LOVE BEYOND REALMS

A FAITH DICTATED

Chapter 9

With his gaze still fixed on Alexa, as though trying to see through her, Brooks Anderson took his seat. Just when Alexa had concluded she wouldn't get a response to her greetings from her father, he asked, "You haven't been feeding well?" Stunned, Alexa's heart skipped a beat, and a mix of happiness and curiosity washed over her. Does Father now care about my well-being? she wondered silently, a subtle smile creeping onto her face. Out of the corner of her eye, she caught the stunned expressions on Emily's and Mirabel's faces.

Composing herself, Alexa responded, "I have, Father." Brooks scrutinized her lightly, then began serving himself without another word. Alexa, taking the cue from her father's silence, remained quiet as well.

After Brooks Anderson served himself, the others followed suit, except for Alexa. She waited for her father, stepmother, and stepsister to serve themselves first, her movements stiff and awkward as she finally did the same. It was clear she felt uncomfortable having dinner with the family.

Each person in the dining area had their own thoughts running wild, trying to decipher the reason behind Brooks Anderson's invitation to Alexa after such a long time. The room was filled with an awkward silence, punctuated only by the clinking of cutlery against plates. Despite the sumptuous meal, Alexa ate very little, her nerves getting the better of her. She was the first to put down her cutlery, dabbing her mouth with the dining towel to remove food stains and particles. With her hands folded on her thighs, she waited for the rest of the family to finish their dinner, eager to find out if her father had indeed invited her for a specific reason.

The wait felt like an eternity. Finally, one by one, everyone finished eating. Clearing his throat, Brooks Anderson looked around the table, his gaze settling on Alexa. Alexa's anxiety spiked as she sensed something was off. Brooks spoke, his voice low and measured, "Prepare yourself, you'll be getting married to the second young master of the Blackwoods, Lucas Blackwood, in two weeks' time." The dining room fell silent, the air thick with tension. It was as if a pin drop would be audible. Everyone present was trying to process the information Brooks Anderson had just relayed.

Alexa's heart raced furiously. Emily and Mirabel wore shocked expressions, their faces a mix of surprise and calculation. Who were the Blackwoods, the second-richest family in Country Y, with Kendrick Blackwood, the ruthless automotive tycoon and founder of the Blackwood Automotive Group, at the helm. It was well-known that Kendrick Blackwood was a formidable figure, feared by many. Despite the Anderson family's wealth, they paled in comparison to the Blackwoods' power and influence. Who was the second young master of the Blackwoods? Lucas Blackwood, who became a vegetable five years ago after a ghastly accident that almost claimed his life.

As though tired of waiting for everyone to digest the news, Brooks Anderson continued, "The Anderson family needs to elevate its social standing. I proposed a collaboration between our groups, Anderson Automotive Group and Blackwood Automotive Group. To my surprise, Kendrick Blackwood agreed, but with one condition: one of the Anderson daughters would marry the Blackwoods' second young master. I accepted." His expression remained unreadable. "This is for the betterment and growth of the Anderson family. We may be among the top richest in Country Y, but we're aware that compared to the Blackwoods,we're nothing.The Blackwoods are a powerful and influential family, and an alliance with them will elevate our social standing and business prospects."

Emily and Mirabel nodded understandingly, their faces reflecting their happiness at the prospect of getting rid of Alexa.

Alexa's thoughts swirled with emotions as she tried to process the news. She felt like she was being sold off to the highest bidder, her life and future being decided without her input or consent. The injustice of it all burned within her, and she struggled to keep her emotions in check.

As the silence stretched on, Alexa's gaze drifted around the table, taking in the reactions of her family members. Emily and Mirabel seemed pleased, their faces relaxed and content. Brooks Anderson's expression was unreadable, his eyes fixed on Alexa with an intensity that made her skin crawl.

The tension in the room was palpable, and Alexa felt like she was trapped in a nightmare from which she couldn't wake up. She knew she had to respond, to say something, but her voice caught in her throat. She cleared her throat, trying to find her voice, but all that came out was a barely audible whisper.

"I...I don't understand," she stammered, her words trailing off.

Brooks Anderson's gaze narrowed, his eyes flashing with a warning. "You will understand soon enough, Alexa. For now, just know that this is happening. You will marry Lucas Blackwood in two weeks' time, and that's final."

The abruptness of his tone sent a shiver down Alexa's spine. She felt like she was being herded towards a fate she didn't want, a fate that was being dictated by her father without any regard for her feelings or desires.

As the dinner came to a close, Alexa's emotions were in turmoil. She knew she had to process this news, to find a way to navigate this unexpected turn of events. But for now, she could only sit there, frozen in shock, wondering what lay ahead of her.