Chapter 7

Alec’s POV. As we discussed the mysterious businessman, Alana's admiration for this enigmatic CEO was evident in her voice. I couldn't help but smirk at her high praise, silently basking in the fragrance of her honey-scented hair product that filled my senses when I stood behind her. Her words were captivating, and her vulnerability at this moment was palpable, making my entire body relax involuntarily. However, the tranquil atmosphere shattered when her phone chimed with a new message, and my eyes snapped open immediately. I didn't intend to invade her privacy, but the name "Daniel" at the top of the notification caught my attention. Anger, hurt, and an overwhelming sense of possessiveness coursed through me as I read the message. I couldn't help but react to the intrusion of her past into our wedding night. Alana turned around to face me, her lips pressed tightly together. Her green eyes bore into mine, filled with a mix of emotions, and her mouth hung open slightly, likely considering various explanations and excuses to offer. But I wanted the truth, plain and simple. "Alana, why is your ex-fiancé messaging you on our wedding night?" I asked, making an effort to keep my voice steady and composed. "I can explain," Alana muttered, her hands sliding down her arms as she faced me. The room was a bit chilly, as I had set the thermostat to my preferred temperature. I made a mental note to adjust it to a warmer setting for her comfort. "You better," I responded calmly as I turned down the heat on the stove, letting it simmer. I watched her closely, waiting for an explanation. "Uhm... He's basically upset that I hadn't told him who my father is," Alana began, avoiding direct eye contact as she gripped the counter from behind her. "Has he never met your father before?" I asked, furrowing my brows in curiosity. I understood the desire to keep her father's identity a secret, but a simple NDA could have solved that issue. How could you marry someone without first meeting their family? It shows how little you care in my opinion. "Too busy, and when he was available, I lied that Dad was busy. Dad wouldn't meet him until after the wedding to protect my identity since Daniel didn't like signing too many legal documents," Alana explained, a hint of realization crossing her face, likely recognizing how unreasonable her ex had been. "Is that all he's reaching out for? Why does he want to meet you?" I grew increasingly curious, wondering if he might already be calling in favors due to her father's potential influence on his acting career. "He thinks he deserves another shot... He wants to explain himself," Alana replied, her gaze shifting to the pot as I opened it to stir the chicken. "He wants to explain how his... dick ended up in Suzanne on the very day he was supposed to get married... all the way across the state?" I raised an eyebrow. "Alec," she muttered, pain evident on her face. "What?" I sighed, speaking more gently now. "This man had every intention of hurting you. Do not defend him, do not give him a second chance. Not while our contract is still in effect." I recognized that Alana was a confident woman, but discovering that her fiancé of three years had cheated on her and left her at the altar must have shaken her self-assuredness for a short moment. "Right, that's all you care about," she rolled her eyes. "Don't you?" I retorted. "Your family went to great lengths to salvage your reputation. Now, all I ask for is your loyalty. I'm already perceived as your 'boy toy,' and I don't want to be known as the man whose wife cheats with her ex," I stated firmly, narrowing my eyes at her. For now, our relationship was purely contractual, but I intended to change her mind over time. "I need the media to see me as a strong, confident woman, not someone who lets her ex walk all over her." "Okay, jeez, that's enough. I won't have you question my loyalty or me as a person," Alana asserted, her strong demeanor returning. She stood upright, meeting my gaze. "I won't go back to him, but I thought I deserved an actual explanation. We were together for three years, Alec. How can someone just run away from that so easily?" "It's simple, Alana. He goes where the benefits are, and he never loved you. He loved what you could do for him, and now he's found someone who can offer him more," I explained. I had studied Daniel carefully, wanting to understand what she was getting herself into—or would have gotten herself into. Dealing with people like Daniel had been part of my life before, and I had successfully cut them out. Now, I intend to help her do the same. Alana frowned, seemingly puzzled. "Benefits?" "Tell me, Alana, did you use your agency to help him land roles? Did you boost his career?" I asked, already aware of the answer from my previous research. "I..." she began. "So you did." I smiled and shook my head. I turned off the stove and gave Alana my full attention, knowing she was on the verge of self-discovery. "I got him three minor roles, a decent one, and there's potential for a significant role—I already negotiated on his behalf and pitched the whole package," she started listing on her fingers, her face filled with regret. "It's okay. The industry can be tough, but you've learned your lesson, and these things happen. Now you'll know how to deal with it," I reassured her, placing my hand on her back and gently rubbing it in a soothing motion. "I'll block him," she huffed as her phone chimed. However, I stopped her by placing my hand on hers. "Wait... Before you do that, I want to do something," I said. "Do what?" She looked up at me with confusion. "Trust me," I insisted. "Trust you?" "As your husband, I think you should trust me at least a little," I added with a wink, hoping she would allow me to carry out my last-minute plan. "Fine," she reluctantly agreed. I took her phone, staring at the options for a moment before selecting a discreet messaging app. Perfect, the message would disappear after he read it. I began to respond to Daniel's request, specifying a time, date, and location. Then, I handed the phone back to Alana and made a quick call to ask for a favor.