Xavier~
"Xavier, are you excited for today?" When I heard Victor's voice, I rubbed my eyes to get out of bed.
"On your fucking engagement day, how could you have slept like a beast?" James joined Victor in making fun of me.
I sat upright on my bed, and my thoughts drifted back to the early years when my dad had announced my engagement to Isabella.
"Xavier, I arranged your marriage to Isabella Morgan, and today marks the beginning of your engagement." I remember how Dad informed me about my marriage to Isabella over breakfast.
"Wow, that's great; I am so happy for you." My elder brother and his wife seemed satisfied with Dad's decision.
"Isabella is not bad; in fact, she is a nice woman," Victor added, expressing his approval of Dad's decision while eating breakfast.
"I can't marry her, Dad." I dared to speak against Dad's decision.
I wanted to let him know that I loved Alicia and not her stepsister, but doing so would mean defying my father. His approval, my career, and the future of my position as CEO of the Thompson Law Firm were all at stake.
"Do you love someone else, Xavier?" Dad's voice was calm, but his sharp gaze bore into me.
My intellect told me to be silent, but my heart begged me to tell the truth. This is my chance, I thought. But I chickened out, shaking my head slowly.
"Then what's the problem with marrying Isabella? She is a lovely girl. I know her from her childhood. Her father was my assistant and a loyal friend." Dad's voice held no room for argument.
I felt trapped.
"Alright, Dad." I immediately placed my coffee mug on the dining table after finishing my hot brew.
"Ok, so get ready; today is your engagement with Isabella. Don't be late." Dad stood up from his chair and grabbed his lawyer coat from the side table.
Later in the afternoon, Alicia stormed into my office. Her eyes brimmed with hurt and accusation.
"I'm sorry, Alicia, but I can't fight with my dad; you know how he is." I took her hand and used my thumb to wipe away her tears.
"What about me, Xavier? Do you not love me? Was I merely entertainment for you?" Her words cut me deeply.
"No, Alicia, you are the only woman I truly love. I just need time to tell Dad about us." I held her hand tightly, pulling her onto my lap.
"Xavier, you're getting engaged to my stepsister today. If you don't tell him right now, when will you? What's your plan? Wait until you're married to Isabella and have four or five children with her?" Her voice cracked with rage as she leaped off my lap.
"What nonsense are you talking about, Alicia? How can you hold me accountable when my only interest is you?"
"Then prove it, Xavier. Prove it to me. Otherwise, all your promises are just empty words."
Her pain mirrored my guilt. I knew she was right. I had failed her.
"I need time, Alicia. Please wait until Dad appoints me, CEO of the firm. I promise I'll marry you no matter what." I pleaded, my voice desperate.
"Okay, Xavier, I'll wait. But if you betray me, I swear I'll take my own life." She stormed out, leaving me devastated.
The memory of her threat haunted me as I slammed my fists into my desk, scattering documents everywhere.
"Isabella Morgan, you did not do any good by entangling my dad in your cunning plan. I'll make your life a miserable hell, I swear." My fury propelled me to the party venue, where my father had organized a grand celebration for my engagement.
When I saw Isabella for the first time, I couldn't deny her beauty. She looked stunning in a crimson silk gown, her elegance momentarily mesmerizing me. But the sight of Alicia behind her snapped me back to my anger.
I forced a smile and slid the ring onto Isabella's finger. Her radiant smile only intensified my rage. She thinks she's won me. But soon, she'll realize what a mistake she made.
"Why aren't you getting ready, Xavier? You're sitting like a statue." James shook my shoulder, snapping me back to the present.
Isabella had warned me last night not to dwell on the past, but no matter how many times I apologized, it didn't feel like enough.
"Victor, I think I should ask Isabella to marry me instead. Xavier doesn't seem interested. Maybe she'll accept this time." James smirked, nudging Victor playfully.
"That's a fantastic idea, James!" Victor burst into laughter.
"Leave my room!" I tossed my pillow at James, furious at the mere idea of sharing Isabella with anyone else.
After taking a bath, I got ready for breakfast, but my phone buzzed with an unknown number.
"Congratulations, Xavier; you've finally agreed to fulfill my wish."
The sinister voice sent a chill down my spine. I didn't need to ask to know who it was.
"Jordan, what do you want from me now?" My voice dripped with irritation.
"Relax. I just called to congratulate you on your engagement. I'll be sending you a surprise gift shortly."
His sarcasm made my blood boil.
"I don't need anything from you, Jordan."
"Oh, but you'll love this one, Xavier. I'll see you tonight." His laughter echoed as he hung up.
My fists clenched. What is he planning this time?
"Everyone is anticipating your arrival for breakfast, Xavier, so why are you here? " Isabella's voice broke through my thoughts.
I turned toward the door, searching her face for any signs she'd overheard my conversation with Jordan. But her expression remained calm, composed.
"Dad is waiting for you. Why are you still standing here?" She smiled, grabbing my hand to lead me downstairs.
For a moment, I considered telling her about Jordan's threats. But her happiness was palpable, her excitement for our engagement contagious.
I can't ruin this for her, I decided, forcing a smile. But no matter how much I tried to focus on her joy, the weight of Jordan's words lingered in the back of my mind.
What's his plan? What's the gift? And why does it feel like tonight is only the beginning of something far worse?