Chapter 9: Clash of Secrets (part 2)
829 Words
The long driveway to the Cole estate was lined with towering oaks and polished marble statues, each one seeming to glare down at Xavier as he parked his car. He stared up at the mansion he hadn’t visited in over a year—ever since the last explosive argument with his father. This place held too many memories, too much pain... and no warmth.
The security gates had opened the moment they recognized his car. Still, his gut twisted as he stepped out, the familiar weight of expectation sinking over his shoulders like chains.
“Welcome back, Young Master Cole,” a maid greeted with a respectful bow.
Xavier offered a curt nod, his face emotionless. “He’s waiting?”
“In the study, sir. Shall I bring you something to drink?”
“No need.”
He climbed the steps, each one echoing in his mind with old arguments, harsh words, and the look in his mother’s eyes the day she left.
---
His father, Richard Cole, stood by the window of the opulent study, back straight, hands behind him like a general preparing for war. His salt-and-pepper hair was trimmed sharply, and his suit—tailored to precision—spoke volumes of his dominance.
"You’re late," Richard said without turning.
"Wasn’t aware we set a time," Xavier replied coldly, walking in.
Richard turned. "I didn’t summon you for your sarcasm. Sit."
Xavier stayed standing. "Say what you want."
Richard narrowed his eyes. "Very well. It’s time you stopped playing around and fulfilled your duty. You’re the only heir to the Cole legacy. You know the Vanderleighs, don’t you?"
Xavier’s brows furrowed. "The tech family?"
"The second most powerful family in the country after us. I’ve arranged a meeting. You’ll be marrying their daughter, Celeste Vanderleigh."
A beat of silence.
Xavier let out a small, bitter laugh. "You’re serious."
"Deadly."
"You expect me to marry a stranger just because it benefits your business empire?"
"It’s not just business, it’s legacy," Richard snapped. "You are not a child. You are a Cole. You were born for this."
"No," Xavier said, his voice like steel. "I’m not doing it."
Richard’s face turned red. "You’re behaving like your mother. Emotional. Weak."
That hit home. Xavier’s eyes darkened, his fists clenched. "Don't bring her into this. You don’t get to talk about her."
"She ruined everything. She filled your head with dreams."
"She gave me something you never could—choice."
"And look where that’s gotten you. Stuck on some girl who doesn’t even belong in our world."
"You don’t know anything about her," Xavier snapped.
"I know enough to see that she’s a distraction."
"She’s more real than anything in this godforsaken mansion."
"Then maybe you’re not who I thought you were."
"Good," Xavier said, voice low. "Then I’ll stop disappointing you."
He turned and stormed out before the fury building inside him exploded.
---
Outside, he got into his car, gripping the wheel until his knuckles turned white. His phone buzzed.
Tasha: "Zara’s been quiet all day. Everything okay?"
He didn’t answer. He wasn’t okay.
But one thing was certain.
He wasn’t marrying anyone.
And he wasn’t letting Zara go.
---
Back at the apartment, Zara was pacing.
Gabriella had cornered her again at work—this time accusing her of being a social climber, parading around like she owned the company.
"She’s got issues," Zara muttered.
Tasha watched from the kitchen. "She’s obsessed with Xavier. She probably senses something."
Zara froze. "There’s nothing to sense."
"Mmhmm," Tasha said, sipping her soda.
Zara sighed. "I just want peace."
"You picked the wrong man for that, babe."
Zara didn’t deny it.
---
Meanwhile, at the Vanderleigh estate, Celeste Vanderleigh was being prepped for a future she hadn’t asked for. Her father, Maximilian Vanderleigh, was all smiles as he told her about the arranged marriage.
"Xavier Cole is the perfect match."
Celeste nodded with forced grace. But her eyes—sharp and calculating—said otherwise.
---
The next day at the office, Xavier called Zara into his office.
She stepped in cautiously. "You wanted to see me, sir?"
He looked up, tired, distant.
"How would you feel about taking the day off?"
"Excuse me?"
"You look like you need it."
She folded her arms. "So do you."
He blinked, then chuckled—soft and low.
"You always know how to cut through the noise."
Zara walked closer. "You okay?"
He looked into her eyes. "No. But I will be."
She paused. "Is this about your father?"
He stiffened. "How—"
"Tasha mentioned... something."
He sighed. "He wants me to marry someone."
Zara’s stomach dropped. "Oh."
"I said no."
A long silence passed.
"Why?"
"Because... I don’t want anyone else."
Her heart skipped.
"But I can’t say it outright. Not yet."
She nodded slowly. "Okay."
He stood, walked to her, and gently brushed a hair from her face.
"Just... stay. For now."
She swallowed hard. "Okay."
---
To Be Continued…
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- Writer
