Chapter 003

Alexander

“Drive to the Paragon Club,” I instructed Dean, my driver, as he pulled out of the curb.

A quick glance at my watch informed me that I had thirty minutes to beat the traffic. I was meeting my supposed fiance and her father for a late lunch.

I sat back, letting Dean weave his way around. I had an inkling what the meeting was about. It was the only appointment in my schedule for today. Until, I got a call from the police force, informing me of a possible culprit.

I had inherited the Smithson & Co from my grandfather; a multimillion-dollar empire. After the death of his only son, my father, he became responsible for the welfare of my sister and me.

I've been groomed since I was a baby to take his place, so when I clocked twenty-one, he handed the rein of the business to me.

Five years later, he is ready to fully retire and wants everything to be in place—he wants me to settle down. Not just to any girl, but to Selene Rodriguez, the daughter of Paul Rodriguez. One of the biggest tycoons in the business world and my late father’s best friend.

It wasn't news in the elite society that I was engaged to Selene. We've been engaged since we came of age, but I had dragged my feet. At first, I was just scared of committing to anyone but with time, the whole arrangement felt shady.

Something about the union didn't sit right with me. Paul’s insistent refusal to grant me access to his business finances till I was married to Selene made me suspicious since I would be bearing the brunt of his company if and when I married Selene.

Call me paranoid, but I hired a PI to trail the head of the Rodriguez family and my future wife.

I stepped out of the car as soon as Dean parked at the entrance. Ralph stayed in the car with him. I was safe here. No paparazzi or nosy staff.

I strode purposefully into the building and the hostess walked briskly towards me upon sighting me. She took my coat and directed me to my table. My guests were already seated.

“Alex, my love,” Selene cooed, blowing air kisses at me. “Papa and I have been waiting for a minute. I thought you would never show up.”

I checked my watch—I was five minutes early.

“I'm sorry, Selene. Something came up,” I decided to play along, turning my attention to Paul. “Paul, sorry I couldn't be here earlier.”

He grabbed my outstretched hand with a firm handshake. “It's no trouble, son. You look well.”

“I should think so,” I replied, taking my seat across from them. “Would you like to order before we say anything?”

Not waiting for a response, I signalled to a wait staff and waited till he had taken down our orders and exited the table.

“How is your grandfather doing?” Paul spoke, trying to make small talk.

“He is doing okay for a man of his age. The break from an active role in the business has helped improve his health. He is keeping everyone in the house on their toes.”

Paul laughed. “He’ll be having a field day…That's certain,” he cleared his throat. “But that's not the reason I had asked to see you. Alex, it's been nine years and nothing has been said about when you plan to take my baby girl to the altar. Selene isn't getting any younger. I could have gone to your grandfather and fixed a date, but I respect you as a man. But I think it's time you do right by her.”

We've been over this before. I looked at the person we were talking about. She pretended to be engrossed with something on her phone.

“She doesn't seem bothered,” I said, watching her arch an eyebrow at my statement.

“It is not just about her. Our companies would be better off merged—”

“About that,” I pitched in, relaxing into my chair. “I don't think the merging of our companies would be a wise decision for me.”

Paul's face turned beet red as he struggled to find his words. "You...you can't be serious, Alex," he stuttered. "Our companies are a perfect match. It's a union that will benefit both families."

I leaned forward, my eyes locked on Paul's. "I don't fully agree with that. You see, Paul, I've done my due diligence and I can't ignore the facts. Your company is buried in debt, and I can't risk merging with a sinking ship."

He banged his fist on the table in rage, drawing attention to us. “Your grandfather will never agree to this. You're going to get married to Selene and merge the companies.”

I dusted an invisible dirt off my shirt, unfazed by his reaction. “About that…the marriage…that won't be possible either, Paul, since I'm already married.”

Selene mouth fell wide open, her pretence forgotten. “You can't be married!” she shouted, her face concorted into a screeching imp. “We've been engaged for years. Everybody knows that! No one would dare get married to you.”

Without a word, I picked up my suitcase, flipped it open and slid the document I had made Amelia sign earlier, towards them.

Choosing Amelia had been a spur-of-the-moment kind of decision. I had seen her seated in that room and something tugged against my heart. Instantly, I knew I would rather have someone like that indebted to me than, marry the woman my grandfather had chosen for me.

Paul grabbed the paper off the table. His face was now a deep shade of crimson as his eyes scanned the paper. “You fool…what game do you think you're playing?” he stammered, his voice trembling with rage.

I refused to dignify his insult with a response. I got what I wanted. My company is safe from his evil clutches.

“Alex, love, how could you do this to me?” Selene's eyes narrowed, her lips quivered as crocodile tears streamed from them. She was putting on a show for the little audience we had attracted.

“Save the theatrics, Selene,” I muttered under my breath. “We both know you're in this for your own selfish reasons. How's Daniel by the way? I heard about his recent misfortune.”

Daniel was Selene’s secret boyfriend who she keeps tucked away, hidden from the press and her family. He was a gambler and a sore loser at that.

Her eyes flashed in anger. “You keep your mouth shut and away from my business. You're going to regret this, Alex.”

She pushed the chair back, slamming it to the floor in her haste to get away.

“This isn't the end...” Paul spat out, before following in his daughter's footsteps.

My eyes caught the wait staff, standing there, lost and confused with our orders. I raised my hand, signalling him to come forward. He set the table and scurried off.

Slowly, with zero care for the world around me, I unfurled the napkin and placed it on my lap, prepared to have a satisfying lunch. Everyone was back to minding their business. It didn't bother me that they had witnessed what went down because our little scene would never leave the walls of this room.

When you're rich, everything comes at a price, even your privacy. And I pay heavily for it.

My phone beeped, drawing my attention to it. The name on the screen brought a frown to my face. I placed the phone to my ear.

My knuckles turned white as I gripped the edge of the table. The taste in my mouth turned sour.