A planned engagement

chapter 12

Andrew drove in silence, the city blurring past the windows as Alexi stared straight ahead, her hands folded tightly in her lap. Her chest felt heavy, crowded with words she wasn’t sure she was ready to release. This wasn’t part of any agreement. This wasn’t pretend.

This mattered.

The hospital smelled of antiseptic and quiet prayers. Alexi followed Andrew down the corridor, each step slower than the last, until he stopped in front of a door and gently knocked.

“She’s inside,” he said softly.

Alexi nodded and stepped in.

The room was dim, peaceful, machines humming softly like a fragile heartbeat. Grandma Emily lay still, her skin pale but calm, as if resting between two worlds.

Alexi moved closer and sat beside her.

The moment Grandma Emily’s eyes fluttered open and found her, a slow smile spread across her face. With effort, she lifted her hand.

Alexi’s breath caught. She reached out immediately, wrapping her fingers around that fragile warmth.

“Hello, Grandma Emily,” Alexi whispered, forcing a smile through the tightness in her throat. “How are you today?”

Grandma Emily blinked slowly, her eyes soft, filled with recognition.

Alexi swallowed hard.

“I just wanted to tell you something,” she continued, her voice trembling. “I love your grandson… so much.” The words fell out before she could stop them. “And I promise I’ll do everything I can to understand him. I’ll love him not just as the man everyone sees… but as the human being he really is.”

Tears slipped free, trailing down her cheeks.

“He loves you more than words can say,” Alexi whispered, squeezing her hand gently. “If he could turn back time, he would give anything just to make sure you are healthy. Please… please keep loving him, Grandma. And I’ll try my best to make sure he never feels alone. I’ll make sure he feels loved—over and over again.”

Grandma Emily’s lips parted slightly. She couldn’t speak, but her fingers tightened weakly around Alexi’s hand. Then she blinked—once, slowly.

Approval.

Acceptance.

She leaned forward and wrapped her arms around her carefully, sobs shaking her body. Grandma Emily’s frail hand rested against her back, the smallest gesture—yet it felt like a blessing.

As Alexi cried, her thoughts whispered the truth she was too afraid to say out loud.

I wish all of this was real.

I wish he loved me the way I love him.

The thought of Nico with another woman sliced through her chest, sharp and unbearable.

I don’t think I could survive seeing that.

She pulled back slowly, brushing a kiss against Grandma Emily’s hand.

“I’ll protect his heart,” she whispered

The wedding.

It was Saturday, and the entire estate buzzed with celebration.

Everyone was dressed and ready for the wedding ceremony of Pete and Rose. The ceremony was held just outside the house, in a wide open space carefully prepared for the occasion. White chairs were arranged in perfect rows, their edges trimmed with soft ivory fabric. An arch of fresh flowers—roses, baby’s breath, and trailing greenery—stood at the center, swaying gently beneath the afternoon breeze.

Crystal lanterns hung from tall stands, catching the sunlight and scattering it like tiny stars. The grass beneath was freshly trimmed, petals scattered across the aisle, and soft instrumental music floated through the air, blending beautifully with laughter and quiet chatter.

It was elegant. Warm. Perfect.

After the vows were exchanged and the couple sealed their love with a kiss, cheers erupted. Soon, the ceremony flowed seamlessly into the reception, which was held in the same open space.

Tables draped in white and gold linens filled the area, adorned with floral centerpieces and glowing candles. Music played louder now. Guests laughed freely, glasses clinked, and the atmosphere sparkled with joy. Drinks flowed, food was plentiful, and happiness seemed contagious.

Alexi stood beside the bride, Rose, the two of them laughing and chatting like old friends. Rose leaned closer, teasing Alexi about Nico, and Alexi tried—unsuccessfully—to hide her blush.

Then everything shifted.

Nico noticed Mia first.

She stood at the edge of the crowd, pale, restless, her eyes darting around nervously. A knot tightened in his chest. He didn’t want to disturb Alexi or pull her away from her happiness, so he quietly excused himself and walked straight toward Mia.

Without drawing attention, he guided her into the house.

But he didn’t know that Alexi had seen them.

And she followed.

Inside the house, Nico’s patience snapped the moment the door closed.

“Mia, what the hell are you doing here?” he demanded. “You need to leave. Now.”

“I’m sick, Nico,” Mia said weakly, her voice shaking. “I need money. I need medicine. I’m not well.”

“If I give you money,” he snapped, “you won’t go to the hospital. You’ll use it on drugs—like you always do. When will you stop? You’ve become an addict. This is not the woman I knew.”

“I’m getting worse,” Mia cried. “Please. I need you. Help me.”

“You’re not getting a dime.”

Alexi’s voice cut through the room like steel.

She stepped forward and stood beside Nico, close—firm.

“You should be ashamed of yourself,” Alexi said coldly. “After everything you’ve done, you came here again for money?”

“Stay out of this,” Mia snapped. “This is between me and Nico.”

“Well,” Alexi replied calmly, lifting her chin, “I’m his fiancée. And I will not tolerate this behavior. It’s best if you leave.”

Mia looked at Nico—waiting, hoping.

But he said nothing.

“You don’t understand,” Mia pleaded desperately. “I need money for medicine. I need to take care of myself.”

“Fine,” Nico said sharply. “If you truly need help, then we’ll arrange proper care. What you need is rehab.where you can be treated.”

“No!” Mia screamed. “I don’t need a hospital. I need money!”

“Mia, stop,” Nico said firmly. “You need help—and you’re going to get it.”

Just then, Andrew entered with two men.

“Make sure she’s taken care of,” Nico ordered coldly. “And contact her parents. Tell them she’s been found.”

They moved toward Mia.

“Let go of me!” she cried as they escorted her outside toward the waiting car.

When the door closed behind them, silence filled the room.

Alexi turned to Nico, concerned, softening her expression. “Are you alright?”

He looked at her—and smiled faintly. “Yes, baby girl. My hero,” he teased.

“Oh, stop it, Nico,” she said, rolling her eyes, though relief washed over her.

“Come,” he said gently. “Let’s go back to the wedding.”

They returned to the celebration hand in hand.

Music swelled as they joined Pete and Rose on the dance floor, laughing, spinning, moving with the joy of the moment. For a while, everything felt right again.

Later, Pete raised his glass.

“I wish Grandma were here today,” he said softly, emotion thick in his voice. “But I believe she’s happy that we all are gathered here today. I’m grateful—for love, for family, and for moments like this, cheers to love.” He said and lifted his glass.

Everyone lifted their glasses. Smiles spread. Laughter followed.

Happiness filled the air.

Until suddenly—

The news arrived.

And everything changed.

The music was still playing when Nico’s phone rang.

He glanced at the screen—and froze.

Pete noticed immediately. “What is it?” he asked.

Nico answered the call, his expression changing with every word. Pete’s phone rang almost at the same time. He picked it up, listened, then looked straight at Nico.

For a long second, they just stared at each other.

No words.

No breath.

Then—both men moved at once.

“Grandma!” Nico shouted.

They broke into a run, pushing through the wedding crowd, chairs scraping loudly as guests turned in confusion. The laughter died instantly.

“Nico!” Alexi called out. “Nico!”

He didn’t stop. He didn’t turn.

Rose spun toward Pete just in time to see his face crumble. “Pete—what’s wrong?”

“It’s Grandma,” he said, his voice breaking as he ran. “She’s gone.”

The words hit like a gunshot.

The celebration shattered.

Guests stood frozen. Music cut off. Glasses were abandoned. What had been joy only seconds earlier collapsed into chaos and whispers.

Alexi, Rose, and Gina rushed into the limousine and followed them straight to the hospital.

By the time they arrived, the hallway was heavy with silence.

Alexi spotted Nico first.

He was on his knees in the middle of the corridor.

His suit jacket lay discarded on the floor. His tie had been ripped off and thrown aside. His shoulders shook violently as raw, broken sounds tore from his chest.

The strongest man she knew was falling apart.

Alexi rushed to him without thinking. She knelt and wrapped her arms around him, holding him tightly.

“Nico—”

He shoved her away so hard she nearly fell.

“Don’t come near me!” he shouted, his voice echoing through the hallway. “All of you—stay away from me!”

Pain burned across his face—grief, rage, helplessness tangled together.

He staggered to his feet, breathing hard, eyes wild, then turned and walked away down the corridor—alone.

Gina and Rose rushed to meet Pete who was still inside the room crying hard for he loved Emily so much. She was a good influence to everyone she was,The perfect grandma.