The clock struck ten as I stepped into my suite, the soft click of the door shutting behind me echoing through the quiet room. I leaned against the door, my body finally relaxing after the long evening. The weight of the night—the charity gala, the endless introductions, and the constant need to remain poised beside Alexander—slowly melted away.
I slipped off my shoes and padded across the plush carpet, finding Aiden sprawled on the couch with his usual book in hand. His legs were hanging off the edge as if he'd outgrown the furniture, which, in a way, he had.
Aiden glanced up, a teasing smile playing on his lips. "How was the masquerade of the rich and glamorous?"
I let out a soft laugh, shaking my head. "Exhausting, as always."
"Do you even remember half the people you met tonight?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Not a chance," I sighed, flopping onto the chair across from him. "It's like a blur of names and fake smiles."
Aiden chuckled, but his expression softened as he closed his book and looked at me more intently. "You okay, Ivy?"
I appreciated how Aiden could always read me so easily. No matter what front I put up, he saw through it. I gave him a small, reassuring smile. "I'm fine. Just tired. It's been a long few weeks."
He swung his legs off the couch and sat up, leaning forward slightly. "I still don't get why you're doing all this. I mean, playing dress-up, mingling with people who don't care about us."
"It's not just about that, Aiden," I said, my tone soft but firm. "This life—being with Alexander, attending these events—it's a way to secure our future. We can't go back to how things were. You deserve more than what we had."
"I don't need this fancy life, Ivy," he said, gesturing around the room. "I just need you."
His words hit me hard, and I felt a lump rise in my throat. He always knew how to cut through the noise and get straight to the heart of things. But this wasn't just about me anymore—it was about giving him the life he deserved. A life where he didn't have to worry about where his next meal would come from or how he'd make it through another day at school without money for supplies.
"I know," I said softly. "But this isn't forever. It's just… a means to an end."
Aiden leaned back, his eyes narrowing slightly as he studied me. "And what happens when this all falls apart? What if Alexander decides he's done playing this game?"
I hesitated. That was the question I tried not to think about. The truth was, I didn't know what would happen. Alexander was a mystery, even to me. One moment, he seemed to care about my presence, about my role in his life. The next, he was cold and distant, like a stranger behind those piercing grey eyes.
"I'm doing what I have to," I said after a pause. "For both of us."
Aiden didn't argue, but the look on his face told me he wasn't entirely convinced. He stood up and crossed the room, his lanky form towering over me for a moment before he dropped down beside me, wrapping his arm around my shoulders.
"I just don't want you to lose yourself in all of this," he said quietly. "You've always been the strong one. But that doesn't mean you have to do everything on your own."
I rested my head against his shoulder, grateful for his presence. Aiden had always been my rock, the one constant in a world that kept shifting beneath our feet. Even now, in this gilded cage of wealth and power, he was the one thing that reminded me of who I was.
"I won't lose myself," I promised, though the words felt more like a reassurance for myself than for him. "I'm still me. Just… adapting."
We sat there in comfortable silence for a while, the hum of the city outside our window filling the room. Despite the luxury around us, it was moments like this—with just Aiden and me—that made me feel at peace. This was what I was fighting for.
"You know," Aiden finally said, breaking the silence, "I could get used to this fancy life. Maybe next time, I'll tag along to one of those galas. Steal the spotlight from you."
I snorted, nudging him playfully. "Please, they wouldn't know what hit them."
"Exactly." He grinned, his usual humor returning. "I could be your bodyguard. Or maybe Alexander's right-hand man."
I laughed, shaking my head. "Don't get any ideas. You're still a high schooler."
"For now," he said with a wink. "But watch out, Ivy. One day, I'll be running this place."
The thought of Aiden navigating the world of high society was both amusing and heartwarming. I ruffled his hair affectionately, knowing that no matter what happened, we would always have each other.
"Let's just get through tomorrow first," I said, standing up. "And we'll figure out the rest as we go."
Aiden nodded, his expression more serious now. "Deal."
As I walked toward my bedroom, I couldn't help but glance back at Aiden, who had already returned to his book, his brow furrowed in concentration. He was growing up so fast, but no matter how much time passed or how our circumstances changed, he would always be the most important thing in my life.
I slipped into my room, the quiet settling around me like a blanket. Despite everything—the masquerade, the constant pressure, and the uncertainty of what lay ahead—I knew one thing for sure: as long as Aiden was with me, I could face whatever came next.
We were each other's anchors in this ever-shifting world. No matter how opulent or cold Alexander's mansion could feel, Aiden made it bearable. I was doing this for him—for us. I walked to the window, looking out at the sprawling estate, lights glowing softly in the night. Somewhere out there, Alexander was wrapped in his own world, dealing with matters far beyond my understanding.
A part of me wondered if I'd ever fully belong in this world of wealth and influence. But for now, it didn't matter. I had a purpose, and as long as Aiden was safe, I could continue this charade.
Tomorrow would come with its challenges, but tonight, I found comfort in knowing I wasn't alone.