Fake Mate Beta Rises to Alpha Heiress (Natalie) novel Chapter 20

**Chapter 20: First Meeting**

**Aaliyah’s POV:**

With a deep breath, I mustered the strength to push myself upright, giving Sofia’s hand a gentle squeeze. I could feel the weight of her understanding as she reluctantly rose to leave the room, her footsteps fading into the distance.

Now, the space felt almost suffocatingly empty, just Landon and me. He yanked his tie loose, the fabric slipping from his grasp as he settled beside me. The instant his hand brushed against my arm, I recoiled, shaking it off as if his touch burned me.

“Stop this, alright? I’ve been really tired lately,” he said, his voice thick with exhaustion, each word heavy like a stone.

I chose silence, letting the quietness stretch between us. Moments later, I felt my shoulders begin to tremble, a familiar wave of emotion crashing over me.

He recognized the signs—I was crying again. His tone shifted, softening as if he were trying to soothe a wounded animal. “I’m sorry. It’s all my fault.”

Before I could gather my thoughts, Landon wrapped his arms around me from behind, pulling me tightly against him. I fought against his embrace, my instincts urging me to escape, but it was futile; his hold was too strong, too encompassing.

“The Richardson Group is in serious trouble,” he said, his voice laced with urgency. “Deals have been collapsing one after another. The financial losses are staggering. The family is in constant conflict. I just couldn’t juggle everything, and in the chaos, I neglected you.”

His words hung in the air, a bitter truth that stung. “There’s nothing between Natalie and me,” he continued, his voice strained. “She threw a tantrum that disrupted the Richardson Group. I just need to keep her stable.”

As he spoke, I felt the tension in my body begin to ease. His explanation, while not entirely reassuring, offered a sliver of comfort. I leaned against his chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat, grounding me amidst the storm of my emotions.

“You understand, right? Natalie is still useful to us. If she becomes suspicious, it could jeopardize our plans. Is your trust in me really that fragile?” A sigh escaped his lips, tinged with a bitterness I couldn’t ignore.

“I was just scared,” I admitted, my voice hoarse and thick with emotion. “I’m scared that after all these years, you might have changed.”

Slowly, Landon turned my body to face him. I could feel the heat radiating from my cheeks, a mix of alcohol and tears staining my face. I must have looked a sight, but when I met his gaze, I found tenderness reflected back at me.

In that moment, I could see him lost in thought, perhaps reminiscing about the past—the warmth I had once provided him on those snowy plains.

“You saved my life,” he murmured, his voice dropping to a whisper. “I swore an oath. I will repay that debt for the rest of my life. That will never change. Otherwise…” His words trailed off, the weight of that ancient vow hanging between us.

But I wouldn’t let him finish. Gently, I pressed my fingers against his lips, silencing him. My cheeks felt flushed, and my eyes brimmed with unshed tears. I rested my head against his sturdy shoulder, seeking solace in his presence.

“Don’t speak of unlucky things,” I said softly. “I believe you. It’s just that sometimes, I can’t help but overthink.”

“After all, Natalie has been by your side day and night for two years,” I added, the words slipping out before I could stop them.

Landon chuckled softly, a sound that lightened the atmosphere, and pinched my cheek playfully. “Silly Aaliyah. Some connections are destined to last a lifetime from the very first meeting. And some people are just passing through your life. No matter how long you know them, it was never meant to be.”

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