Eva spoke to her colleagues at the hospital and Laura informed her about a one-bedroom apartment up for sale in Bronx. Although buying it would leave her penniless, Eva didn’t mind. She needed a place of her own before Alexander’s wedding. She couldn’t see them together all the time. “My cousin lives in the building. It’s good. Would you like to check it out?” “Yes. Can we go today after duty?” She hadn’t seen Alexander since that night and wanted to move out before he returned from his parents' place. “Sure. I’ll check up with her.” In the evening, just as promised, Laura took her to a lower middle-class locality in Bronx, where the building was located. It wasn’t posh as her current home, but it was a decent, freshly painted one in a clean neighborhood. She introduced Eva to her cousin, Sarah, who worked at a departmental store and lived on the second floor. “It’s on the third floor. Come, I’ll show you around.” Sarah led them up the staircase to the third-floor apartment overl
Alexander stared at the photographs forwarded to his phone in disbelief. He hadn’t expected Maxwell to really work so fast. Maybe he had underestimated the guy! Despite Maxwell's capabilities, what surprised Alexander was how Eva fell into his trap so easily. Or did she willingly go out with Maxwell? Maybe she had given up hope on him? Ever since they returned from the Paris trip, he hadn’t once found an opportunity to talk to her. Now the time had come to confront her. He couldn’t sit back and watch Maxwell whisk her away from right under his nose. He hadn’t given his final decision to Beatrix yet. With his dad still unwell, he was delaying it purposely. While Beatrix bothered her all day, he refused to give in to the pressure. He had no wish to father Fairfield’s illegitimate child. The doorbell rang, and he glanced at the clock. Who could be here so late in the night? “Alex, are you awake?” asked his mom from her room. “Yes, mom. I’ll get it.” He got up from his bed and went t
“Yes, Alexander Van Every speaking,” said Alexander accepting the call with a feeling of dread clutching at his heart. Was it regarding his dad?“Hello, Mr. Van Every! I’m calling from Columbia Hospital Critical Care Unit. Your fiancée, Beatrix Rotterdam has been admitted here for allegedly attempting suicide by slashing her right wrist. She is in the OT but we need you here for the formalities and police investigation.” Alexander’s jaws dropped with horror at the news. Surely there was some misunderstanding here! Why would Beatrix commit suicide?“Are you sure about this? How serious is Ms. Rotterdam? Maybe it was just an accident,” he reasoned.“No, Mr. Van Every. It is a suicide, and the patient is critical. Please come here as soon as you can.” Alexander quickly changed and stuffed his wallet, and phone, and rushed over to his parents' room. “Mom, dad, I need to go to Columbia Hospital right now. Beatrix has attempted to take her life and is admitted to the Critical Care Unit. T
Beatrix opened her bleary eyes slowly after a while, focusing on Alexander sitting at her bedside. There was a police officer too at the foot of the bed on high alert. “Alexander!” she croaked with surprise. The doctor came forward to check on her. “Please, can you step out, officer? I need to check how the baby is doing,” said the doctor. The officer reluctantly left the room, and the doctor started talking to the sonographer present. Thankfully, no one gave him a thought, considering him to be the father of the baby. Seeing his only opportunity, Alexander leaned towards Beatrix. “Why did you do such a thing, Beatrix?” he scolded her. “I’ll do it again if you don’t marry me, Alexander. I’ll give my verdict against you and send you to prison.” Alexander gaped at her, unable to understand whether she did this on purpose to trap him or something else! It didn’t look like she did this to kill herself. He looked at the bandaged wrist and wondered how much she had harmed herself. How w
Thankfully, Alyssa was away when she went home. Not in the mood to face her questions, Eva went to her room and quickly changed for bed. She lay down, but the tears wouldn’t stop. Alexander’s sudden announcement had her broken. She didn’t know what to think of Beatrix’s pregnancy. Why would Alexander lie to her if he had enjoyed physical intimacy with Beatrix? She was sure there was an explanation because, as far as she knew Alexander, he never lied. He would have told her if he had any physical intimacy with Beatrix even once. He would rather face her wrath than lie to her! Eva wiped her eyes dry, feeling determined to move out before Alexander came over to his apartment. She wouldn’t ask him for an explanation or remind him of his promise to her. Even if she died of heartbreak, she would never beg him to accept her in his life, to love her. She would go away to her own little apartment forever, far away from their lives. The next day, Eva completed all the formalities and received
Alexander dragged his tired body to the hotel room he had been staying in for the last few days. He had completed his work in London but somehow didn’t have the wish to return home and face Beatrix again. The entire afternoon Ashton had been calling him but he had been too busy in a meeting to accept his call. He unlocked his phone to check the messages Ashton had sent wondering what the urgency was all about. There wasn’t a thing that Ashton didn’t know about him. They were more like brothers than best friends. He frowned at the message, wondering what was up now. Bro, did you announce your wedding and Beatrix’s pregnancy officially today? It has gone viral! Here’s the link, check. Call me immediately, it’s important.–Ashton.Shocked, Alexander clicked on the link, which took him to Beatrix’s social media post. Alexander gaped at the photograph of them together. It was an old photograph taken by uncle Desmond when he was alive. He had forced them to pose with one another for the p
Eva rushed to open the door and found a beaming Alyssa outside. “What’s wrong? Who were you fighting with?” asked Alyssa, coming inside, but froze at seeing her brother standing in the middle of the living room. How did he find them? How did he know their address? “What are you doing here, Alex?” she demanded angrily. “I've come here to take you both home,” he said gruffly. “I’ve bought this apartment and I’m not going anywhere with you. This is my home,” said Eva pointedly. It made Alexander angrier, and he glared menacingly at her. After that clarification earlier, he had expected Eva to give up her grudge and return home with him.“What was the need to suddenly buy an apartment?” he demanded gruffly, angry with the two of them. “I’m tired of living in other people’s houses and being trampled upon like trash. I refuse to be addressed as a beggar girl. Tell your dad that I have an apartment of mine now,” she spat back, taking Alexander by surprise. He had completely forgotten ab
The next morning, Alyssa was so apprehensive at the prospect of working for Nicholas that she left early without having her breakfast. After she left, Eva had just taken a bite of her sandwich when the doorbell rang. She was sure Alyssa was back for something. She opened the door with an eye roll. “Since you’re back, you might as well have your breakfast,” she said with a grin, but froze at seeing Alexander at her doorstep. His disheveled state, and tousled hair made him look as if he just woke up from bed and arrived here. “You? Don’t you have any work early in the morning?” Alexander grinned lazily, his eyes sweeping over her and resting on her face at last. “Yes, me! Just came over to grab some coffee and breakfast till I set up my new home.” Eva’s eyes widened as she tried to grasp the meaning of his words. “New home? Have you moved away somewhere?” she asked, following Alexander inside while he eyed her food hungrily. “Don’t touch my food. I’ll get you yours.” She rushed to
“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