Beneath the Gilded Lie

Chapter 3

A few months later, the Maxwells’ plans were finally beginning to take shape. Quiet moves had been made behind the scenes—strategic meetings, hushed phone calls, and signatures inked under layers of secrecy.

“Mom! How could you agree to this without even discussing it with me first? How can you expect me to marry someone I barely know? I can’t—and I won’t—marry him!” Aimee’s voice trembled with anger and disbelief.

Her mother, Rose, sighed heavily, her face hardened with resolve. “Aimee, everything is already set in motion. You two are getting married. The sooner you accept your fate, the better for you,” she replied coldly.

Aimee’s eyes filled with tears. “But, Mom, you know I love Ned! Don’t you care about my feelings? My happiness? Why would you treat me like I’m worthless—like I’m just a prize in Dad’s scandal?” Her voice cracked as she looked away, frustration bubbling over.

Rose’s expression hardened. “Shut your stupid mouth, you spoiled girl. Do you think this is about feelings? Your father’s companies are on the brink of collapse because of these scandals. It was the Maxwells who saved them with their investment. A contract has been signed, and part of the deal is that you marry his second son. You better grow up and take responsibility before you ruin everything,” she snapped, then turned sharply and stormed out of the room.

Aimee stood there, trembling, clutching her pillow as if it were her only anchor. Disgust and anger swelled within her, making her bite her lower lip tightly. She held onto the pillow with a fierce grip, her mind swirling with frustration.

Aimee and Ned met at Bronze Café, the usual spot where they shared breakfast during weekends. They usually discuss how their week went but today's meeting was different.

“Aimee… what’s wrong?” Ned asked softly, gently massaging her hands.

She hesitated, her voice trembling. “My parents want me to wed the second son of the Maxwells.”

His eyes widened in shock. “What?!”

Realizing that the other patrons at the café were beginning to stare, Ned quickly composed himself. “Aimee, what?! Why?”

She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. “It’s complicated. As you know, many investors pulled out of my father’s company because of the scandal. Out of nowhere, the Maxwells are interested in investing. The contract says I have to marry the second son—they say it’ll strengthen the family ties.”

Ned’s face fell, sadness flickering in his eyes. She reached out and gently took his hand, offering comfort. She squeezed his hand, then continued softly, “Ned, I want you more than anything in this world. But my mom made it clear—I don’t really have a choice.”

A shiver ran down Ned’s spine as her words sank in. He sat back, lost in thought, the weight of her words pressing down on him. Silence stretched between them.

Finally, Ned looked up, his voice steady but filled with resolve. “Aimee, I’m not going to give up on us that easily. I want you to promise me—we’ll fight this together. We won’t let them tear us apart.”

Her eyes shimmered with a mixture of hope and despair. His words brought her a flicker of reassurance, but deep inside, she knew this might be the end of their journey—another obstacle they might not be able to overcome.

Desmond walked in on Elliot while in the office, “Hey little bro”

“What is it Desmond?"

"Ouuch, that is very unwelcoming. You don't seem happy to see me.” Elliot is staring at him awaiting a better response.

“I just came to check on my little bro. Is that a crime?”

“We both know that's not the reason why you stopped by”

“Alright you caught me. Straight to business, It's been months now and I do hope we've given you enough time to grieve Lora. May her gentle rest in peace” He said and made the sign of the cross.

“What’s all this about? Like you cared” He said, staring at him in disgust over his pretence.”

“I didn't mean to trigger anything, it's just that…(he hesitates)...we want to act quickly according to the plan. And I want to know if your head is still in the game.”

“You’ve nothing to worry about,” he said with a gaze returning to his laptop. Desmond smiled, because he got the response he needed.

“That's good to know. I better take my leave” He stood up to leave. “Remember tonight's event. Try to be present and be on your best behavior. And note, that the earlier you start talking to Aimee, the better picture you’ll paint for the public. Thereby making it less suspicious. Have a good day little bro.” He finally said before walking out. Elliot watched him walk out until he was out of sight. He hissed and continued his work.

He needed a mouse, so he opened the cupboard. But there it was—the ring he once planned to slip onto Lora's finger. His hand trembled as he picked it up, the cool metal pressing into his palm like a memory he couldn't let go. In an instant, her laughter, her smile, the way she used to say his name—all of it came rushing back. His eyes welled up, the weight of love and loss crashing over him. He wasn't ready for the ache, but it swallowed him whole.