“I’m still waiting for my kiss, Eva.” Alexander’s husky whisper brought her to her senses, and she opened her eyes slowly, her gaze drifting to his lips inches away from hers. She blushed under his intense scrutiny and tilted her head towards his, lightly brushing her lips against his. The soft-touch immediately ignited a spark again like it always did, intensifying the electric tingle that spread down her body. A deep groan escaped his lips, and he grabbed her head, his fingers working into her hair, making her breath hitch with anticipation. The desire to taste his lips again drove her wild and this time she claimed his lips again, slowly, lingeringly, savoring the taste of cinnamon and chocolate on him. It made her moan with pleasure just like the chocolate cinnamon French silk tartes they had for dessert did a few minutes ago! With a groan of pure need, Alexander’s mouth took charge and plunged his tongue into her parted mouth. The kiss turned into a fiery, passionate joining th

The next morning, Alexander could feel a change in Eva’s behavior towards him. It seemed as if she didn’t want to interact with him much. Maybe she was upset after having overheard his conversation with his mom. With so much work to wrap up in a day, he didn’t have the time to talk to Eva. Maybe he would before leaving for home. He left after an early morning breakfast while Eva was still in the washroom. He couldn’t afford to wait for her, even if he wanted to. Eva released a deep sigh on hearing the front door shut. She had been feigning sleep, knowing he was getting ready for work. She couldn’t face him knowing that his career was in grave danger because of her. If his parents wanted him to marry Beatrix, then so be it. She didn’t want Beatrix to harm him in any way.The hotel had offered her a guide and a chauffeur at Alexander’s insistence, and Eva left after breakfast. She roamed around the entire morning, missing Alexander immensely. She didn’t want to go in the first place,

Alexander remembered Maxwell's interest in Eva. Maxwell was the one who had threatened him after picking up a fight with him at Phoenix over Eva. Alexander remembered the photograph Maxwell had taken of them kissing each other on that drunken night. What if he forwarded it to Beatrix? She would surely harm Eva. Feeling restless, he typed a reply to Maxwell. Eva doesn’t love you. Stop harassing her! If I find you forcing her in any way, I’ll come over to wreck your precious office–Alexander He seethed waiting for Maxwell’s reply but even after an hour, there was no response and he dozed off to sleep. The next morning, Eva lazed at home, since it was her day off. Alyssa had gone to work and Eva just completed the household chores of cleaning and washing. She knew Alexander wasn’t at home and felt curious to know what happened at his parents’ house. She sat down to enjoy her breakfast when her phone buzzed with a call from an unknown number. Who could it be? She accepted the call out

Eva spoke to her colleagues at the hospital and Laura informed her about a one-bedroom apartment up for sale in Bronx. Although buying it would leave her penniless, Eva didn’t mind. She needed a place of her own before Alexander’s wedding. She couldn’t see them together all the time. “My cousin lives in the building. It’s good. Would you like to check it out?” “Yes. Can we go today after duty?” She hadn’t seen Alexander since that night and wanted to move out before he returned from his parents' place. “Sure. I’ll check up with her.” In the evening, just as promised, Laura took her to a lower middle-class locality in Bronx, where the building was located. It wasn’t posh as her current home, but it was a decent, freshly painted one in a clean neighborhood. She introduced Eva to her cousin, Sarah, who worked at a departmental store and lived on the second floor. “It’s on the third floor. Come, I’ll show you around.” Sarah led them up the staircase to the third-floor apartment overl

“Yes, Alexander Van Every speaking,” said Alexander accepting the call with a feeling of dread clutching at his heart. Was it regarding his dad?“Hello, Mr. Van Every! I’m calling from Columbia Hospital Critical Care Unit. Your fiancée, Beatrix Rotterdam has been admitted here for allegedly attempting suicide by slashing her right wrist. She is in the OT but we need you here for the formalities and police investigation.” Alexander’s jaws dropped with horror at the news. Surely there was some misunderstanding here! Why would Beatrix commit suicide?“Are you sure about this? How serious is Ms. Rotterdam? Maybe it was just an accident,” he reasoned.“No, Mr. Van Every. It is a suicide, and the patient is critical. Please come here as soon as you can.” Alexander quickly changed and stuffed his wallet, and phone, and rushed over to his parents' room. “Mom, dad, I need to go to Columbia Hospital right now. Beatrix has attempted to take her life and is admitted to the Critical Care Unit. T