Chapter 1

Alana’s POV.

After everyone left my room, I faced the full-length mirror, taking in my reflection. The princess dress I wore was a masterpiece, adorned with small, sparkling diamonds, custom-made by my father. It clung to my figure flawlessly, bound to capture headlines. A matching diamond necklace, earrings, and bracelet graced my neck, ears, and wrist, their value beyond imagination. A professional's touch had perfected my makeup, and my hair, typically flowing freely, was now elegantly placed in a neat bun.

With a smile on my red lips, I marvelled at the sight. I couldn't believe it—I was on the verge of marrying Daniel Ray, the man I cherished above all else. He had always been the one I imagined a future with. To the world, I was Alana Preston, a regular woman who had enjoyed the privileges of a well-off upbringing, eventually establishing her own agency in the entertainment industry. Yet concealed from the public eye was the truth—I was Alana Jordan, the hidden and sole heiress to the mighty Jordan group, an empire that held sway over a significant portion of the entertainment world, both directly and indirectly.

My phone rang, and I answered eagerly when I saw Daniel's name on the screen. He must be as thrilled as I was, considering we'd been planning this wedding for six months already!

"Hello, babe?" I answered, feeling a growing sense of nervousness and excitement in my stomach. Today was our wedding, oh god, I couldn’t believe it.

"Alana... There won't be a wedding," Daniel said, his tone serious. I rolled my eyes, thinking he was just playing around.

"Very funny, this is a cruel joke." I shook my head, assuming he was trying to calm my wedding jitters.

"I'm not joking, Alana. I won't come... We will not get married," Daniel revealed, his words cutting through my nerves and replacing them with worry and fear.

"Not today? Did something happen?" I panicked, stumbling over my words. There was no way this was real, our wedding would take place.

"Not ever, Alana. I'm sure you'll find out any moment now," Daniel replied coldly. "I expect my ring back."

As soon as the call ended, I felt dizzy and collapsed on the bed, trying to comprehend what had just happened. Right on cue, my mother barged into the room, her face etched with concern. At that moment, I realized that whatever Daniel had done, was something that could not be undone.

"Alana... I'm so, so sorry," Mom said as she sat down next to me.

"What did he do?" I asked, fighting back tears and trying to remain composed.

"You don't know?" Mom's lips quivered, and she glanced at my father, who had entered the room.

"Show her, Nina," Dad said.

"Show me what?"

"Here." Mom handed me her phone.

I scanned the headlines that had gone viral only minutes ago.

'Daniel Ray spotted getting cozy with Suzanne Cook' read the first one. Cozy was a nice way of saying Suzanne laid half naked on top of Daniel at a resort's balcony.

'Wedding of the century called off as Daniel Ray leaves Alana Preston at the altar' said another.

'How will Alana Preston recover from being left at the altar by rising star Daniel Ray?' That one was particularly cruel.

Recover? As if I were some fragile soul? They had no idea who I truly was, but how would they?

My father had built a vast empire, one he had intended to share with me once I was married and proved myself capable of running my own business. After three years of dating, Daniel, our marriage was finally planned. My father’s plan for me was to get married and only afterwards would the world find out I am Alana Jordan. It would take two years of marriage and running a successful agency for me to inherit his business but I was more excited about finally being myself. A world that would know me as a Jordan without being exploited. At least, that was the plan before Daniel destroyed everything.

This marriage was about more than just love for me. Daniel was indeed a rising star in Hollywood, and our union would bring significant publicity to my company. If I cast him in my projects, it would open doors for others in the industry. We could have had a life filled with love and luxury if he had gone through with it. I'll admit, from a business perspective, this marriage made sense, but I genuinely loved Daniel and had given my all to him.

Daniel could have spared me. He could've told me yesterday that this wasn't going to happen. Instead, he chose to humiliate me, leaving me at the altar. Worse still, I still couldn't prove to my father that I was ready to take over his empire.

"The media is going crazy with this news, did you know this would happen?" Dad scoffed, arms crossed as he stared out the window.

"Did I know that my ex-fiancé would cheat on me and leave me at the altar? No, Dad. I only got his call recently," I replied, earning a stern look from him. But Mom shot him a glare in return. This mess was mildly his fault, after all. He had been pushing for the wedding, wanting to test me before considering me for his company.

"Alana, I'm so sorry. I know you loved him a lot," Mom comforted me, gently rubbing my back, her lips pressed together.

"I did, Mom, I did," I admitted, feeling a lump forming in my throat. It was a win-win situation for Daniel. There was love, passion and growth for us both in our careers. I couldn’t think of a single thing I’d want more.

"Alana, you've become the laughingstock—or you will if we don't fix this," Dad said, insensitively but realistically.

"How can we even fix this?" I scoffed. The media already knew I had been left at the altar.

"We'll have to create a story that you weren't left at the altar, that this was all planned," Dad began scheming out loud, his concern for his own reputation shining through. I should've expected it. "You'll have to find someone else to marry you, or I will."

Someone else? I had been so focused on Daniel and work that I barely had any friends left. I scrolled through my contacts on my phone, desperately searching for a suitable male to marry. But the few men on my list were either out of town or already married. I couldn't believe that Daniel was going to be my downfall.

The wedding was already delayed by thirty minutes, and I was sure the guests had started gossiping by now. All I could think about was how I had lost the person I thought was the love of my life and jeopardized my career.

A knock on the door interrupted my thoughts. I stared up at the ceiling, fanning my eyes to prevent my tears from ruining my makeup. Another knock followed, and finally, I replied, "Come in."

My father opened the door halfway and flashed me a faint smile. "I've found someone for you. We've crafted a story that fits perfectly, one we can tell the media because he's from your past."

"You have?" I exclaimed, a glimmer of hope spreading across my face. Maybe I could salvage this situation and make my comeback.

"I have," Dad confirmed, pushing the door open wider to reveal his choice. "Alana, meet your old friend, Alec Fisher."

My eyes widened as I saw him standing there.

But Alec Fisher wasn't an old friend; he was my long-time rival. I could vividly recall how I had always been at the top of my class from kindergarten onwards, excelling in studies, music, sports, and the arts. However, everything changed in high school when Alec Fisher arrived on a scholarship at my prestigious private school. Without much effort, he consistently claimed the first-place spot, relegating me to second, always in his shadow. And this pattern persisted even in college. When we parted ways, I was more than relieved to never see him again. Yet here he was, in a perfectly tailored tuxedo, his hair impeccably gelled, and a smirk playing on his lips.

"What do you say, Alana? Will I see you at the altar?" he asked with a hint of challenge.

Would I let my sworn enemy become my savior?

Chapter 2

Alana’s POV.

Alec entered my life nearly eleven years ago, courtesy of my private high school's decision to grant three full-ride scholarships to less privileged students. Alec happened to be one of the recipients. Little did I know that he would become a constant thorn in my side, consistently outshining me academically. From high school all the way through university, this boy from a humble village managed to relegate me to second place, and I couldn't help but nurse a simmering resentment.

While I despised the ongoing rivalry, Alec seemed to relish it, thriving on the competition. I ensured he didn't have it easy, always trying to one-up him.

After graduating from university, I assumed our paths would never cross again. Yet, here I stood, faced with a pivotal decision.

"Alana? Any moment now." My father's voice urged me to make my choice.

***

The steady click of cameras blended with the bright flashes, temporarily blinding me as I walked down the aisle, escorted by my father. The audience was a mix of entertainment industry figures, friends from college, and coworkers, all drawn here by Daniel's invitation. They gazed intently at me, my father, and, of course, my groom.

As the realization dawned on their faces about the identity of the person escorting me, a collective shock swept through the crowd. My father, beaming with pride, gave my hand a reassuring squeeze and leaned in to speak to me.

The atmosphere was charged with intrigue and curiosity as I made my way to the altar, leaving everyone wondering about the unexpected turn of events. I barely had the time to admire my perfect wedding, the one I had planned so meticulously– now I couldn’t even enjoy it as it was meant to be.

"You're not smiling, dear," Dad whispered a gentle reminder, his own smile still firmly in place.

"Sorry, Dad," I whispered back, offering a quick smile for the clicking cameras. I leaned closer to my father, grateful that the aisle to Alec was long enough for us to hold a conversation. "Where did you even find this guy?"

"I overheard him talking to someone else. He mentioned you both went to school together, and after a quick background check, I figured something is better than nothing," Dad replied, and a puzzled frown crept onto my face. How did Alec end up here? I didn't recall sending him an invitation, and I had painstakingly memorized everyone Daniel had invited. Was this merely a coincidental twist of fate, or did Alec have some ulterior motive? He might not have known my father was Richard Jordan, but he did know about my wealth. Could he be after more money?

"And you're sure this won't backfire on us?" I voiced my concerns, worried that Alec might have a hidden agenda to humiliate me.

"Of course not. I made him sign a legal contract. Whatever happens, he can never reveal to the world that he was a substitute for Daniel. And, of course, I got him to sign your prenup," Dad whispered rapidly as we reached the front. He leaned over, planted a kiss on my cheek, and then spoke loudly and clearly for the benefit of the crowd. "I'm so proud of you, my child, my Alana."

"I promise to take good care of her, Mr. Jordan," Alec chimed in, extending his hand to my father.

"You'll be my son-in-law, so it's Richard now," my dad smiled warmly and shook Alec's hand.

The assembled guests lapped up this unexpected turn of events, their jaws nearly grazing the floor. Even the few of Daniel's friends present found it difficult to believe. Alec smiled and took my hands in his as the priest began his part. Our vows were simple and concise, and Alec delivered them with such finesse that if I were in the crowd, I'd easily believe in our love.

Though we had already signed our marriage certificate, it felt as though I were sealing my fate when my trembling hand slipped the ring onto Alec's finger. The shiny band matched mine perfectly. I glanced down at my left hand, where Daniel's ring had once resided. Alec had insisted I remove it before agreeing to marry me. Now I wore the white-gold wedding band with small diamond studs on the inside and Alec's initials engraved on it instead of Daniel's. Everything about this situation was surreal, but I had no time to process it all.

The priest's voice rang out, breaking the momentary silence, "You may now kiss your bride, Da- Alec."

Alec's lips curled into a confident smirk, his hand gently sliding from my arm to my waist as he drew me closer. His other hand brushed a stray curl away from my eyes, and then his knuckles grazed over my cheek, his fingertips tenderly caressing my jaw.

I peered up into his eyes, taking in his imposing height. He had to be at least 6'3", and even in my heels, I found myself slightly shorter than him. My fingers carefully rested on his impeccably tailored suit, and a brief frown crossed my face. Where had he acquired the funds for such custom-tailored attire? This suit rivaled the quality of my father's, and I couldn't help but wonder how Alec could afford it, even with any changes in his financial situation.

As I held him, I felt the flex of his biceps beneath my touch, and his eyes remained locked onto mine. It struck me that Alec had gained something he'd seemed to lack before — an undeniable confidence. I'd never witnessed him exude such assurance, especially not in my presence.

Alec drew closer, his cologne enveloping me in its heady, masculine scent. It was a captivating blend of amber, musk, and vanilla — simply said: fucking irresistible. His eyes closed briefly, and I followed suit, my heart racing in anticipation. Our lips met, fitting together with flawless precision, and he moved in rhythm, humming softly as he finally pulled away.

I looked up at him, momentarily dazed, while he maintained that self-assured smirk. "I win," he whispered, breaking the romantic spell that had momentarily enveloped us. I couldn't help but feel a twinge of annoyance, blaming the wedding atmosphere for allowing me to momentarily succumb to these unexpected feelings.

In the midst of the celebratory cheers and the fluttering petals, I quietly made a solemn vow to myself. I promised that I would ensure Alec regretted his role in this complicated situation, with Daniel not escaping my determination either. However, Alec would bear the brunt of my fury; I was convinced he must have struck some sort of deal with my father. How else could he have tricked his way into my wedding and now be my husband? I had little doubt that he had approached my father for financial support in orchestrating this bizarre turn of events, but my dad would never openly admit to such dealings. My mom wouldn't allow it. This right now was all about keeping an image and being distressed on my wedding isn’t exactly the image they were going for.

As we strolled down the aisle, our fingers intertwined, Alec wore an enormous grin that mirrored mine. Yet, the difference between our smiles was glaringly evident – mine was a facade. To add another layer to this dramatic charade, my parents and I, had intentionally invited a reporter from DevineMargot, a prestigious magazine with a knack for delving into people's lives. I had extended the invitation not only because I had been eager to see my marriage to Daniel featured but also because I wanted the world to acknowledge my true identity as a Jordan. Who better to break the news than DevineMargot? They made news spread like wildfire and sure had their way with words as well as the interviews they do from time to time.

Alec leaned in, his voice hushed as he continued to play the part of the contented newlywed. "Have you crafted a suitable lie to feed the public? Have you made up the perfect love story that explains why Daniel isn't the one standing beside you?" he whispered.

His question hung in the air, and I couldn't help but admire Alec's ability to maintain this charade, seamlessly transitioning from rival to fake husband. My mind raced as I considered the narrative we would need to spin to keep the curious masses at bay.

The woman from Devine Margot was right there, waiting for me along with many others who no doubt had many questions for me.

Chapter 3

Alana’s POV.

I glanced over at my parents, who subtly nodded in encouragement, and took a deep breath. It was time to face the music, to dive headfirst into the whirlwind of scrutiny from the media. I couldn't help but think of them as a pack of piranhas, ready to tear into any morsel of information they could get.

"Alana, are you not a Preston? Is your real father Jordan? What's the story behind all of that?" One of the women began to fire questions at me. I vaguely recognized her as a famous influencer, one of those social media accounts that incessantly dished out celebrity news.

"Wasn't this wedding supposed to be between you and Daniel? What happened? Does this have to do with Daniel being spotted with Suzanne?" The reporter from Devine Margot chimed in, her excitement was palpable. I silently celebrated as the questions veered precisely where I had hoped. Inadvertently, I squeezed Alec's hand, but he didn't seem to mind, chuckling softly and pulling me closer to him.

"Is this your attempt to get payback?" A man threw a scandalous inquiry our way, his expression laden with intrigue. It took some effort not to roll my eyes at him.

"First of all, Richard Jordan is indeed my father and Nina Jordan is my mother. They are my birth parents and the only parents I've known," I began to explain, my gaze briefly flicking to my parents. All my life, I had yearned for this moment, the day when I could openly acknowledge them as my family. "You see, they've done an incredible job keeping me out of the public eye. For my safety, I had to adopt the identity of Alana Preston. Now, the time has come, I can be myself, I can be Alana Jordan."

Growing up with such famous parents had never been easy. That's why they had chosen to guard my privacy so zealously, even to the extent of having me pretend they weren't my parents. I had only been photographed with them four times in my entire life, and my father's PR team had ensured those pictures never saw the light of day. It had kept me safe, but it had also left me feeling excluded from my own family.

"So, all these years, you fooled everyone? Is that why Daniel broke up with you?" A blonde queried.

"Daniel didn't break up with me," I clarified firmly. "We ended our relationship because, as the wedding date approached, it became clear that he was falling out of love. I realized he wasn't the one for me. I wanted someone who would wholeheartedly commit to me, and that's when I met—" I began, glancing at Alec.

Alec smoothly took the lead, wearing a faux-loving gaze as he focused on me. "Then we came across each other. We attended high school together and stuck by each other throughout university. I'd always loved Alana, but the timing wasn't right."

"Two weeks ago, during a break Daniel and I decided to take, we met again," I continued our fabricated story, my words flowing effortlessly as if they were the gospel truth. "With everything happening so quickly, Alec proposed, and it just felt right."

"So, the wedding of the century, meant to star Daniel Ray, instead featured Alana Jordan, the only daughter and heir to the Jordan empire," Miss Devine Margot observed.

"That's about it," I replied with a wry smile.

"But we did notice that Daniel's name was still on some things," another man chimed in. Daniel's name had been plastered all over the original decorations and despite our efforts to replace them with new, improvised pieces, remnants of his presence still lingered.

"We're not quite sure how that happened," I replied smoothly. "We made changes to our orders, but somehow, Daniel's name still crept in. But it's not a big deal; those things are just decorative. We'll crumple them up and toss them out," I said, weaving my web of lies.

"What a touching story," the woman from Devine Margot sighed, her eyes brimming with enthusiasm. "We'd love to feature you in a story."

"I'd absolutely love that!" I responded eagerly, grateful that my plan was falling into place.

"I'll set up a meeting, then," she suggested.

"Just keep in mind that our honeymoon is a week-long," Alec interjected with a cheeky grin, attracting the attention of the women around us. I couldn't help but feel a pang of annoyance – hadn't they noticed the recently added ring on his finger?

"Of course, Mr. Fisher," the lady replied before furrowing her brow. "You must be thrilled to be reunited with your high school sweetheart. Would you like to join the interview, too?"

Before I could object, Alec jumped in, "That sounds wonderful. Thank you for the invitation."

We continued to field questions, and I noticed a distinct shift in the way people treated me once they learned of my true identity as a Jordan. Their previous hostility morphed into a facade of politeness that made my skin crawl.

"What on earth were you thinking, inviting yourself to that interview?" I scolded Alec in a hushed tone, shooting him a stern glare.

"If we have to counter Daniel Ray's statement, having Devine Margot on our side is our best bet," Alec replied confidently, brushing my curls away from my face as he challenged me. "Unless, of course, you want to gamble and see if Daniel will accept the lie you just spun. Luckily, I happened to be in town for the period you mentioned."

"You act as if someone's going to recognize you. You're just a nobody," I retorted, though I couldn't deny the logic behind his words. "And I assume you married me just to become somebody."

"Regardless of how we got here, you're stuck with me now, and we'll put on a convincing show to persuade the public that I'm your husband and not some substitute," Alec whispered in my ear, his voice laced with determination. I huffed in frustration. "I hate you, Alec."

"I love you, wifey. Now let's go enjoy our wedding," he teased, taking my hand and leading the way.

We all gathered in the beautifully decorated dinner hall, bathed in the soft glow of sparkling lights hanging above us as we made our way to the buffet tables. My mother had taken charge of the catering, given that I had been too preoccupied with other matters, and she had done an outstanding job. I wished the dinner could stretch on forever, partly because I dreaded what lay ahead: the much-anticipated father-daughter dance.

My father had never once danced with me in private. Any display of affection between us was a calculated public stunt to create the illusion of a close-knit father-daughter relationship. In reality, our bond was far from that, but no one would ever suspect it. And now, I found myself standing in the middle of the ballroom, facing my father, with the looming dance impending.

"Remember, Alana, you need to hold this marriage together for a full year and demonstrate that your industry will flourish. Only then can I consider handing the Jordan Empire over to you," my father reminded me, his words a stark contrast to the celebratory atmosphere.

"I know, Dad," I replied, trying to hide my irritation.

"I need someone worthy of this legacy. Prove to me that you're worthy, Alana," he continued, his impatience and frustration apparent.

"I will," I replied more firmly this time, my gaze shifting to my mother for some support.

"Good. As a wedding present, I've arranged for you and Alec to have a house. Alec was recently informed, and I've just told you, but don't worry, I've had your belongings moved for you, so you won't have much to do," my father added, and I couldn't help but frown at the unexpected gift.

"Uh, okay?" I said hesitantly.

"No 'thank you'?" he huffed.

"Thank you, Dad. I appreciate everything you've done for me," I replied sincerely, even though a little more genuine love and support from him would have been welcome.

After the first dance, a sumptuous dinner, and cutting the wedding cake, it was time to call it a night. The entire experience had been surreal, to say the least. My first wedding felt like it might not be my last, given that Alec was undoubtedly not the one. I had one year to endure with him, just one, and then I'd have everything I'd worked for all my life.

"Ready to head home, wifey?" Alec extended his hand to me. I stared at his outstretched hand for a moment, then glanced at our guests, my parents, and everyone who believed he was my husband. I decided to keep up the charade, especially since my phone showed numerous missed calls from Daniel. I couldn't wait to hear his reaction when he found out.

Chapter 4

Alec’s POV.

Back then...

Being a poor orphan from the village on a scholarship at North View Academy, a prestigious private school, certainly had its challenges. As academically gifted as I was, I still faced numerous issues—primarily the relentless bullying from privileged kids who saw fit to target me, a scrawny guy trying to make his way in their world. I had no one to defend me, and it was a daily struggle.

One fateful day, I decided to stay behind at school, hoping for some peace and quiet to focus on my studies. Little did I know that my choice would lead to a confrontation that would change my life. Two jocks from the school had cornered me, intent on making my day an absolute nightmare. They closed in, and it seemed like a beating was imminent.

I clutched my book, closing my eyes in preparation for the inevitable, but then, an unexpected sound filled the air—a sharp, piercing whistle that pierced through the tension. Startled, I turned to locate the source of the sound and found my bullies frozen in their tracks as they saw Alana standing there. She stood with her arms crossed, her gaze narrowed and determined.

"I dare you to touch him," Teenage Alana threatened, her voice unwavering. "I'll make sure the coach benches you for the rest of the season. And if that's not intimidating enough, maybe I'll share a few secrets with your girlfriends that will lead to messy and public breakups."

Alana was petite in stature, but her fierce attitude more than compensated for her lack of height. Everyone knew better than to cross her or the group of friends she ran with—they were powerful and nearly always got their way on campus.

"No one bullies Alec except for me," she declared, her tone final. "I'll beat him fair and square. Until then, I dare you to mess with him."

From that day onward, no one dared to pick on me again. Alana Preston had been the only one to ever bully me, but I didn't mind. I couldn't help but admire her from afar, even though I knew she'd never pay me any attention. Instead, I tried to capture her notice the only way I knew how—through academic excellence. My goal was to prove to her that I belonged here, that I deserved to be here, and maybe, just maybe, she would see me as more than just someone to pick on.

***

Now...

I arrived in town just two weeks ago, strictly for business. My schedule was packed with meetings, and I diligently attended each one, successfully accomplishing what I had set out to do. Originally, I had planned to stay for just a week, but a curious impulse led me to check my social media, something I rarely did. To my surprise, I found my feed flooded with mentions of the "wedding of the century": the union of Daniel Ray and Alana Preston. Instantly, a mix of anger and jealousy flooded my thoughts, prompting me to make an impulsive decision to extend my stay. The wedding was to be held in this town, and despite the lack of an invitation, I was determined to find my way in. I had my methods for achieving that.

I couldn't help but reminisce about the engagement photos I had seen. Alana looked just as stunning as the first time I laid eyes on her back at North View Academy. Her beauty and intelligence had always captivated me. I had yearned to prove to her that I could be great, that I was worthy of her friendship. But instead, she saw me differently. Her enchanting green eyes and glossy auburn hair were etched in my memory, impossible to forget. Alana Preston—now Jordan—had always been perfection in my eyes, and I had sworn to myself that I would make her give me a chance. This marriage, it seemed, was my golden opportunity.

Born into a lower-class society in a small village as an orphan, I knew from a young age that I would never have a fair shot at greatness. But I possessed something invaluable—intelligence—and I was determined to wield it to transcend my circumstances. I relentlessly pursued the best education, seizing every scholarship and internship opportunity that came my way to sharpen my skills and knowledge.

My hard work eventually paid off. I had successfully rebranded myself and established a thriving company renowned for rescuing struggling businesses and transforming their fortunes. In under three years, my management consultancy had skyrocketed to the top, leaving a trail of successful deals in its wake. While my company's reputation soared, I remained an enigmatic figure, the face behind its success known to none.

Yet, I understood that to attract the highest-paying clients and take my company to even greater heights, I would need to reveal myself. The problem was that such clients often favored consultancies with ties to old-money families. To reach my ambitious goals, I had to become part of that elite circle, and marrying into it seemed the most viable path. Alana Jordan, previously Alana Preston, was precisely what I needed—a woman from an old-money family.

Sneaking into the wedding had been a challenge, but I engaged in conversations with other guests, curious about the delay in the bride's appearance. I had no clear plan on how to disrupt the wedding, but I was confident that an opportunity would present itself. And it did. When I met Richard Jordan, a brief conversation opened the door for me to seize the moment. I had to maintain the facade of a meticulously planned wedding and sign an ironclad prenuptial agreement, but my aim wasn't financial gain. I sought status and, above all, Alana. As the wedding ring slid onto my finger, my fate was sealed.

***

Alana remained unusually quiet as we sat together in the luxurious limousine, en route to the new house her father had acquired for us. I couldn't help but admire my wife's presence, her auburn hair meticulously styled in a neat bun, with soft curls framing her face like a masterpiece. Her long, thick lashes brushed against those captivating olive-colored eyes, which appeared distant as she seemed lost in her thoughts. My gaze traveled further down to her exposed shoulders, accentuated by the magnificent, puffy princess-style wedding gown she wore. It was precisely the kind of dress I had always imagined Alana would choose for her special day, and she looked every bit as radiant and perfect as I had envisioned.

As I was lost in contemplation, Alana's voice cut through my reverie, her tone laced with a hint of amusement and a touch of sarcasm. "If you think this marriage will ever be consummated, I can assure you that you're sorely mistaken. You should cease your persistent staring," she remarked.

A sly smile tugged at my lips in response. "Oh, Alana, trust me. I would never dream of doing anything against your will," I replied, leaning in closer to her and placing my champagne glass down on the elegant limo's interior. "When the time comes for us to consummate this marriage, it will be you who willingly seeks me out, begging for the best night of your life. I'd be honored to oblige, but for now, feel free to continue your charming display of pouting and glooming about," I added, punctuating my words with a wink before casually turning my attention to the view outside the window, acutely aware of the glare she was undoubtedly glaring at me.

“I will figure out why you’re doing this and I will make sure you pay hell for it,” Alana promised, getting out the words of anger as she continued to glare at me.

“Oh, my wife, that won’t be necessary,” I laughed and looked at her.

“What?”

“You’ll find out sooner rather than later and when you do, you’ll realize how lucky you are,” I patted her knee then went to grab some more champagne.

Chapter 5

Alana’s POV.

I studied Alec for a moment, his enigmatic words leaving me intrigued and slightly uneasy. What was it that I would soon find out? Should I be concerned? With Alec, one could never be entirely sure. As the limousine came to a halt, I shifted my gaze to the window, revealing a magnificent villa nestled in the suburbs. A vast expanse of lush greenery enveloped the property, providing the generous buffer of space and privacy that I had always coveted. This wasn't just any suburb; it was a gated community, inhabited exclusively by celebrities. My parents had certainly outdone themselves in securing my privacy, and I couldn't help but feel grateful.

I glanced over, observing his reaction as he took in the sight of the house. With a hint of playful sarcasm, “What’s wrong? Is it too much? Perhaps we can switch the gazebo around and it will match the village cave you come out of.” His jaw clenched momentarily, and he seemed on the verge of a retort, but he opted for a tight-lipped smile instead.

"Cat got your tongue?" I taunted, stepping out of the car and positioning myself beside him. Alec responded with a cryptic quip.

"Only if you're the cat, Alana," he purred, retrieving the sets of keys my father had given us. He handed me mine, leaving me momentarily speechless with his unexpected charm. Alec then retrieved two small, closed-off boxes from the limousine, their contents concealed from my view. I couldn't help but wonder what he was holding.

As the limousine departed, Alec and I made our way into the house. The first thing that struck me was the pleasant scent of peach cleaning products. My mother must have orchestrated that, knowing full well of my aversion to lemon-scented cleaners, whereas my father always favored the citrusy variety. The house boasted a minimalist decor, with functional furnishings and an abundance of open spaces, leaving room for my personal touch and decorating flair. I envisioned vibrant flowers adorning the living room, injecting a burst of color into the space.

"We depart for our honeymoon tomorrow morning. Your mother seems to have selected the destination," Alec remarked, his brow furrowing as he inspected the envelope.

"Where did she choose?" I inquired, moving closer to Alec, captivated by his alluring scent.

"Not a tropical location," he chuckled.

"Montana. I adore the cold. I can't wait," I replied excitedly, momentarily forgetting the identity of my honeymoon companion.

"Sounds good. Just a week, right?" Alec took the paper from my hand to check the date.

"What? Do you have a pressing job to return to?" I retorted with a playful snort, sensing that Alec's patience was nearing its limit.

"I do, as a matter of fact. And you can drop the bratty attitude. If it weren't for me, you'd be the laughingstock of your industry. Believe it or not, your ex-fiancée left you for a younger, more famous woman. On the day of your goddamn wedding. So, you better start appreciating me," Alec's words cut through me, a harsh reminder of the cruel reality. I winced at the painful truth. "I'm the one now being insulted instead of you, and I did all of this for you, Alana. So, drop the snarky remarks and rude tone, or I walk out of this marriage," he warned, his eyes narrowing. The once-pretty green flecks in his blue eyes now seemed far less appealing.

"You walk out now, and you gain nothing," I replied, my voice wavering slightly as I tried to regain my composure.

"There was never something for me to gain. Have you read your prenup? I walk now, and the world will know you can't hold down a marriage. And what would dear daddy think?" Alec's laughter rang through the room, mocking me.

"Are you threatening me?"

"No, I'm telling you to be more appreciative." He crossed his arms, his tone unyielding.

I huffed in frustration and decided to head upstairs to find the master bedroom. It was easy to spot, with its pastel purple walls and grey accent walls, perfectly matching the room's decor. The walk-in closets were filled with clothes, all in my size and exquisitely stylish. My eyes landed on a note, and I picked it up.

"For my dear daughter, I'm so happy for you to embark on the journey of love. In a matter of time, you will take over the Jordan Empire, and I know you'll excel, just like you'll excel at this wedding. Love, Mom." As I read the letter, my eyes welled up with tears. My mother had written this, assuming that I was going to marry for love. Despite my father's lack of emotions and awkwardness, he had always been deeply in love with my mother. They had a marriage filled with love, and I had once believed that I would be just as lucky until Daniel decided to leave me.

Taking a deep breath, I sat down at my vanity, slowly removing my makeup and then every pin and stud from my hair until it cascaded freely down to my waist, just as it always had. Carefully, I removed every piece of jewelery except for my wedding ring, placing them on the vanity. Picking up my phone, I noticed numerous missed calls from so-called friends, real friends, people who had rejected me or refused to work with me, and unknown numbers. Of course, there were also calls from Daniel. I accidentally clicked on social media and immediately came across several articles with headlines like "The Jordan Heiress Finally Public? Here's Everything You Should Know About Her!" I chuckled as I opened one of the articles, which mainly mentioned my wedding, hair color, my spouse, and my ex-fiancé. As I scrolled down, I finally understood what Alec had meant when he said he was now the laughingstock.

"Alana Jordan, daughter of Richard Jordan, marries a high school sweetheart from a village. Could it be he’s only in it for the money?" I furrowed my brows as I read the headline.

"Is Alana Jordan’s new husband a boy toy? Is there actual love in this marriage?" I clicked on that one and noticed they had added a few leaked wedding photos.

I set down my phone and shook my head. This situation had certainly taken an unexpected turn.

I got up from my chair and attempted to take off my dress. However, I quickly realized that I was stuck, unable to get it off. It had taken three people to put this dress on, and now I was foolishly trying to take it off by myself. I heard movement outside my room and rushed to open the door, stopping Alec in his tracks.

"What?" He raised a brow at me.

I took a deep breath, already dreading what I was about to ask. "Can you help me take this off?"

Alec simply smiled, without a hint of gloating or mockery. He nodded and approached me, his hands carefully resting on my hips as he turned me around so that my back faced him. With a gentle touch, he gathered my hair and draped it over one shoulder. His fingertips traced over my bare back, sending shivers down my spine and making goosebumps appear on my skin. He expertly loosened the laces and then skillfully handled the zipper. I held onto the top of the dress before it had a chance to slip down.

"Here you go." He tapped my bare shoulder, and I took a deep breath.

I turned around and nodded at him, saying a sincere, "Thank you."

I hurried back into my room, closing the door behind me. My phone chimed with texts from Daniel.

-Seriously, Alana? You know Richard Jordan? He could’ve gotten me the part in 'Wreck Me, Love Me.'

-You really tried to replace me with some other man? You hijacked my wedding and proceeded to get married to someone else?

-Have you been cheating on me for a while now???

-I know you’re heartbroken, but you didn’t have to go marry someone else. This is beyond shameful. Don’t you have respect for yourself?

-RICHARD JORDAN IS YOUR FATHER? YOU LIED TO ME? HOW COULD YOU KEEP THAT FROM ME?

-Alana, baby, I think we made a mistake. Call me, or if you’d like, can you meet me? Tomorrow at the airport. I’ll explain myself.

I frowned as I read his barrage of messages, particularly the last one. He wanted to explain himself, and that explanation could be crucial.