Stolen love: In love with my sister 's fiance-Chapter 35: Alex engagement

Elaine sat on the garden swing, the night air cool against her skin. Her mind was a whirlwind of emotions, memories clashing with reality. The soft creak of footsteps on gravel made her grip the chains tighter. She didn't need to look up to know who it was.

Alex stopped a few steps away, hands in his pockets, eyes unreadable. "So, you've already made a boyfriend."

Elaine let out a bitter laugh, finally meeting his gaze. "So what, Alex? What do you want to say?"

His jaw tightened, but he didn't deny it. He couldn't.

"You know how I feel about you," he said quietly.

Elaine's breath hitched. A flicker of pain crossed her face before she masked it with anger. "And you know how I feel about you," she shot back. "But that didn't stop you, did it?"

His jaw clenched again, he couldn't deny her words ,the choice he made now suffocating him the muscle ticking, but he said nonetheless as if paining him "It wouldn't change anything,"

He murmured lastly "whatever I feel about you ,it wouldn't change anything"

she said bitterly. "I know."

Elaine held his gaze for a moment longer before turning away. "You made your choice," she whispered. "Now I have to chose too"

Alex's fingers curled into fists at his sides. He sighed he wanted to say....something ,anything to stop her instead he announced the news with heavy heart "Tommorow is my engagement please do come "

She stopped hearing this and looked at him in sorrow ,smiled that held pain "well congratulations brother in law"

And with that, she walked away, leaving him standing alone in the silence.

___

Elaine sat on the edge of her bed, staring at the dress draped over the chair. The moonlight filtered through the curtains, casting a glow over the fabric—the same dress Alex had given her on her birthday.

She traced the delicate embroidery with her fingers, a ghost of a smile appearing before it quickly faded. "Might as well wear it one last time," she whispered to herself. If she had to watch him slip further away, she would do it wearing the last piece of him she had.

With that thought, she picked up her phone and dialed Adrian.

After a few rings, Adrian answered, his voice calm as always. "Elaine?"

She swallowed, gripping the fabric of her dress. "Will you come tomorrow?"

There was a pause, then a slight chuckle. "You're really asking? Of course, I will."

Elaine exhaled, staring at the dress in front of her. "Okay... I just wanted to make sure."

Adrian's voice softened. "Do you want me to pick you up?"

She shook her head, even though he couldn't see her. "No, I'll meet you there."

Another pause. "Alright. But if you change your mind..."

"I won't."

Adrian didn't push further. "Alright then. Get some rest, Elaine."

"You too," she murmured before hanging up.

Placing her phone down, she glanced at the dress once more. Tomorrow was coming fast, and with it, everything she wasn't ready to face.

___

Morning came, and with it, the inevitable day ahead. As usual, Elaine went to college, trying to act normal, but the atmosphere was different. Everywhere she went, people were buzzing about the big news—tonight was the night.

Mary looped her arm through Elaine's, her voice laced with concern. "Are you okay?"

Elaine forced a small smile. "Why wouldn't I be?"

Mary gave her a knowing look. "Come on, Elaine. I know you. You might still have lingering feelings for him."

Elaine exhaled, looking ahead. "It doesn't matter anymore."

Mary studied her for a moment before nodding. "Well, at least you have Adrian now."

Elaine didn't respond, only gripping the strap of her bag tighter. Adrian. The one person who was there when she needed someone the most. She should feel relieved. She should feel something. But why did it still ache?

A hushed silence fall ,when Adrian walked toward Elaine with his usual composed stride, drawing attention from everyone around them. Whispers spread through the crowd as people watched the unexpected sight unfold before them.

Without hesitation, Adrian pulled Elaine into a gentle hug, his warmth enveloping her. Then, just as effortlessly, he pressed a soft kiss to her forehead. A collective gasp rippled through the onlookers, followed by excited murmurs.

"Did you see that?" someone whispered.

"I never thought our stoic school captain had this side to him!" another gushed.

Mary, standing nearby, looked at them in awe, a wide smile spreading across her face. "Well, well, Elaine, you've been holding out on me." She nudged her friend playfully. "I'm happy for you."

Elaine, caught off guard by the public display, felt her cheeks grow warm. The weight of so many eyes on them made her heart pound, but it was Adrian's unwavering presence that kept her grounded. Even if it was all for show, he made it feel so natural.

As the excitement in the hallway died down, Adrian turned to Elaine, his voice gentle. "Are you okay?"

Elaine let out a small laugh, tilting her head slightly. "Why wouldn't I be? I'm Elaine, and I'm okay." Her tone was light, but there was something unreadable in her eyes.

Mary exchanged a knowing glance with Adrian but didn't press further. "Alright then, Miss 'Okay,' let's get to class before the professors start hunting us down."

With that, they all walked their separate ways to class. The day passed in a blur of lectures and routine, but as the sun set, a quiet weight settled in the air. Day had ended, and tonight would bring everything Elaine had been dreading.

___

Elaine sat still in her chair as the makeup artist carefully worked on her, their brushes gliding over her skin with precision. Her father had sent them—everything had to be perfect, just as he expected of her. A flawless daughter, polished and presentable, fitting for the family name.

The artists whispered among themselves, unable to hide their admiration. "She looks like a fairy," one murmured, adjusting the soft curls framing Elaine's face.

But Elaine barely registered their words. She stared at her reflection, expression unreadable. The dress—his gift—lay beside her, waiting to be worn one last time. Her fingers traced the fabric absentmindedly.

"Miss, you look stunning," one of the artists finally said, stepping back to admire their work.

Elaine forced a small smile. "Thank you," she said softly, though the weight in her chest remained.

The car was waiting outside, gleaming under the evening lights. As agreed, Adrian would meet her at the venue. Taking a deep breath, Elaine stepped forward, the click of her heels echoing against the pavement.

The moment she arrived, flashes went off in every direction. The media was everywhere, cameras capturing every movement.

"Miss Elaine, how do you feel about your sister's engagement?" one reporter called out.

"Any comments on the Sterling-Monroe alliance?" another asked, microphone stretched toward her.

Elaine maintained a poised smile, offering no answers as she gracefully posed for a few pictures. She had mastered the art of ignoring questions she didn't want to answer.

As she walked past them, hushed whispers followed—about her background, her presence, and the stark contrast between her and Olivia. But Elaine didn't falter. She had lived with this scrutiny long enough to know that silence was sometimes the best response.

___

Venue

.

.

Inside the venue, the dazzling chandeliers cast a golden glow over the grand hall. The soft hum of chatter filled the space as elegantly dressed guests mingled, sipping champagne.

Elaine spotted Adrian the moment he entered. He walked toward her with his usual composed stride, his sharp suit emphasizing his effortless confidence. Stopping in front of her, he gave a slow nod of approval, his eyes scanning her from head to toe.

"You look good, Elaine."

Elaine raised an eyebrow, tilting her head. "Just good?"

Adrian leaned in slightly, his voice dropping to a whisper. "No. Gorgeous."

The sourc𝗲 of this content is frёeωebɳovel.com.

A small smile tugged at Elaine's lips as she met his steady gaze. "Thank you."

The announcement echoed through the grand hall, drawing everyone's attention.

"Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the bride and groom-to-be!"

A hush fell over the venue as Olivia and Alex stepped onto the stage. Together, they looked like they had walked straight out of a magazine—elegant, polished, perfect. The camera flashes illuminated them like they were meant to shine in the spotlight.

Elaine watched from the crowd, her grip tightening around the delicate stem of her champagne flute. She forced a smile, nodding along with the polite applause.

Yeah, they belong together.

The thought echoed in her mind, but deep down, it felt like swallowing shards of glass.

Watching from afar, Elaine felt her chest tighten as Alex took Olivia's hand. The moment the ring slipped onto her sister's finger, a sharp pang struck deep within her—one she refused to acknowledge.

She lifted her champagne flute again, taking a slow sip, her expression carefully composed. No one would see the turmoil within her. No one would know how much it hurt.

A gentle warmth wrapped around her fingers. Adrian. He had taken her hand, his grip firm yet comforting. He didn't say anything—he didn't need to. His presence was enough.

Elaine inhaled deeply, steadied herself, and smiled. If Alex could play his part, so could she.