It was 7:30 in the morning and Alexander sipped his coffee while glancing at Eva’s door, wondering how she could oversleep. Had she forgotten they had a flight at 10 o’clock in the morning?Last night, his mom hadn’t sent the reports to him as he had asked her to. He had the feeling she didn’t want him to know the details, but why? What had happened to his dad? He was immediately suspicious that his mom has been hiding something from him. When he expressed the wish to take the early morning flight, she had waved him off saying it wasn’t necessary. Ashton had handled it all and they would discharge his dad later in the day. He had tried calling Ashton too, but his phone was unreachable since last night. He frowned at his cup, wondering what they both were hiding from him. Alyssa had gone to the hobby center an hour earlier to arrange for the yoga and Pilates classes they had started. His granny was busy with grandpa’s physiotherapy sessions leaving Alexander to enjoy his breakfast all
For the next fifteen days, Alexander had no time to spare. He and Ashton lived at his parents’ house. They discussed the treatment and finally, his dad settled down into a routine, with check-ups, medicines, and lots of tests. Although he wanted to retire from his business, Alyssa wasn’t interested in taking over the reins from him. Alexander still continued with Rotterdams like he used to, but with more vigor now. Desmond Rotterdam completely handed over the responsibility of the business to him, since his open heart transplant was scheduled a week later. He had to go to his house regularly to meet him since legally he and Beatrix were still the legal proprietors, having the final signing authority.Therefore, his personal life took a backseat, and he didn’t know where Eva was. He didn’t have the time to go searching for her. It was as if the road trip, the wonderful time they shared, had been nothing but a dream. She had completely disappeared from his life. He tried calling her, bu
Alexander’s heart sank with shock, not having expected this at all. This was the reason he had been so keen on taking care of her all along. “Can you give me her address? We had a misunderstanding and she left home. I need to make it up to her,” he pleaded, desperate to get some information on her whereabouts. Doctor Victor considered his plea for a moment and Alexander had the feeling that he didn’t want them to patch up. “It’s important that I see her or she’ll land up in the hospital again. Please, give me her address. This is a serious issue.” It worked this time, and he gave him her address. Alexander was right in his assumption. Eva had indeed moved into the hospital staff quarters. He drove over to the building, a block away, and stormed towards the apartment the young doctor had mentioned. The building was old but nicely maintained and overcrowded beyond capacity. There were nurses going or returning from duty, and people rushing everywhere, in the corridors, and on the sta
Alexander stood with a broken and lost Beatrix clinging to him, unable to console her. Her dad’s sudden demise had left all of them shattered. They hadn’t expected this at all. A million thoughts flitted across his mind at seeing the lost look on her face. What would he do now? Did Desmond Rotterdam leave a will? Would he be able to continue to manage the business without marrying Beatrix? Would his parents force him to marry Beatrix?His mom came forward and led Beatrix towards a seat. They were waiting for the hospital's post-mortem formalities. “Why don’t you go home? I’ll handle everything here,” suggested Alexander upon seeing Beatrix’s condition. “No, I can’t leave dad and go,” whispered a dazed Beatrix, unable to cope with her loss. After her mom's death, it was her dad who had brought her up single-handedly since the age of five. He hadn’t ever let her miss her mom. He was her everything. Maybe he had spoiled her rotten, yet she couldn’t envisage a life without him. Now his s
Eva freshened up as quickly as possible to get back to her table to order her favourite dessert. However, to her immense shock, she collided with none other than Alexander in the corridors on her way back. Eva froze, not having expected him here. Her warm eyes flew up to his and immediately she was on her guard. ‘No Eva. Don’t break down in front of him!’ instructed her inner mind. “Hello, Alexander! What a pleasant surprise!” she said with a small forced smile. The coldness in her tone surprised him. It was as if she had forgotten everything they had shared. “Yes. How are you now?”It surprised Eva that he knew about her recent health issues. “I’m fine. Thank you. I’ve reduced my work timings, and it worked. The stress lessened,” she explained pointedly, in case he had the notion that she was sick because of him. “Good! So where are you staying?” Alexander knew she lived at Hayley’s house but wanted to know her plans for the future. He knew how much she hated staying at Hayley’s p
The next day, Alexander brought Alyssa home from the airport, but she fought with him all the way. “I told you I didn’t agree to the engagement. Mom and dad just dumped it on me.” “Are you spineless? No one can dump something or someone on you, Alex,” seethed Alyssa. “I could have protested if dad was well or uncle Desmond was alive. How would you know the circumstances I’m going through? You don’t care about anyone,” said Alexander bitterly. “What’s wrong with dad to get you so worried? I’m sure a few antibiotics can heal him up,” said Alyssa with an eye roll. Alexander didn’t correct her, since he had promised his parents that he wouldn’t bother her with their dad’s illness. She didn’t care about them and never ever visited them to take an update on their health! “Maybe, but I can’t be the cause of his deteriorating health.”“No wonder they’re taking advantage of you,” scoffed Alyssa. She walked into her apartment and sighed at seeing Eva’s things still lying around. “I’ll get
“You’re coming home with me,” growled Alexander, taking her suitcase from her hand and grabbing her wrist possessively. Ashton picked up the rest of her luggage and strode away towards the parking area. “Leave me, Alexander. I was going house hunting today. I don’t need your intervention in my life,” she seethed with anger, trying to wrench her hand free of his iron-like grip. “It’s no use, Eva. I’ll carry you to my apartment if you don’t cooperate.” Eva gaped at his grim face, seeing the determination in his eyes as he pulled her along. She was acutely aware of the curious looks she received from everyone around them, and it was really embarrassing. Why couldn’t he concentrate on his fiancée instead and leave her at peace? “I’m not going to your apartment, Alexander. I’ll report you to the cops if you force me.” Alexander tightened his hold on her hand, her threat not having any effect upon him at all. “Go ahead. Let me see you try,” he challenged her, and she scoffed. What a bul
Obviously, Eva didn’t pay any heed to her friend’s suggestion. She knew Alexander didn’t care about her and thus her association with Victor Garrett wouldn’t affect him at all. Alexander didn’t bother them for the next few days, and she was thankful. Maybe staying here wasn’t a terrible decision, after all. “Tomorrow’s my birthday. I’m so excited. What are you giving me?” asked Alyssa excitedly. Eva grinned at her best friend, shaking her head playfully. “All my love and good wishes.” Alyssa groaned and tucked into the dinner Eva had made after returning from the hospital. “Will Sienna be able to join us? Isn’t she recuperating from the ordeal she just went through?” asked Eva, worriedly. Roman Drexler had abducted Sienna to marry her against her wishes, but Lucas rescued her just in time. “No, she can’t join us, and neither can Sky,” said Alyssa. “It’s just Hayley, Ashton, you, and me with Alexander and Beatrix.” Eva wanted to opt out but couldn’t find a good excuse. The next mor