Alexander watched Eva leave, but the burning need throbbing in his veins for her could hardly be quenched so easily. He sighed, closing his eyes and reveling in the feel of her lips on his. Eva was right, in a way, and he knew he shouldn’t have kissed her. Being engaged to another, he had no business messing with her, but it felt so right. He knew he was betraying Beatrix, but he just didn’t care. He loved Eva and hardly could control himself when around her. It was an uncontrollable addiction that had no future. Why couldn’t he be engaged to Eva instead? His heart ached for Eva and he knew that his jealousy had annoyed her a lot this time. Triggered by his heightened sense of jealousy, he shouldn’t have said the bitter words to Eva. Now she wouldn’t even acknowledge his presence. What if Nicholas took advantage and tried to charm her? His blood boiled all the more, and he went down the stairs, only to find Nicholas coming up to his room. “Nicholas, we need to talk.” “F*ck off, Alex
Eva went out of her room, intensely aware of the expensive jewelry she wore. Not used to wearing such things, she shyly went to Sienna’s room to help her get ready. She didn’t know how to explain to them if they asked about the jewelry. She saw Skylar working on Sienna’s hair and helped her. Later, Alyssa did her makeup and Eva helped her with the dress. Hayley fixed the jewelry and the veil and they all gasped at Sienna’s complete look, admiring the off-shoulder mermaid gown she wore. “Lucas bought the perfect one for you. How did he manage it, I wonder!” said Alyssa. “I know. Christian sucks at shopping. It seems like a punishment to him,” said Skylar. “Even my brother, but strangely, he accompanies Eva on her shopping escapades!” laughed Alyssa, making Eva blush. “Only once because he was dropping me home, okay?” Eva protested, blushing more at the memory of it. She was around twelve then and had to attend Hayley’s birthday party, but didn’t have a proper dress to wear. Alexan
After helping granny to her room, Eva went towards the banquet hall to help herself to the delicious hors d’oeuvres before Alexander arrived to disrupt her peace. However, before she even reached the living area, she froze seeing Alexander in the corridor, approaching her. “There you are! I’ve been looking for you and Lisa everywhere.” He stopped in front of her with an angry scowl on his face, his gaze briefly sweeping over her. “I was in granny’s room.” Eva looked up at him and, for a fleeting moment, she thought she saw his eyes glitter with lust for her. He soon shuttered his emotions, replacing them with his signature scowl. “We’re leaving in ten minutes. Collect your stuff and come down. Tell Lisa that I’m looking for her." “I’m not going with you,” she stated, not wanting to leave without attending her close friend’s reception. What would she do back at Alyssa’s apartment? Cook a simple one-pot dish for dinner and sleep? “I’m not giving you a choice, Eva. You're coming
Eva climbed into the car waiting to take them to the pier but avoided glancing at him even. She didn’t know why he brought out the worst in her with his rude comments. She loved him and it was normal that she would feel jealous of Beatrix! Wouldn’t he have felt the same if she dated another man? It was really time to give him a dose of his own medicine! Alyssa came rushing towards the car and they sped off towards the pier where a ferry would take them to Alexandria Bay. The bright afternoon sun shimmered over the surface of the water as their ferry surged forward towards Alexandria Bay, leaving Preston Island behind. Her friends discussed how much they were missing the place already, but Eva’s mind was in a state of turmoil. “I’m missing Sienna’s reception party so much. Sky’s so lucky that she can stay as long as she wants to,” said Alyssa, releasing a deep sigh as she glanced back at the island. “Yeah, we’re the unluckiest ones in the group,” sighed Hayley while Eva looked away.
"She moved out to a place of her own, forever. Happy? That’s what you always wanted, right?” Alyssa demanded angrily, while Alexander pursed his lips to stop the retort he was about to spew out. He couldn’t believe that Eva was really gone when she didn’t have any place of her own to stay, only a job she had just started. Being fresh out of college, her pay wasn’t much and a place of her own would leave nothing with her to run her daily needs. He hadn’t wanted this at all! He was just frustrated with his life! With the board meeting happening the next morning, he didn’t know how long he could continue to be the CEO of Rotterdams without marrying Beatrix. Recently, it had become impossible to stall the wedding with Beatrix after him to fix a date within the next three months. His dad reminded him all the time that his health was improving only because of him! Therefore, he was afraid to risk his dad’s health by taking a drastic decision. His life, therefore, was doomed! A verbal comb
Eva meekly followed Alexander to his apartment, but her mind was in a state of turmoil, fighting and contradicting his statement. If she were that precious to him, why couldn’t he accept her in his life in place of Beatrix? Why couldn’t he love her instead? She had never hidden her feelings from him, but what was the use, even if he didn't return them at all? “I won’t stay here for free,” she grumbled and Alexander sighed, giving up. “Pay me some rent if you insist, but only the amount I specify.” “I have one more condition,” said Eva, turning to face him. Alexander rolled his eyes and waited patiently for her to spell it out. “Tell me.” Eva hesitated and looked away, a blush creeping up her cheeks. “You’re engaged and therefore it will be better if you didn’t kiss me. We will stay away from any physical proximity. If you agree, I’ll stay or I’ll move into Alyssa’s place.” Strangely, Alexander stared hard at her, not committing anything. He couldn’t control his urge to kiss her.
“Good morning, respected ladies and gentlemen. I’m sorry for the delay. Can we start right away with a pledge of allegiance, please?” he said with a charming smile, ignoring Beatrix’s pointed glare and the meeting began. Afterwards, they were all seated and Alexander welcomed and thanked each and every board member present, easily winning them over with his charm.“The meeting agenda has been distributed in your board pack. Are there any amendments to the agenda?” he asked courteously. “Yes, I wish to discuss the terms and conditions laid down by my father before his untimely death. Since these affect the operation of the business empire, I would like to prove the importance of the marital alliance between me and the current CEO, Mr. Van Every. Further, I would want more power to decide matters pertaining to the business,” said Beatrix, but the board of directors shook their heads to disagree. “Ms. Rotterdam, we understand your concern, but you need to concentrate on your training a
“Maybe out of humanity! We’re flatmates, after all!” Alexander said, his eyes glinting with amusement while Eva groaned in frustration. Couldn’t he simply admit that he liked her? “Thank you so much. I’m honored that you did so much just for a mere flatmate. Beatrix is lucky to have you as her fiancé.” She concentrated on her food with a small smile of satisfaction on her lips, since she knew he did no such thing for his fiancée. “I’m unlucky to have her as my fiancée. Don’t mention her name, or she’ll miraculously land up here,” he said with a groan. Eva chuckled, but she too dreaded the appearance of two people in his penthouse, Beatrix and his dad. She still didn’t know what she would do if they arrived here. “So, how was your day without my coffee?” He didn’t need to answer that question, since his expression told her just how dismal his day went. “It was disgusting, but a good thing came of it, though. There was a board meeting today and the board members supported me for the