Stolen love: In love with my sister 's fiance-Chapter 36: Alex engagement 2

Today was the day—Olivia Monroe and Alex Sterling's engagement.

The news was everywhere, dominating TV screens and social media feeds. New York's elite had gathered for what was being called the event of the season.

"In a union that merges two of the most powerful families in the country, Olivia Monroe, daughter of jewelry giant Monroe Luxuries, and Alex Sterling, heir to Sterling Enterprises, the nation's top shipping conglomerate, are officially getting engaged today," a TV reporter announced excitedly. "With Alex also being the CEO of Sterling Media, one of the most influential networks in the industry, this engagement is nothing short of a power move. A love story straight out of a fairy tale—or a business empire's dream."

The camera panned to the grand venue, decorated to perfection, flashing glimpses of New York's elite arriving in style. Olivia, a rising Hollywood actress with a massive fan following, was at the center of it all, glowing under the spotlight.

It was the perfect match—the perfect couple.

At least, that's what the world believed.

But beneath the flashing cameras and polished headlines, Alex felt a weight pressing down on his chest—a weight he couldn't shake.

And that weight was Elaine.

She was slipping away from him, and there was nothing he could do to stop it. A love he had tried so hard to deny was now clawing its way back, suffocating him in the worst way possible. He had made his choice, sealed his fate.

Duty over love.

And yet, all he could think about was her.

Champagne flowed freely, glasses clinking as guests raised toasts to the star couple. Laughter and applause filled the grand hall, voices overlapping with congratulations for Olivia and Alex.

But Alex barely heard any of it.

All he could do was look at Elaine.

His heart pounded against his ribs, the weight of regret pressing down on him like an anchor. As he took Olivia's hand, sliding the ring onto her finger, his gaze flickered back to Elaine.

And there it was—the pain in her eyes. A pain he had put there.

She didn't cry, didn't make a scene, but he could see it, feel it, like a knife twisting inside him.

He had made his choice. He had no right to expect anything from her now.

Yet, as Olivia beamed at him, as the cameras flashed and the world cheered for their perfect love story, Alex realized the truth he had been running from all along.

He was losing Elaine.

And it was entirely his fault.

People gathered around the newly engaged couple, offering their blessings and warm wishes. Olivia glowed under the attention, her radiant smile never faltering as she accepted the congratulations.

Elaine stepped forward, her expression unreadable she raised her glass with a small smile, masking the emotions swirling inside her. "Congratulations," she said, her voice even.

Alex's fingers twitched at his side, his gaze locked on her, searching for something—anything—but she gave nothing away.

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Olivia, standing proudly beside him, looped her arm through his and flashed a dazzling smile. "Thank you, sister," she said sweetly, tilting her head as if studying Elaine's reaction.

Elaine nodded, then brought her glass to her lips, taking a slow sip of wine. The liquid burned down her throat, but she welcomed the distraction.

She had done her part. She had smiled, congratulated them, and played along. Now, all she had to do was make it through the night.

As she turned away, Alex took half a step forward, an unspoken urge to stop her—but before he could say a word, Olivia tightened her grip on his arm.

"Where are you going?" she asked, her tone light, but her hold firm. "Father's about to make an announcement."

Alex swallowed hard, forcing himself to stay still. But his heart was elsewhere, following the one person who was walking away.

___

The speakers crackled to life, drawing everyone's attention.

"Ladies and gentlemen, we are pleased to announce that in six months, Alex Sterling and Olivia Monroe will officially become husband and wife!"

Thunderous applause filled the hall. Cameras flashed, guests cheered, and Olivia beamed, slipping her hand into Alex's. He barely registered any of it. His mind was elsewhere.

Elaine.

Without a word, he stepped away from the crowd, his heart pounding as he searched for her. His feet carried him outside, past the grand ballroom, past the murmuring guests, until he found himself in the garden.

And there she was.

Elaine stood under the soft glow of the garden lights, her arms wrapped tightly around herself as if shielding herself from the cold—or from something far worse.

But before he could call her name, before he could even take a step toward her, Adrian was already there.

She turned to him, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. Without hesitation, Adrian pulled her into his arms.

Alex froze.

His breath caught as he watched her break down against another man's shoulder, her body trembling, her fingers gripping Adrian's suit as if holding herself together.

A sharp pain stabbed through his chest.

This was his fault.

Now he was regretting.