“Are you sure that Daniella Hamilton is the one that you wished to marry? Do you truly love her that much to commit yourself to her?” Fred seriously asked his son.
He had no qualms with the identity of Miss Hamilton. Her traits assured him that she was more than qualified as a suitable wife for his son. However, it was her background that concerned him. He was wary of the result of this union between his son and her.
He had learned that she was the only heir of Mr. Hamilton. Then, she had been practicing her career as a lawyer for the masses in her country. Quite a noble dedication that he did admire about her. However, these circumstances could also be a problem for him and his family.
“I am sure that I am committed to her.” He was not lying about that. Although, the context of that sentence was different from what his father might think.
He knew that there was a slight chance that his father might object to this arrangement. He had foreseen it. But the rule only said that he had to marry someone suitable. Not someone that his father had to approve. Besides, he had no plan to marry Dani anyway, although his father would never know about that.
“But your mother and I believe that Tyra will be more appropriate to be your wife. You know and love her. She knows our ways. She will be the perfect wife for you.” His father tried to make him see that he was making the mistake of choosing someone not accustomed to their ways and with their traditions.
His legacy relied on his son, returning home to take his place at his seat. As his only son, Alex was the sole heir of his name and his house.
He needed his son to come back home to take over his position as head of this family. And he believed that the wife he needed was someone who would sit by his side. He feared that it would not happen if he continued to pursue marrying Daniella Hamilton.
“What does Tyra had to do with this? What we had was over? I am marrying Daniella, and that is final.” He stood up from his chair and fixed his clothes. “I think we have nothing more to talk about, so if you will excuse me, Father, my guests are waiting for me.”
He bowed to his father and walked out the door. He did not wait for his father to stop him. Although, he was sure that his father had no intention to since he already made his case.
Then, he realized why Tyra was here in the first place. She knew all about his plans to marry because his parents arranged for her to be here, hoping that they would rekindle their relationship. They were hoping that he would change his mind and marry Tyra instead.
He immediately went back to the ballroom in search of his bride-to-be. However, he was not expecting what he saw when he got back. His fianc? was in the arms of another man. Well, not just any other man, but his cousin, Edward.
“Alex, I had been looking for you, but you seem to be missing. I hope you don’t mind if I already introduce myself to Dani.” Edward greeted him as soon as he was closed enough to them.
Edward had been looking for his cousin since he had arrived. He knew that Alex was planning something when he had heard about his intention to introduce his wife to be. He always thought that when his cousin renounced the empire, he did not intend to be part of it anymore.
However, this latest development contradicted that. Edward thought that when he refused to take any part in their tradition, he was sure that Alex would never return. However, his participation with this very crucial tradition was him making a statement.
This act would put him back to the lineup as a possible successor to the throne. Edward would not stand idly by while his cousin made a move. He was not going to take his chance that Alex was not interested in what was rightfully his.
“Well, I am here now. If you will excuse us, Edward, I want to dance with my fiance.” He could not stop himself from announcing to his cousin and anyone nearby that she was his future wife. He felt that he needed to stake a claim on her and put Edward in his place.
From childhood, he and Edward never did get along. Edward always felt threatened by him for whatever reason. Although he was next in line with Edward as the future king, just in case Edward could not fulfill his duty as king, he never wanted the position.
He never wanted to be king of this kingdom, and he already expressed that as much. But Edward seemed determined to make sure that he would never be able to take his place. His cousin always wanted what was his.
Edward could have this entire kingdom. He did not care one bit about that, but he was not taking away his bride this time. Then, Alex corrected himself. He was not allowing him to hurt another girl in the process of getting back at him.
He planned to protect Dani from Edward’s twisted scheme. He was going to be her knight in shining armor.
“It was nice meeting you, Dani.” The prince bowed down to her and took her hand, placing a soft kiss as his sign of respect.
She also bowed to the prince as what their custom dictated. “It was also nice to meet you, Prince Edward.” She said formally.
The prince eventually bowed to Alex and left them on the dance floor. But he knew that Edward was not through with them yet. He had seen Edward’s interest in Dani, and he was not going to allow him to mess up with her.
He knew that Tyra was just another victim in Edward’s plot against him. He did slightly blame himself for not protecting Tyra from Edward. It was the only reason why Alex was able to forgive Tyra after her betrayal. But he could not love her again.
This time, he would make sure that Edward would stay away from Dani. He would not allow history to repeat itself. Besides, Alex was responsible for Dani’s safety and well-being while the contract was in place. He was not doing this because he had feelings for her, he reminded himself.
“Are you alright?” Dani asked Alex as they dance silently on the dance floor. Ever since Alex came back, he had not said anything to her at all.
She had sensed some form of animosity between Alex and Edward. But they had been too polite that it would seem as if it was only her imagination. But she was trained to read people. She might not be an expert yet, but she felt it in the way their body language communicated.
“Yeah, I am. I don’t like celebrating my birthday.” He did not. It was a stupid celebration that he could do not need. Everybody present here did not come to celebrate his birthday. All of his people had their personal motives for showing up in this festivity.
He was not a fool like them. He was here to exploit them and not the other way around. He had no interest in the crown nor this kingdom. The only thing he wanted was their wealth. He needed them to invest in his company so that he could finally get what he wanted.
Alex strived to be one of the best in the business. Be the king on the other side of the world. He desired what Ethan Hamilton had, recognition in the business world due to his accomplishment. And not because he was entitled to the throne.
“Well, me too.” She could sympathize with him. She also never like this kind of celebration. The best birthday she ever had lately was the one that Jacky threw for her. It was just the two of them in her small living room with a small piece of cake.
“At least we have that in common.” He pointed out as he tried to focus on her this time. He already had neglected her earlier. It was time to show everyone that she was the one he was going to marry.
“I guess we have a few things that we could relate to.” She admitted as she looked at him closely. She could not read what he was thinking, but she could feel the tension in his body.
“Are you ready to act as my fianc??” He made sure to give her a warning.
“Of course, it is the reason why I am here.” She had not forgotten why she was here in the first place.
“Then, it is time that we showed them that we are indeed a couple.” He saw Edward was still looking at them from afar. On the other side, Tyra was with her friends. But he was sure that she was also observing him and Dani under her radar.
He was entirely sure that everyone was studying them under a microscope. That would include their parents who were conversing in a group. Although an unlikely match, still an intriguing union to watch out for in the future.
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.
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