Between Love and Family Ties

Chapter 1

In an unexpected twist of fate, entertainment heartthrob Alaric Langley finds himself stepping into the world of matrimony with business mogul Edmund Bright due to a sudden family alliance. It feels surreal to the charming and suave Alaric as he accepts his red marriage license, and deep down, he harbors a quiet disdain for his new husband, who, despite his outward successes, demonstrates a lack of social finesse that seems to rival the depths of the earth.
Initially, Alaric believed their post-wedding life would be dull and filled with conflicts. However, as the days unfold in their daily interactions, Edmund's irresistible charms slowly reveal themselves one by one, stunning Alaric in ways he never anticipated.
Love, as it turns out, begins to take root and blossom in the most unexpected of places.
---
This tale follows a 1V1 romance narrative filled with sweetness after marriage and a growing family, committed to a consistent style of "sugar without charge."

Chapter 2

The moment Alaric Langley stepped out of the terminal, the excited screams of fans enveloped him.
"Wow, Jasper looks a thousand times better in person than on screen!"
Compliments swirled in the air as the crowd of fans gathered, buzzing with enthusiasm but still carefully maintaining a safe distance. Even the most ardent of young fans could barely contain themselves, calling out, “Alaric, I love you!”
Alaric smiled, nodding in appreciation toward the source of the voice.
“Alaric, you have a text message,” his manager, Charlotte Waverly, said, hurrying to catch up to him, phone in hand.
Alaric slowed his pace and glanced at the screen. It read: “Tell Alaric to call me back.” He swiftly dialed the number using Charlotte's phone.
The ringing echoed as he unlocked his own phone, confirming his suspicions with a missed call notification.
Just as he had expected, his older brother was likely in a hurry for something urgent.
“Hello,” came a familiar voice.
“Hey, it’s me,” Alaric replied, trying to keep his tone low. “What’s up?”
“Where are you?” Cedric asked.
“I just landed, still at the airport, planning to head to the office.”
“Don’t go to the office yet,” Cedric said. His tone was non-negotiable, although it was hard to tell if he was worried or not. “Uncle Reginald is waiting for you outside the airport. I’ve sent you the car’s location. Come home.”
“Oh.”
“That’s it. Lucinda and I are waiting for you. Hurry.”
“…”
Cedric ended the call.
Alaric rolled his eyes, a strange sense of foreboding creeping up his spine—Lucinda was also summoned home? Oh dear, he hoped nothing too serious had happened.
On the bright side, maybe it was just the world about to explode.
Sighing, he returned the phone to Charlotte, apologizing, “I can’t go to the office. I need to head home first.”
Charlotte knitted her brows, a bit deflated, but she knew who was on the other end of that call, so she didn’t argue further. She just sighed, giving his shoulder a reassuring pat.
“Go ahead. I’ll take the company van to explain things.”
“Thanks a lot,” Alaric replied with a playful grin before consulting the location and jogging towards the car.
Behind him, fans were still pursuing him with shrill cries of excitement.
“Uncle Reginald,” Alaric panted as he slid into the backseat.
The middle-aged driver smiled gently and returned the greeting.
Alaric relaxed, dropping his formality. He was exhausted and slumped into the backseat, lazily asking, “What does my brother need me for?”
“I’m not sure,” Uncle Reginald said as he started the car, shaking his head. “Miss Lucinda was also called back unexpectedly. She just arrived this morning.”
“How about our parents?” Alaric asked.
“Lord and Lady Langley haven’t returned yet.”
Alaric let out a sigh of relief. He wasn’t particularly eager to know what was going on, but at least it wasn’t serious enough to involve their parents.
Just as he thought that, Uncle Reginald added, “Lord and Lady Langley are flying in tomorrow.”
“…” Alaric nearly choked on his own breath.
He decided against speaking further, opting instead to let the impending doom wash over him comfortably, closing his eyes to catch up on some much-needed sleep.
The car warmed his bones as it jostled gently on the way back, transforming the backseat into a cozy nook where the young star quickly drifted off.
When they arrived, Uncle Reginald called out softly, waking him and opening the door.
The crisp fall air rushed in, and Alaric had no choice but to rouse himself, rubbing his eyes as he stepped out.
Uncle Reginald had indeed driven him back to Bright Hall, the family estate that typically lay quiet but was now alive with the buzz of a family reunion. Tomorrow, the elders would return.
Alaric sighed deeply, heart heavy with anxious anticipation as he steeled himself to enter.
“Brother!” As soon as he opened the door, a slender figure leaped towards him. Alaric startled and reflexively reached out to catch his petite sister, Lucinda Langley, who was theatrically batting her big doe eyes at him. “I adore you, dear brother! Do you prefer ‘Miracle’ or ‘Confessions’?”
Taking a moment to process, Alaric compared the two wedding dress brands in his mind, then replied, “Probably ‘Miracle’—it’s more classic and elegant... Are you really getting married?”
Lucinda, who worked in the entertainment industry like him, feigned dramatic heartache, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. “No, brother, it’s you who’s getting married. I will miss you terribly!”
“…”
If Lucinda were just a bit shorter, Alaric might have spun her around and tossed her out of the house.

Chapter 3

Alaric Langley rushed into the Great Room, swapping out his shoes for the slippers the butler had prepared.
He didn't doubt Lucinda Langley's words for a second; she wasn't one to lie or tease him. She was straightforward. Deep down, he couldn't shake the feeling that if their family ever suggested a marriage arrangement, it could indeed become reality—potentially for a special reason.
The Great Room’s lavish sofa cradled only one figure. Alaric's heart sank as he glanced at the overflowing ashtray. His older brother was clearly troubled.
"What's going on, Cedric?" Alaric asked, clinging to a flicker of hope.
Cedric looked up, extinguishing his cigarette in the ashtray, and motioned him over with a nod. "Come sit."
Alaric wanted nothing more than to refuse. He longed for the days when he was filming on distant shores, far removed from this chaos. But family duties were calling, and he reluctantly made his way to the sofa with a furrowed brow.
Lucinda returned to the room, her expression one of deep sympathy, settling beside their brother and casting a concerned glance his way.
For a moment, the eldest brother was silent, and Alaric felt the tension thick in the air. He finally broke the uneasy silence. "Why did little sister say… I need to get… married… um..."
Cedric was still pondering how to ease into this conversation. Seeing Alaric's strained expression tugged at his heart. "I was just looking for your input. Think it over."
"Come on… what’s really going on?" Alaric sighed, relaxing just a bit. He reminded himself that despite Cedric’s authoritative presence, he had never pressured him—if anything, Cedric had always been protective.
Cedric nodded thoughtfully and began to explain the situation.
"You know House of Bright, right? They're one of the leading tech giants, just like our Langley Clan. Our relationships have always been complicated—it's hard to say whether we're rivals or partners."
"I know…" Alaric replied, still a bit confused.
"For the past few years, both companies have been developing multifunctional robotic butlers. Both sides have made technological breakthroughs and have a good idea of each other’s advancements," Cedric continued. "But the core technologies can’t be shared, and progress has been slow."
"Oh… so why not take it easy and let it unfold?"
Cedric chuckled softly, shaking his head. "While we haven't yet produced a final product, the current prototypes are quite advanced. And when the final model is released, it will likely lead the global market. This interest from overseas is significant—it could be valued over a billion."
"That much?" Alaric’s gaze sharpened as it fell on the file. He stood up to grab it, sitting beside his brother.
Though he didn’t particularly enjoy dealing with such documents, he wasn’t clueless; his coursework in finance back in college gave him the smarts. However, he had stumbled into the entertainment industry, leaving little use for those skills.
Skimming through, he started to grasp the dynamics.
The proposal Cedric mentioned wasn’t just a straightforward deal for the Langley Clan but rather a competitive transaction. In simple terms, their biggest rival, House of Bright, would be their main obstacle.
And the feeling was mutual; the Langley Clan posed the same threat to House of Bright.
"No one is guaranteed to claim success. Rather than each take a fifty-fifty risk, it might be better to step back and share everything one hundred percent."
Alaric, not being naïve, connected the dots quickly and asked, "So I’m the sacrifice? Is that all I’m worth—just a few hundred million to you, brother?"
Lucinda gasped, eyes wide. "Oh my God, how is my second brother worth that much?"
Alaric flung the file at her in irritation.
The papers zipped past Cedric without him flinching, a twinge of guilt in his eyes. After all, Alaric was his younger brother, raised with affection, and his heart ached for him. "So I wanted you to weigh the decision for yourself. This opportunity could yield great profits, but if House of Bright snatches the order before us, we may never catch up in this market."
"I get it," Alaric replied more seriously. "If it’s just about a single deal, I doubt you’d resort to sacrificing your brother. But can’t we negotiate a partnership without a marriage? Why does it have to be that?"
"That’s one option," Cedric answered. "But it complicates trust and security between us. Of course, if you're unwilling, I can opt for other methods."
Each of Alaric's arguments felt like they were countered perfectly, and the more he spoke, the guiltier he felt about saying no. "It’s not that I’m unwilling… I get that a marriage could serve as peace of mind and a stabilizing tactic. But there’s no emotional foundation between us. If it falls apart someday, we’d just be left with a messy split… so…"
"What?" Cedric leaned closer, intrigued.
"Who would I be marrying in all this? A direct relation? Distant kin?"
A smile appeared on Cedric’s face, and the significance of the question dawned on him.
"For you, it would have to be a direct family member—Edmund Bright."
The notorious cool-headed CEO.
Alaric felt a chill run through him, picturing that icy, emotionless face, as if a dagger were lodged in his heart.
Lucinda, ever the instigator, jumped in, "Oh, Edmund Bright! Big bro, think of it! You’d be the lady of the house!"
"Shut up..." Alaric shot her a pained glance and turned back to Cedric, feeling a surge of injustice. "Why not send little sister to do it?"
"Not a compatible orientation."
"Then why not you?"
Cedric remained unfazed. “The numbers don’t match.”
Alaric was left speechless.
He sensed that his chance to confront their parents about why they hadn't had one more child would have to wait until tomorrow when they returned home.

Chapter 4

After a night filled with complex thoughts and inner turmoil, Alaric Langley finally came to a decision. The sun was just beginning to rise as he headed downstairs for breakfast, the dark circles under his eyes betraying his sleepless night.
Lucinda Langley nearly choked on her milk, quickly pulling out her phone to snap a rare, unflattering photo of a popular male celebrity for her collection.
Cedric Langley descended the stairs, adjusting his tie. Upon seeing Alaric and Lucinda at the table, he paused, a puzzled look crossing his face. "Why are you two up so early?"
"I have an interview," Lucinda explained, peeling a hard-boiled egg. "I came home so abruptly yesterday, and things have been hectic lately."
"And you?" Cedric turned to Alaric.
Alaric sighed, sipping his tea to clear his foggy head. "I didn’t sleep well… How could I, with you suddenly deciding to get married, and to a stranger? Can you blame me for being on edge?"
Cedric looked surprised, the weight of the news settling in. After a short silence, he cautiously asked, "So, you've decided to marry Edmund Bright?"
"What other choice do I have?" Alaric chuckled bitterly, adding, "I thought about it all night. I realize I should contribute to the family. I've been spoiled for too long—first by our parents, then by you. I’ve never considered the pressure you face in the company and from the entire Langley family."
Cedric felt a blend of emotion—gratitude and worry. He had been reflecting on several details over the past few days, and hearing Alaric's readiness to enter this union stirred conflicting feelings of pride and sorrow. "If your only reason is this, then forget it. The Langley family could support you for a lifetime."
"What about me?" Lucinda interjected, her eyes shining with hope.
"You’d be even more extravagant than your brother. You should get married sooner rather than later."
Lucinda wiped a tear and decided to hurry off for her interview despite the playful banter in the air.
Alaric, still feeling the effects of his restless night, burst into laughter, shaking off the weight of yesterday's ridicule. Once he calmed down and felt more energized, he took a bite of toast and said, "Brother, I’m serious. The Langley family does well, and so do I—it’s crucial for us to be on equal footing with the House of Bright. I also don’t want a day to come when they squeeze us out of the market."
"Go on," Cedric urged, tilting his chin for emphasis.
Alaric pictured Edmund's icy expression and continued, “My commitment isn't ironclad yet—it's about 90%. The last 10% still deserves a discussion with Edmund before I fully agree.”
"That’s fair," Cedric nodded, feeling reassured. Finally taking a seat at the table, he concluded, "I’ll arrange for you two to talk."
Cedric was efficient in his dealings; no sooner had they finished breakfast than he reached out to Lord Roland Bright.
At sixty-something, Lord Roland looked remarkable for his age. He received Cedric's polite message while on a morning jog and responded cheerfully, promising that he would have his son reach out to Alaric.
Within five minutes, Alaric's phone buzzed.
Both he and Lucinda stared at the screen in shock, each holding a piece of toast, bending closer to read the message.
It simply read: "When are you free?"
If the sender was standing in front of Alaric, he would have wanted to throw his half-eaten toast at him.
After a moment’s thought, he decided to feign ignorance, typing back, “Who is this?”
The other end went silent for an unusually long time. Lucinda couldn’t help but laugh, imagining Edmund’s typically composed face turning an alarming shade of purple with frustration.
Cedric smiled lightly from across the table and recommended, "That's enough.”
"Well, he was rude first!" Alaric protested, looking to Lucinda for support, and she nodded eagerly in agreement.
“As I understand it,” Cedric began, shaking his head slightly, “Edmund is highly intelligent but not very expressive.”
“Seems like he needs a crash course in social skills,” Alaric scoffed, revealing his true thoughts more plainly than tactfully. He paused his banter for a moment and waved it off. “Alright, fine. I’ll tone it down.”
Just then, another message pinged back from the other side.
Two simple words came through—“It’s Edmund.” The annoyance practically radiated from the text.
Alaric couldn't help but chuckle again, replying with a mockingly enlightened “Oh,” adding three ellipses afterward. This time, he decided against provoking further anger. He typed, “Edmund, being busy means we’ll work around your schedule.”

Chapter 5

Edmund Bright let out a cold snort on the other end of the phone, his expression betraying little emotion. His mood lightened slightly, oblivious to Alaric Langley’s sarcastic intent. He considered himself far too busy compared to some mere pop star.
“I’m available after five this afternoon,” he stated matter-of-factly.
“Sounds good! Let’s make it five-thirty, then. Always a pleasure to share a meal with you, Edmund,” Alaric Langley replied, a mischievous grin creeping across his face as he confirmed their dinner plans.
“I'll pick you up at five-thirty,” Edmund replied.
After their conversation, the consensus was reached. Alaric’s urge to tease had dissipated, and he sent Edmund the address of their company.
“Got it all set?” Cedric Langley asked, his voice tinged with concern.
“Yep, dinner tonight to catch up,” Alaric replied nonchalantly.
“So, you won't be dining with Mom and Dad?” Cedric inquired.
Alaric froze for a moment, suddenly reminded that his parents were returning home on their flight today.
“Well, I've already made plans,” he said with a resigned sigh. “You guys have dinner with Mom and Dad, I’ll be back as soon as I can.”
“Alright,” Cedric nodded in understanding.
After a satisfying meal, Alaric prepared to head to the office, but his sister Lucinda Langley quickly joined him, insisting they drive out together, both of them being signed under the same Bard's Guild, saving her from the hassle of driving alone.
Alaric agreed and handed over the driving responsibilities. After a lengthy dispute of who should drive, it ended with Cedric volunteering to take them both and arriving at the office a bit later.
In the back seat, the two girls dozed off, one of them unable to wake up no matter what, while the other, who had barely slept the night before, was still reluctant to stir.
Cedric maneuvered the car into a concealed underground parking lot, trying to keep a low profile for the two sleepy girls.
Lucinda used a stage name, Cassandra Willow, to keep her real identity hidden in the entertainment industry. She had debuted later than Alaric and didn’t want to be seen as riding on her brother’s coattails. The two older brothers supported her, as long as she wasn’t breaking any serious rules.
With the car warmed up, Cedric allowed them an extra 15 minutes of sleep, but as the time ticked by, he reached for the car stereo and cranked up the volume.
“Is there a place under his umbrella for you? Is your name held in his heart…”
“Ahhh!” Lucinda jolted awake and stretched forward, desperately trying to silence the music. “Come on, big bro, are you obsessed with us or what?”
Alaric, also waking up, buried his face in his hands. “Not only am I dealing with a sister-crush, but I also have to relive those cringeworthy debut songs!”
Cedric chuckled, successfully nudging them both out of the car.
As Alaric and Lucinda made a mock show of being unfamiliar with each other while walking towards the elevator, they finally separated as they reached the office floor.
Upon arrival, Alaric dashed to find his agent, Charlotte Waverly, to inquire about the events of the previous day.
He had missed a promotional shoot due to an abrupt departure, leaving the team hanging and earning his guilt.
“Charlotte, I hope the crew wasn’t too upset with me,” Alaric said with a sheepish smile.
“Fortunately, they’ve kept their cool, but they’re not too pleased,” Charlotte said with a furrowed brow. “It’s not like they don’t know your background; they wouldn’t dare to express it openly. However, Alaric, this might not look good for you. If there are whispers that you’re acting too big for your britches, it could spark some unwanted attention… You know how the industry works; it may get nasty.”
“I understand,” Alaric said gently, ruffling her hair. Charlotte was older than him, but her petite frame made her seem fragile, compelling him to reassure her. “It’s my fault, I’ll do my best to prevent this from happening again.”
“Anyway,” Charlotte sighed, her expression softening, “I had some snacks and drinks sent to the workroom as a peace offering. The important thing is that you rarely bail on us.”
Feeling relieved, Alaric knew she had everything under control. “Thanks, Charlotte! You’re the best! Next time, I’ll treat you and your husband to dinner.”
“Sounds great! My husband and I both love food!” Charlotte laughed, the mood lightening. Shifting focus from yesterday’s frustrations, she urged him to the dressing room. “I’ve rescheduled the ad shoot for two this afternoon, and we still have a few posters to capture this morning. Get ready, and don’t forget to have the makeup artist cover up those dark circles!”
Alaric allowed Charlotte to guide him out while he mulled over the timeline in his head, specifically his dinner with Edmund planned for five-thirty.
Completing the ad shoot in three and a half hours would be tight, meaning he’d have to push for speed.

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