Chapter 59

Juan was currently lying on his bed, trying to get some rest.
Much was going through his head. Alexander, Heather, the pending work of his brother, his new responsibility, and more than that, he had just one person on his mind and in his heart: Diona Gonzales.
She was the only woman who had the power to send his heart racing. The only lady who has the ability to manipulate him and force him to act in an absurd manner.
To make him do the unthinkable.
He hated the fact that despite everything that had occurred, he was still unable to banish her from his heart, let alone his mind. She might end up being her sister-in-law if Alexander's plot fails. His gut wrenched uncomfortably, his heart squeezed, and his palm curled into a fist at the mere thought of it. It made him feel nauseous.
Even by a remote chance, Diona’s name gets attached to his family, not in a way he likes. He won’t be able to stay here in Diadem’s mansion.
He would have to leave. And he would.
Once his brother returns and resumes with his responsibilities, he would no longer be required here, and if Diona marries Alexander, he shall have to leave to carve his own journey and start fresh.
Even just thinking about her causes him to sigh.
He can still clearly recall the first moment he met her. On his parent's insistence, he went to meet her at the botanical garden of their town. Everything around him was still when his gaze fell on her for the very first time.
Although there were passersby where women who were looking envious at her and men could not help but keep their eyes drawn on her more than necessary, his attention was transfixed on her. A beauty walking towards him from heaven. She was graceful even then.
Yet, unlike now, she had a supple and graceful posture before. She did not hide her feelings, and a genuine grin was always on her lips.
“You must be Alexander Diadem,” She extended her hand to him in a gentle greeting, and he took it elegantly and kissed her knuckles.
“Good day, Diona Gonzales. I am somewhat surprised that you recognized me.” Juan said, trying to disguise his grimace on hearing his brother’s name on her lips.
He was not pleased to impose as his brother, but he did not have any say in the matter. The moment his elder brother disappeared in search of his lost soul, his parents did not have any choice but to force him to pose as Alexander.
His parents could see his underlying reluctance of Alexander to meet Diona when his mother voiced the subject of discussion with the Gonzales family. They did wish to officiate their alliance at the earliest. Alexander's lack of interest in everything was obvious, and his parents did not want to postpone the wedding in case his brother's emotions ran amok.
Before they could tell him about Diona's official visit to his estate, Alexander, who was worried about his parents, disappeared.
Juan did make an effort to convince them that their strategy was flawed, but his mother remained unyielding. Since Gonzales's family had never met Alexander before and they have newly resided in this town, Juan could easily take the place of his brother until his return.
“How could I not? Your aura emanates royalty, and it speaks for itself. It is a great honor for me to meet you,” Diona spoke.
Juan could not help but notice that her voice was melodious. She was not loud nor too soft. To his ears, everything sounded lovely.
“The honor is all mine, m’lady,” Juan said.
He couldn't help but feel envious of Alexander, even though she wasn't his bride but instead of his brother. He had undoubtedly been lucky.
“I pray I didn't keep you waiting too long.” Juan held out his arm for Diona to tuck into, and she replied, "In my defence, I did attempt to make haste, but the route of this town is mighty new to me.”
“Waiting for a lovely lady like you is a time well spent,” Juan steadily led her towards the path of the garden. It was splendid weather and a good day to take a stroll around nature.
He was, however, delighted that his words made Diona flush. Pink was a good color on her.
Diona turned her head away from him and remarked, "You are a charmer, Alexander Diadem."
Juan said, "And you are gorgeous, Diona Gonzales," making her smile even more.
He, however, could not help but feel pain at the speed with which time had passed.
On the very first day, they discussed about their alliance with each other. Juan was initially apprehensive as representing as his brother was challenging. Even though they looked alike and had a lot of similarities, yet they were two separate individuals.
One glaring contrast was that he was laid back, as opposed to Alexander, who was more serious. In contrast to his older brother, he did not carry the weight of the world on his shoulders and had plenty of free time to travel and discover new things.
However, his parents swayed him in an attempt to disguise himself as his brother. Taking his place behind his brother's back seemed like he was betraying him because his brother was a warrior and an outstanding inspiration.
Further, the Gonzales family wanted to make the wedding official at the earliest, and Juan had to delay it. Hence, he did one thing which he truly believed in.
He requested Diona Gonzales to give him and each other time before they proceeded ahead with the wedding. This would provide him with an ideal chance to get some time back till his brother returned, which he hoped would happen sooner rather than later.
Thankfully, she readily agreed, which ultimately made him feel worse about his actions. Being the man she believed she was going to marry was unfair to her.
He simply hoped that none of them would have their feelings hurt when it was time to reveal the truth.