Beneath the Gilded Lie

Chapter 4

Guests arrived in a dazzling parade of exotic cars, their exquisite attire shimmering beneath the golden glow of the evening lights. A plush red carpet stretched ahead like a promise, and the relentless flash of cameras lit up the night like a thunderstorm of fame.

Inside the grand hall, the atmosphere buzzed with anticipation. George took the stage with a wide smile, his voice rich with pride as he gestured toward Joe “Ladies and gentlemen, meet the man sent by God Himself,” he declared. Applause rippled through the crowd as he sang him praises, layer upon glowing layer.

But amid the cheer, Elliot stood silent, a strained smile masking the storm behind his eyes. *If only they knew… the very people he's glorifying are plotting to steal everything he’s built,* he thought grimly.

Then came the big announcement: George raised his glass and beamed. “And tonight, I have the honor of announcing the union of my daughter and Elliot Maxwell!” A thunder of claps and cheers followed, sealing a lie with a toast.

In a quiet corner, Joe leaned in and murmured to Elliot, “I’m surprised to see your brother playing along. Didn't think he'd get over her death so easily.”

Desmond’s eyes darkened. “Taking out Lora was the best move we made. Now he’s more focused than ever.” Both men shared a knowing grin.

Just then, George approached with another guest in tow. “Joe, let me introduce you to Caleb—one of my biggest shareholders.”

Meanwhile, at the bar, Elliot swirled his champagne slowly, watching the scene unfold. George, beaming with trust, introduced his most precious allies—unaware that every “shareholder” in the room had been carefully planted by his father. A masterstroke of betrayal, playing out in plain sight.

Elliot, is it?" Ned's voice cut through the air like a blade. Elliot turned slowly, eyes narrowing as he recognized the man approaching him. He had known this confrontation was inevitable, yet the weight of it still pressed heavily on his chest.

"Why do the rich get such pleasure from snatching things from the poor?" Ned demanded, his tone sharp and accusatory.

Elliot blinked, feigning innocence. "Excuse me?"

"Don't play dumb," Ned snapped, his jaw clenched. "You know exactly what I'm talking about."

Elliot’s lips twitched into a faint smirk. "Honestly, I don't. Maybe you can elaborate?"

Ned’s frustration bubbled over. He stepped closer, voice rising. "I want you to stay away from the love of my life. I don’t care about that stupid contract you’ve got her tied to — just know I won’t let you take her from me." His words were harsh, edged with a threatening tone meant to instill fear.

Surprisingly, Elliot’s smirk grew wider. "What’s funny? Do you really think this is a joke?"

"Actually, *you’re* the joke," Elliot retorted coldly. "Do you love her, or are you just using her as your personal ATM?"

Ned’s face darkened. His grip tightened around his cup, anger simmering just beneath the surface. "That’s it," he muttered, voice trembling with rage. Without another word, he turned sharply and strode away.

Meanwhile, Aimee sat by the poolside, champagne flute in hand, lost in thought. She contemplated her new life—what it meant to lose the love of her life, and the strange, uncertain future ahead of her with a stranger.

Suddenly, a deep voice broke her reverie. "Hello?" Elliot appeared beside her, his face earnest.

She turned sharply, eyes cold. Without a word, she looked away.

Elliot hesitated, then gently pressed on. "I know you probably hate me right now. But I want to assure you—I’m not a bad person."

Aimee’s voice was trembling as she wiped away a tear. "I don’t care if you're nice or not. You’re the reason I’ll be unhappy for the rest of my life."

Elliot took a deep breath, guilt weighing heavily on him. He could see her pain, feel it in his own chest.

"I understand how you feel…" he whispered.

"Do you?" she snapped, turning to face him, her eyes shimmering with emotion. Without waiting for a reply, she started to walk away.

Elliot reached out, grabbing her hand gently. "This won't take long, I promise." His voice was hesitant, torn between honesty and fear. Inside, he wrestled with a temptation to tell her the truth—yet knew doing so would shatter everything.

He hesitated. Then, softly, he said, "I know you have someone you love." Aimee’s eyes widened in surprise. How did he know?

She remained calm, though her heart pounded. "And I do too," He admitted quietly. "Maybe…it’s time we consider something different."

He looked at her, eyes searching. "What if I propose an open relationship? We’d present ourselves as a married couple — to our families, to the world — but keep things flexible, outside our shared life. No outsiders in our home, no mixing of outside partners. Just us, finding our own happiness while satisfying everyone else."

Aimee blinked, startled by the proposal. "How is that even possible?"

Elliot nodded, genuine. "Take some time to think about it. No rush." He gently wiped away a tear from her cheek, then stepped back, his expression conflicted but hopeful.

Unseen nearby, Ned had been watching everything unfold. His jaw clenched as he approached Aimee.

"What was that about?" Ned demanded, eyes narrowing. "What did he say to you?"

"Calm down, Ned," Aimee said softly. "He’s proposing an open relationship—so we can give our families what they want, but still have some freedom."

Ned’s face lit with a twisted sense of victory. "I knew talking to him would scare him. That’s probably why he suggested it."

Aimee looked at him, a mixture of sadness and resolve. "Maybe. Or maybe it’s the only way we can find some happiness in this mess."

Ned reached out, pulling her into a quick hug, feeling like a hero for "saving" her from the situation. But deep down, he wondered—was this truly a solution, or just another complication in their tangled lives?