Alexia's POV “Alexia! Dartmouth College sent another letter offering me a full scholarship!” Aiden shouted excitedly the minute I stepped through the door. In his excitement to break the news to me, he doesn't even notice Stacey walking in beside me, until Austin coughs and bumps him by his side. It was only then did he turn to acknowledge Stacey “Hey! Hi?” he said blushing. Stacey smiled at him “Hi! I don't know if Alexia has told you about me, but I am Stacey and I have been dying to meet you guys. It's a pleasure to finally get to see you. Now that we have that out of the way, which of you is Austin because I can't seem to tell you guys apart” she said in a rush.Austin arched an eyebrow at her inquisitiveness as he crossed his arm over his chest. “That will be me” “The one who wants to be a lawyer right? Alexia has told me so much about you. It would interest you to know I wanted to be an Attorney while growing up” Stacey said with a sigh “Oh so why didn't you end up becomin
Ethan's POV “Alexia please hurry up! We are going to be late!” I yelled as I stood beside my car impatiently waiting for Alexia to come out of the house “I just need a minute, I am almost done” she yelled back at me. That was the exact answer she gave 10 minutes ago. How long does it really take a woman to dress the fuck up. A glance at my wrist watch shows the time is 4:30pm and the Company’s end of the year party commencing at 5:00pm prompt, we barely have 30 minutes to get there. It's been two months since my father walked into my office to break the news that the CEO position wasn't going to automatically pass to me as I earlier thought, but that Kenneth was also being considered. Within these two months I have worked tirelessly, day and night to ensure I get all the projects I pitched for. Since I stopped sharing my main ideas with my project team, none of my ideas have fallen into the hands of our competition, consequently, I have had more contracts executed to my great reli
Alexia POVI can feel the intensity of Ethan's apprehension and fury from here like a tangible force. I really don't blame him for being furious. When I think of what Kenneth has done, only one word comes to mind “despicable”. As Ethan's father gives his final speech as the CEO, Ethan's appears aloof as he plastered a look of practiced indifference on his face. He would have fooled me into thinking he was alright, if not for his tightened fist and his stiff posture. A part of me wants to place a hand on him in comfort but I refrained from doing so as that may attract prying eyes and unwanted attention, so I turned away from him and fixed my gaze on his father. “...In the last couple of years, I have invested everything I had into building Blackwoods into the edifice it is right now, which is the reason I have strived in these past few months to ensure someone who is capable, a team oriented leader and one who would make necessary sacrifices take over the affairs of the company….” E
Ethan's POV I walk to the podium reeling from shock. I can't believe Dad still made me the CEO after all the hassle.“Dad!” I said with a voice filled with emotions as I covered the short distance between us. He immediately opened his hands wide for a hug, which in itself was a surprise. My father is not one to display affection freely in public.“I'm proud of you, son. I couldn't have asked for a more perfect son” Dad said as soon I stepped into his arms. This was the first time my father had commended me since I started working in the company. It's always been from one complaint to another about something he feels doesn't quite meet his expectations. The fact that he openly commended me in the presence of this multitude, I certainly won't forget this moment.“Thank you, Dad, this means a lot to me” He gives me a pat on the shoulder before pulling away. He handed the microphone to me before stepping down from the podium. I allowed the applause at his descent to subside before addres
Alexia’s POV “You will regret this! I will ruin you!” Kenneth threatened as he struggled with the two security personnel dragging him away. Ethan's only response was to smirk at him as he beckoned the other security personnel to restrain Bridget as she was about to dash out of the hall.Ethan turns his gaze to me, cocking his head as though he was deep in thought. “I think it would be fitting if you handled her address, after all, you were the one she wronged”. He said, handing the microphone to me. I shook my head in refusal. Though I appreciate his consideration, I don't think I want to do this. How do I face this crowd to expose my best friend, when I can't even look in her direction, without bursting into tears?“Ethan, I can't handle it please” I looked pleadingly at him. “You are the strongest woman I have ever seen and I know you can handle this. You need to, so others don't think they can walk all over you and get away with it.” He gives me an encouraging smile. I took a de
Alexia’s POV “I love you,” Ethan said when our dance slowed to a more relaxed pace. I blinked at him in shock as those three words clang and resonated through the whole of my being. I know he alluded to it when he invited me to the podium, but a part of me believed it was all for show.“I love you with every fiber of my being and I want to say thank you for showing me what love is.” He gazed at me with so much intensity. I could see the emotions shining through those gorgeous eyes of his and all I wanted to do was get lost in this feeling.“I love you too Ethan” I confessed. His smile widened at my confession.“Stop smirking!” I chided him playfully. “There is no need to be embarrassed about admitting your feelings to your ‘head over heels in love with your’ husband” He gives me a knowing look that has me itching to slap the smugness of his face. The fact that we are not alone and people may misinterpret it as us fighting, had me reining in the urge. “So, I have been thinking….” Et
Alexia’s POV I started blinking rapidly as I refused to cry. I could feel the tears welling in my eyes, but I was desperate not to let them fall. I can't show weakness in front of Ethan's Mom and Linda, they would gloat about it and I refuse to give them that satisfaction.For a moment I gaze at Ethan’s face, my heart twisting in all kinds of agony as my mind tries and fails to reconcile the man who confessed his love for me just a few minutes ago and the one who just betrayed me in the worst way possible.“Ethan, do you care to explain what is going on here, to the rest of us in the gallery?” I asked cooly, my lips stretching into a smile that failed to reach my eyes, as I stepped away from his hold and almost lost my balance in the process.The wave of pain crashed down on me, a tangible weight. Ryan rushes to my side to place a hand on my back for support as he gives me a look filled with worry. I was grateful for his support, heaven knows I needed it.“Are you all right?” Ryan wh
Ethan's POV It's been two long weeks since the party. The same party where I got the CEO position and also lost the most important person in my life. A lot of things happened that night, but what has kept me on edge is the fact that I hurt Alexia so terribly, I can't even imagine the pain she is currently in right now. Two weeks since I last saw Alexia! Two weeks of trying to lose myself in work in order to escape the mess I have placed myself in My brooding gaze didn't stray from the monitor even as my father walked into my office after knocking on the door. This is the first time he is knocking before entering my office. I noticed this listlessly. Dad doesn't usually knock before entering my office. I guess being the CEO has certain perks after all.“Good morning Dad” I greeted him as he took the seat adjacent to mine.He arched an eyebrow at me. “It's past 2:00 pm, in the afternoon Ethan” “Sorry about that, I lost track of time.” That is my customized excuse when in all honesty