Chapter 29 The Man Who Sees Everything

Chapter 29 The Man Who Sees Everything
Ivy

That morning, light crept across the floorboards while my body refused to move. Last night's moment with Lucian pulsed under my skin, alive, insistent. My heartbeat echoed louder than the one before. 

I got dressed in a soft blue dress, the sort Zara might choose, though wearing it now didn’t seem like pretend. And instead of disguise, it sat like something slowly becoming mine. I brushed my long, dark hair until it shone, then pinched my cheeks to give them some colour. 

Downstairs, the house hummed with movement. From the wide hallway came the sound of steps bouncing off walls. In the dining room, I could hear silverware tapped against plates and low murmurs. It was time for breakfast. My stomach fluttered, but it wasn’t from hunger.

I stepped Inside the dining room. It looked huge, just like every time. Plates sat lined up down the long table, glasses sparkled beside them. Mrs. Albright moved quietly with flowers in her hand, placing each stem just right. She was standing tall, her spine rigid like a rod. Not once did she turn my way, but I knew she knew I was there... she sensed it, every time. Always had.

“Good morning, Zara,” she said, her voice flat. “Mr. Hale will be down shortly.”

“Good morning, Mrs. Albright,” I greeted her, starting off slow. But it just seems like the room had swallowed every word before it even landed. And my breath came out uneven, louder than meant to be.

Then Alistair stepped Into the room. Tiredness showed on his face, yet alertness stayed behind his gaze... same as ever. A faint smile appeared when he saw me. But it didn’t reach his eyes.

"It seems the morning light made you glow, Zara," he said, eyes stuck on mine. Not blinking. Just watching. Was it seconds? No it felt longer. Like he could see what I was trying so hard hide. Maybe he already knew. My new bravery felt like it was shrinking under his stare.

“Thank you, Alistair,” I said, my eyes stayed fixed on my plate. I picked up a piece of toast, but I wasn’t really hungry. Instead, my attention was more focused on staying still... how each my hand behaved without shaking.

“Are you feeling well, my dear?” he asked. The question hung there, polite but heavy. Was it care? Or something else hiding behind those words?

“Yes, perfectly well,” I said, forcing a small smile. “Just a lovely morning.”

Suddenly the door opened. Lucian stood there. And I could not breathe properly. He looked amazing as ever, he seemed to glow too. His hair was a little messy, like he had just woken up. He saw me.. his eyes were so dark. He gave me a tiny nod, meant only for me, then he faced his father.

"Morning, Father,” Lucian said, his tone lower than my own. He then sat down, facing me.

“Lucian,” Alistair said, a hint of something sat in his voice. Hard to say if it was pride nudging through. Or maybe irritation lingering instead.

I could feel Lucian’s eyes on me, fixed on my skin. Not blinking. Not drifting aside. It was a long, certain. A look that said, I was with you. I remember. It made my cheeks warm. Fear crept in just after. Alistair stood close by. He could see everything.

“So, the preparations are almost complete,” Alistair announced, stirring his coffee. He looked at Lucian, then at me. “The charity gala will be quite the event. We expect the entire city’s elite to be here.”

A hush settled as Mrs. Albright stepped toward the doorway, listening. Those carrying trays slowed their steps at once... silence spreading through the room. Everyone was listening.

“A gala?” Lucian asked, raising an eyebrow. “Already? I thought that was next month.”

“No, no, Lucian. I’ve decided to move it up,” Alistair said, a glint in his eye. “It’s important to strike while the iron is hot, as they say. And this particular charity is quite dear to my heart.”

He looked at me again. “Zara, you will be by my side, of course. My beautiful wife. It’s important for everyone to see us together. To see our… unity.”

My fork clatter, hitting the plate hard. My heart started to beat fast again... it was different now. Up there? Facing every stare in the room? A single wrong move could unravel everything about me. What if someone saw through me? My hands started to shake.

“Of course, Alistair,” I said. My voice shaky. I hoped he didn’t notice.

“Good,” he said, a satisfied smile playing on his lips. “I’ve already had a few dresses sent up for you. You’ll need something truly spectacular. This is a very important night. For us. For the family’s image. And for the future of the Hale enterprises.”

He leaned back in his chair. “Think of it as your grand introduction, Zara. To society.”

My new life. That phrase sat like stone on my tongue. What truly counted since I got here came from quiet efforts me and Lucian are trying to build, but it was hidden away. Everything else? It felt like a locked room without windows.

Lucian cleared his throat. “Father, perhaps Zara would prefer to have some input on her gown choices? It is a big event.”

Alistair chuckled. “Nonsense, Lucian. Zara has excellent taste, I’m sure, but these designers know what’s best for making a statement. Besides, I know what suits her.”

He said ‘Zara’ like it was a joke. As if teasing me again on purpose. Teasing was just something he never stopped doing.

“I’m sure whatever you’ve chosen will be perfect, Alistair,” I said quickly. I didn’t want them to argue.

"There, Lucian. She gets it,” Alistair spoke, pride bright in his voice. Lucian stayed silent while staring at me... his gaze heavy with something unclear. Was it fear? Or maybe frustration? That moment stretched without sound.

Something sat heavy on my tongue, but I kept eating. My thoughts slammed into one another and left no space to breathe. The idea of a crowded hall full of eyes made my skin shrink. Standing beside Alistair, dressed up like a showpiece. It made every heartbeat of mine felt too loud.

After what felt like forever, Alistair finished his coffee. “Well, I have meetings all day. Lucian, perhaps you can assist Zara with her preparations? Help her feel comfortable with her upcoming role.”

Lucian nodded. “Of course, Father.”

Alistair rose up, weary in his steps, walking away without a sound, so it was just me and Lucian sitting there. Close by, Mrs. Albright moved about slowly, putting things in order. Her presence always lingered, never really gone.

“Are you alright?” Lucian asked, speaking softly while Mrs. Albright faced away, setting napkins in place.

“I don’t know,” I whispered back. “A gala. So many people. What if I mess up?”

“You won’t,” he said, his eyes serious. “You are strong. And you are not alone.”

He stood up then, tossing me a glance that said see you soon.

Back in my room, my head was spinning. Over on the velvet chaise, the gowns from Alistair lay spread out. 

Needing a moment to breathe, I walked toward the window. The view of the gardens stretched wide, peaceful almost, but I felt trapped. I ran my hand along the wooden frame. My fingers brushed against something tiny, something hard. I paused.

What was that?

A shape caught my eye when I touched it a second time. It was hidden within the swirls of woodwork near the glass. I moved closer now, my eyes searching. It was so small, perfectly camouflaged. I had never noticed it before. My blood ran cold.

It was a camera. Not much bigger than a dot, barely visible if you didn’t pause to notice. It was pointing straight at where I sleep. Fixed on the chair where I spend my evenings. Watching every move made inside these room.