Chapter 49

Chapter 49
Ray didn’t seem ready to pull away until Dad cleared his throat in an obvious, pointed way.
“Okay, I can't watch this. I better go find my fiancé.” Paris stood up, flipping her curls back dramatically. “I mean—Mom, did you know this?”
“What?” Helena asked, startled, clearly not expecting Paris to chime in.
“He’s a star! Did you set me up with Elliot so she gets him?”
“Paris, sweetheart, I think you—”
“Need a drink. Damn right, Helena.” Paris cut her off, snatching her clutch from the chair. Even Helena looked stunned. Then Paris turned to me, her eyes burning. “I’ll be back. Gonna find the strongest liquor this house has.”
“Honey, you might want to take it easy. It’s still morning. We don’t want to give your fiancé the wrong idea,” Helena called after her, standing slowly and adjusting her dress. “Alex is the drunkard’s daughter, not you.”
“Whatever,” Paris muttered, then disappeared down the hall.
I was still processing her reaction when I felt a hand slide gently over my waist. That’s when it clicked—Ray was still holding me. That must have been what got Paris so worked up.
“Meet me in the library,” Dad said coldly, not even looking me in the eye before turning to follow Paris out.
“Wow,” Ray muttered under his breath, with Helena still present. “Strange family you’ve got.”
I didn’t answer, afraid of saying the wrong thing with her around.
But Helena only laughed, waving a hand as if brushing off the awkwardness. “It’s just not their morning.”
She lowered herself back onto the sofa with a small sigh, crossing her legs. I glanced at Ray, then at her again.
“So…” she began, resting her elbow on the armrest and tilting her head with a fake-sweet smile, “how did you two meet?”
“Oh, um… in a bar,” Ray started, keeping his tone casual. “I met Alexis in a bar and—well, you’d think that’s how we got together, but it was actually after she walked into the office where I was hiring a social media representative.”
He said it so smoothly, so convincingly, I almost forgot we were lying.
“Wow. That’s amazing.” Helena actually smiled—smiled. I couldn’t believe it.
“It is.” Ray reached for my hand and guided me toward the sofa, sitting beside me like we were perfectly synced. “It was love at first sight.”
“Really? I mean, maybe from your side. From what I hear, Alex has been in love with Elliot since they were in high school.”
What the hell was Helena getting at?
“I know…” Ray reached for my hand and intertwined our fingers. His thumb brushed softly over my skin. “But love is love. I believe she’ll reach me soon.”
“I’m sure she will,” Helena replied, watching us like she was analyzing a stock portfolio. Then she stood, smoothing down the front of her blouse. “So, I guess you’ll want to settle in. Alex’s room is third left upstairs.”
“Yes, right. Alright…” Ray stood up and bent down to kiss the top of my head before excusing himself politely.
Helena kept her eyes on him until he disappeared, then, without a word, she rushed to the window.
“Come,” she said, beckoning me with two fingers. I hesitated, confused, before finally standing up and walking to her side. “See.” She pointed through the curtain.
Outside, a black SUV sat parked by the curb. Three men dressed in black stood guard around it.
“Oh, those must be Ray’s men,” I said, recognizing one of the guards.
“Raymond Taylor,” she snapped. “Of course they are his guards. Where do you think I live? Under a rock?”
“I mean—”
“A connection to a celebrity will do good for the Sanders name.”
“Helena, I can’t ask Ray to marry your daughter.” I crossed my arms. “And besides, Elliot is already marrying her.”
“Oh my God, Alex, do you think I hate my daughter?”
“Hm?”
Helena took a deep breath, like she had to center herself. “Ray is a rap artist. Those kinds of men never commit to anyone. Especially not when they’re young and girls throw themselves at them. I wouldn’t want Paris to suffer scandals—after scandals. She’s all I have.”
“I’m confused.”
“You are marrying him, Alexis. You’re going to marry Raymond Taylor and boost the Sanders name.”
“What?!”
“I mean, the two of you are already dating.”
“And like you said, he’s a rapper. What makes you think he wants to be tied down?”
“You’re going to make it clear that the marriage is a power move. He still gets to cheat and do whatever he pleases.”
“Helena…” I whispered, throat tightening. My eyes burned. I fought the tears back, but I could feel one slide free.
Helena stepped closer. “Your father is very upset with you. If you do this, I’ll convince him not to cut you out.”
“He already cut me out.”
“True. But wouldn’t you want at least one parent in your life? I mean your mother is—”
“Don’t say it.”
“Fine.” She reached for my face, gently wiping the tears I didn’t even realize had fallen. “You have twenty minutes to think about my offer. Don’t make me change my mind.” Her voice dropped into something almost tender. “If you do this, I will be a little kind to you.”
“What… what makes you think he’ll agree to marry me?”
“I’ll take care of that.” She turned her head, calculating. “You and Paris can have your weddings on the same day.”
“Wedding?! Alex—don’t tell me you’re marrying that Ray guy because if you do…” a voice boomed behind me, “I’ll cut you loose.”
I froze, slowly turning. Dad stood in the doorway, jaw clenched, eyes sharp. His gaze was ice.
“Honey—” Helena tried to speak.
“Not now, Helena.” He raised a hand to silence her. “She’s embarrassed our family enough. Marrying a scandalous man like that would ruin us. I’d rather disown her now before she walks down the aisle with him!” He shouted. Helena flinched, covering her ears.
Even she looked shaken—it must’ve been the first time he’d ever raised his voice at her.
“I… I’m not—” I tried to speak, to explain.
“Enough,” he barked. “You’re going to march in there and break up with Ray right this minute… Once you do that, find me. Then we can talk.” He spun on his heel and walked away without looking back.
“Don’t worry, I’ll talk to him,” Helena whispered, brushing her fingers lightly across my arm. “Remember how she's a threat to Paris?” She spoke to dad, “The way she's so close to Elliot can ruin this for your precious daughter. Marrying her off is a wise idea…” Her voice faded as she followed Dad out of the room.
I collapsed onto the sofa, chest heaving, my palms clammy. My heart pounded so hard it echoed in my ears. I could barely breathe.
This was so confusing.
I couldn’t leave Ray—not with the contract hanging over me, not when this was the only chance to get back on Helena’s good side.
Ray had been… nice. He confessed to loving me. And right now, I was desperate—desperate to be in a real relationship.
Elliot had made up his mind.
Dylan was still playing games.
And Dad? God, it would be nice to just have one sane parent in my life. Mom was… well, a crackhead. Shit, what do I do now?