Chapter 23
“As an impostor, you only need to know this much, don’t ask questions you shouldn’t!” Alaric’s voice was cold and commanding.
Galatea bit her tongue, silently cursing him, but she snapped the file shut with a steely resolve. “I’ve committed all these details to memory. Don’t worry, I won’t let you down.”
“Good,” Alaric said, his tone now lighter. “Now it’s your turn.”
“My turn for what?” she asked, feigning innocence.
“Don’t play dumb with me.”
Galatea’s mind raced. Was he asking about her background? The one filled with secrets she could never share with anyone?
“It’s pretty simple. My parents died, and my husband passed away when I was pregnant. Now, it’s just me and my children,” she revealed, keeping her voice steady.
Alaric was taken aback. Both parents dead? And a deceased husband? His surprise was evident.
Galatea couldn’t help but let out a mischievous laugh, teasing him. “Scared? If you think I’m cursed, you could always find someone else. Despite your flaws, you’ve got money and power.”
Before she could finish her sentence, Alaric lunged at her. She instinctively retreated, her back slamming into the car door.
“You’re too inexperienced to scare me. Remember, if you don’t want to end up dead, you’d better behave,” he warned, his voice low and dangerous.
Galatea’s thoughts raced. He’s a miracle of medicine, having woken up from a three-year coma after a severe injury. He’s probably used to pushing people around. But I’m no fool.
“Pervert!” she shot back, shoving him away, swiftly smoothing out her clothes.
“Drop the act. You wouldn’t have agreed if it weren’t for the money,” he accused, his eyes narrowing.
Galatea’s mind flared with a silent truth. If it weren’t for his fiancée’s useful status, which could help me find my son, I wouldn’t even glance at him! But of course, she kept that thought to herself.
“Right,” she replied, her voice sweet as she flashed him a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “So, for the money’s sake, I’ll play along.”
As they drove through an upscale residential neighborhood, Galatea’s gaze drifted out the window. The lavish homes brought a rush of memories—memories of the life she once had. She used to live in a luxury villa back when the Storm family was thriving, when her father and that man were still around.
Alaric caught the wistful look in her eyes and couldn’t help but note it, but he said nothing.
“We’re here,” he announced as the car came to a stop. Galatea quickly snapped back to reality, her heart fluttering nervously. This was it—the most crucial part of her role as an impostor.
As they approached the house, a servant greeted them with, “Alaric is here.”
Galatea felt a knot tighten in her stomach. She didn’t know what to expect, but the nerves were overwhelming. She had to act her part flawlessly.
“Alaric’s here,” Griffin Nash called out as he approached with an easygoing smile, his wife, Mrs. Ravenna Nash, trailing behind him.
Griffin, despite being middle-aged, had a posture and presence that demanded attention. Mrs. Ravenna Nash, on the other hand, had a warm, kind face without the aloofness that one might expect from someone of her status.
Seeing the woman by Alaric’s side, both Griffin and Ravenna were momentarily shocked. They exchanged a quick, surprised glance, and Galatea’s heart skipped. She felt suddenly exposed.
After the greetings, Alaric got straight to the point. “This is Galatea, my girlfriend.”
Galatea, doing her best to mirror the formalities, nodded slightly and said, “Hello, Mr. Griffin Nash, Mrs. Ravenna Nash.”
Just recently, Orion had come home in tears, claiming that Alaric had another woman. At first, Griffin and Ravenna hadn’t believed it, assuming it was just a misunderstanding due to some mishap Orion caused. They had even asked Alaric about it, but this time, to their surprise, he brought a woman with him!
“Alaric!” Orion’s voice rang out excitedly as she hurriedly touched up her makeup and rushed downstairs. But her excitement faltered when she saw the woman beside Alaric. Her complexion shifted from excitement to pure shock.
Ravenna, sensing the potential awkwardness, quickly called out, “Orion, Alaric has brought his girlfriend. Come down and say hello.”
Orion froze, staring at Galatea with clear disbelief. Her posture was stiff, and her voice trembled with anger. “Greet his new girlfriend?”
“Alaric, Galatea, please have a seat,” Griffin urged them, his smile polite but strained.
Galatea glanced at Alaric, unsure of what to do next, but he gently guided her by the hand, leading her to the couch. As they sat down, Griffin sent a silent look in Orion’s direction, pleading with her to keep her composure.
Once they were seated, Griffin smiled warmly at Galatea. “We’ve watched Alaric grow up since he was a boy. Ravenna and I are like his own parents, so think of this as your own home. There’s no need to be formal.”
Galatea couldn’t tell if their kindness was genuine, but it certainly left a positive impression. “Thank you, Griffin,” she said, returning the smile.
But as Griffin studied her closely, his brow furrowed. “Galatea? Have we met before?”
The question caught her off guard. Years ago, before everything changed, she had been the heiress of the prestigious Storm family—known to some as Arizona’s leading socialite. She was rarely seen in public, studying abroad for much of her youth. Her name was familiar to many, but very few had ever seen her in person, especially now that she had assumed a new identity.
Even Alaric, the scion of a wealthy dynasty, had no recollection of her, and she couldn’t recall meeting Griffin Nash in the past.
“Maybe I just have one of those common faces? I’ve been abroad for a long time; you couldn’t have possibly seen me, Mr. Nash,” she responded with a calm, slightly awkward smile.
“Is that so?” Griffin asked with a sheepish smile. “Then I must be mistaken.”
Before the conversation could continue, Orion stormed over, her face twisted with anger. “Alaric, where did you find this woman from? Even if you’re trying to break up with me, there’s no need to humiliate me by bringing someone like her into the picture!”
“Orion, that’s no way to behave!” Ravenna scolded, trying and failing to stop her.
But Alaric held up a hand, his demeanor calm and steady. “It’s okay. I understand that Orion is upset. I brought Galatea here today to clear the air,” he said, his voice surprisingly gentle as he wrapped an arm around Galatea and pulled her closer. “She isn’t someone I’ve found randomly. We’ve been together for quite some time.”
Orion’s disbelief only deepened. “You’re lying!” she spat.
With a calm demeanor, Alaric addressed Mr. Nash, “Others might not know the nature of my relationship with Orion, but you’re well aware. I’ve always been grateful to her, but gratitude doesn’t turn into romantic feelings.”
Galatea’s heart clenched at the words, but she remained silent, listening closely.
Alaric continued, his voice firm and resolute, “All these years, the charade was for the child’s sake, to avoid hurting him. I’ve kept my relationship with Galatea quiet, but unfortunately, Orion and Caspian aren’t meant to be. Since my marriage with Orion has been a sham, and my son won’t accept her, there’s no point in continuing this charade. I want to pursue my own happiness, and I hope you can understand that.”
The room fell silent as Alaric’s words hung in the air, leaving everyone to process the truth of his declaration.