Chapter 5

The power dynamics between the families were always unspoken, yet constantly felt. The Britts craved the Odonnells' approval, their old-world legitimacy. Brendan, for all his arrogance, always walked a little straighter, spoke a little softer, in Graham's presence. And I had been swept into that world, a convenient, pretty accessory for Brendan, meant to enhance his image, to solidify his place.

Kasey' s eyes, however, were not to be underestimated. I felt her gaze on me in the rearview mirror, sharp and venomous. She knew something was off. Her "innocent" sniff of the air, her sudden questions, were not random. That woman missed nothing. I knew, with a chilling certainty, that she would be looking for any opportunity to retaliate.

The rest of the drive was silent on her part. A simmering, dangerous silence. I could almost hear the gears turning in her calculating mind, plotting her next move.

Once we arrived at the sprawling coastal estate, a magnificent, historic property owned by a prominent art collector, Kasey wasted no time. As soon as Brendan stepped out of the car, she was draped over his arm, a picture of delicate exhaustion. "Oh, Brendan, darling, I'm so utterly drained from the drive! This motion sickness has completely worn me out." She leaned heavily against him, her voice barely a whisper.

"I don't think I can bear to be alone tonight," she continued, her eyes wide and pleading. "This old house is so grand, but also a little... spooky. Would you mind terribly if I stayed in your suite? Just for tonight, for comfort, you know." Her request, cloaked in vulnerability, was a blatant power play.

She then turned to me, her smile sickly sweet. "You don't mind, do you, Alexia? Just for tonight. I'm truly not feeling well." Her eyes, however, were burning with triumph.

Brendan looked at me, a flicker of discomfort, almost guilt, in his eyes. He knew. He knew what he was asking. He was seeking my silent permission, my agreement to this fresh humiliation.

My voice was calm, almost detached. "Of course not, Kasey," I said, my gaze steady. "In fact, I insist. Why don't I just take your room? It'll be simpler that way." My words hung in the air, a quiet defiance that surprised even myself. Simpler. For whom?

Brendan's fleeting guilt deepened. "Alexia, I'm... I'm sorry," he mumbled, reaching out to touch my arm. "I'll make it up to you. I promise." His words were hollow, a familiar refrain of empty promises. He thought he could buy my compliance, my forgiveness, with a hollow apology.

I looked around the grand entrance hall of the estate, the soaring ceilings, the antique furniture, the hushed elegance. It felt cold, impersonal. My exhaustion deepened, a bone-deep weariness that had nothing to do with the car ride. It was the exhaustion of constantly fighting, constantly pretending, constantly enduring. Brendan's "making it up to me" felt like a patronizing handout, a meager crumb from his table.

He moved to put his arm around me, a half-hearted attempt at comfort. But his touch, once familiar, now felt alien, almost repulsive. I subtly stiffened, making it clear I didn't want his touch.

I watched them walk away, Kasey clinging to Brendan, her head resting on his shoulder, a small, triumphant smile playing on her lips. She looked back at me over her shoulder, her victory complete. My gut clenched.

I stood there for a moment, my bag still in my hand, feeling utterly alone. The thought of the gala, the endless networking, the forced smiles, overwhelmed me. All for a man who openly humiliated me, for a career that felt increasingly meaningless.

"Alexia." His voice, deep and resonant, startled me. Graham stood beside me, his gaze sweeping over my face, then towards the retreating figures of Brendan and Kasey. He took my bag gently from my hand. "Brendan's suite is on the second floor, overlooking the main fountain. Kasey's original room, the one you'll be taking, is at the far end of the west wing. It's much quieter, with a private balcony facing the ocean." His voice was low, reassuring, almost as if he was acknowledging the unspoken unfairness. He knew. He always knew.

My heart gave a little leap. He hadn't left. He was still here. I followed him, a strange sense of calm settling over me. We walked in silence, his broad shoulders a comforting presence in front of me. He led me through a maze of corridors, past exquisite artwork and antique tapestries.

He stopped outside a heavy oak door. Brendan and Kasey were nowhere in sight. The corridor was empty, hushed. He opened the door, a faint creak echoing in the silence. The room was indeed beautiful, bathed in the soft afternoon light, the sound of distant waves a soothing murmur.

He stepped inside, placing my bag carefully by the king-sized bed. Then, he turned, leaning against the doorframe, his eyes fixed on me. "So," he said, his voice quiet, almost challenging. "Are you going to keep playing the 'understanding girlfriend' for much longer, Alexia?"

My breath hitched. He had seen through me, through all of it. "What are you talking about?" I managed, my voice thin.

"Brendan just gave Kasey his suite," he stated simply, his gaze unwavering. "He let her walk all over you, again." His words were blunt, devoid of judgment, but delivered with an undeniable edge.

I looked away, a fresh wave of shame washing over me. "He's an idiot," I muttered, the words burning my throat. "And I'm tired of it."

"Good," Graham said, a ghost of a smile touching his lips. He pushed off the doorframe, taking a step towards me. The room suddenly felt smaller, charged with an invisible energy.

My heart hammered against my ribs. The air around him suddenly felt warmer, infused with something potent and dangerous. I could feel the heat radiating from his body as he closed the distance between us.

"Thirty miles, Alexia," he reminded me, his voice a low growl. "Remember what I said?"