Chapter 40

Alex POV

I uphold my end of the deal, playing the role of a devoted couple with Helen for the past three agonizing days, each moment stretching into eternity as I force myself through the motions of fake affection and empty gestures. The charade leaves me feeling hollow and miserable, a gnawing emptiness gnashing at my insides as I count down the moments until its inevitable conclusion.

The worst part isn’t enduring the facade with Helen but rather the searing glare of jealousy from my brothers, their eyes burning with accusation as if I am genuinely competing for Helen’s affection. Their silent judgment weighs heavily upon me, exacerbating the torment of my own guilt and self-loathing.

Yet, amidst the suffocating confines of my charade, the absence of Hannah’s presence cuts the deepest. Each unanswered call, each ignored message, serves as a pai