Chapter 6

Alyssa York POV:

"Less severe?" Dayton's words echoed in the quiet room, a confusing mix of criticism and something I almost dared to hope was concern. But then he added, "Grandfather prefers a more... demure image for Cole women. Especially when presenting a united front." His tone was dismissive, stripping away any hint of genuine care. It was all about appearances, about control.

I bit back a sharp retort. Demure. That was their word for obedient, for silent, for compliant. It was everything I wasn't, everything I was trying to escape. But I had promised. Three months. I peeled off the perfectly suitable dress, my fingers trembling slightly with a mix of frustration and resignation. I chose a soft rose-colored silk dress, its lines flowing and gentle, a stark contrast to the sharp edges of my current emotions. It felt like another costume, one to appease the patriarchs.

I thought of my own family, my grandparents, who had welcomed me with open arms and offered their unwavering support for my independence. Their love felt like a warm embrace compared to the cold, strategic calculations of the Cole family. The difference was a chasm.

When I met Dayton in the foyer, he gave a curt nod of approval, his eyes lingering on the softened silhouette of the dress. We stepped out, his hand on my back, guiding me towards the waiting car. He was all suave efficiency, navigating the public space with practiced ease. Just before he opened the car door, he leaned down, his voice a low rumble. "Remember our agreement, Alyssa. No slip-ups. No breaking character."

"I remember," I replied, my voice flat, holding his gaze. My resolve was iron-clad. I would play my part, brilliantly, for these three months. Then, I would vanish.

He nodded, a flicker of something unreadable in his eyes, and then, in a swift, practiced move, he wrapped his arm around my waist, pulling me closer. It was a public display, a show for any lurking paparazzi or watchful family members. My body stiffened, resisting the intimacy, but I forced a small, polite smile, leaning into him, a perfect picture of the devoted wife. Every nerve ending screamed in protest, but I kept my face impassive. It was just a role, I reminded myself. Just a role.

The Cole family mansion loomed, a monument to old money and unyielding power. Jerald Hess, Dayton's grandfather, stood at the top of the grand staircase, his formidable presence filling the hall. A deep frown creased his brow as he observed our arrival, his gaze lingering on Dayton's easy familiarity with Kristin Goodwin in the tabloids. He might be old, but he missed nothing.

"Dayton," Jerald's voice boomed, sharp and disapproving. "You're late. Again. And your recent... antics... have not gone unnoticed."

Before Dayton could retort, Albin Ward, Dayton's older cousin, stepped forward. Albin, with his impeccably tailored suit and polished charm, was always the peacemaker, the perfect corporate executive. He looked at me, a genuine warmth in his eyes, then at Dayton, a subtle challenge in his gaze. "Good morning, Grandfather. Dayton, Alyssa, so glad you could make it." His smile was polite, but I caught a flicker of something in his eyes when he looked at me, a ghost of an old kindness. He had saved me after my accident, years ago, when Dayton was nowhere to be found. He' d driven me to the hospital, stayed with me, quietly ensuring I was alright.

Albin's gaze lingered on Dayton's public display of affection, a knowing glint in his eyes. "You two certainly make a striking couple, as always. The tabloids will have nothing to say about this, eh?"

I offered Albin a small, grateful smile. His easy charm always felt like a balm after Dayton's cutting remarks. "Albin," I greeted, my voice softer than I intended. "It' s good to see you."

"You look well, Alyssa," he said, his eyes scanning my face, a genuine concern in his voice. "Are you taking care of yourself?"

Dayton' s arm, still around my waist, tightened imperceptibly. He cut in smoothly, a forced smile on his face. "Alyssa is always impeccably put-together, Albin. Perhaps you should focus on finding a partner of your own, rather than admiring mine." The words were delivered with a casual cruelty that made my blood run cold. He was jealous. Not of me, but of Albin's attention.

Albin merely chuckled, unflustered. "Perhaps one day. But for now, my focus is the family business. Speaking of which, Grandfather, I've had a breakthrough on the overseas expansion. I think it's time we discuss the next steps." He deftly shifted the conversation, drawing Jerald Cole's attention away from Dayton's personal drama.

Jerald Cole nodded, his gaze still sharp. "Indeed, Albin. Always thinking ahead. Unlike some." His eyes darted to Dayton, a clear reprimand. "You could learn a thing or two from your cousin, Dayton. He understands the importance of family legacy. Not just chasing... distractions."

Dayton's jaw tightened, but he maintained his public smile, his arm still around me, a subtle warning. "I assure you, Grandfather, my focus remains on Cole Industries. Everything I do is for the family." He emphasized the last word, his gaze challenging Albin.

"Enough," Jerald boomed, interrupting the silent battle between the cousins. "Let's eat. It's time for breakfast." He gestured towards the dining room, a silent command.

At the breakfast table, Jerald Cole seated me beside him, placing a hand over mine. "Alyssa, my dear, you must be exhausted with all this nonsense. Please, eat well. You look a little thin." It was a rare display of affection from the patriarch, a quiet validation that stung because of its rarity.

He then turned his gaze to Dayton. "And you, Dayton. This recent debacle with Miss Goodwin is unacceptable. It puts the merger at risk. It damages our name. Do you understand the gravity of that?"

Dayton, who had been silently cutting his food, looked up, his expression unreadable. "I understand, Grandfather. It was an unfortunate misunderstanding. Kristin was unwell, and I merely offered assistance to a long-time friend."

"A friend," Jerald scoffed, his eyes narrowing. "A friend who consistently finds herself in compromising situations with you. The public isn't foolish, Dayton. They see what they want to see, and right now, they see a man disrespecting his wife and endangering his family's interests."

The accusation hung heavy in the air. My heart ached, a familiar dull throb. It was always my burden to bear, this perception of being disrespected, disregarded. Even when the family patriarch called him out, it was my pain that was highlighted, not his wrong.

Albin, ever the diplomat, cleared his throat. "Perhaps we should focus on the positive, Grandfather. The merger is progressing well, thanks to Alyssa's diligence. And Dayton has been instrumental in the tech advancements."

Jerald nodded, his gaze softening slightly as he looked at me. "Indeed. Alyssa, you are a credit to this family. Unlike some, you understand duty." His words, meant as praise, felt like a public shaming for Dayton, further solidifying my role as the "good wife" and his as the wayward husband.

Dayton, his face a mask of irritation, finally spoke, his voice clipped. "My duty is to the company, Grandfather. And I have always fulfilled that. This situation with Kristin is... unfortunate, but it changes nothing about my commitment." He looked at me then, a challenging glint in his eyes, a silent dare. "Alyssa and I are completely united in this. Our marriage is strong."

The lie hung in the air, heavy and suffocating. My heart pounded with a mix of fury and despair. I forced a small, brittle smile, meeting his gaze. My face felt stiff, the muscles aching from the effort of maintaining the charade.

"Can we just get on with breakfast?" Dayton snapped, his patience clearly at an end.

I picked at my food, the exquisite pastries and fresh fruit tasting like sawdust in my mouth. My head throbbed. The weight of this performance was crushing. I felt Albin's gaze on me, gentle and concerned.

He leaned slightly closer, his voice a low whisper. "Are you really alright, Alyssa? You've barely touched your food."

I shook my head imperceptibly. "Just not very hungry," I whispered back, my throat tight.

He subtly pushed a glass of water towards me. "Hydrate. It helps." His kindness was a quiet comfort in the storm of my emotions.

I felt Dayton's gaze on us, sharp and possessive. A flicker of something dark crossed his face, a raw jealousy that surprised me. He hated anyone getting close to me, even when he pushed me away himself. It was a strange, twisted form of ownership.

After breakfast, as we were preparing to leave, Jerald Cole called us back. "Dayton, Alyssa. I expect you to stay here tonight. The family needs to see you both together, in this house. A visible display of your continued commitment. Especially after the recent... events."

My heart sank. Stay here? In the house where every shadow held a memory of a love that had died? I wanted to protest, to refuse, to flee. But I saw the determined glint in Jerald's eye, the unyielding power of his demand.

Dayton, to my utter surprise, agreed without a second thought. "Of course, Grandfather. Whatever you wish." He even offered a small, almost genuine smile.

I stared at him, bewildered. Why would he agree so readily? What was he planning? The unexpected consent filled me with a fresh surge of dread. The three months of pretending just became infinitely harder.