Pretending to Be a Heiress

Chapter 7:Secrets Under the Moonlight

After that exhausting dress-up game in the afternoon, Emma found herself trapped in a never-ending torture session of banquet intel. No matter how vividly Edmund described the family histories, enterprises, and personal connections, it was simply too much to cram into her brain in just a few days.

A thick stack of files was dumped on the side, while Emma sprawled on the chair like a discarded towel, head tilted back, arms and legs dangling aimlessly. All those complicated names and tangled family ties buzzed around her mind like a mess of loose threads. That evening, when she tried to sketch out a mind map of the intricate web, she was genuinely shocked by the chaos she'd created.

“Ugh, this family... They must’ve been spiders in a past life, weaving such complicated webs,” she mumbled, staring blankly, her expression a mix of pain and frustration. “Or maybe I’m losing it. God! No amount of designer dresses can make up for the hair I’m gonna lose tonight.”

“Ahem.” A tall figure emerged from the shadows of the garden—it was Alexander. He stifled a chuckle and asked, “Is it really that hard to remember?”

Maybe because she was too exhausted, even though Alexander appeared suddenly, Emma just tilted her head slightly, maintaining a dazed look. “You have no idea. These people have been weaving their web for over a hundred years, and I’m supposed to memorize it all… Edmund only gave me three days.”

Alexander sat down beside her, casually picking up the discarded documents. “These? They don’t matter. Waste time memorizing them? How about meeting them face-to-face instead?” His tone was much softer under the moonlight than the last time they met, that usual prickly indifference replaced with a kind of casual mockery. “If the family’s inviting them to your banquet, then you’ve got nothing to worry about.”

Sensing the underlying message, Emma raised an eyebrow, “So, what? Anyone sent to ‘my’ banquet is just filler?”

Alexander chuckled lightly, trying to soothe her. "Don't be so sensitive, Miss."

Emma was dragged back to their disastrous first meeting. Maybe Alex had been too cold lately, and she wasn’t planning to bring it up again.

"Uh, well, I forgot to thank you for that time." Her lips twitched slightly as she recalled the scene a few days ago. Quickly regaining her composure, she added, "And, if you didn’t know already, I’m Emma Carter, newly returned to the family."

"Hello, I’m Alexander Catherian, back for eight years now," Alexander answered, filling in the gap from their last encounter.

It felt like they were finally introducing themselves properly.

***

“So, I don’t really have to memorize all these names and backgrounds?” Emma raised her eyebrows, her tone carrying a hint of sarcasm. “I thought I was supposed to be a walking encyclopedia.”

Alexander flipped through the documents nonchalantly, a faint smile tugging at his lips. “The family has their ways. They don’t expect you to become a social genius overnight. Someone will make sure you get the info you need, no need to waste your energy cramming all this.”

Emma squinted, trying to figure out the meaning behind his words. Mixed feelings churned inside her.

“Actually,” he leaned in slightly, lowering his voice as if sharing a secret, “you’re beautiful enough. That’s more important than anything.”

Emma’s gaze instantly turned icy. She straightened up as if pricked by a needle. “I’m not just some ornament! So these parties are just for show? I’m not some fairy-tale princess, you know.” Her voice had a sharp edge as if he’d hit a nerve deep inside.

Alexander’s smile faded, his eyes shadowed by his long lashes. When he wasn’t smiling, that usual indifference and seriousness returned. His tone shifted, becoming more solemn. “A display piece? Is that what you think, Emma?”

His words were cut off as footsteps crunched over the fallen leaves from the opposite path. The two turned their heads in unison. Coincidentally, one of the trio they had met before, Oliver, appeared, headphones hanging around his neck.

Surprised to see them sitting together, Oliver greeted them with a smile, “Good evening, Miss Carter, Alexander. What a coincidence. Are you out for a stroll too?”

Alexander responded coolly, “Good evening. The moon is beautiful tonight.”

Taking the hint, Oliver quickly nodded, his tone smooth and practiced. “Alright, I’ll leave you two to enjoy the night. I’ll head back first.” He shuffled off, earbuds back in place.

“Want to take a walk?” Alexander stood up abruptly, changing the topic, and extended his hand casually toward Emma. “The estate isn’t just about boring parties.”

Emma hesitated for a moment but then placed her hand in his, feeling that steady, warm grip.

***

The night had quietly fallen, and the silver moonlight draped over the forest path like a delicate veil. A gentle breeze rustled the leaves, casting flickering shadows on the ground as if the moon itself were narrating an ancient tale. The air was filled with the faint, fresh scent of river water. Emma took a deep breath, feeling as though everything around her was shrouded in a soft, serene mist. She followed Alexander to the riverside.

It was a tranquil little stream. The grass along the riverbank was soft and peaceful, a few white flowers swaying gently in the breeze. A small boat was quietly anchored among the water weeds, bobbing gently.

It was a classic rowboat, crafted from sturdy wood with a deep brown varnish that gleamed faintly in the moonlight. The boat’s lines were smooth and elegant, the gunwales adorned with simple yet exquisite carvings. Two sleek oars hung on either side and a small lantern at the stern cast a warm, orange glow over the boat’s sides, making the whole scene look cozy and inviting.

Alexander carefully pulled the boat closer, the bottom scraping softly against the ground. He stood at the shore, steadying the boat with one hand, gesturing for Emma to get in. “Can you swim, Miss?”

Emma gracefully hopped into the boat, like a cat, causing only the slightest ripple. “Of course, I was on the rowing team at school! I’m super good at it!”

“Good. Then I’ll take a break later.” He skillfully untied the rope and pushed the boat gently into the center of the stream. Sitting at the stern, he took hold of the oars and began rowing rhythmically.

The river was narrow and winding, flanked by dense oak and willow trees. Their shadows stretched over the water, and the drooping branches almost brushed the surface, swaying gently like a green curtain woven over the stream.

“This stream connects to the Hudson, but you can’t see New York from here,” Alexander explained.

“Yeah, this is the best part of the estate, if you ask me.” Alexander had unbuttoned the top few buttons of his shirt and rolled up his sleeves to make rowing easier. Emma now noticed how his chest and arms moved with the strokes, the moonlight highlighting the muscles beneath his skin. It was… distracting.

“I realized you’re actually pretty gentlemanly. I mean… a few days ago, I thought you were just a cold-hearted jerk.” Emma trailed her hand through the water, wondering if she should reveal her vulnerability, but she decided to go for it. “I’m not always that snappy. You just have a knack for showing up at that time.”

Alexander continued rowing patiently, waiting for her to go on.

“I’m not sure I can handle all this. Everything’s changed so fast.” She shook the water from her hand, feeling a bit deflated. “It’s like I’m completely out of my depth. What does ‘returning’ to the family even mean? This life…” Emma struggled to put her feelings into words. “It makes me feel like I’m floating, caught between excitement and fear.”

“Look,” Alex suddenly said, “we’re at the Hudson.” They’d emerged from the bend, and the view opened up. The distant river shimmered under the moonlight, its surface like a silver mirror. The vastness and calm of the water commanded respect.

“Sometimes, silence is stronger than anything else,” Alexander murmured, his eyes reflecting the moon’s glow.

He handed Emma the oars. “Here, show us what our ‘super rower’ can do.” He flashed a slight grin, then leaned back, resting against the stern.

"You know, that day at the park, you seemed more like yourself when you were with the cat," he teased, his gaze deep as he looked at Emma. "I've actually been afraid of cats since I was young, but watching you pet that fat cat that day, I suddenly thought maybe they aren't that scary. It just looked like both of you wanted to relax and enjoy life."

"It's not as dramatic as you make it sound," Emma's gaze shifted evasively. Well, there's no way he'd know about her breakdown afterward.

"And then, you immediately gave up your quiet life to enter this ‘Dream Life’ experience, didn't you?" Alex said casually, dropping a bombshell that left Emma stunned.

He knows? The thought hit her like a sledgehammer to the chest. Her heart clenched, as if a piercing cold shot up her spine and lodged itself in her brain. Her grip on the oars slipped, the boat rocked, and she almost lost her balance. What did I say? What have I given away? If he knows, then who else does?

“Take it easy, Miss. Yeah… I know more than you think.” Alexander’s smile turned wicked. “I’m your ‘guide.’”