Page 10 of Cruel Hero

My midnight blue satin gown is impeccably tailored with a tight bodice and voluminous skirt that sways with every step I take. It’s a dress that feels like armor, something to bolster my confidence in a room filled with people who are judging my every move.

“Thank you,” I reply, forcing a smile despite the knot of anxiety tightening in my chest. “You don’t look so bad yourself. Quite the showstopper, as usual.”

Cassandra laughs lightly, the sound is melodic and carefree. “I try,” she teases, before leaning in slightly, her voice lowering. “How are you holding up? This must be overwhelming.”

She is well aware of how uncomfortable I feel being the center of attention at these events. In that sense, we couldn’t be more different. Cassandra thrives in large crowds, her charisma effortlessly drawing people in, while I often feel like a fish out of water, struggling to find my place in the sea of polished smiles and calculated conversations.

“I’m managing. How are you? How’s the wedding coming along?”

“Horrible. Your publicist is making my life miserable with her last-minute wedding changes. I swear that woman has a sixth sense for when I’m about to relax. She called me at midnight last night to discuss the floral arrangements—again. As if we hadn’t already finalized them three times,” Cassandra says with a dramatic sigh. “But enough about me. You look like you’re about to bolt for the nearest exit.”

“Well, I plan on sneaking out of here as soon as I can. Olivia is so distracted by Alexander that I doubt she’ll even notice if I slip away. Besides, the spotlight’s on them tonight—they can handle the endless small talk and forced smiles.”

Ever since Senator Hawthorne gave his blessing for Alexander to step down from his real estate empire, the rumor mill has been churning non-stop. The whispers follow them everywhere, speculating about the true nature of their engagement and Alexander’s sudden involvement in Carter Corporation. Olivia has been playing her part perfectly, her smiles radiant and her words measured, but I know the toll it’s taking on her. She’s always been the stronger one, the one who carries the weight of our family on her shoulders, but even she has her limits.

“I cannot fault Olivia too much. Alexander has that whole ‘dark and handsome’ thing down to an art form.” Her eyes twinkle mischievously as she continues, “Speaking of dark and handsome, how is it going with your lover boy? Is Lucas here tonight too? He’s completely smitten with you. I’m surprised he’s not glued to your side tonight.”

“Lucas is a good friend.”

She arches a perfectly sculpted eyebrow. “He’s head over heels for you. It’s written all over his face every time he looks in your direction. You shouldn’t underestimate the power you hold over him.”

I shift uncomfortably. Lucas has been kind and understanding about the chaos that is my life—funerals, weddings, galas. He accompanied me to events my PR team deemed necessary for maintaining the image of unity within the Carter family. I’ve been using him as a crutch, leaning on his steadiness while my world spins out of control. But the truth is, I don’t know how I feel about him—or if I’m even capable of feeling anything at all right now.

My eyes drift towards my sister and her fiancé across the ballroom. “I don’t know if I’m ready for anything more than friendship right now.”

Olivia looks radiant in her ivory gown with her blonde hair pulled into an elaborate bun. She’s wearing a dark burgundy gown that fits her body like a glove; it flows and swishes with every movement she makes. Alexander stands tall next to her, his dark hair perfectly groomed and his tuxedo hugging his muscular physique. He carries himself with such authority that he captivates everyone’s attention.

Together, they make a striking pair, the golden couple everyone envies—wealth, power, and beauty, all wrapped up in a perfect package.

It’s partly an act, meant to keep up appearances, to show the world that the Carters are unbreakable, even in the face of tragedy.

But when my sister leans in close to him and whispers something in his ear. His hand rests possessively on her lower back as they exchange words that make her laughter ring through the ballroom.

They appear infatuated with each other, lost in their own world when they’re together.

“What do you think of Alexander? You knew him when you were growing up, right?”

Cassandra follows my gaze. “I’ve known Alexander for years. His sister and I grew up together in the Hawthorn estate, running through the halls and causing mischief whenever we could. He was always the serious one, even as a child. There was always a fire within him, never afraid of a challenge and always striving for excellence in everything he did. I think he’ll be good for Olivia—she needs someone who can match her spirit and determination. They make a beautiful couple, that’s for sure.”

“Do you know why she didn’t tell me about Alexander sooner?”

“She wanted to make sure he was the one before before introducing him to you. Not every day, heirs to two of the most influential families in Empire Heights fall for each other.”

“She’s my sister, and I would have supported her, regardless. I just wish she had trusted me enough to share this part of her life sooner.”

I’m quite a hypocrite, I realize as the words leave my lips. My own secrets—the ones I keep buried deep, the ones I haven’t even fully acknowledged to myself—weigh heavier than I care to admit. The truth is, I haven’t been entirely honest with Olivia either. There are things I’ve kept from her, decisions I’ve made without consulting her, fears I’ve hidden. The irony isn’t lost on me.

“Olivia’s always been protective of you, Tiffany. She doesn’t want to burden you with more than you’re already carrying. You know how she is—she’d rather shoulder everything herself than see you struggle.”

I sigh, my gaze drifting back to my sister and Alexander. “I know. But sometimes it feels like she doesn’t realize I’m not that little girl anymore. I can handle things, too.”

“She knows that, but old habits die hard. Just give her time,” Cassandra says softly. Her green eyes are earnest now, no trace of mischief left. “In the meantime, focus on yourself. You’ve been so preoccupied with Olivia and the company, trying to hold everything together. When was the last time you thought about what you want? Why not give Lucas a real chance, despite the circumstances? He might surprise you in more ways than one.”

“You’re always playing matchmaker.”

“I can’t help but meddle in matters of the heart. It’s both a blessing and a curse, my dear Tiffany. Now that you’re smiling, I need to mingle with some investors. We’ll catch up later, alright?” She gestures toward the balcony. “I saw Lucas in the garden, charming a group of businessmen.”

Cassandra vanishes into the crowd, and I set my glass on a nearby table, weaving through the sea of elegant dresses and sharp tuxedos toward the balcony.

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