The grand ballroom of the luxurious Blackwood Hotel was abuzz with excitement as the cream of society, influential business leaders, and prominent media outlets gathered for the highly anticipated announcement.
Reginald Blackwood, flanked by his son, Ethan Blackwood, stepped onto the ornate stage, a sea of flashing cameras before us.
The event, meticulously orchestrated by Blackwood Industries' public relations team, was broadcast live on prominent news channels, including CNN, Fox News, and MSNBC.
Renowned journalists from top publications, such as The New York Times, Forbes, and Vogue, rubbed shoulders with paparazzi, all vying for the perfect shot.
The room was filled with the hum of anticipation, the air thick with expectation.
Reginald's voice boomed through the microphone, commanding attention.
"Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed guests, and members of the press, it is my great pleasure to announce the engagement of my son, Ethan Blackwood, to the lovely Alessia Thompson."
My smile faltered for a fraction of a second before I regained my composure.
Ethan took my hand, his eyes locked onto mine, as Reginald continued.
"This union not only strengthens the bond between our families but also solidifies the future of Blackwood Industries and Thompson Enterprises."
The room erupted into applause, camera shutters clicking wildly.
Ethan and I posed for photos, our smiles fixed, as the media frenzy surrounding us intensified.
Reporters shouted questions:
Reporter 1 (CNN): "Alessia, how did Ethan propose?"
My smile faltered for a fraction of a second before I regained my composure. "It was a romantic dinner at Ethan's favorite restaurant. He surprised me with a beautiful ring."
Ethan chimed in, "I wanted to make it special, something she'd never forget."
Reporter 2 (People Magazine): "Ethan, what drew you to Alessia?"
Ethan's eyes locked onto mine. "Her intelligence, compassion, and beauty. She's an incredible partner."
My cheeks flushed. "Thank you, Ethan."
Reporter 3 (Forbes): "Reginald, how will this merger impact Blackwood Industries' business strategy?"
Reginald stepped forward. "The union will strengthen our position in the market, expanding our reach and influence."
Reporter 4 (Entertainment Tonight): "Alessia, what's your wedding plan?"
I laughed. "We're still getting used to the idea ourselves. We'll announce the details soon."
Ethan added, "We want it to be an intimate celebration with family and close friends."
Reporter 5 (Bloomberg): "Ethan, how will you balance your business responsibilities with married life?"
Ethan's expression turned serious. "Alessia and I share a deep understanding of our responsibilities. We'll support each other."
I nodded. "We're committed to making this work."
Reporter 6 (Vogue): "Alessia, what's your favorite thing about Ethan?"
My smile softened. "His kind heart and sense of humor."
Ethan's eyes crinkled at the corners. "And my favorite thing about Alessia is her intelligence and determination."
Reporter 7 (Fox News): "Reginald, what message do you have for investors and stakeholders?"
Reginald's voice boomed. "This union solidifies Blackwood Industries' position as a leader in the industry. We're committed to growth and success."
As the Q&A session concluded, Ethan and I exchanged a glance, our faces weary but relieved.
The charade continued, our words and smiles masking the truth.
But for how long?
As the press conference drew to a close, Reginald smiled, satisfied.
"The Blackwood and Thompson families look forward to this new chapter."
The event concluded with a reception, where guests mingled, congratulating the couple.
Ethan and I engagement was now public knowledge, their faces plastered on billboards, magazines, and television screens.
The charade had begun
Meanwhile,back at home......
My parents, Catherine and John Thompson, sat in their elegant living room, eyes fixed on the television screen.
The news channel broadcasted the press conference live, Ethan and I faces plastered on the screen.
Catherine's hands twisted in her lap, anxiety etched on her face. "John, I don't know if I can watch this."
John's expression was stoic, but his eyes betrayed concern. "We have to, Catherine. This is our daughter's future."
On-screen, I smiled, my words rehearsed. "Ethan and I are excited to start this new chapter."
Catherine's voice trembled. "She looks so unhappy."
John placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Alessia's strong. She'll get through this."
But Catherine's eyes welled with tears. "At what cost? She's sacrificing her happiness for our family's legacy."
John's grip tightened. "We'll support her, no matter what."
As the press conference concluded, the news anchor's voice filled the room.
"...and so, the Blackwood-Thompson merger is set to shake the business world. We wish the happy couple all the best."
The camera cut to a shot of Ethan and I posing together, our smiles fixed.
Catherine turned off the TV, the room plunging into silence.
John pulled her into a gentle hug. "We'll get through this, together."
Catherine's voice muffled against his chest. "But at what cost to Alessia's heart?"
The question hung in the air, unanswered.
In the silence, John's eyes drifted to a family photo on the mantle.
My bright smile, carefree and joyful, seemed to mock them.
When had their daughter's happiness become a luxury they couldn't afford?
Catherine stepped back, wiping her tears. "We should talk to Alessia, make sure she's okay."
John nodded. "I'll call her later. Try to reassure her."
But Catherine's expression remained worried. "Will it be enough?"
Meanwhile, outside the city...
As we emerged from the grand ballroom, the bright sunlight assaulted my senses, making me squint.
Ethan's hand remained firmly grasping mine, guiding me through the chaos.
Reporters and photographers swarmed around us, their voices a cacophony.
"Alessia, Ethan, how's the wedding planning going?"
"Ethan, what's your vision for the merged companies?"
"Alessia, what's your favorite thing about Ethan?"
Cameras clicked and flashed, capturing our every smile, every gesture.
Ethan's grip tightened, his eyes scanning the crowd with a mix of confidence and caution.
"Keep smiling," he whispered, his breath brushing against my ear.
I nodded, my lips curling upward in a well-rehearsed smile.
We navigated through the sea of cameras, our steps synchronized.
Bodyguards flanked us, their imposing presence keeping the reporters at bay.
The cool breeze carried the scent of freshly cut grass and the distant hum of traffic.
Ahead, a sleek black limousine waited, its door open.
Our arranged car, courtesy of Reginald.
Ethan helped me in, his hand lingering on mine for a fraction of a second longer than necessary.
As he settled beside me, the door closed, enveloping us in silence.
The driver's voice came through the intercom. "Destination, Mr. Blackwood?"
Ethan replied, "The Blackwood Estate."
The car glided into motion, leaving the chaos behind.
We sped through the city, the scenery blurring outside our tinted windows.
I gazed out, lost in thought.
Ethan's presence beside me felt suffocating, a constant reminder of our binding contract.
The silence between us thickened, heavy with unspoken questions.
What secrets lay hidden behind Ethan's composed exterior?
What did he truly want from me?
And what would be the cost of our engagement?
Only time would reveal the truth.