Torn Between Two Vows

CHAPTER 4:THE BOMB

Three days later, the bright morning sun flooded through the tall arched windows of L’Étoile, the most exclusive, high end bridal couture house in the country. The air inside smelled faintly of fresh lavender and expensive champagne. Velvet couches lined the walls, and sparkling chandeliers hung from the high ceilings, creating an atmosphere of pure luxury.

In the center of the lavish VIP fitting room, Alex sat comfortably on a plush cream sofa. Today, he looked nothing like the ruthless, sharp suited CEO who ruled the country’s financial world. He was dressed casually in low waist light wash baggy jeans and a fitting white sleeveless shirt that showed off his broad shoulders and toned arms, looking every bit like a ridiculously wealthy, handsome star enjoying a quiet weekend off. Dark designer sunglasses rested atop his messy dark hair, adding to his effortless, spoiled charm.

Meena stood on a small raised wooden platform in front of a giant three way mirror, surrounded by high end sketches, delicate lace samples, and rolls of pure Italian silk.

Alex hadn't wanted her to wear a pre designed gown off the rack, no matter how expensive or famous the designer was. He insisted on having a dress created entirely from scratch, specifically tailored for his bride, ensuring no other woman on earth would ever wear anything like it.

"I think the sweetheart neckline with the sheer lace sleeves looks absolutely stunning, Meena," Mrs. Elena Sterling, Alex’s elegant mother, said gently. She tilted her head as she held up a gorgeous, intricate sketch beside Meena's reflection. "What do you think, darling? It has that timeless, royal touch."

Meena looked at her reflection in the mirror, her face glowing with pure, unfiltered happiness. She lightly touched the delicate lace sample in her hand. "I love the lace, Mom, it really is beautiful. But I'm just a little worried it might feel a bit too heavy for the outdoor garden reception."

"Then we go with the open back silk design," Alex’s deep, velvety voice cut smoothly through the room.

Both women turned their heads to look at him. Alex rested his chin in his hand, a warm, relaxed smile playing on his handsome lips. His dark eyes were soft and completely clear of any corporate stress, glowing with absolute devotion as he looked at his fiancée standing under the bright lights.

"The open back design is simple, elegant, and completely breath taking," Alex added softly, his gaze locked onto Meena. "Besides, you'll look like an absolute angel in it."

Meena felt a warm blush instantly creep up her neck to her cheeks. She stepped down from the raised platform, her soft footwear making no sound on the thick carpet, and walked over to where he sat. She casually ran her fingers through his dark, messy hair, a mischievous smile playing on her lips. "You just want the open back design because you like taking pictures from behind."

Alex chuckled, a rich, genuine sound that filled the entire fitting room and made his mother smile. He reached out with lightning speed, wrapping his strong hand around her waist and pulling her slightly closer between his knees, leaning up to press a sweet, lingering kiss to her hip. "Guilty as charged, my sweet. But tell me, am I wrong?"

"He's actually right, dear," Mrs. Elena laughed softly, watching the two of them with a heart full of absolute contentment. "The silk open back sketch is truly breathtaking. Let's go with that pattern for the initial measurements and fitting."

The head dressmaker bowed respectfully with a professional smile. "An excellent choice, Mrs. Sterling. Miss Meena, if you'll follow me to the inner fitting room, we will take your detailed measurements now."

"I'll be right back, baby," Meena whispered, leaning down to give Alex a quick, tender kiss on his lips.

"Take all the time you need, my sweet," Alex murmured against her lips, his warm fingers lingering on her soft hand before slowly letting her go.

As Meena walked into the private inner fitting room with his mother and the dressmaker, Alex leaned back against the plush velvet sofa, resting his head against the soft cushions.

His heart felt so unusually light, his mind so completely at peace. For the first time in days, the heavy, suffocating weight that had haunted his chest was completely gone. He was genuinely, undeniably happy. He was three short weeks away from marrying the love of his life, building a family, and starting a bright future he had once thought was completely impossible for a man like him.

He closed his eyes, listening to the faint, happy laughter of Meena and his mother coming from behind the fitting room curtains. Everything was perfect. Life was finally giving him a second chance.

Suddenly, the sleek black phone in his jeans pocket vibrated sharply, breaking the quiet melody playing over the fitting room speakers.

Alex pulled it out, expecting a message from his assistant or a business partner. But the screen displayed no contact name, just a restricted, private number blinking steadily against the dark display.

Brows furrowing slightly in minor irritation, Alex excused himself and stood up from the sofa. He stepped out of the VIP fitting room and walked down the quiet, polished marble hallway toward the secluded balcony for privacy.

He slid his thumb across the glass screen and brought the phone up to his ear. "Alexander Sterling speaking."

"Mr. Sterling?" A woman’s voice came through the speaker. She sounded completely breathless, urgent, and trembling slightly with overwhelming emotion.

"Yes. Who is this?" Alex asked, his relaxed tone instantly shifting back to its usual cool, authoritative billionaire voice.

"Sir, this is Nurse Sarah calling directly from the top floor private wing of Saint Jude’s Medical Center," the nurse stammered out quickly, her breath catching in her throat.

Alex’s entire body froze instantly.

Saint Jude’s.

The mere mention of that name hit him like a violent splash of freezing ice water, sending a sharp, terrifying chill down his spine. His grip on the sleek phone tightened so hard his knuckles turned ghostly white. It was the heavily guarded, ultra private medical facility where he had poured millions of dollars over the last five years to keep a single, quiet room running behind locked doors.

Before his brain could even fully process why the head nurse was calling his private line on a Sunday afternoon, the bomb dropped, dropping straight into his peaceful world with destructive force.

"Mr. Sterling... you need to come right away," the nurse gasped out, her words shattering the quiet hallway into absolute chaos. "Your patient... Miss Tracy Williams... she just woke up."