Eva went out of her room, intensely aware of the expensive jewelry she wore. Not used to wearing such things, she shyly went to Sienna’s room to help her get ready. She didn’t know how to explain to them if they asked about the jewelry. She saw Skylar working on Sienna’s hair and helped her. Later, Alyssa did her makeup and Eva helped her with the dress. Hayley fixed the jewelry and the veil and they all gasped at Sienna’s complete look, admiring the off-shoulder mermaid gown she wore. “Lucas bought the perfect one for you. How did he manage it, I wonder!” said Alyssa. “I know. Christian sucks at shopping. It seems like a punishment to him,” said Skylar. “Even my brother, but strangely, he accompanies Eva on her shopping escapades!” laughed Alyssa, making Eva blush. “Only once because he was dropping me home, okay?” Eva protested, blushing more at the memory of it. She was around twelve then and had to attend Hayley’s birthday party, but didn’t have a proper dress to wear. Alexan
After helping granny to her room, Eva went towards the banquet hall to help herself to the delicious hors d’oeuvres before Alexander arrived to disrupt her peace. However, before she even reached the living area, she froze seeing Alexander in the corridor, approaching her. “There you are! I’ve been looking for you and Lisa everywhere.” He stopped in front of her with an angry scowl on his face, his gaze briefly sweeping over her. “I was in granny’s room.” Eva looked up at him and, for a fleeting moment, she thought she saw his eyes glitter with lust for her. He soon shuttered his emotions, replacing them with his signature scowl. “We’re leaving in ten minutes. Collect your stuff and come down. Tell Lisa that I’m looking for her." “I’m not going with you,” she stated, not wanting to leave without attending her close friend’s reception. What would she do back at Alyssa’s apartment? Cook a simple one-pot dish for dinner and sleep? “I’m not giving you a choice, Eva. You're coming
Eva climbed into the car waiting to take them to the pier but avoided glancing at him even. She didn’t know why he brought out the worst in her with his rude comments. She loved him and it was normal that she would feel jealous of Beatrix! Wouldn’t he have felt the same if she dated another man? It was really time to give him a dose of his own medicine! Alyssa came rushing towards the car and they sped off towards the pier where a ferry would take them to Alexandria Bay. The bright afternoon sun shimmered over the surface of the water as their ferry surged forward towards Alexandria Bay, leaving Preston Island behind. Her friends discussed how much they were missing the place already, but Eva’s mind was in a state of turmoil. “I’m missing Sienna’s reception party so much. Sky’s so lucky that she can stay as long as she wants to,” said Alyssa, releasing a deep sigh as she glanced back at the island. “Yeah, we’re the unluckiest ones in the group,” sighed Hayley while Eva looked away.
"She moved out to a place of her own, forever. Happy? That’s what you always wanted, right?” Alyssa demanded angrily, while Alexander pursed his lips to stop the retort he was about to spew out. He couldn’t believe that Eva was really gone when she didn’t have any place of her own to stay, only a job she had just started. Being fresh out of college, her pay wasn’t much and a place of her own would leave nothing with her to run her daily needs. He hadn’t wanted this at all! He was just frustrated with his life! With the board meeting happening the next morning, he didn’t know how long he could continue to be the CEO of Rotterdams without marrying Beatrix. Recently, it had become impossible to stall the wedding with Beatrix after him to fix a date within the next three months. His dad reminded him all the time that his health was improving only because of him! Therefore, he was afraid to risk his dad’s health by taking a drastic decision. His life, therefore, was doomed! A verbal comb
Eva meekly followed Alexander to his apartment, but her mind was in a state of turmoil, fighting and contradicting his statement. If she were that precious to him, why couldn’t he accept her in his life in place of Beatrix? Why couldn’t he love her instead? She had never hidden her feelings from him, but what was the use, even if he didn't return them at all? “I won’t stay here for free,” she grumbled and Alexander sighed, giving up. “Pay me some rent if you insist, but only the amount I specify.” “I have one more condition,” said Eva, turning to face him. Alexander rolled his eyes and waited patiently for her to spell it out. “Tell me.” Eva hesitated and looked away, a blush creeping up her cheeks. “You’re engaged and therefore it will be better if you didn’t kiss me. We will stay away from any physical proximity. If you agree, I’ll stay or I’ll move into Alyssa’s place.” Strangely, Alexander stared hard at her, not committing anything. He couldn’t control his urge to kiss her.
“Good morning, respected ladies and gentlemen. I’m sorry for the delay. Can we start right away with a pledge of allegiance, please?” he said with a charming smile, ignoring Beatrix’s pointed glare and the meeting began. Afterwards, they were all seated and Alexander welcomed and thanked each and every board member present, easily winning them over with his charm.“The meeting agenda has been distributed in your board pack. Are there any amendments to the agenda?” he asked courteously. “Yes, I wish to discuss the terms and conditions laid down by my father before his untimely death. Since these affect the operation of the business empire, I would like to prove the importance of the marital alliance between me and the current CEO, Mr. Van Every. Further, I would want more power to decide matters pertaining to the business,” said Beatrix, but the board of directors shook their heads to disagree. “Ms. Rotterdam, we understand your concern, but you need to concentrate on your training a
“Maybe out of humanity! We’re flatmates, after all!” Alexander said, his eyes glinting with amusement while Eva groaned in frustration. Couldn’t he simply admit that he liked her? “Thank you so much. I’m honored that you did so much just for a mere flatmate. Beatrix is lucky to have you as her fiancé.” She concentrated on her food with a small smile of satisfaction on her lips, since she knew he did no such thing for his fiancée. “I’m unlucky to have her as my fiancée. Don’t mention her name, or she’ll miraculously land up here,” he said with a groan. Eva chuckled, but she too dreaded the appearance of two people in his penthouse, Beatrix and his dad. She still didn’t know what she would do if they arrived here. “So, how was your day without my coffee?” He didn’t need to answer that question, since his expression told her just how dismal his day went. “It was disgusting, but a good thing came of it, though. There was a board meeting today and the board members supported me for the
“Go home, Beatrix. You know what you’re asking for is impossible!” said Alexander, his eyes cold and spiteful. Beatrix shook her head and slipped past him into his apartment, refusing to listen to him this time. “Why? Which era are you living in, Alexander? We’re engaged and will marry one another in four months. I won’t stay away from claiming what’s mine. You’re mine!” she said, her eyes flashing with defiance. Her little speech stunned Alexander, and he looked desperately for a way to throw her out. He couldn’t even think of having se* with Beatrix, not even in his worst nightmares. In fact, kissing her made him nauseous, let alone anything else. “No, I don’t believe in se* before marriage. You might think me old-fashioned, but that’s how I am,” he lied through his teeth, as it was the only option to save himself from her clutches. He didn’t want her to take a step forward, or she'd know that Eva lived here with him! “Fine, still, I’ll spend the night with you. We can at least c
“Granny, grandpa, you have to shift to New York this time. Enough of staying here all by yourselves. Why don’t you sell off the hobby center?” coaxed Alyssa after seeing the way her grandpa was still struggling with his day-to-day activities at eighty-nine.“Yes, Alyssa is right, dad. Please come along with us. You can play with Eleanor or Axel in a few days instead of living here all by yourselves,” said Alexander’s mom. “Who are Eleanor and Axel?” asked a clueless granny. “Alexander and Eva’s baby, mom!” said Jodie Van Every, beaming with excitement. She loved the names the moment she heard them and had been planning a nursery for the baby ever since Grandpa gave his wife an excited look, as if contemplating the suggestion. “Who will buy the hobby center? I can sell everything here and move to New York with you but after Alexander’s baby is born,” said grandpa. “Done. We’ll stay back here and help you sell everything off,” said Daniel Van Every. It was therefore decided that his
The next morning, Alexander reached Mr. Strasbourg’s house on time. His son, Adam Strasbourg, welcomed him and offered him coffee as they waited for Mr. Fitzgerald. Alexander had met him two years ago when he had come down from Frankfurt where he lived. “I know you’re the prime suspect in this case and you shouldn’t be visiting here, but I wanted to see you, Alexander. My mind is very disturbed. Dad was so attached to you, and it’s ironic that you had to be accused of murdering him.”“I’m sorry that I couldn’t save him, Adam. After stepping down from Rotterdams, I was quite busy.”“I understand. For the last two years, we have been pleading with dad to come over to Frankfurt and live with us but he didn’t even consider it an option. He received a strange thrill from involving himself with Rotterdams. He seemed obsessed with saving the empire, which belonged to a deceased friend.”“Yes, he was too attached to Rotterdams.” “What was the outcome of his dedication? He lost his life! Thi
The next day, Alexander shifted to his penthouse when Eva was at the hospital. His mom came over with her housekeeper to get the penthouse cleaned up and arrange their belongings. Alexander felt relieved to be home at last, to where he belonged. “Everything is arranged now. I’ll leave, Alex. We’ll see you later after you settle down,” said his mom. After his mom left, Alexander received a call from Ashton.“Bro, I wouldn’t be able to return soon. There’s an emergency here that will take some time to wrap up. I’ve got a big promotion here at the hotel and I can’t overlook my responsibilities here. Why don’t you start without me?” Alexander noted his disinterest in starting a business under the circumstances. “Oh, that’s fine. Dad has released my funds and I can invest freely. Don’t worry, if you want you can join me anytime.” “Thanks, bro. I will.” After he disconnected the call, Alexander called his lawyer, Thomas Goldstein, and informed him about the latest update. “I want to co
“I’m sorry about that, Beatrix. Eva isn’t keeping well because of her pregnancy and I couldn’t take your call,” apologized Alexander, feeling guilty for ignoring her plea for help. “I understand, Alexander. I know how much I’ve tormented you with my stubbornness and I’m sorry for everything I did,” said Beatrix and this time she genuinely looked ashamed of herself. “So am I. Everything happened for a reason. We weren’t meant for one another.” “Yes and I’ve learned my lesson the hard way,” said Beatrix with a sigh. “It’s better to move on now. Have a good life with Fairfield. I’ll contact Mr. Fitzgerald and start hunting for the evidence Mr. Strasbourg had hidden somewhere,” said Alexander, but Beatrix stopped him. “Wait! I have a request, Alexander.” “Tell me!” Alexander knew what she would ask of him, but he wasn’t ready to go into that again. “Please come back to Rotterdams, Alexander. The company needs you. Right now, Mr. McCabe is the current CEO, but I want you to look aft
Eva gaped at her husband, too shocked to react. After Daniel Van Every’s last call, she hardly expected him to accept her. So did she unnecessarily overreact last night? “Oh, are you sure? How did they suddenly change their mind about me?” She wondered if Alexander fought with them for her. “Alyssa made them see sense. Mom and dad apologized for everything that happened. They want to be a part of our lives, to play with our baby,” said Alexander while Eva sat with her mouth hanging open. Did they soften because of her pregnancy? A smile brightened up her face, and she resumed eating, letting the good news seep into her system. “I’m glad that they’ve accepted us, Alexander. I was tired of living alone with no family to call my own. At Maxwell’s house, his family cared for me so much, I craved one of my own. I wished your family would accept me like they did. Maybe God has granted my prayers.” Alexander smiled at her, feeling satisfied that finally another wish of hers had been fulfil
Eva’s head swooned under the effect of a panic attack, and she gasped for breath. Before she could reach the washroom door, her feet buckled, and she felt dizzy. Alexander rushed to catch her just in time to arrest her fall. Alyssa too rushed in followed by the others, too shocked by everything to react. Alexander’s parents gaped at the scene before them, finally realizing how deeply their behavior had affected the poor girl.“Eva, no one can separate us, baby! Please take a deep breath and calm down,” cried Alexander, but she lost her senses in his arms. Alexander carried her limp body to the bed. “I’ll get some water,” said Alyssa, rushing to the washroom. “Eva wake up. I’m right here with you. You’ve been brave for so long. You can’t fall sick now,” said Alexander, patting her cheeks. Alyssa rushed in with the water and sprinkled it over her face. It worked, and she slowly opened her eyes to look at Alexander with wide eyes. “Take deep breaths, baby. I don’t want to admit you
“Lucas called to say that Mr. Fitzgerald is busy tonight. He wouldn’t be coming in for a discussion,” said Alexander, hovering around in the kitchen while Eva made dinner. The doorbell rang and Eva looked at him worriedly. “I thought Mr. Fitzgerald isn't coming in tonight.” Alexander shrugged and went forward to check out who had arrived at their doorstep at such an odd hour. Few people knew that he was released today and was still staying here in Bronx. Maybe it was Alyssa and Nicholas! “Should be Lisa and Nicholas.” He opened the door and rolled his eyes at seeing how right he was. “Knew it!” he said, opening the door wider for Alyssa and Nicholas to come in. “At last I’m allowed entry into the place. I thought I would always be a stalker waiting outside!” said Nicholas and Alyssa punched his arm. “Did you really stalk me? You creep?” asked Alyssa in disbelief. Eva emerged from the kitchen and giggled at the ongoing topic. “Yes, so? Alexander knows about it. He caught me so m
“Eva’s been at my house with Sienna and Alyssa since last night. Don’t worry, we didn’t allow her to return to her apartment. They ensured she didn’t skip her meals, and she was perfectly fine. In fact, we’re all heading there right now,” said Lucas, and Alexander smiled with relief. “I know why you asked. Maybe it’s got something to do with Alyssa. She can answer your question better, bro,” whispered Nicholas. Alexander smiled, amazed at how Nicholas could see through him. “What are we waiting for, man? Let’s go?” urged Alexander, unable to wait any longer. All the formalities were over at the court and they had no reason to wait. “You need to collect your belongings from the precinct, Mr. Van Every,” said the officer, and Alexander nodded. “I’ll see you later, son. Here are the keys to the penthouse. I’m sorry for everything that happened,” said his dad, handing him the keys and walking away, leaving him stunned. What the hell just happened? Did his dad apologize for his beha
“Bro, this isn’t even half the bail amount. Why did you lie to Eva? She’d be so upset when she comes to know,” said a worried Nicholas as they headed to the court for the initial bail hearing before the Magistrate judge. He looked at the cheque that Sienna had issued against the jewelry that Eva handed to her. It was the exact amount Lucas had specified to Eva. “I didn’t want to overburden her with a loan. Don’t tell her anything. I’ll have a word with Alexander later when he is released. Right now, I’m paying the rest of the amount. It’s the same with Chris’s payment. He didn’t quote it all to Alyssa. I’ll pay the rest when the case is over.” They met Chris and discussed the case outside the court while waiting for the proceedings to start. “So, what’s the update on the case? Did you find any leads? Will they approve of Alexander’s bail request?” asked Lucas in a low whisper. “Yes. I’m hundred percent sure, given Alexander’s respectable past record. I’ve roped in a few noteworthy