Chapter 6

My gaze drifted to my phone, its incessant ringing piercing the air. I hesitated, my heart sinking as I glanced at the screen. My husband's name flashed before me, taunting me like a cruel reminder of past hurts.

No, I refused to answer. I wouldn't let him draw me back into the vortex of pain and tears. The memories still lingered, fresh and raw. This time, I'd face him on my terms, with divorce papers in hand.

On the other side, Alexander's irritation echoed through the room: "What's your problem? Pick up the phone, stupid woman!"

Tyler's calm voice intervened, "You need to control your anger, Alexander."

Alexander's face darkened, his eyes flashing with annoyance. "You don't have to deal with that woman, so it's easier for you. Okay, go away and leave me alone!"

Tyler's expression remained neutral, but his eyes betrayed a flicker of concern. He turned to leave, his footsteps silent on the plush carpet.

As he reached for the door handle, a sudden presence blocked his path. Ruby, Alexander's ex-girlfriend, stood in the doorway, her piercing gaze locked onto Alexander.

Tyler's eyes widened in disbelief. Their tumultuous relationship had ended three years ago. Why was Ruby still in contact with Alexander?

Ruby's smile dripped with malice as she stepped forward, her designer heels clicking on the floor.

"Get out of my way, idiot," Ruby spat, her voice dripping with venom.

Tyler's gaze darted back to Alexander, searching for answers. Alexander's expression remained impassive, but a hint of unease flickered in his eyes.

Without a word, Tyler stepped aside, allowing Ruby to enter. As he closed the door behind him, the sound seemed to seal Alexander's fate, trapping him with the ghosts of his past.

The air inside the room thickened with tension, heavy with unspoken secrets and unresolved emotions. Alexander's eyes never left Ruby's face, his jaw clenched in anticipation of the impending storm.

Ruby's presence stirred up old wounds, threatening to unravel the fragile threads of Alexander's life. The past and present collided, setting the stage for a confrontation that would change everything.

Alexander's eyes narrowed, his voice firm but laced with irritation. "Why are you here, Ruby? You know we have nothing to discuss."

Ruby's smile was a slow, sultry curve of her lips. "Oh, come on, Alexander. Since that day, you haven't even called me. How could you just leave me alone in that hotel room without a word?" Her voice dripped with hurt and accusation.

Alexander's expression hardened. "Look, Ruby, that was a big mistake. We should have controlled ourselves. Our relationship ended three years ago, and I'm married now. It's over between us."

Ruby's laughter was a mocking, melodic sound. "What a joke, married? You call that a marriage? You don't love that girl, Alexander. We all know how her grandfather trapped your grandfather, and then she manipulated yours with her innocent act." Ruby's eyes flashed with venom. "She only married you for your money, to enjoy the luxury lifestyle no one else can give her."

Alexander's silence was palpable, his fist clenched in restraint. His jaw tightened, the muscles in his face rigid with suppressed emotion. The air seemed to vibrate with tension, heavy with unspoken secrets and unresolved feelings.

Ruby's words hung in the air, a challenge to Alexander's carefully constructed facade. The shadows of his past loomed large, threatening to consume him. Alexander's eyes locked onto Ruby's, a silent warning to tread carefully.

Ruby's voice dripped with conviction, her words laced with venom. "It's bitter, but it's true, Alexander. You know it. Your mother doesn't like her, but your family adores me. I deserve to stand by your side, not that...ugly girl." Ruby's gaze flashed with contempt.

She rose from her chair, her movements fluid and deliberate, and settled onto Alexander's lap. Her slender fingers caressed his face, tracing the sharp lines of his jaw. "I still love you, Alexander," Ruby whispered, her breath warm against his skin.

"Divorce her and marry me," Ruby urged, her voice husky with emotion. "I know you still love me. Tell me, Alexander." Ruby's face drew closer, her lips inches from his.

Alexander's eyes flashed with warning, but Ruby's gaze held a stubborn determination. Just as her lips were about to brush against his, a knock at the door interrupted the charged moment.

"Come in," Alexander called out, his voice firm but strained.

The door swung open, and Tyler stepped inside. His expression was cold, impassive. "Meeting in 10 minutes, Alexander."

Alexander nodded curtly. "Okay."

Tyler's gaze flicked to Ruby, still perched on Alexander's lap, before exiting the room without a word. The door closed behind him with a soft click.

The tension lingered, thick and heavy, as Alexander's eyes locked onto Ruby's. His expression remained unreadable, but his body language screamed discomfort. Ruby's presence had stirred up emotions he thought he'd long buried.

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Chris's concerned gaze locked onto Rose's, his voice filled with warmth. "How are you feeling now, Rose?"

Rose's eyes shimmered with gratitude. "I'm better than before; thank you for standing by me through these difficult times, Chris. Your unwavering support means the world to me."

Chris's expression softened, his smile gentle. "Anything for you, Rose. You deserve happiness and freedom." He handed her a file, his fingers brushing against hers.

Rose's hands trembled as she took the file, her eyes scanning the contents. Suddenly, her face lit up with hope. "You filed for divorce?" she whispered, her voice trembling.

Chris nodded, his jaw set in determination. "Yes, it's crucial to get you out of this toxic situation. You deserve so much better."

Rose's emotions overflowed, tears streaming down her face as she hugged Chris tightly. "Thank you, Chris. Thank you for saving me."

Chris's arms enveloped her, holding her close. "Come on, it's time to go home," he whispered, his voice filled with reassurance.

Rose pulled back, uncertainty etched on her face. "What home? I don't have anywhere to go."

Chris's smile dispelled her fears. "You don't have to worry, Rose. I'm here for you. You'll always have a home with me."

Rose's heart swelled with gratitude. Chris's unwavering support and kindness had become her anchor.

"I'll send my lawyer to your husband for signature on the separation agreement," Chris said, his voice firm.

Rose's eyes flashed with determination. "Wait, I'll go."

Chris's eyebrows rose in surprise. "Are you sure?"

Rose nodded firmly. "Yes, I'm absolutely sure. I need to face him to show him I'm not the same vulnerable person he once controlled."

Chris's expression reflected admiration. "Okay, if you say so."

Rose's smile radiated confidence, her eyes shining with a newfound sense of purpose.

"Chris is holding me, and I feel safe. His warmth envelops me, chasing away the chill of Alexander's cruelty. He's always been there for me, like a rock.

"I'm so grateful for Chris's unwavering support. He's the only one who truly understands me.

"Why did I ever settle for a loveless marriage? Alexander's grasp on me was suffocating, crushing my spirit.

"But Chris... he's my protector, my confidant. His kindness, his compassion, his gentle touch—it all feels so comforting.

"I'm scared, though. Facing Alexander again, confronting the demons of my past... what if I falter?

"But Chris will be there, standing beside me. He'll make sure I'm okay.

"Chris's divorce papers are my ticket to freedom. I'll sign those papers, and I'll start anew.

"Chris's smile... it reassures me that everything will be alright. He's always looked out for me, like a big brother.

"I'm lucky to have Chris in my life. He's the best friend anyone could ask for."

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"Why didn't Rose pick up my call? What's going on with her?

"She's been distant lately, but I thought it was just another phase. Now, she's ignoring me?

"Why did she ask for divorce? Does she think she can just walk away from me?

"I'm the one who made her who she is today. I gave her everything—wealth, status, security.

"She was nothing before me. Just a timid, innocent girl. I showed her the world.

"But why is she doing this? Doesn't she remember how much I've done for her?

"I was the one who pursued her, who convinced her grandfather to arrange our marriage.

"She never had a choice. But I thought she'd grown to love me, or at least appreciate me.

"Is it that Chris guy? Has he turned her against me?

"No, Rose wouldn't betray me like that. She's loyal and obedient.

"But... what if she's found someone else? The thought sends a surge of anger through me.

Alexander's mind is consumed by confusion, anger, and possessiveness, unable to comprehend why Rose would want to leave him.

Alexander's thoughts were interrupted by Tyler's voice: "Alexander, what are your thoughts on the marketing strategy?"

He blinked, refocusing on the meeting. The client, Mr. Jensen, looked expectant.

"Ah, yes... the marketing strategy," Alexander stammered, buying time.

He glanced at the presentation slides, trying to clear his mind. Rose's face still lingered in his thoughts.

"Alexander?" Tyler prompted, his tone subtle but urgent.

Alexander shook off his distraction. "Yes, I think we should... um... emphasize social media campaigns to reach a wider audience."

Mr. Jensen nodded, scribbling notes. "That's a good point. What about influencer partnerships?"

Alexander forced himself to engage, pushing Rose to the back of his mind. "Influencers can be effective, but we need to carefully select those aligned with our brand values."

The meeting continued, with Alexander struggling to maintain his focus. His mind kept drifting back to Rose and the mysterious reasons behind her sudden distance.

As the meeting concluded, Alexander felt a sense of relief. He needed to resolve the Rose situation quickly before it affected his business dealings.

"Tyler, can I have a word with you?" Alexander asked, his tone low.

Tyler nodded, following Alexander out of the meeting room. "What's on your mind?"

Alexander's expression turned serious. "It's Rose. I need to know what's going on with her."

Alexander's expression turned neutral, masking his concern. "Tyler, what's the status on the Smith account?"

Tyler raised an eyebrow, sensing a sudden change in topic. "It's on track, Alexander. What's bothering you?"

Alexander shrugged, feigning nonchalance. "Nothing. Just focusing on business."

Tyler's gaze lingered, searching for cracks in Alexander's facade. "You sure? You seemed distracted in the meeting."

Alexander's jaw clenched, his male ego kicking in. "I'm fine. Just tired."

Tyler nodded, dropping the subject. "Alright, I'll send you the updated reports."

As Tyler walked away, Alexander's eyes narrowed, his thoughts drifting back to Rose.

"No one leaves me," he whispered to himself, his voice laced with determination. "Especially not her."

Alexander's mask of indifference remained firmly in place, hiding the turmoil brewing inside. His pride and ego wouldn't allow him to show vulnerability, not even to Tyler.

But the seed of concern had been planted, and Alexander couldn't shake the feeling that Rose was slipping through his fingers.

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Tyler Pov

"As I walked away from Alexander's office, I couldn't help but wonder what was really bothering him. He's always been a master of hiding his emotions, but I've known him long enough to recognize the subtle cracks in his facade.

"But my mind quickly shifted to Rose, as it often does. That sweet, gentle soul has been a ray of sunshine in this cold, calculating world. Her warm smile and kind words always make my day brighter.

"I've had the privilege of witnessing Rose's beauty shine from within, untainted by the superficial glamour of Alexander's family. They've always treated her like a maid, a mere accessory to their wealth and status. But I see the real Rose—a heart of gold, full of compassion and empathy.

"It angers me to think about how they've exploited her kindness, taking advantage of her innocence. Alexander's family has no idea what a gem they have in Rose. They're blinded by their own arrogance and entitlement.

"But Rose... she's different. She treats me like a brother, with a sincerity that's hard to find. I've watched her quietly endure Alexander's condescending behavior, her dignity unwavering.

"Sometimes I wish I could shield her from the toxicity that surrounds her. Rose deserves so much more—love, respect, and happiness. Not the cold, calculating manipulation of Alexander's world.

"I've often wondered how she ended up with Alexander. She's too good for him, too pure. He doesn't deserve her.

"As I returned to my desk, my thoughts lingered on Rose, hoping she'd find the strength to break free from the chains that bind her. She deserves a life filled with joy, laughter, and love—not the suffocating grip of Alexander's family."

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