Page 39 of The Marriage Pact
Kaitlyn was astonished. She hadn’t even thought about it like that, but she was beginning to realize how superficial all this could be: the fake smiles, the forced words, and then the stab in the back.
“It’s awful,” she said.
Alex smiled. “Don’t worry. You did perfectly tonight. Let’s get through the next couple of hours and see everyone off.”
“And maybe you’ll take some time off tomorrow,” Kaitlyn ventured.
He smiled but remained noncommittal, and they continued to dance, safe, for now, from further scrutiny. But as the night drew on, Kaitlyn couldn’t help but feel as though it was all for show, and that everything about the evening had been false. She’d been a part of it — a new dress, being seen, saying all the right things. It wasn’t her, and it wasn’t him, either, or so she hoped. It was a relief when the last of the guests had left, and the two of them got into the waiting car outside the hotel. Alex breathed a sigh of relief.
“Well, that’s that over with. I’m sorry about tonight. It was like throwing you into the lions’ den,” he said, turning to her and reaching out his hand.
Kaitlyn took it and smiled. “Don’t worry. I did my best. I hope it was all right?”
Alex nodded. “You did perfectly. The vultures were out in full force,” he replied, sighing and shaking his head.
Kaitlyn looked at him sympathetically. “Are you worried about this deal? I thought Hilary had it all in hand?”
“It’s all up in the air. I thought it was a done deal. Itwasa done deal. But there are never any certainties in business. Still, we’ve put on a show for them, rolled out the red carpet. That’s all we can do, for now,” he said.
Kaitlyn hoped she hadn’t made things difficult for him. She’d felt entirely awkward the entire evening and hadn’t known whether she was digging a hole for herself or climbing out of one she’d unwittingly fallen into.
“Is that woman going to write about us? Malwida Ree? She was awful.”
Alex smiled. “I’m sure she’ll write something. Whether it’s good or bad, we’ll see. I’ve learned not to worry too much about it. These things are storms in teacups. Sheisawful, though, isn’t she?” he said, his smile turning mischievous.
“Absolutely dreadful,” Kaitlyn replied.
She was glad they could laugh about these sorts of things. Glad that they had one another to laugh with.
“I think it’s been a success. Even if we get just, say, thirty percent of the investors on board, we can cover our ambition. I think we convinced enough of them for that,” he said.
Kaitlyn nodded. She’d have preferred it if he’d measured the evening’s success against the quality of time they’d spent together, but this was his night, not theirs. There were bound to be many more to come. She’d have to endure many more nights like this, when Kaitlyn would be expected to dress to impress, to say the right things, and help secure a deal. It was part and parcel of being married to a man like Alex. Or so she supposed. But the question of that marriage still lay open. They weren’t married yet, and since arriving in New York, Kaitlyn hadn’t actually heard him mention their plans, either. It made her feel nervous, as though this was all some kind of test.
He’s not like that.
And yet part of her was beginning to wonder if perhaps itwasall a test. One she was yet to pass.
CHAPTER 15
ALEX
Alex had been pleased with how the night had gone. His speech had seemed to go down well, but he’d stepped down from the stage before there was a chance for any awkward questions to be asked and had avoided the more difficult investors once the entertainment had concluded, leaving Hilary to deal with the final pleasantries. As they approached the apartment, though, he was ruminating over what had happened; he felt guilty for exposing Kaitlyn to the scrutiny of so many people. She didn’t deserve that, and he hadn’t prepared her properly. But her performance had been exemplary, even if there’d been a few slip-ups along the way. She’d smiled at all the right people, listened and appeared interested, even making her own comments over the deal. And yet it was hardly fair for him to have expected her to do so.
“Are you really all right about all this? I feel like I’ve forced you into it a bit,” he said, wondering if she was simply putting on a brave face and saying what she thought he wanted to hear.
She smiled at him and squeezed his hand. “It was daunting, but we got through it, didn’t we? And if it means the deal goes ahead, then that’s all that matters.”
It wasn’t quite the answer he’d hoped for, though he knew he didn’t have the right to demand anything more from her. As for the deal, Alex wasn’t certain itwasin hand. There were still so many uncertainties surrounding it all, and if the Mexican contingent pulled out, he would have a real problem on his hands.
“We’ll see,” he said, forcing a smile to his face.
But behind the smile lay a worry, and not just about the Jamaica deal. Alex was beginning to wonder if this had all been too much too soon. He’d thrust Kaitlyn into the limelight, and there’d been several moments when things had almost unraveled. Would Malwida continue digging? And what about when further questions were asked? Alex knew he’d acted on impulse in proposing again. Was this what was meant by cold feet? He’d brought Kaitlyn to New York, and she was like a fish out of water. He wanted her to be happy, but he was beginning to wonder if he was actually making her so.
“Are you sure you’re all right?” Kaitlyn asked as the car pulled up outside the apartment, and Alex nodded.
“I’m fine… just a little tired.” But behind the façade, Alex couldn’t help but wonder if it was all moving too fast.
“He’ll haveto deal with it himself, won’t he? He’s meant to be the CEO of the Pacific arm. I can’t hold his hand every timethere’s a problem,” Alex said, disconnecting the call before Hilary had a chance to answer.
