Chapter 38

Alexander slumped in his office chair, nursing a glass of whiskey, despite the early afternoon sun streaming through the window. Charlotte, his ex-girlfriend and valued business client, sat beside him, her presence a constant reminder of his past mistakes.

"Hey, Alex, rough day?" Charlotte asked, her voice husky, as she leaned in closer, her designer perfume wafting through the air.

Alexander's gaze remained fixed on the amber liquid, his thoughts consumed by Roslyn's absence and the looming divorce proceedings. He resented Charlotte's presence, knowing she was the catalyst for his marital downfall.

"Charlotte, I thought I made it clear: our business relationship is all that remains between us," Alexander said, his tone cold and detached.

Charlotte's smile faltered, but she persisted. "Alex, I've missed you. And now that you're... available again, I thought we could rekindle what we once had."

Alexander's eyes narrowed, warning her. "Don't go there, Charlotte. You know why Roslyn and I are getting divorced. You're the reason."

Charlotte's expression turned innocent, but Alexander saw the calculation in her eyes. "I'm just trying to help, Alex. You're vulnerable right now."

Alexander's voice rose, his patience wearing thin. "You're not helping. You're exploiting my situation. I've warned you before: stay away from me."

Charlotte's smile returned, her eyes glinting with determination. "I won't give up, Alex. You need me, personally and professionally."

Alexander's disgust grew. "Our business deal is all that keeps me from cutting ties completely. Don't push your luck, Charlotte."

As she stood to leave, Alexander's gaze remained cold, unyielding. "Remember, our relationship is strictly professional. Don't overstep."

Charlotte's smile never wavered. "For now, Alex. But I'll be waiting."

Charlotte's eyes sparkled with mischief as she slid onto Alexander's lap, her movements deliberate and calculated. Alexander, his senses dulled by the whiskey, didn't react immediately.

"Charlotte, don't," Alexander slurred, his voice laced with warning, but his body relaxed, betraying his words.

Charlotte's hands wrapped around his neck, her fingers tracing the contours of his jaw. "You need comfort, Alex. Let me give it to you."

Alexander's eyes fluttered closed as Charlotte's lips brushed against his ear. Her warm breath sent shivers down his spine, but his mind screamed resistance.

"Charlotte, stop," Alexander muttered, his hands awkwardly grasping for her wrists.

Charlotte's laughter was husky and seductive. "You don't mean that, Alex. You need me."

As she leaned in, her lips inches from Alexander's, he felt a surge of revulsion. Roslyn's face flashed in his mind, and he knew he couldn't betray her, even if their marriage was crumbling.

With newfound determination, Alexander grasped Charlotte's shoulders, pushing her away. "Get off me, Charlotte. Now."

Charlotte's eyes flashed anger, but she smiled, her voice dripping with sweetness. "Fine, Alex. For now."

As she stood, Alexander's gaze followed her, a mix of disgust and self-loathing churning within. He knew he had to keep Charlotte at arm's length, no matter the cost.

"Charlotte?" Alexander called out, his voice firmer.

"Yes?" She turned, expectation etched on her face.

"Never try that again. Our business deal is all that keeps me from cutting ties. Don't jeopardize it."

Charlotte's smile never wavered. "I'll behave... for now."

As soon as Charlotte opened the door, Tyler strode in, his eyes scanning the room before settling on Alexander's disheveled state. His gaze lingered on Charlotte's retreating figure before snapping back to Alexander, disappointment etched on his face.

"Alexander, what's going on?" Tyler asked, his voice laced with frustration, holding up a paper.

Charlotte rolled her eyes and sauntered out, leaving Tyler to confront Alexander.

"The Alexander Volter I once knew saw only work, not anything else," Tyler said, shaking his head. "Now, you see anything but work. What's happened to you?"

Alexander didn't bother responding, accustomed to Tyler's taunts.

Tyler tossed the paper onto Alexander's lap. "You missed the divorce hearing twice. This is the court's final notice. Do you have any idea what's happening to your reputation in the media? The gossip, the speculation?"

Alexander turned to Tyler, his eyes flashing with defiance as he sipped his whiskey. "I don't fucking care what people think about me."

Tyler spat, "Of course you don't. You only care about yourself, your sorrow, and nothing else. If you don't show up to court for the next hearing, the divorce will be finalized. You lack the courage to face the consequences of your actions."

Tyler's gaze narrowed. "And Charlotte? She's the reason for your divorce, yet she's still openly connected to you, staying at your house. Why would Roslyn even consider giving you another chance? You don't deserve one."

Alexander's control snapped. He hurled the glass across the room, shattering it against the wall. Grabbing Tyler's collar, he growled, "I don't want this fucking divorce to happen, but I can't stop it!"

His voice rose to a yell. "I love her! How will I live without her?"

Tyler's expression softened, but his words cut deep. "You've already lost her, Alexander. And you're closing all doors to getting her back with your actions, especially with Charlotte."

Alexander's grip on Tyler's collar tightened. "You don't understand."

Tyler's voice remained firm. "I understand more than you think. You're sabotaging your own chance at redemption, Alexander."

Alexander released Tyler's collar, his eyes flashing with anguish. He strode across the room, away from Tyler's piercing words, and collapsed onto the plush couch. The soft cushions enveloped him, offering a fleeting sense of comfort.

With mechanical movements, Alexander reached for the whiskey decanter on the coffee table and poured himself another generous glass. The amber liquid glinted in the dim light, a temporary escape from his torment.

As he raised the glass to his lips, Tyler's voice cut through the silence.

"Alexander, stop running from your problems. Face the consequences of your actions."

Alexander's gaze remained fixed on the whiskey, his voice barely above a whisper. "Leave me alone, Tyler."

The liquor burned his throat as he swallowed, but Alexander didn't flinch. He craved oblivion, a fleeting reprieve from the pain consuming him.

Tyler's sigh echoed through the room. "Fine. But know this: Roslyn deserves better than a man who can't even face his own demons."

Alexander's eyes snapped toward Tyler, a retort on his lips, but his friend had already turned to leave.

"Tyler?" Alexander called out, his voice laced with desperation.

Tyler paused, his hand on the door handle.

"Don't let me lose her completely," Alexander whispered, his eyes pleading.

Tyler's expression softened, but his words remained firm. "You're the only one who can prevent that, Alexander. Grow up, face your mistakes, and fight for her."

With those words, Tyler exited, leaving Alexander alone with his whiskey and shattered dreams.

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Roslyn and Chris settled into a cozy corner table at the bustling coffee shop, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee enveloping them. As they sipped their lattes, Roslyn's eyes sparkled with mischief.

"Hey, Chris, I noticed you were quite taken with Dr. Kim's... expertise," Roslyn teased, her voice dripping with playful insinuation.

Chris's cheeks flushed, and he chuckled. "Rose, you're impossible. She's just a doctor."

Roslyn leaned in, her voice conspiratorial. "Oh, come on, Chris. I saw the way you looked at her. You were smitten."

Chris shook his head, laughing. "You're reading too much into it."

Roslyn's grin persisted. "I'm not. And even if I was, wouldn't it be great if you asked her out? She's smart, beautiful, and clearly talented. A doctor in the family would be amazing!"

Chris's eyes widened, hesitant. "Rose, we just met her today. I can't just ask her out."

Roslyn nodded understandingly. "I know, I know. But you have to admit, she's impressive. And think about it—a doctor in the family would be incredible."

Chris smiled, his shyness evident. "You're right, but I don't know... I'm not exactly her type."

Roslyn's expression turned encouraging. "Nonsense! You're charming, kind, and handsome. What's not to like?"

Chris's face flushed deeper, his eyes dropping to his coffee. "You're biased, Rose."

Roslyn reached out, gently nudging his arm. "Maybe a little, but I know you'd make a great couple. Just think about it, okay?"

Chris nodded, still hesitant. "Okay, I'll think about it."

Roslyn beamed. "That's all I can ask for."

As they finished their coffee, Chris's thoughts lingered on Dr. Kim, her captivating smile and piercing emerald eyes etched in his mind.

Roslyn smiled knowingly, aware that Chris's interest was piqued. She'd continue to encourage him, knowing that sometimes all it took was a little push to spark something special.

Chris's expression turned concerned. "Rose, how did the divorce hearing go?"

Roslyn's smile faltered, and she took a deep breath before speaking. "It was a disaster. Alexander didn't show up... again."

Chris's eyes widened in surprise. "What? That's unacceptable."

Roslyn's voice trembled with frustration. "I know. The court gave him a final notice—if he doesn't show up next time, the divorce will be finalized."

Chris's brow furrowed. "Do you think he's doing this on purpose?"

Roslyn's shoulders sagged. "I don't know. Maybe he's not ready to let go, or maybe he just can't be bothered. Either way, I'm done waiting."

Chris's expression empathized. "You deserve better, Rose."

Roslyn's eyes glistened, tears threatening to spill. "I thought Alexander loved me, but if he can't even show up for our divorce hearing, I'm done. I deserve someone who'll fight for me, someone who'll be there for me."

Chris nodded in agreement. "You do, Rose. Someone like... Dr. Kim for me, maybe?"

Roslyn's laughter, though tinged with sadness, was a welcome respite. "Maybe, Chris. Maybe."

Chris smiled softly. "We'll get through this together, Rose."

Roslyn's gratitude was palpable. "Thanks, Chris. Just talking to you makes me feel better."

Chris's expression softened, his voice filled with warmth. "Don't worry, Rose. You're not alone. You have a little life growing inside you, and I'm here for you too."

Roslyn's eyes welled up with tears, but Chris's words brought a comforting smile to her face.

"And maybe," Chris added with a mischievous grin, "Dr. Kim will be part of our crazy crew soon."

Roslyn's laughter burst forth, a joyful sound that filled the space around them. "Chris, you're impossible!"

Tears still glistened in her eyes, but her smile was genuine and radiant.

"Seriously, Rose," Chris said, his tone sincere. "You're going to be an amazing mom, and I'll be here every step of the way."

Roslyn's hand instinctively went to her belly, a gentle caress. "Thanks, Chris. Just knowing that makes me feel better."

Chris wrapped his arms around Roslyn in a warm hug. "We'll navigate this together, okay?"

Roslyn nodded, feeling a sense of gratitude and love for her friend.

As they pulled back, Roslyn's eyes sparkled with amusement. "You know, maybe I should start calling you my guardian angel."

Chris chuckled. "How about just 'Chris'?"

Roslyn's laughter echoed through the air once more, a melodious sound that lifted both their spirits.

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Across the street, a sleek black sedan blended into the shadows. The engine purring softly, the vehicle remained unnoticed amidst the bustling city.

Inside, a figure sat motionless, eyes fixed intently on Chris and Roslyn. The distance didn't diminish the observer's interest; instead, it allowed for an unobstructed view.

Alexander Volter's gaze narrowed, his jaw clenched. He had been tracking Roslyn's movements, unable to help himself.

As Chris wrapped his arms around Roslyn, Alexander's eyes flashed with possessiveness.

The scene unfolded before him like a punch to the gut. Chris's gentle smile, Roslyn's laughter, and the tender way they interacted—it all fueled Alexander's growing unease.

His fingers drummed against the steering wheel, a restless energy building within. He had missed the divorce hearing, and now... he wondered if he had lost Roslyn forever.

The sedan's tinted windows concealed Alexander's turmoil, but his eyes betrayed his emotions. A mix of regret, longing, and determination swirled within.

As Chris and Roslyn parted ways, Alexander's grip on the wheel tightened. He knew he had to act to reclaim what was slipping away.

The sedan's engine roared to life, and Alexander vanished into the evening traffic, lost in thought and driven by a newfound resolve.

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