Alex: All is not as it seems... (The London Elite Book 1) by Jessica Lou

Author:Jessica Lou [Lou, Jessica]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Romance
Publisher: Bethany M. Smith
Published: 2021-11-11T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Sixteen

'BETH'

My mouth is hanging open in awe as Hal pulls up the Edwardsons’ driveway. It’s been over a week since Alex, Hal, Wade and Jamie forced me out of my selective hiding and back into the social circles of the younger generation.

I should have expected the monstrosity of a mansion, but just like every other time in this damn world, I find myself speechless. Their overbearing home is built out of dark brick, over four storeys high. Giant sash windows cover the front of the house, little hints of ivy growing up the side and effectively breaking the harshness of the Victorian Gothic vibe.

Hal turns off the engine, and I hesitantly step out of her black convertible, unable to glance away from the immense building, watching as a wispy red curtain blows out of an upstairs window.

‘It’s nice, isn’t it?’ Hal exclaims as she walks around the side of the car. ‘Do you remember it from when you were kids? Didn’t you and Katherine used to come here all the time?’

I instantly snap my head towards her as images of Katherine and Bethany flit through my mind. ‘It seems a lot bigger,’ I lie, and she laughs.

‘I would have thought it looks smaller now. Seeing as you’re older and taller.’ She loops her arm through mine and hauls me up the stairs towards the entrance.

‘I’m not sure about this, Hal,’ I say as nerves creep up my throat. My friend lifts her hand to tap on the huge wooden door.

‘You’ll be fine,’ she assures me. I shuffle my feet in response as she hammers hard on the door. What if Alex’s parents recognise that I’m not Bethany? They aren’t stupid. Alex and Bethany were apparently close, surely a twelve-year disappearing act isn’t enough for them to forget how she looks.

Sure… Bethany and I look relatively similar. But I’m definitely no high-class debutante.

I’ve managed to avoid Victoria at all events so far, sticking to the other side of the room in the fear of being exposed as a fraud.

‘I don’t know—’

I’m cut off by the door swinging open to reveal a grinning blonde woman. Obviously middle-aged, she has tiny laughter lines around her eyes, and I know at first glance that this is where Alex got his gorgeous emerald eyes from.

Victoria Edwardson. Alex’s mother.

‘Bethany!’ she exclaims, and I hold my breath as she pulls me in for a hug. ‘It’s been way too long.’

‘I… I know,’ I stutter just as she pulls back, holding my hand in hers. She’s wearing a loose-fitting green summer dress, despite the cloudy sky and impending autumn weather.

‘It’s lovely to see you again. You’ve grown up absolutely gorgeous. Just like your sister,’ she tells me before finally letting go of my hand. ‘Hello, Halle.’

‘Mrs Edwardson,’ Hal greets her with a grin.

Alex’s mum waves her hand dismissively. ‘You know it’s Victoria,’ she corrects my friend.

I can’t help but smile at the friendly woman. I’ve been so worried she would be like the rest of the women I’ve met.

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