Chapter 9

Upstairs, the walls of Alexis Montgomery’s room seemed to close in on her as she collapsed onto the plush bed.

The tears that fell now weren’t of regret or heartbreak. They were rooted in a deeper, more bitter emotion.

Shame.

Her sobs came harder as she clutched the satin pillow, her face buried in its cool surface.

She had been so blind, so naive, letting herself believe in a love that was only an illusion.

She had been Harrison Montgomery’s daughter her entire life, protected, adored, cherished.

How could she have let someone like Ryan deceive her so completely?

The betrayal from Ryan stung, but even more unbearable was the realization that she had ignored all the signs.

His late night meetings, the subtle changes in his demeanor, and even the gut feeling she had suppressed to maintain the facade of perfection.

It wasn’t just that Ryan had lied, it was that she had allowed herself to live in denial, trusting when she should have questioned, loving when she should have doubted.

“I was so stupid,” Alexis whispered to herself, her voice cracking as the words spilled out.

She wiped her eyes roughly with the back of her hand, frustrated with herself for breaking down again.

This wasn’t who she was supposed to be.

The Alexis Montgomery that people saw was poised and unshakable, someone who commanded rooms with a single glance. But here, in the privacy of her sanctuary, she felt small, broken, and painfully human.

Her phone buzzed on the nightstand, pulling her out of her spiral.

She reached for it hesitantly, half expecting another round of messages from Ryan or Sophia, begging for forgiveness. But the screen only displayed a text from Caleb, her younger cousin, asking if she was okay after leaving the charity event so abruptly.

Alexis sighed, tossing the phone back onto the nightstand without replying.

She didn’t have the energy to explain, to plaster on a brave face for her family. Not now.

Her thoughts drifted to Julian, and an unexpected pang shot through her chest.

He’d been a stranger, yet in one night, he’d shown her more honesty and care than Ryan ever had.

His words, his steadiness, and even his bluntness had cut through the fog of her pain, leaving an indelible mark on her mind.

There was a soft knock at her door, pulling her back to the present.

“Alexis, sweetheart?” her mother’s voice floated through the heavy wood, soft but tinged with concern.

Alexis sat up, quickly wiping at her tear streaked cheeks. “I’m fine, Mom,” she called out, trying to sound composed.

“Are you sure? I could come in, if...”

“No,” Alexis cut her off, her voice firmer than she intended.

She softened it immediately. “I just need some time. Please.”

A pause lingered on the other side of the door before her mother finally replied, “Okay, darling. But remember, we’re here for you.”

The sound of her mother’s retreating footsteps only deepened the ache in Alexis’s chest.

She didn’t deserve their concern, not after she’d let them down by being so easily fooled.

Looking around her perfectly decorated room, Alexis felt an overwhelming sense of disconnect.

The designer furniture, the elegant chandeliers, the immaculate cream and gold palette, none of it felt like her anymore.

For the first time, she didn’t want to be Alexis Montgomery, the girl who had it all.

She wanted to be someone who had earned her strength through struggle, not someone whose life was handed to her on a silver platter.

Her eyes drifted to the mirror across the room, and she forced herself to stand and face her reflection.

She looked... pathetic.

Her hair was a tangled mess, her mascara smudged, her lips trembling as another wave of tears threatened to fall.

“Get it together, Alexis,” she whispered harshly, gripping the edge of the vanity for support.

But the words felt hollow.

Her reflection stared back at her, and for the first time, she saw herself not as the perfect daughter, the flawless socialite, or even the betrayed fiancée.

She saw a young woman who had been hurt, yes, but also someone who still had a choice.

She could wallow in her mistakes, or she could start rebuilding herself, piece by piece.

“Stupid or not,” she murmured, straightening her posture, “this isn’t how my story ends.”

The tears didn’t stop immediately, but they slowed.

........................

The Devereux estate was a marvel of luxury, a sprawling mansion perched atop a hill overlooking the city.

Its polished marble floors and gleaming crystal chandeliers spoke of old money and prestige, but tonight, the air inside was tense.

Julian Devereux sat at the long dining table, his jaw clenched as he endured his mother’s insistent voice.

Across from him, seated with perfect posture, was Charlotte Wainwright, the daughter of a prominent oil magnate.

“And what’s so difficult about it, Julian?” his mother, Vivian Devereux, said with a sharp edge to her tone.

Her dark eyes bore into him, unrelenting. “The Wainwrights are practically royalty in this country. A union between our families would be the talk of the century.”

Charlotte offered a small smile, clearly aware of the power her family’s wealth carried.

She was beautiful in a cold, calculated way, her features sharp and her demeanor polished. But despite her flawless exterior, Julian felt no connection to her.

“I’ve already said I need time to think about it,” Julian replied, his voice measured but firm.

He leaned back in his chair, his fingers tapping rhythmically on the armrest.

Vivian narrowed her eyes, her frustration barely contained. “Think about what? Charlotte is perfect for you. She comes from an impeccable lineage, her family’s influence rivals ours, and...”

“She’s sitting right here, Mother,” Julian interrupted, his tone laced with sarcasm. “I’m sure she doesn’t need a resume read aloud.”

Charlotte’s smile faltered slightly, but she quickly regained her composure. “I don’t mind, Mrs. Devereux. I understand Julian’s hesitation. After all, marriage is a significant step.”

Vivian huffed, clearly unimpressed. “Hesitation is one thing. Stubbornness is another.” She turned her attention back to her son. “You’ve already wasted enough time running around doing God knows what. It’s time to settle down and do what’s best for this family.”

Julian’s fingers stopped tapping, and he fixed his mother with a cold stare. “What’s best for the family, or what’s best for you?”

The room went quiet for a moment.