High Stakes

Alexander persistently messaged Astra, wishing she'd prioritize him over whoever she was chatting with. His actions halted abruptly when he sensed his father's intense gaze upon him.

Although the resemblance between him and his father was frequently commented upon, a notable contrast existed between the two. His father struck him as the most intimidating person he'd ever encountered.

Leon, in his late forties, appeared more like an elder sibling to his own son. Their shared lineage was evident in the shade of their brown hair and the glint of their golden eyes, radiating an uncanny familial bond.

However, resemblances only reached the surface. The contours of their faces bore witness to shared blood, yet their differences were profound.

Leon's jawline exuded determination and resilience, embodying an unyielding resolve forged through numerous trials. His gaze held an intensity bordering on fierceness, a quality that had earned him a reputation as an unstoppable force.

Physically, Leon stood taller and sturdier than his son, commanding a room with an authority that brooked little opposition.

His frame, shaped by years of experience and discipline, carried a natural strength that emanated from his very posture. Leon's voice held weight, a gravity that demanded attention and compliance.

In contrast to his son Alexander, whose spirit brimmed with youthful enthusiasm, Leon seemed eternally serious. His countenance often wore a perpetual scowl, as if life had left him perpetually disenchanted.

His brows, furrowed in contemplation, hinted at a man driven by an unwavering pursuit of control, while his lips rarely curved into a smile.

This demeanor cast a shadow over his relationship with his son. Even from a young age, Alexander could sense the tension emanating from his father's presence.

An underlying unease resided in Leon's eyes, a spark suggesting that crossing his path might unleash a storm of anger.

The fear that nestled in Alexander's heart was inescapable, a gut feeling that disturbing his father was a treacherous path best left untouched.

Following the viral video's release, which had been witnessed by the entire galaxy, Alexander found himself compelled to confide in his father about what occurred at Astra's birthday celebration.

As far as his father was concerned, his relationship with Astra was perfect. Leon had struggled to comprehend why Astra would make those disparaging remarks about him. Consequently, Alexander recounted the circumstances surrounding Violet's lies.

Since the morning, he'd been stuck in his father's home office, anxiously waiting for Astra's call, eager to hear her voice. He couldn't fathom how Astra had discovered his infidelity, but he desperately needed to persuade her that her conclusion was mistaken.

His father had clarified that his identity as a Rayne depended on the merger's success. When his phone rang, displaying Astra's name, he promptly answered it. "Astra, Astra."

Leon commanded, "Put it on speaker."

Following the order, Alexander enabled the speaker and caught Astra's irritated tone from the other end. "What do you want, Lex?"

Although Alexander felt a surge of anger hearing Astra call him "Lex," he recognized that he needed to mend this situation first. "I've been trying to reach you since this morning; I've been apprehensive about you."

Astra's confusion was evident in her voice as she inquired, "Why on earth would you be worried about me?"

Alexander responded, "Because you're not just anyone, Astra. You're my fiancée, the woman I will marry in a few weeks."

Astra's laughter filtered through before she questioned, "Is that so?"

While tension brewed in the room, Alexander sensed his father's gaze harden. Swallowing hard, he refocused on the call. "Astra, I understand you're still upset about what happened, but I swear I never..."

His words were abruptly cut off by Astra's exclamation, "If you dare lie to me again, Lex, consider it the last time we ever talk."

A wave of unease washed over Alexander, leaving him uncertain about what to say next. He hesitated for a moment before posing a question, "Who told you that I was being unfaithful?"

Almost in tandem with his inquiry, both Leon's and Alexander's phones vibrated, drawing their attention. They glanced at the screens to find pictures Astra had sent them.

Astra said on the other end, "I know Leon; he trusts only what he sees."

Leon's blood boiled as he observed snapshots of his son with five different women. His gaze slowly shifted to Alexander, who felt an unsettling shiver race down his spine.

Astra questioned, "Are you planning to lie again, Lex?"

Alexander swallowed hard and replied, "At that time, I was going through something really tough. Instead of facing those emotions healthily, I did my best to avoid thinking about it. I made a huge mistake, and I deeply regret betraying you. It's you that I love and want to spend my life with, no one else. I promise to never take you for granted again."

Alexander felt a surge of relief that Astra remained unaware of his affair with Violet. Violet had messaged him, suggesting they cut off contact until after his marriage, a suggestion he agreed to. Both of them deleted anything that could be incriminating.

From now on, his entire focus would be on Astra. He was determined to prove his love to her. Once they were married, he'd be with the woman he truly loved, Violet.

Astra responded directly and briefly, "I don't believe you, and I can't be with someone I don't trust."

Leon's hushed voice carried a command, "Ensure she comes to your date tonight."

Alexander inquired, "Can we still meet tonight for our date?"

Astra shot back, "What's the use?"

Alexander implored, "I just need you to listen. All I'm asking for is an hour to explain everything I've been going through. Even if you decided to call off our wedding, I would still fight to win your forgiveness, Astra. I can't imagine my life without you, and I will never give up."

Alexander's heart raced faster than ever as he awaited Astra's response.

"Alright," Astra said after a few beats.

Alexander let out a breath. "Can we pick a different spot to meet? The restaurant you suggested is popular among celebrities, so there's always paparazzi swarming there. I know the perfect place; don't worry, I'll handle everything."

Astra mentioned before ending the call, "I'll be at Le Papillon at 7. If you're not there by 7:01, I won't hesitate to call someone else and date a man who values what I want."

Alexander exchanged a glance with his father. Leon asserted, "If, by the end of the evening, Astra hasn't explicitly agreed to marry you, there's no reason for you to return home. Is that clear?"

Alexander swallowed and replied, "Crystal clear."

As his father's phone rang, Alexander felt a hint of relief and rose from his seat. Leon glanced at the caller ID displaying Silas's name and then at Alexander. "Stay seated."

Without delay, Alexander resumed his position. Leon answered the call and activated the speaker. "Hello, Silas. How are you doing?"

Silas's voice erupted in frustration, "How do you think I'm bloody doing, Leon? Your son embarrassed my daughter in front of the entire galaxy. Put him on the line right now."

Leon stated, "He's here; the call is on speaker."

Silas's voice thundered, "Who the hell do you think you are, threatening my daughter not to marry her? Do you believe I'll let her future husband send her those kinds of messages?"

Alexander interjected, "Uncle, I'm deeply sorry. I genuinely didn't mean to. I had no clue that Violet was lying. It was her fault."

Silas's voice turned into a roar, "Did Violet also force you to cheat on her too?"

After a moment's pause, Alexander admitted, "I'm devastated by my actions, and I promise it won't ever happen again."

Silas's tone was bristling with anger as he posed a question, "Do you honestly believe you're some kind of prize? The only reason I agreed to merge with your family's company is because Leon and I were buddies. Even if your company raked in ten times what it does now, you'd still pale compared to Astra. You're just a Rayne, while she's Astra Archibald Orion. You best learn your fucking place, unless you want me to knock it into you."

Alexander's gaze turned toward his father, knowing he was probably fuming. It was his fault that their family's name was being dragged through the mud.

Alexander responded, "I understand she's way better than me. I promised her I'd never take her for granted again."

Silas revealed, "I let Astra know that if she decided to call off the wedding and cut ties with the Raynes, I'd stand behind her choice. If you want to prevent that, you better kneel before her tonight and make sure she forgives you."

Alexander's heart raced. He was confident that, regardless of anything else, Silas would want the merger to proceed, even if it meant disregarding Astra's feelings.

Leon appeared just as taken aback. Alexander stated, "I will; I'll do whatever it takes to earn her forgiveness."

Silas continued:

"If, by some miracle, she agrees to go ahead with the wedding, rest assured, you'll be under constant scrutiny to ensure you don't screw up again."

Before Alexander could respond, Silas abruptly ended the call. Alexander cast his gaze downward, grappling with a deep-seated fear.

He couldn't fathom that Silas might sever their connection if Astra declined to forgive him. The situation was even more dire than he'd realized.

If Astra rejected him, his father would disown him, leaving him with nothing. Alexander swallowed hard. He had to convince Astra tonight. No matter what.