Chapter 2
Alana’s P
alec entered my life meatly eleven years a
ago, courtesy of my private high school’s decision to grant thres–full–ride scholarships to less privileged students. Alec happened to be one of the recipients. Little did I know that he would become a constant theen in my side, consistently outshining me academically. From high school all the way through university, this boy from a humble village managed to relegate me to second place, and I couldn’t help but nurse a simmering resentment
While I despised the ongoing rivalry, Alec seemed to rein it, thriving on the competition |ensated he didn’t have it many, always trying to one–up him
After graduating from university, Lassumed our paths would never cross again. Yet, here I stood, faced with a pivotal decisions.
“Alana? Any moment now” My Father’s voor used me to make my cholen.
The steady click of cameras blended with the bright Bashes, temporarily blinding me as I walked down the altle, sorted by my father. The audience was a mix of entertainment industry figures, friends from college, and coworkers, all down here by Daniel’s invitations. They przed intently at me, my father, and, of course, my room
As the extration dawned on their faces about the identity of the person escorting me, a collect shock swept through the crowd. My father, beaming with pride, gave my hand a measuring squeeze and leaned in to speak to me.
The atmosphere was charged with intrigue and culosity as I made my way to the altar, leaving everyone wondering about the unexpected turn of events. I barely had the time to admire my perfect wedding, the one I had planned so metalously- now I couldn’t even enjoy it as it was meant to be
“You’re not smiling, dear,” Dad whispered a gentle reminder, his own undle still firmly in place.
“Sorry, Dad,” I whispered back, offering a quick smile for the clicking cameras, leaned closer to my father, gatal that the aisle to Alec was long enough for us to hold a conversation. Where did you even find this pay?”
Loverheard him talling to some else. He mentioned you both went to school together, and after a quick background check, I figured something is better than nothing,” Dadreplied, and a puzzled frown dept onto my face. How did Aler end up here? I didn’t recall sending him an invitation, and 1 had painstakingly memorized everyone Daniel had invited. Was this merely a coincidental twist of fate, or did Aloe have some ulterior motive? He might not have loown my father was Richard Jordan, but he did know about my wealth. Could he be atter more money? “And you be sure this won’t backfire on us?” voiced my concerns, wortfod that Alec might have a bidden agenda ta humiliate me
“Of course not. I made him sign a legal contract. Whatever happens, he can never real to the world that he was a substitute for Damel And, of course, I got him to sign your prenup,” Dad whispered rapidly we reached the front. He leaned over, plasted a kiss on my cheek, and then spoke loudly and clearly for the benefit of the crowd. “I’m so proud of you, my child, my
1 promise to take good care of her, Mr. Jordan,” Alec chimed in, extending his hand in my father.
“You’ll be try” son–in–law, so it’s Richard now,” my dad smiled warmly and shook Alec’s hand.
The assembled guests lapped up this unexpected turn of events, their jaws nearly grazing the floor. Even the few of Daniel’s friends present found it difficult to believe. Ale smiled and took my hands in his as the priest began his past our vows were simple and concise, and Aler delivered them with such finesse that if I were in the crowd, I’d easily believe in our love..
Though we had already signed our marriage certificate, it felt as though were sealing my late when my tiembling hand slipped the ring onto Alec’s finger. The shiny band matched mine perfectly. I glanced down at my left hand, where Daniel’s ring had once resided Alec had insisted I remove it before agreeing to marry me. Now I wore the white–gold wedding band with small diamond studs on the inside and alee’s initial engraved on it instead of Daniel’s. Everything about this situation was surreal, but I had no time to process it all
The praman’s voice rang out, breaking the momentary silence, “You may now kiss your brida Da Alec.”
Aler’s lipcurled into a confident smirk, his hand gently sliding from my arm to my waist as he drew me closer. Its other hand brushed a stray curl away from my ayes, and then his knuckles glazed over my cheek, his fingertips tenderly caressing my jaw
I peered up into his eyes, taking in his imposing height. He hadto be at least 6’3“, and oven in my heeb, I found mysoft dightly shorter than him. My fingers carefully rested on his impeccably tailored sur, and a brief town cround my face. Where had he acquired the funds for such custom–tailored attice? This suit rivaled the quality of my father’s, and I couldn’t help but wonder how Alec could afford it, even with any changes in his financial situation.
As I held ban, I felt the flex of his biceps beneath my touch, and his eyes remained locked unto mine. It struck me that Alec had gained something he’d seemed to lack before an undeniable confidence. I’d never witnessed him exude such assurance, especially not in my presenc
Ader diew closer, his cologne enveloping mein is heady, masculine scent. It was a captivating bend of amber, musk, and vanilla
I followed sur, my heart racing in anticipation Our lips met, fitting together with flawless precision, and he moved is thythm, humming softly as he finally pulled away.
simply sakt fucking irresistible. His eyes closed briefly. Hooked up at him, momentarily dared, while he maintained that self–assured smirk. “I win,” he whispered, breaking the romantle spell that had momentarily envelopadus. I couldn’t help Int feel a twinge of annoyante, blaming the wedding atmosphere for allowing me to momentarily succumb to these unexpected feelings.
In the mudat of the celebratory cheers and the fluttering petals, I raketly made a solemn vow to mysell. I promised that I would ensure Alec regretted his role in this complicated situation, Daniel not excaping my determination either. However, Alec was the bust of my bury; I was coined the must have struck some sort of deal with my father. How else could he Tricked his way into my wedding and now be my husband? I had little doubt that he had approached my father for financial support in orchestrating this bizarre turn of events, but my dad wodd never spenly admit to such dealings. My moto wouldn’t allow it. This right now was all about keeping an insage and being distressed on thy wedding isn’t exactly the image they meir gung ha
addanutke i Japon to this
As we stridied downs than alle, ma fingris intertwined, Alec wore a mugin that more mine. Yes, the difference between our stulles was glasingly evident – mine was a facade. To tamatic clarare, ing paints and 1, had intentionally inviteda reposter from DesineMargot, a prestigious magazine with a knack for delving into people’s lives, I 19s not only because That bermeager to ure my marilage to Daniel featured but also because I wanted the world to acknowledge my true identity as a Jordan. Who
a TreineMargot? They make news spread like wilding and sure hadibeli way with mank as well as the interviews they do from time to time.
Aler leated in, his voice listed as he continued to play the part of the contented newlywed. “Have you crafted a suitable lie to feed the public? Have you made up the perfect love story that Explain why Daniel isn’t the one standing beside you?” he whispered.
His question hung is the ab, and cookin’t help laut ad patrative we would need to tja to keep the nut kais mastes at bay.
de Alec’s alálity to maladaju this charade, seamlessly transitioning from rival to fake husband. My mind raced as considered the The woman from Devine Margot was tight there, waiting for me along willi
who no doubt had many questions for me
Chopa
