FAMILY TIES
Emily's vulnerability lingered, her heart still exposed from sharing her past with Alex. As they strolled through the city, the evening sunlight casting a warm glow, Alex's thoughts drifted to his own complicated family dynamics.
His father, Reginald Grey, was a ruthless businessman who saw love as a weakness. "Love clouds judgment, Alex. It's a liability," he'd often say.
Alex's mother, Catherine, had been a socialite, trapped in a loveless marriage. Her beauty and charm had faded, replaced by bitterness and resentment.
Their toxic relationship had shaped Alex's views on love. He'd grown up believing that love was a myth, a fairy tale perpetuated by rom-coms and Hallmark.
"I don't believe in love," Alex had once told his best friend, Julian, over whiskey and cigars.
"It's just a convenient excuse for people to surrender their freedom."
Julian had laughed. "You're just scared of getting hurt, Alex."
Alex's phone buzzed, snapping him back to reality.
"Alex, we need to discuss the Wilson account," his father's voice boomed.
Alex's jaw clenched. "I'm handling it, Father."
Reginald Grey's disapproval was palpable, even over the phone.
"Emily Wilson's connections are crucial. Don't mess this up."
Alex's thoughts turned calculating.
He needed Emily's trust, but his father's pressure made him uneasy.
As they reached the park, Emily turned to him.
"Alex, what's wrong?"
Alex forced a smile. "Just work stress."
Emily's eyes narrowed. "You're hiding something."
Alex's heart skipped a beat.
Did she already suspect his true intentions?
He pushed the thought aside, focusing on the present.
"Want to grab dinner?" Alex asked, changing the subject.
Emily nodded, and they walked to a nearby bistro.
Over dinner, Emily shared stories about her job, her laughter infectious.
Alex found himself captivated, his guard dropping.
But as the night wore on, his father's words echoed in his mind:
"Use Emily's connections, Alex. Secure the Wilson account."
Alex's stomach churned, guilt simmering.
Was he using Emily?
Or was he genuinely interested?
The line blurred, and Alex didn't know which side he stood on.
As they finished dinner, Emily reached for his hand.
"Thanks for tonight, Alex."
Alex's heart skipped a beat.
He hadn't expected the spark.
The connection.
The feeling of being alive
Alex's guilt lingered, his father's words echoing in his mind.
"Use Emily's connections, Alex. Secure the Wilson account."
He pushed the thought aside, focusing on Emily's laughter.
As they strolled through the city, Emily's hand still in his, Alex's thoughts drifted to his family.
His father's ruthless business tactics.
His mother's bitter resentment.
Alex's childhood had been a battleground.
"Alex, what's wrong?" Emily asked, sensing his tension.
Alex forced a smile. "Just family stuff."
Emily's eyes narrowed. "You're hiding something."
Alex's heart skipped a beat.
Did she already suspect his true intentions?
He pushed the thought aside, focusing on the present.
"Want to meet my best friend, Julian?" Alex asked.
Emily nodded, and they headed to Julian's upscale bar.
As they entered, Julian raised an eyebrow.
"Alex, you're actually bringing a girl here?"
Alex rolled his eyes. "Shut up, Julian."
Julian grinned. "I'm just surprised. You're not exactly the relationship type."
Emily's eyes sparkled. "I think I'll take that as a compliment."
Julian laughed. "I think you should."
As they sipped their drinks, Alex's phone buzzed.
A text from his father.
"Alex, the Wilson account is crucial. Don't mess this up."
Alex's jaw clenched.
He couldn't shake off the feeling that his father was manipulating him.
Using Emily for his own gain....