Chapter 5 ENJOY THE RIDE ALEXA

The night went by and the main focus was Sebastian as his father kept introducing him to people that were worth it.

Soon Sebastian was dragged away by Nathan,

Immediately Isabella threw me a sharp glare and left the table, Dominic gave me a sly smile, leaned and said

" I have my eyes on you, love" stepped away and left.

It all felt too surreal, I didn't even know how to process the whole display,all this makes me wonder if I can really pull this facade off, it feels like I am being caught in some silent predatory game.

Olivia appeared by my side and a sense of relief washed over me.

Her presence was a breath of fresh air amidst the stifling formality of the dinner. Unlike the others, Olivia seemed genuinely interested in getting to know me.

" I am sorry my brother had to leave you all by yourself" she apologize in a warm tone,

" I would keep you company on his behalf" I smiled back, happy to have her by my side.

"So, Alexa," she continued, her voice warm and friendly.

"Tell me all about yourself. What do you do for fun?

A genuine smile spread across my face

"Well," I began,"for fun,I am a bit of a home person. I love curling up with a good book and a cup of tea, or trying out new recipes in the kitchen."

I would put that on my list of lies told this evening because my latest hobbies are working,crying and making money. There was no time to curl up with some books.

Launching into a light-hearted explanation of our hobbies and interests. Olivia told stories about her travels and her love of photography, as well as hilarious stories about growing up with Sebastian, painting a picture of a stoic, brooding boy who secretly enjoyed classic rock and terrible puns.

I listened intently, even if she peppered me with questions,she still made me feel comfortable and relaxed.

It was the first real conversation I'd had all evening that wasn't focused on my family background or net worth.

Just as Olivia reached the punchline of a particularly funny story, she excused herself abruptly. "Nature calls," she announced with a wink.

"I will be back in a jiffy." she said, walking off to use the restroom, leaving me by myself at the table.

The room seemed to hum with conversations I couldn't quite follow.

The initial excitement of the engagement announcement had begun to fade. I scanned the room, searching for Sebastian.

He was nowhere to be seen, wouldn't he at least try to spend some time with me during this...this elaborate charade? Or at least explain the kiss and sudden proposal.

I desperately looked again and saw a hollow laugh emerge from his chest, more out of politeness than true laughter at the latest joke from a client.

He looked my way and I acknowledged him,before he could excuse himself and make his way towards me, a hand landed on his shoulder.

"Sebastian,"a few more minutes surely won't hurt. We're so close to a deal."

"Just a few minutes," flashing a reassuring smile that didn't quite reach his eyes.

As I was about to lose myself in my thoughts, the woman with cascading blonde curls from before approached my table.

She looked directly at me, with a wicked sparkle in her eyes.

"So, you are the lucky lady Sebastian finally decided to settle down with, huh?"

Her tone was playful, but there was also a trace of something more that made my skin crawl.

I forced a smile, unsure of who she was. "That's right," I replied, hoping to maintain a sense of composure.

"I am Alexa."

"Sophia," she said, extending a perfectly manicured hand.

"Sebastian's childhood friend." Her grip was surprisingly strong for someone that was brought up in a mansion

"Nice to meet you, Sophia," I said cautiously.

The conversation came to an awkward end.

Sophia maintained a relentless stare, her smile never reaching her eyes.

I felt increasingly uncomfortable under her scan, hoping for a means of escape.

Just then, a tall, burly man in a sharp suit approached beside our table.

"Miss Alexa," he stated curtly, "Mr. Steele has requested your presence. He has a car waiting to take you home."

Relief washed over me at the prospect of escaping the suffocating atmosphere.

"Oh really," I mumbled, casting a hesitant glance around the room,looking for Sebastian.

Before I could voice my departure, Sophia stood by my side, a possessive hand slipping through my arm.

"Let me walk you out, darling. Sebastian's probably swamped, wouldn't you agree?"

The way her voice resonated with a strange familiarity sent another tremor through me. Something wasn't right. I wanted to decline but Sophia's grip tightened, her smile turning chillingly cold.

"Do not worry, sweetie," she said in a sweet tone. "Sebastian and I go way back. He trusts me."

"Thank you," I mumbled again, stepping cautiously into the back seat.

Glancing back at Sophia, I saw a strange sparkle in her eyes,

"Don't worry, darling," she purred, her voice dripping with a false sweetness.

"Sebastian will be home soon. He has a lot on his plate but he wouldn't want you left alone, would he?"

she leaned closer, her breath warm against my ear.

"Enjoy the ride, Alexa," she whispered," and I wish you a wonderful night".

With a final, chilling smile, she slammed the door shut and stepped back. The car pulled away from the curb.

As i started to realize what was going on, I grabbed her purse looking for my phone only to remember I had left it on the table,

My heart started to race frantically, terrifying questions started to wander in my mind

"Could you please stop"I asked politely regardless of my restlessness, he said nothing and continued driving,

" Excuse me, turn the car around please!"

He finally turned around with his face folded in a frown and sprayed something on my face. That was the last I could see.