Trapped In Deceit

I slumped into my office chair, the soft leather enveloping me like a shroud. The weight of defeat crushed me, my shoulders sagging under the burden. Six months had passed since the merger, and Blackwood's grip on Thompson Enterprise tightened daily.

I gazed out the window, the city skyline blurring as my eyes watered. The policies they'd implemented had ravaged our values, leaving me feeling powerless. Our company's mission, once a beacon of hope, now seemed hollow.

My mind wandered to the countless meetings with Reginald Blackwood, his smile charming but his eyes cold. The constant pressure from his family to set a date for our wedding had become unbearable. His assistant, Victoria, had even taken to calling me daily, her voice dripping with expectation.

I couldn't shake the feeling that I was trapped in a gilded cage, with no escape. The diamond engagement ring on my finger seemed to mock me, its sparkle dulled by the suffocating pressure.

As I stared out the window, the city skyline blurred into a haze of uncertainty. My mind reeled with the consequences of marrying Ethan Blackwood. It would officially hand Blackwood 100% autonomy over the merged company, erasing Thompson Enterprise's identity.

I felt a chill run down my spine as I contemplated the implications. I would no longer answer to Thompson Enterprise, but to Blackwood. The thought sent a wave of nausea washing over me.

My gaze drifted to the photograph on my desk - my parents, founders of Thompson Enterprise, smiling proudly. What would they think if they knew their legacy would soon be erased?

I thought back to the day I signed the merger documents, my hand trembling as I scribbled my signature. The memory haunted me now. How could I have been so blind?

The document had seemed like a necessary evil at the time, a means to secure the company's future. But now, it felt like a Faustian bargain. I'd sold my soul to the devil himself.

Reginald's face flashed in my mind - calculating, and cold. 

I recalled our first meeting, his words dripping with insincerity. "We'll make Thompson Enterprise great again, together." Lies.

My eyes fell to the engagement ring on my finger, its sparkle mocking me. A symbol of my surrender 

Just then, my assistant, Rachel, knocked softly on the door, her expression a mixture of concern and apology. Her eyes, usually bright, seemed dulled by sympathy.

"Alessia, you have an appointment with Ethan. He's waiting for you at the Eden City Tower."

My stomach twisted into knots, a sense of dread settling in like a physical weight. What now? I thought, my mind racing with possibilities. My heart sank.

"What's the appointment for?" I asked, already knowing the answer, but stalling for time. My voice trembled slightly.

Rachel's voice was sympathetic, her eyes filled with understanding. "Ethan wants to take you to the Belle Époque boutique to choose your wedding dress."

I felt a wave of nausea wash over me, my vision blurring for a moment. This was it - the final step toward sealing my fate. The thought of trying on wedding dresses, of pretending to be excited about marrying Ethan, was suffocating.

My gaze drifted to the window, the city skyline blurring into a haze of uncertainty. How did it come to this? I thought, my mind reeling with memories of the past.

Now, as I stood in my office, the weight of my decision crushed me. I felt like I was drowning.

Rachel's gentle voice broke the spell. "Alessia, shall I tell Ethan you're on your way?"

I nodded, my throat dry.

With a heavy heart, I gathered my belongings, my movements mechanical. I slipped my phone into my purse, the weight of the device feeling like an anchor. My keys jingled softly as I picked them up, the sound echoing through the silence.

As I stood up, my chair rolled back, its wheels creaking in protest. I smoothed my skirt, a habit formed from years of professionalism. My eyes drifted to the window, the city skyline blurring into a haze of uncertainty.

The gray clouds outside seemed to mirror my mood, their somber tones a reflection of my despair. I felt trapped, like I was walking into a prison sentence.

I took a deep breath and made my way to the elevator, the doors sliding open with a soft whoosh. The mirrored walls reflected my pale face, my eyes sunken. Dark circles rimmed my eyes.

I looked away, unable to bear the sight. My mind wandered to the countless nights I'd spent agonizing over this decision.

The elevator descended, its gentle hum a reminder of my impending fate. Floor numbers flashed above the doors, each one ticking away like seconds on a countdown timer.

When the doors finally opened on the ground floor, I stepped out into the bustling lobby. The sounds of the city assaulted me - car horns, chatter, and the wail of sirens in the distance.

I pushed through the revolving doors and onto the sidewalk, the cool breeze a stark contrast to the air-conditioned office. The sun cast long shadows across the pavement.

People rushed past me, their faces blurred. I felt invisible.

As I walked toward the Eden City Tower, its imposing structure loomed before me. The 50-story skyscraper pierced the sky.

The tower's façade gleamed with shimmering glass and steel, its reflective surface mirroring the vibrant hues of the city below. The sun's rays danced across the surface.

I felt tiny, insignificant, as I approached the entrance. The automatic doors slid open.

Ethan stood by the reception desk, his eyes locked onto mine. His smile twisted into a triumphant grin.

"Let's get this over with," he said.

I nodded, my throat dry.

His eyes roved over me, possessive.

"Shall we proceed to the boutique?" he asked.

I acquiesced.

We walked to the boutique in silence.

Upon arriving, the sales associate greeted us warmly.

"Welcome, Alessia! We have some exquisite designs for you to try."

I nodded.

As the associate began to show me dresses, Ethan's commentary grated on my nerves.

"Alessia, this one accentuates your shoulders, darling. Try it on," Ethan said.

I obeyed, my movements mechanical.

"Wow, you look stunning," Ethan exclaimed.

The mirror reflected a stranger - a woman in a beautiful wedding dress.

"Do you like it?" Ethan asked.

"It's beautiful," I replied.

Ethan's approval was palpable.

"I think this is the one," Ethan said.

The associate smiled.

"You look lovely, Alessia."

I forced a smile.

"Let's see another one," Ethan said.

The associate brought more dresses.

"I want to see you in something more traditional," Ethan said.

I tried on dress after dress.

Each one more exquisite.

But I felt empty.

The world around me blurred.

"What do you think of this one?" Ethan asked.

"It's lovely," I replied.

Ethan's eyes narrowed.

"You're not excited?"

I hesitated.

"I...I just need a minute."

Ethan's expression softened.

"Of course."

The associate intervened.

"Let's take a break. I'll get you some water."

As she left, Ethan turned to me.

"Alessia, what's wrong?"

I shook my head.

"Nothing."

Ethan's voice dropped.

"You're not having second thoughts, are you? This is our fate now! We are both obligated to fulfill our duty for our family and we have to make this work. 

I met his gaze.

"I understand."

Ethan's smile returned.

"Good."

The associate returned with water.

"Let's continue," Ethan said.

I nodded.

More dresses.

More small talk.

More pretending.

But inside, I screamed.