CHAPTER FOUR

After I left the cemetery, I drove back to the dingy motel I'd been staying at, the sadness of the day clinging to me like a second layer of skin. 

The unexpected meeting with Brandon and Bella still burned holes in my heart and mind. I needed to check on the company though. 

I forced myself to head into town the next morning. Walking through the office doors, I was met with a disheartening sight. 

The once-thriving company now seemed like a shell of its former self. Brandon had already started implementing his changes, marking everywhere with his disgusting self, dismantling everything my family and I had worked for. 

I felt a bit relieved when my secretary handed me a memo about the new marketing strategy that Alexander Croft had just launched. 

On a normal day this would be disastrous for my company but what Brandon was going to do would have left me with no choice but to sell my shares, and Croft knew that and stopped it. He was already stepping in where I least expected. 

Feeling slightly relieved I texted Alexander, asking for a meeting, his reply came faster than I expected and I read it with a mix of slight annoyance as he called me his wife. 

Alexander: "I was just about to text you. The ring selection will happen early. Come to my family home. I'll have a driver pick you 

See you soon, wife"

Rings... I was still wearing mine from my previous marriage. 

Despite everything, I couldn't help but feel funny at his words, he was confusing, we had met a couple of times in the past, but he had never paid much attention to me until now. I needed to understand his intentions and figure out my next steps.

When I arrived at Alexander Croft's family estate, I couldn't help but be taken aback by its magnificence.

The sprawling estate was nothing short of lavish. It had a grand entrance with massive iron gates, long cobblestone driveways lined with plush hedges, and towering stone columns framing the majestic manor. 

The house itself was a masterpiece of classic vintage architecture, its white and dusty rose exterior adorned with elaborate carvings. Large arched windows, with a sweeping low staircase leading up to the front door.

I stepped out of the door, and the driver gave me a polite nod before driving off, leaving me standing alone in front of pure opulence. Despite its beauty, it felt a bit cold and neutral compared to the warmth of the Asplundh estate though it had been eighteen months since I'd been there. 

I made my way to the front door where a staff member led me inside. 

The interior was just as grand as the outside high ceilings with embellished chandeliers, the welcoming rooms filled with fine art and antique furniture. 

I was guided to an open space with large windows that let in the early afternoon light. The room had an open view of the richly maintained gardens that stretched out beyond the manor. 

Alexander was already waiting for me, casually leaning against a grand piano and playing with his fidget spinner before he quickly pocketed it. His presence was commanding as always yet this time I felt relaxed in it. 

He flashed a charming smile as soon as he saw me "Thalia, you made it. I was beginning to think you'd change your mind" 

I forced a smile, trying to ignore the nervous glances from the staff and the three people who were there sitting in front of his rings

"I'm here. Let's get this over with, shall we?" 

Alexander's eyes sparkled with glee 

"Impatient, are we? I didn't know you were this eager to get engaged to me"  

"Impatient, maybe but eager not so much, after all you are the one who made the first move" 

His smile grew wider as he extended his hand, I took it allowing him to lead me down the hallway and the three people followed behind with rings, the walls draped with the most magnificent pieces of art I ever laid eyes on. 

Alexander chuckled bringing me out of my thoughts 

"It's alright to gape at them, it's not every day you get to see the Croft estate" 

"Impressive as it is," I said coolly, as we entered a room "it's still not quite up to the level of the Asplundh estate" 

Alexander chuckled again louder this time enjoying himself.

 "Oh, so you're an expert judge of estates now? I'm extremely flattered"

"I'm just saying" I replied crossing my arms as I tried to maintain some composure "there's a certain warmth missing here. But I'm sure it's just a matter of personal taste".

He moved closer his gaze steady on mine. "Personal taste? Well then it's a good thing you'll soon become the daughter-in-law of this home, then you can improve it however you like" 

"Where's everyone? The members of the family I mean" I couldn't help but ask, maybe that's the warmth missing.

"On a Vacation, they'll be back on my birthday in six weeks and they'll have a daughter-in-law to welcome" 

"Do they know that?" 

He only smirked at me, which meant they didn't know, and led me to take a seat beside him as the three-ring people sat in the chair across.

Alexander cleared his throat and spoke 

"Show us the rings" 

The three professionals, sitting with elegance immediately went to work. The one in the middle spoke first, laying out two velvet-lined ring boxes

"We have three sets for each of you, both bride and groom. 

For the bride we've selected elegant rings with a modern twist: the first is a platinum ring with a teardrop-shaped diamond center, the second is a sleek band of sapphires and diamonds and the third is a vintage dusty rose with detailed lace-like wirework"

He gestured to the next tray "For the groom we have a classic brushed gold band, a platinum with an engraved design and a matte black band for the modern look" 

Alexander's eyes sparkled as he leaned over the rings

 "Teardrop shaped for the bride" he declared with a playful grin "because it reflects her elegance" His gaze flicked toward me, and I met his gaze as the sun hit his perfect face. His black hair looked darker and his hazel eyes glowed and I almost let out a whimper.

I didn't protest at his ring choice, instead, I cleared my throat and said 

"My turn" Two rings from different pairs caught my eye

"How about this brushed gold band?" I asked holding it up and then pointing to the platinum with the engraved design 

"And this one just for variety"