Chapter 2: A Game of Appearances
1059 Words
Chapter 2: A Game of Appearances
Liana kept her face perfectly blank, even as her heart churned with fury.
She had learned early in her last life—especially after her engagement to the Aldridge heir—that emotions were a dangerous luxury. What mattered was control. Masks. Performance.
"Mom," Vivian said with a sweet smile, tugging on Cecilia’s sleeve, "since Liana doesn't mind, can I please marry into the Aldridge family?"
She batted her lashes. "You both love me the most, right? You'll give me what I want, won’t you?"
Cecilia glanced at her husband, clearly unsure how to respond.
Harold furrowed his brow, looking at Vivian intently. "What made you set your sights on the Aldridges so suddenly?"
Vivian nearly slipped, her past-life memories rushing to the surface. But she quickly recovered, her eyes shining with false sincerity.
"I heard their son is gentle and well-mannered. You know me, Dad. My temper’s not the best. I need someone who can balance me out."
A fair answer. Thoughtful. Convenient.
Harold didn’t reply right away, his expression unreadable. But Vivian could tell—he was considering it.
She was about to press further when Cecilia reached out and gave her arm a firm squeeze.
Vivian blinked in confusion as Cecilia gave her a pointed look.
"Enough for now," Cecilia said smoothly. "Let your father think it over. By the way, the new season's just begun—I bought you two new dresses the other day. Come upstairs and try them on with me."
She then turned to Liana and added, "Of course, yours is already in your room, sweetheart."
Liana smiled. "Thank you, Aunt Cecilia."
Cecilia led a pouting Vivian upstairs. As Liana began to rise too, Harold’s voice stopped her.
“Liana.”
She paused, turning back to face him.
“What do you think?” he asked, eyes sharper now. “Do you have a preference?”
Liana offered her usual obedient tone. “I’ll do whatever you and Aunt Cecilia believe is best.”
But Harold frowned.
“There’s no one else here. Tell me the truth. If you had to choose—would it be the Ashbourne heir or the Aldridge heir?”
Liana wanted to laugh.
If she truly had a choice, she'd pick neither.
She’d never had a choice. Not really.
But she lowered her gaze and feigned hesitation. “I think… both families are good matches. It’s hard to decide.”
Harold sighed. “If it were up to me, I’d rather see you marry into the Aldridge family.”
Liana blinked innocently. “But isn’t that what Vivian wants?”
“I chose the Aldridges with you in mind,” Harold replied patiently. “The Ashbourne heir—Grayson—is known for being difficult and wild. Vivian’s temper can match his. But you… you’d only suffer.”
His voice was kind. Thoughtful. Protective.
In her past life, Liana had believed him.
She thought he truly wanted the best for her. That marrying into the Aldridge family was his way of showing care.
But later, after Vivian’s marriage fell apart and she returned home in tears… after Liana overheard hushed conversations between Harold and Cecilia… the truth surfaced.
They had planned this from the beginning.
Grayson Ashbourne was the heir to a powerful empire. Despite his reputation, his family offered unparalleled influence and wealth. Vivian, their biological daughter, deserved the best.
Liana, on the other hand—the orphan they raised out of obligation—could serve as a convenient tool.
The Aldridges were declining. Liana’s marriage would ensure she remained under the Whitmore family’s thumb, while giving them leverage over the Aldridges as well.
A brilliant strategy.
Liana bit down on her lip. No. She wouldn’t walk that path again.
“Uncle, you’re always so thoughtful. I don’t know what I’ve done to deserve such care,” she whispered, lifting a hand to wipe an invisible tear. When she looked up, her eyes shimmered with emotion. “Whatever you decide, I’ll honor it to repay your kindness.”
Harold smiled. “You’re a good girl. Don’t talk like that. You’re family. I raised you. Of course I’ll think of your future.”
Liana lowered her gaze, playing the grateful niece to perfection.
But in her heart, she knew—Harold and Cecilia wanted Vivian to marry Grayson. They planned to push her into the Aldridge match again.
Fine.
Let them try.
Vivian believed that marrying into the Aldridge family meant fortune, security, and love. She had no idea what was truly waiting for her.
Let her chase it. Liana wouldn’t stop her.
She'd just watch.
Upstairs, Vivian threw herself onto her bed with a dramatic sigh. Cecilia shut the door behind them with a soft click.
“What were you thinking?” Cecilia hissed, walking over. “Are you out of your mind, saying you want to marry into the Aldridge family?”
Vivian sat up, her expression suddenly serious.
“Mom, if you trust me at all—let me marry into the Aldridges. Let Liana go to the Ashbournes.”
Cecilia looked horrified. “Have you lost your mind? You know the difference between those families.”
Yes. Vivian knew better than anyone.
“The Ashbournes might look powerful now, but nothing lasts forever,” she said breezily. “The Aldridges may be down today, but I have a feeling… their time will come again.”
She sounded so confident, so smug, that Cecilia frowned deeply.
“I’ve already spoken to your father,” Cecilia said at last. “We’re taking both you and Liana to the Prescott family’s debut ball in three days. The Prescotts are cousins of the Ashbournes. This is important. Make sure you behave.”
Vivian rolled her eyes. “What’s the point if I’m not marrying into their family?”
Cecilia ignored the complaint and continued, “This is a grand event. All the elite families will be there. Just remember—Liana is not your equal. She’s our niece, not our daughter. We’ve raised her out of kindness, but people know the difference. Don’t let them forget.”
Vivian wasn’t listening.
She waved her hand dismissively. “Yeah, yeah. I get it.”
She had more important things to worry about.
Like how to make sure she became Mrs. Aldridge—again.
- Writer
