His Chains My Wings Chapter 10
For the ensuing six months, Wesley dedicated himself entirely to the art of training. Each day, he immersed himself in the rigorous routines, focusing not just on his own preparation but also on nurturing Micaela’s burgeoning talent. He became her personal coach, accompanying her to a myriad of business events and interviews, each outing meticulously designed to build momentum for the upcoming international competition that loomed just six months away.
In the public eye, he was the epitome of the perfect fiancé and coach, his demeanor polished and his smile unwavering. However, beneath the surface of his charming facade, a tempest brewed. In the shadows, he channeled every ounce of his resources into a relentless search for any sign of Alivia.
“Mr. Pridmore,” one of his subordinates reported, a hint of urgency in his voice, “we’ve uncovered information that on the night of the competition, Ms. Seddon exited the venue in a black sedan equipped with counterfeit plates. The vehicle subsequently entered the VIP section of the international airport, where she boarded a private jet.”
“The destination remains unknown.”
As he absorbed this information, Wesley stood before the expansive floor-to-ceiling window, his silhouette stark against the cityscape. The neon lights of the city flickered like distant stars, but the chill in his gaze held no warmth.
“Continue the search,” he commanded, his voice a frigid whisper. “Leave no stone unturned; I want her found. And when you do locate her, bring her back to me.”
He paused, allowing a cruel edge to seep into his tone. “Just ensure she’s still alive.”
Outside the confines of the office, Micaela felt her smile freeze, a wave of jealousy surging through her from the tips of her toes to the crown of her head.
Why!
Why did Wesley continue to seek Alivia, even after she had become a pariah, disgraced and missing? Micaela had poured herself into pleasing him over the past six months, racking up accolades for her accomplishments in figure skating. So why couldn’t she carve out a place in his heart that Alivia had once occupied?
Clenching her fists tightly, she felt her nails bite into her palms, a physical manifestation of her frustration. But she took a deep breath, forcing a sugary, appropriate smile back onto her face before gently tapping on the office door.
“Wes, it’s time for the post-exhibition interview. The media is eagerly awaiting us.”
With a practiced ease, she pushed the door open and stepped inside, seamlessly taking hold of Wesley’s arm.
Wesley did not pull away; together they stepped into the barrage of flashing cameras, the world outside momentarily forgotten.
The bright lights flashed one after the other, and the cacophony of reporters’ questions surged around them like an unrelenting tide. Most inquiries centered on Micaela’s extraordinary performance.
A reporter, who had been prepped by Micaela beforehand, seized the moment, directing the microphone towards Wesley with a beaming smile. “Mr. Pridmore, Ms. Micaela is currently achieving remarkable results and has garnered a plethora of admirers. When do you intend to officially marry this genius fiancée? If you delay too long, someone else might sweep her away!”
Maintaining his flawless smile, Wesley glanced at the demure Micaela beside him. “Micky has always been exceptional…”
Before he could articulate his thoughts fully, a sharper voice cut through the air, thrusting the microphone directly in front of Micaela.
“Ms. Micaela, it has come to our attention that your sister Alivia was previously implicated in treason and remains at large. As her biological sister, were you aware of her actions? Is there a chance that you might also…”
Micaela’s complexion drained of color in an instant, her heart racing as she looked to Wesley for support.
Though Wesley’s smile remained intact, his eyes turned to frigid steel. He stepped protectively in front of Micaela, his voice steady but laced with an unmistakable authority. “Alivia’s actions are hers alone and do not reflect on Micky in any way. Both I and the entire American figure skating community vehemently condemn such acts of betrayal.”
He paused, letting his gaze sweep across the room before landing on Micaela’s face, his expression solemn. “Furthermore, I would like to take this opportunity to address the previous question from the reporter. I had originally planned to surprise Micky at the international competition three months from now…”
He took Micaela’s hand, pressing a gentle kiss to her knuckles.
“But given the public’s interest, I cannot allow my fiancée to endure any more uncertainty. Yes, I, Wesley, hereby solemnly declare that Micaela is the woman I have chosen to spend my life with. Three months from now, I will propose to her on the competition stage.”
The declaration of “fiancée” reverberated through the room like the crack of thunder, the weight of the moment sinking into the hearts of everyone present.
Micaela, overwhelmed by emotion, instinctively covered her mouth with her hand, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.
After a brief silence, the surrounding reporters and staff erupted into jubilant applause, the atmosphere electric with excitement.
This moment was broadcast live, rapidly spreading across the internet like wildfire.
“Wesley announces engagement!”
“Wesley and Micaela, a match made in heaven!”
“Alivia is unworthy!”
The online world erupted into a frenzy of celebration once more. One group seized the opportunity to publicly denounce Alivia, hurling the most vicious insults her way.
Another faction fervently praised Micaela, heralding her as the ultimate victor in life, declaring that she and Wesley were the perfect couple.
