A cruel distance

Alexander sat in his father's office , the weight of responsibility pressing against his chest .his father voice was calm ,but there was an undeniable warning beneath it.

"you need to stop acting recklessly, Alex" his father said, adjusting his cufflinks, "if you do anything foolish ,the company will fall into your cousin's hand . Do you understand what that means "

Alexander clenched his jaw, his fists tightening on his lap he understood all too well. The inheritance, the company---everything his father had built ----was hanging by a thread. And that thread it was tied to olivia .

"I understand", alexander muttered, forcing himself to remain composed.

His father studied him for a moment before nodding in approval. "Good. The focus on your engagement. Olivia's family expects you to step up, and I won't tolerate any distraction".

Distractions. He knew exactly what his father meant.

Elaine.

Alexander said nothing as he left the office, but the decision was made---he had to be distant. He had to draw line before it was too late.

_____________________________________

Later that afternoon, Alexander barely had time to think before olivia stromed into his apartment , her designer heels clicking against the floor with purpose.

"You're taking me to the mall," she announced , tossing her bag onto the couch as if she owned the place.

Alexander sighed, rubbing his temples, "olivia I have work to---

"I don't care" she interrupted, her arms crossed. "You've been ignoring me lately, and my mother says we need to start discussing the engagement details." She leaned closer, smirking. "Or should I tell my father that you're still running after your little pet project ".

Alexander expression darkened. "Elaine is not----"

"Oh don't look so offended",Olivia drawled. "I don't care what you do in private. But you and I getting married, Alex. So let's make this easy---- take me shopping smile for the cameras, and play the part . That's all I ask".

He exhaled slowly, his mind made up.

"Fine," he said coldly "let's go".

As Olivia beemed and hooked her arm through his, Alexander felt the walls closing in. This was his life now--- a calculated game of loyalty, power and sacrifice .

And Elaine....she could never be part of it.

______________________________________

At the mall, Olivia walked confidently beside Alexander, showing off for the crowd. But then, she stopped abruptly, her eyes narrowing at a familiar figure near the dressing rooms.

Elaine.

Elaine was with her friend, browsing dresses, when Olivia suddenly stepped forward, her expression icy. "That dress," she said, pointing at the one Elaine was holding, "I saw it first."

Elaine frowned. "I already paid for it."

Olivia scoffed, crossing her arms. "That's a lie. You stole it."

The surrounding shoppers gasped, and a murmur spread through the store. Security arrived quickly, glancing between the two women.

Before they could act, Alexander stepped in. "Enough." His voice was firm, authoritative, but inside, his chest tightened.

He didn't want to do this. Every fiber of his being screamed at him to take Elaine's side, to protect her. But his father's words echoed in his mind—his future, the company, everything was on the line. If he showed weakness now, his father would never let him forget it.

He looked at Elaine, saw the hurt in her eyes, the silent plea for him to believe her. His stomach twisted in guilt, but he forced his face into a cold mask.

He turned to Elaine. "Apologize to Olivia."

Elaine's heart shattered. She had hoped—prayed—that Alexander would stand up for her. But not like this. Not by siding with Olivia.

Tears welled in her eyes, but she refused to let them fall. "I didn't steal," she said, her voice trembling. "I paid for it."

Without another word, she threw the dress turned and walked away, leaving behind the one person she had once believed would protect her.

Elaine's friend, furious, stepped in front of Olivia. "You should be ashamed of yourself," she spat. "You know very well she didn't steal anything. You just can't stand seeing someone else shine." She turned to Alexander, eyes filled with disappointment. "And you? I thought you had a heart, but I guess I was wrong."

Then, without another glance at them, she hurried after Elaine, determined to be the friend Elaine needed when her world was falling apart.

Alexander stood frozen, watching Elaine disappear into the crowd. He felt like a coward. The moment she walked away, an ache settled deep in his chest—a pain far worse than his father's threats, worse than the pressure of the company. He had hurt her. And he didn't know if he'd ever be able to make it right.