4

By the time Elaine stepped through the grand doors of her family estate, exhaustion weighed on her shoulders. College had been… eventful. Between making a new friend, dealing with Ryan's persistent flirting, and trying to navigate her first day, she just wanted to collapse into bed.

But the moment she entered the living room, she froze.

Alexander was there.

Seated on the couch, he leaned back with his usual confidence, his long legs crossed at the ankles. A glass of whiskey sat untouched on the table before him. Across from him sat her father, his sharp gaze focused on Alexander as they spoke in hushed but firm voices.

Elaine's heartbeat quickened. She knew that look on her father's face—it meant business. And when it came to business, Alexander was always involved.

Her father's voice broke through the tense silence. "The engagement party must be held within the next month. Olivia's mother and your family have already started preparing for it."

Elaine felt something in her stomach twist.

Olivia. Her stepsister.

Alexander exhaled, rubbing the bridge of his nose. "I told you—I'm not ready." His voice was calm, but there was an edge to it.

Her father's expression hardened. "You're engaged to Olivia, Alexander. This isn't about *feelings*—it's about what's necessary."

Elaine's fingers curled into fists. The words tasted bitter even though they weren't directed at her. *Necessary.* As if love and marriage were nothing more than business transactions.

Alexander must have noticed her standing there because his gaze flickered to her for a second before returning to her father. "I agreed to the engagement because you and my family wanted it, but that doesn't mean I'll rush into a party just because you're all impatient. Give me a year—that's all I'm asking. Then we can announce it to the world."

Elaine swallowed, trying to ignore the ache in her chest. Of course, he would go through with it in the end. He always did what was expected of him.

Her father let out a slow breath, clearly trying to control his frustration. "We'll speak of this later."

That was his way of saying *this isn't up for discussion*.

Alexander stood up, stretching slightly before turning to Elaine. His expression softened—just a little. "How was college?"

Elaine forced a small smile. "Fine."

He tilted his head. "That's all?"

She hesitated, then shrugged. "Met some people. Classes were good." She paused. "Ran into someone annoying."

Alexander smirked. "Already? That's impressive."

She rolled her eyes, but before she could say more, her father stood, already dismissing the conversation. "Elaine, don't forget your responsibilities. College isn't an excuse to slack off."

Elaine clenched her jaw. "I know."

Alexander's eyes flickered between them, but he didn't say anything. Instead, he grabbed his jacket and sighed. "I should go."

Her father nodded in approval. "Olivia's expecting you for dinner."

Elaine didn't miss the way Alexander's jaw tightened, but he simply nodded, giving her one last unreadable look before walking past her.

The moment he left, Elaine let out a slow breath, her chest feeling heavier than before.

It didn't matter how much she tried to move on. Alexander was always there—a reminder of what she couldn't have.

---

That evening at the restaurant, Elaine sat at the long, lavishly set table, forcing herself to remain composed as Olivia, as always, showed her disdain. Alexander sat between them, attempting to mediate the tension, but the air remained thick with unspoken resentment.

"I don't know why she's even here," Olivia muttered, swirling the wine in her glass with feigned disinterest.

Elaine clenched her fork but refused to take the bait. Before she could respond, Alexander sighed. "Olivia, stop."

His voice was firm, but Olivia only scoffed. "I'm just saying. She's not really part of this family."

Elaine's father ignored the exchange, focused on his conversation with Alexander's father, who also seemed indifferent to the tension. Olivia's mother, however, shot a smug look at Elaine, clearly approving of her daughter's words.

Alexander, seemingly exhausted from the conversation, ran a hand through his hair. "We're here to have dinner. Not argue."

Olivia pouted but didn't push further—for now.

Elaine stared at her plate, appetite gone. No matter how many years passed, Olivia and her mother always made sure she knew she was just the mistress's daughter, never truly accepted.

Alexander didn't like Olivia much—everyone knew that. But back in high school, there had been a time when he'd looked at her differently. Elaine had seen it, though now it was clear that those feelings had faded.

Still, he wasn't exactly unattached. His on-and-off relationships with various women were well-known. And yet, despite his reputation, Elaine had seen glimpses of a different Alexander—the one who had once taken care of her like a brother, the one who had unknowingly captured her heart.

A heart that now ached with the realization that no matter what, he was engaged to Olivia, and that would never change.