chapter 114

Alec’s point of view.

I wasn’t kidding when I confessed my feelings for her; the truth was, I'd loved Alana for years. Wanting a chance with her dates back to our high school days. Back then, she never glanced my way unless it was to poke fun at me. I understood her; I wasn’t exactly the bravest back then. However, I dedicated myself to personal growth, transforming into an unbeatable, thriving businessman. I had it all – the intelligence, looks, heart, money – everything that painted me as the perfect man. And finally, when I thought I’d seize my moment I realised my chance had passed but like I said, I was determined. I will create the opportunity to win her over if I must.

I kept a close eye on social media, aware of her engagement to Daniel Ray. Yet, something felt off about him, particularly after noticing his excessive time with co-star Suzanne Cook. A little investigation courtesy of Killian revealed Daniel's two-year affair with Suzanne.

He wasn’t the right man for Alana. I’m not claiming to be the right one, but certainly, someone cheating on her wasn’t the answer. Especially when his focus was on pursuing a partner to boost his own success. It was only right I got rid of the competition, he didn’t exactly love Alana.

“Alec, what is she even talking about?” Alana asked, her gaze shifting between me and the now-silent Killian.

“It's you! You were at the bar that night! You convinced Daniel to go away with me! The jet, everything!” Suzanne realized, her mouth hanging open. I glanced at Alana, who appeared thoroughly perplexed. “You ruined Alana's wedding day for yourself,” Suzanne declared matter-of-factly.

“Alec, what is she talking about? Tell me she’s sprouting nothing but lies right now,” Alana questioned, a hint of worry lacing her tone.

“Then I’d be lying to you. Suzanne’s right,” I admitted, my lips pressing together as I observed her closely. Anticipating how she’d handle this was impossible.

“Oh... Okay. Great. Are you happy with that answer, Suzanne? Will you leave now, or should I call security?” Alana's narrowed eyes conveyed a formidable resolve. She was intimidatingly fierce right now.

“I’ll get going,” Suzanne, clearly thrown off by the lack of confrontation, left. After a heavy silence of three minutes, Alana took a deep, long breath and finally turned to me. “Care to explain what the hell she was talking about right now?”

The night before Alana’s and Daniel’s wedding day.

When the time of the wedding neared, I chose to stay at a nearby hotel, one that belonged to me of course. It was one of my latest editions and I needed to visit the hotel. The visit served a dual purpose: to discuss recent changes with my staff and because Killian had informed me of reservations made under Suzanne’s name. This hotel, known for its discretion, offered privacy, catering to the wealthy and famous clientele who either sought refuge or engaged in secret affairs. Apparently there

Dressing a lot differently and altering my appearance, I lingered in the bar area. After a brief wait, a conflicted couple joined me. Seated at a discreet distance, I leisurely nursed my whiskey, enjoying the perks of anonymity. I looked like every other man around here, rich but desperately trying to look different whilst still looking wealthy.

“Dan, I've booked us reservations for Miami, got a spacious couple suite just for us and the whole deal,” Suzanne revealed, her hand resting on his arm. She gently caressed his skin as a smile formed on her lips, “The flight is scheduled for tomorrow at 6 AM. Why don’t you come with me? Your presence here already says a lot– you don’t want to be with her.”

She was right; if he truly loved Alana, he wouldn’t be present here. This alone was cheating already, no one should get married to someone if they still harbor some doubts.

“If you don’t take that offer, I might,” I interjected with an amused tone. “I can’t believe it, the Suzanne Cook in my presence,” I feigned excitement, and her smile widened. People and their pride.

“I just want some privacy–” Daniel began, but I interrupted.

“Don’t worry, I won’t tell a soul, or my wife will find out I’m here with my assistant,” I effortlessly lied, prompting smiles from both of them.

“Oh... like that?” Suzanne teased.

“I could say the same thing about you,” I winked. “Now, if I had Suzanne as my wife, I’d never cheat,” I proudly declared, though it was a complete fabrication. In no universe would I end up with Suzanne unless I was in hell.

“Suzanne is quite perfect,” Daniel possessively affirmed, looping an arm around her waist.

“And famous and wealthy too. I love a woman who can match my class,” I remarked. “I’m saying this out of admiration, not trying to steal your girl,” I added, careful not to jeopardize the situation.

“So, what’s your answer going to be?” Suzanne turned to him, placing her hands on his chest.

“6 AM, was it? I don’t know,” Daniel said shyly, glancing at Suzanne, who had an eager look on her face.

“You know, I have a private jet, and I wouldn’t mind lending it to Suzanne Cook,” I offered a playful glint in my eyes. “In fact, I’d be honored,” I stated, my words carrying a mixture of charm and mischief.

“Come on, Daniel, this is your chance,” Suzanne spoke sweetly, her fingers tracing circles on his chest as she tried to persuade him.

“Who makes you think twice?” I wondered, casting a subtle glance at Suzanne. Perhaps he did care? No, he couldn’t. He wouldn’t be here if he truly loved Alana.

“No one. She’s absolutely no one compared to Suzanne. Thank you for your offer; I’ll take you up on it,” Daniel spoke after a short moment of silence. His mind was made up, and Suzanne couldn’t hide her triumphant smile.

“Really! Oh my god, this is so great,” Suzanne pulled him into a hug, then turned to me, “Thank you so much!” Her gratitude seemed genuine, but I couldn’t help but feel a twinge of guilt beneath the surface.

Present day…

“All I did was say a few words. If someone truly loved another, they wouldn’t have been easy to persuade, and Daniel had been cheating for two years already. He wouldn’t change,” I explained to Alana, my gaze never leaving her face. She was rightfully pissed off, and I understood why.

“So you decided to ruin my wedding day? This was all your plan, wasn’t it? Ruin my wedding, then swoop in and marry me. God, do you have some sort of fetish for being the hero?” Alana cursed, frustration evident in her voice. Killian let out a soft laugh, earning glares from both of us. “Don’t you fucking laugh; you knew and never told me!” She pointed an accusatory finger at him, and he quickly sobered up.

“Alana, what was I supposed to say? You hated me on our wedding day and the following weeks. I couldn’t tell you I sabotaged your wedding to protect you,” I reminded her, sighing as I placed my hands on my hips. I didn’t regret a single thing, but I could sense the storm brewing in her eyes.

“To protect me? You did all of this for yourself. You wanted to come into an old-money family, and you snuck your way in! Was the love even real? Is all of it just fake?” Alana’s expression turned conflicted, her hand shaking a little, and her brows furrowing.

“My love for you is the reason I did it. Alana, I’ve loved you since high school, you know that. If anything, I ruined your wedding because I wanted a shot to impress you,” I finally admitted, my tone sincere, though I was aware of how unconventional my actions were. “I was wrong, I know that, but I won’t apologize—not when I’ve saved you from making the worst decision ever,” I said proudly, my conviction unwavering.

“You saved me from marrying Daniel… But you had no right to meddle in my life like that and never tell me a thing,” Alana shook her head, her frustration evident. “If it wasn’t for Suzanne, would you have told me?”

“No, I wouldn’t,” I admitted, acknowledging the harsh reality of my actions.

“I just, uh, I need some space for now. I’ll work from home,” Alana sighed, her movements deliberate as she began to pack her bag. The tension lingered in the air, and uncertainty clouded the future.