Chapter16: Appearances
906 Words
Sydney didn’t pause for anyone to catch their breath.
By morning, Austin was back in the boardroom, seated at the head of the glass table while executives talked at him instead of to him. Numbers scrolled on screens. Projections climbed. Expansion plans unfolded like they were inevitable. Everyone seemed excited.
Everyone except him.
He nodded when expected. Asked the right questions. Played the part flawlessly.
But his mind kept drifting.
Selene alone in that apartment.
Diana’s message.
His parents’ careful silence.
“Austin.”
He looked up. Adam stood at the far end of the table, tablet in hand, eyebrows raised—the quiet signal that something mattered.
“Sorry,” Austin said evenly. “Continue.”
The meeting wrapped soon after. Executives filtered out. Adam stayed.
“You look troubled,” he said.
“That obvious?”
“To someone who’s worked with you seven years? Yes.”
Austin loosened his tie. “What is it?”
Adam hesitated. “Press team wants more public appearances. Casual ones. Dinner photos. Shopping. That kind of thing.”
Austin scoffed lightly. “Of course they do.”
“And…” Adam paused. “Diana’s asking questions. About where you went. Why you didn’t tell anyone.”
Austin leaned back. “And what did you tell her?”
“That you’re allowed to travel without filing emotional reports.”
A corner of Austin’s mouth lifted. “Good answer.”
Adam didn’t smile back. “Can I ask you something?”
“No.”
Adam sighed. “I’ll ask anyway. Are you okay?”
Austin studied him. Adam had always seen the cracks before the walls fell.
“No,” he said honestly. “But I will be.”
Adam nodded slowly. “Alright.” Then quieter: “Just… don’t let them turn your life into a performance.”
Austin stood. “They already have.”
That evening, Diana arrived unannounced.
She walked into the penthouse like she belonged—which, technically, she did. Perfect posture. Soft perfume. Fitted dress that looked effortless but wasn’t.
“You didn’t say you were back,” she said lightly.
“I wasn’t sure when I’d return.”
She smiled, stepping closer. “I missed you.”
She kissed his cheek—lingering. Too lingering.
Austin stiffened for half a second before masking it.
“You seem tired,” she said, fingers running lightly down his arm, then resting her head briefly against his shoulder. “You work too much.”
He glanced down at her. This closeness was new. Intentional.
“I have responsibilities,” he replied evenly.
“So do I,” she said softly. “I’m marrying you.”
Dinner was quiet. Not awkward—just heavy. Diana talked about fittings, venues, her mother’s opinions. Austin listened, responding when necessary, attention split between her words and what she wasn’t saying.
“You’re different lately,” she said suddenly.
“How so?”
“Distant. Then caring. Then gone.” She laughed lightly. “It’s confusing.”
“I’ve had a lot on my plate.”
She reached across the table, covering his hand with hers. “You don’t have to carry everything alone.”
He pulled back gently. “I know.”
She watched him closely. “Do you?”
Later, Diana stayed longer than usual. Sat closer. Brushed against him while passing. Once, she rested her hand on his thigh—briefly—then leaned her head against his shoulder and relaxed.
Austin noticed.
He always noticed.
But he didn’t push her away.
He played along.
Across the country, Selene tried to make the apartment feel less like a waiting room.
She unpacked slowly. Placed things deliberately. Made tea she barely drank. Every sound made her pause. Every imagined knock tightened her chest.
She checked her phone more than she wanted to admit.
No messages.
She told herself it was fine.
Two nights later, the families met.
Neutral ground. Quay—expensive, understated, overlooking Sydney Harbour. The kind of place where conversations carried weight without raising voices.
Austin arrived with Diana. His parents were already seated. Diana’s parents followed, smiles warm but sharp.
“Look at you two,” Diana’s mother said, clasping her hands. “So elegant.”
“Thank you,” Diana replied, leaning slightly into Austin.
He felt it. Deliberate closeness. The message.
Dinner flowed smoothly. Venues. Guest lists. Travel plans. Diana laughed more than usual. Touched his arm more than necessary. Watched him when he wasn’t looking.
Austin’s mother noticed.
So did his father.
“So,” his father said casually, cutting into his steak, “honeymoon locations?”
“Not yet,” Austin replied.
Diana smiled. “Europe. Or the Maldives.”
His mother nodded approvingly. “Very appropriate.”
Austin sipped his wine. “I’ll consider it.”
Diana glanced at him. Just a flicker—but there was something else there now. Desire, yes. Admiration too. She’d seen how gentle he could be. How protective. And she wanted that softness for herself.
Not always.
Just enough.
As dessert arrived, Austin’s phone vibrated.
Unknown sender.
You need to see this.
Attachment.
His heart stuttered.
He didn’t open it—not here—but he knew.
Something had shifted.
Laughter rose around the table. Austin smiled when expected. Nodded when required.
But inside, one truth settled heavy:
The wedding was coming.
The truth was closer.
And someone was finally brave enough to send proof.
- Writer
