Chapter 18

Alana’s POV. "I don't understand, what do you mean?" I asked, my frown still deeply etched on my face. The story I had grown up with involved childhood friends turning into lovers, and it had been painted as one of the sweetest love stories. I even remembered seeing countless articles about my parents' relationship from back in the day and how people had been obsessed with their marriage. "Your father and I had an arranged marriage," Mom stated plainly, setting down her coffee and scooting closer to me. My eyes widened in disbelief. The revelation was completely at odds with the fairy tale image of my parents' love story that I had held onto for years. "My parents knew his father, and, well, your dad was quite the rebel when he was younger. That's why your grandpa sent him off to that fancy boarding school," Mom continued, dropping bombshell after bombshell. I couldn't wrap my head around the fact that my dad, the person I had always known as responsible and disciplined, had been a rebel in his youth. "So, how did the idea of marriage even come up?" I asked, my frown deepening as I struggled to reconcile this new information with my existing beliefs. I had thought that my dad had been sent to the prestigious boarding school because of its prestige, not as a form of discipline. "Well, your dad needed to settle down. You know how traditional your grandpa is. He wanted your dad married by the age of 23, but instead, your dad kept making headlines for various misadventures," Mom explained further. I had always known my grandpa to be a remarkable man, but perhaps he had treated my dad differently. "Despite all his rebelliousness, your dad was still an excellent businessman. But your grandpa wouldn't hand over his business until your dad had settled down," Mom concluded, her loyalty to my dad evident in her words. "Dad was a rebel?" I repeated in disbelief, eager for more details about this hidden side of my father's past. "A huge one," Mom continued, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "After growing his wealth and making a name for himself in the industry, he went to great lengths to clean up his image." Returning to her narrative, Mom said, "One night, your dad was caught in a club, thoroughly intoxicated and causing quite a scene. Your grandpa had had enough; he needed some PR magic to fix this mess. At that time, I had just completed my studies, and I had the opportunity to become your father's agent, but instead, your grandpa had a different plan in mind. A fake marriage." I leaned in, curiosity piqued. "What did Nana and Pop think about it?" I inquired. Even though they had passed away when I was younger, I remembered their protectiveness and concern. Mom's expression grew somewhat sheepish as she admitted, "Actually, they were the ones who orchestrated the whole plan. They wanted me to assist their friend." "What?" I couldn't help but exclaim. A small, wistful smile graced Mom's lips as she recounted, "We had a massive fight over it, but eventually, I agreed to become your father's fiancée and, eventually, his wife." A hint of sadness touched her eyes as she added, "Everyone believed the story. After all, we were supposed to be childhood friends and neighbors, or so everyone believed since our parents were often seen together." My curiosity shifted, and I inquired, "What was Dad like back then?" "Quiet, demanding, bossy, not very sympathetic," Mom replied with a chuckle. "Seems like he hasn't changed much," I mumbled. Mom shot me a warning look. "Your dad has changed a lot, trust me." Frustration and disbelief welled up inside me, and I poured out my feelings, saying, "Mom, I believed in true love because of you and Dad. I've seen the way you both look at each other, and it's incredible. I’ve seen the way you and Dad look at each other and it’s incredible, all I could ask for. Dad wouldn’t care if the world burned, as long as he’d have you. It's all I've ever wanted romantically – for someone to look at me like that. I believed in a good, organic love story. And now you tell me this?" Mom gently caressed my cheek and placed a strand of hair behind my ear before pulling me close to kiss my forehead. "Trust me, Lana, not much has changed, except for the way we met. Your dad was only cold for the first two months of our marriage, but after that, he warmed up. The coffee dates, the late-night talks, pillow fights, dinners, gifts – everything I told you about, he did. Your father made me feel loved in a way that seemed unimaginable. He was simply incredible, and he still is." I hesitated, torn between skepticism and the longing for the kind of love my parents had. "He was a strict father and kept me hidden because he didn't want me to grow up like he did," Mom continued. "I think you and your dad need to sit down and talk about certain things – whenever you're ready." The idea of such a conversation loomed ahead, challenging and overwhelming. To avoid dwelling on it further, I shifted the subject, letting it rest for another time. With Dad away on a business meeting, it was just Mom and me for dinner. After she left the house, I found myself alone in our spacious home. I busied myself with some light unpacking before heading to bed, trying to get some rest for the important meeting scheduled for the next day. I should have been sleeping, preparing for the meeting with Naomi Smith, the author of "Hearts Entwined." The meeting had been moved up, and I felt a mix of excitement and nerves about it. Instead, I was awake and on my way to grab a snack. I walked past the hallway, something caught my eye: Alec's luggage from our recent honeymoon was still on the floor. I sighed and gave in to my curiosity, opening it up. To my surprise, everything inside was neatly folded and organized. Who even does that? I noticed a magazine among his belongings and picked it up. Flipping through the pages, I stumbled upon something that left me breathless – a catalog of high-end jewelry. I browsed through the lavish pieces, but my attention was immediately drawn to one particular item. It was a marquise-cut ring with a halo band adorned with small, glistening stones. The center gem was a rare blue diamond, and the ring was simply stunning. But why was it circled with a marker on the page? Then it hit me like a ton of bricks. Alec still hadn't given me an engagement ring. My heart raced as I gazed at the dazzling jewelry on the page. But doubts quickly crept in. Could Alec afford such an expensive piece? Especially for me? The answer remained shrouded in uncertainty, leaving me in a state of anticipation.