<b>“</b>I’m so sorry about what happened. That was a massive blow,” she said.


    I lifted my chin. “It was very generous of Alpha Eden to-”


    “You don’t have to pretend with me,” she cut me off with a wan smile. “I know his type; I know what he’s doing. I can help you.”


    My brows pinched together. “Help us how?”


    “I have experience in public rtions,” she said, gesturing to Alexander. “Which is precisely why I applied for the position. If you hire me, I can help boost your reputation. The campaign I can create would be subtle and effective, I assure you.”


    Alexander sighed softly. “Jane, I appreciate the offer, but I’m still making my decision on who to hire…”


    “I know, I know. But at least let me offer you some free advice: you two and your son should be seen in public more often. Create a family image. Show the world that you’re one unit, a happy family, a loving couple with a beautiful son. People like that sort of thing.”


    “You think that would help after tonight?” I blurted out.


    Jane nodded. “Of course. The sooner you do it, the better. If people see you out together as a family, not only will it seem like you’repletely unbothered by Richard and Brian’s campaign, but it will also remind people that you have something they don’t: family values.”


    She leaned a little closer to me then. “After all, Richard is your father, and Brian is your brother; but they’re not acting like it, are they? Not really. You’re trying to help their pack, but they’re only working against you. Very publicly, might I add.”


    “But no one believes that we’re rted,” I said. “Those who heard about my ims think I’m a liar who’s trying to take advantage of people by using the identity of a dead woman. So the family values‘ aspect is kind of moot.”


    “Well, the suspicion surrounding your identity can’t be avoided, unfortunately. So you must prove your kindness and gentleness to them if you want to change their opinions of you and get them to believe you. And what’s the best way to do that?” Jane grinned. “What has every political figure done throughout history to gain poprity?”


    “Hold babies,” Alexander muttered.


    Jane nodded. “Yes. Hold babies. Hold your baby. Go out as a family. Do some cute family things. Let everyone see the love you have in your hearts. It might not fix everything, but it would be a start, wouldn’t it?”


    Alexander and I looked at each other, and I could tell we were both thinking the same thing: it didn’t feel great to use our son for our own gain like this. It was not what we had ever wanted for him. Lucien had already had it rough, and he was still just a baby.


    But then again, we were overdue for a family outing, if only to take our own minds off of all we had been through… Perhaps it couldn’t hurt. Kill two birds with one stone and all that.


    We told Jane we would consider it, thanked her, and left. By the following morning, the news had spread: my father was viewed as the humble savior of his rival’s g, and I was seen as a failure who couldn’t even seed in charity, let alone “pretending” to be <b>a </b>dead woman.


    Richard and Brian looked like Saints. I was quickly painted as a devil–literally. The political cartoons had already begun toe out, with one depicting me with horns and a tail, leering over Alexander’s shoulder like an imp straight out of Hell. Meanwhile, my father and half–brother were floating in the sky with halos above their heads, praying for the burning vige behind us.


    Alexander and I didn’t need to discuss it further. After breakfast<b>, </b>he handed me my jacket.


    “Let’s go out.”


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    <strong>Sara Lili</strong> is a daring romance writer who turns icyndscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of d’s breathtaking cold.