lavish floral arrangement sat at the center, surrounded by lovely scented candles. The room was warm, the air filled with the scent of roasted lamb and freshly baked bread.
Clara sat beside Elliot, her posture perfect, her smile wide, her hand resting lightly on his arm. “I spoke to the planner today,” she said sweetly, her eyes sparkling. “We have to finalize the guest list by Friday. There are about three hundred RSVPs so far.”
Margaret's eye was filled with joy. “That is wonderful! We must invite the governor, of course... and his wife. It is important to maintain good relations.” Her voice was firm, commanding. “We can’t afford any political missteps.” Charles nodded approvingly. “The press will be there, naturally. This wedding is about more than just love... it’s about power. Status.” His voice was cold, calculating. “We are solidifying our position... ensuring our legacy.”
Elliot’s shoulders stiffened, his smile seemed to be slowly fading. “Of course. Whatever makes Clara happy.” His voice was polite, his eyes guarded.
Lila’s lips curled into a sly smile. “Oh, Elliot, you are always so sweet and considerate.” She slid closer, her shoulder brushing his, her perfume sweet and heady. “You would do anything for my sister, wouldn’t you?” Her fingers lightly brushed his arm, her gaze lingering.
Clara’s smile tightened, "Of course he would.” Her voice was sweet, controlled. “That is why I love him.”
Lila’s eyes shone with happiness, her voice light, playful. “You are a lucky woman, Clara. Not every man is so... loyal.” Her gaze flicked to Elliot, her eyes sparkling. “Right, Elliot?” Elliot’s jaw tightened, his shoulders stiffening. “Right.” His voice was flat, his eyes cold.
Lila’s smile wider, her fingers lingering on his arm. “I can’t wait for the wedding. It would be magical... unforgettable.” Her eyes turned to Clara, her voice soft, mocking.
Clara’s eyes darkened, her fingers tightening on her fork. “Yes... unforgettable.” Her voice was composed. “Just as it should be.”
Margaret clapped her hands. “The Marlowe Hotel is perfect for the reception. The ballroom is exceptional, and the garden is beautiful for photos. We will have the ceremony outside, with white roses everywhere. It’ll be magical.”
Charles nodded. “And the press coverage must be flawless. No scandals... no surprises.”Glaring at Elliot, his voice hard. “Understood?”
Elliot’s chest tightened, his smile stiffening. “Understood.” His voice was even, his eyes cold. “No surprises.”
A perfect family dinner... for a perfectly crafted lie.
The night air was cool, crisp, a welcome relief from the suffocating atmosphere inside. Elliot stood on the balcony, his hands gripping the stone railing, his shoulders tense. He sucked in a deep breath, his eyes fixed on the garden below.
He felt like he was drowning. Every smile, every word, every touch... all of it was a lie. He was playing a part, wearing a mask, pretending to be the perfect fiancé to the perfect woman... while his heart belonged to someone else.
His chest burned with guilt and shame, his breath pausing. He closed his eyes, his fingers balled into fists. He felt trapped.
A soft voice broke his thoughts, light and playful. “Hiding out here all alone?”
His eyes snapped open, his body tensing. He turned, his face disappointed as Lila stepped out onto the balcony, her silhouette framed by the warm glow from inside. She wore a fitted red dress, the fabric hugging her curves, her hair cascading over her shoulders in waves. Her lips were painted a deep crimson, her eyes sparkling as she moved closer, her hips swaying.
Elliot’s jaw tightened, his shoulders straightening. “Just needed some air.” His voice was even, controlled. “It’s a little... crowded in there.”
Lila’s lips curled into a sly smile. “I can't blame you. Family dinners can be... exhausting.” Her fingers brushed the railing as she leaned against it, her shoulder close to his, her perfume sweet and charming. “Especially when you have to keep up appearances.”
Elliot’s chuckled lightly. “What are you getting at?”
Lila’s laugh was soft, musical. “Oh, nothing.” She tilted her head, her eyes playful, mischievous. “You just looked a bit scared, I thought maybe I could help you relax.”
Elliot’s body went numb. “I am just fine.” His voice was flat, his eyes fixed on the garden below. “Just needed some air.”
Lila’s lips twitched, her fingers brushing his arm, her touch light, teasing. “You are always so polite, so proper. It must be exhausting always being perfect.” Her eyes sparkled, her voice dropping to a whisper. “I know my sister can be demanding.” Elliot was already fed up with her bullshitting. "I have no issues with her, Clara is wonderful.” He said firmly. “She is everything a young man like myself could ask for.”
Lila’s laugh was low. “Oh, I know.” Her fingers traced his arm, her touch spiteful “She’s beautiful, elegant, and as pure as an angel" A little sound escaping her lips. “But perfection is boring, predictable. Don’t you ever get tired of it?”
Elliot’s eyes snapped to hers, he was shaken “You should not talk about your sister like that.” His voice was cold, hard. “She loves you.”
Lila’s eyes darkened, her lips thinning. “She loves control. She loves being the center of attention... being the favorite.” Her voice was bitter, her fingers tightening on the railing. “She always gets what she wants always gets to be the perfect one the chosen one.”
Her eyes gazed at his, her voice dropping to a whisper. “Even when she does not deserve it.” Elliot had enough “Clara’s done nothing to you.” His voice was unyielding. “You are her sister you’re supposed to love her, support her.”