“You have no right to touch me, Alexander. I’m not available for your entertainment. Leave my hand,” she hissed angrily, struggling to get free. Instead of releasing her, Alexander tightened his hold on her and pulled her into his arms. “I have every right to touch you. You’re mine,” he muttered, annoyed by her statement. “No, I’m not yours. I refuse to please you whenever you want. You’ve chosen Beatrix over me and you’re engaged to her. I know you both slept with one another. So, stop pursuing me, Alexander. I hate you in case you didn’t know,” she said, struggling more. Alexander clamped her to his body, his eyes flashing angrily, burning her with their intensity. “I’m telling you for the last time, Eva. I didn’t sleep with Beatrix nor touched her. While Beatrix slept alone in my bedroom, I spent the entire night in the living room talking to Stefan. I won’t stop pursuing you, I will continue till the day I die. Please don’t fight me. I know you don’t hate me,” he whispered, his
“So that you can wake up on time for our flight. What else did you think?” he said, walking into her room and grabbing hold of the suitcase she had already packed up. “I can manage to wake up before time on my own. Thanks for the offer, Alexander.” She grabbed her suitcase to stop him from taking it away. Amidst the fight for possession of the suitcase, Eva hardly noticed how close she was to him. He gazed at her lips longingly, his mind prodding him to leave the suitcase and grab her instead for the kiss he was dying for. “Leave my luggage, will you?” “Fine,” he said with a shrug, and grabbed her hand instead. “You’re coming with me and that’s final. I’ll carry you with me if you don’t cooperate!” “Why are you such a bully?” “Only with you when you disobey me. Still, you love me. Don’t you, Eva?” he asked, searching her eyes. “Let’s go to your apartment.” Alexander released her hand with a victorious smile on his face and picked up her luggage. “I’ll order your favorite dinner
“This time I plan to squeeze in a road trip with you. It won’t be just a work trip,” said Alexander, finishing his drink in one gulp, unaware of the disappointed look on her face. Eva had definitely expected him to admit that the trip was special because of her! “Can we do all that in just five days?” She couldn’t afford to extend her leave, having taken a lot earlier.“Yes, we'll be back in time. Don’t worry.” They boarded the flight and sat beside one another on perfectly reclining seats, absorbed in watching movies of their choice. Eva took a nap after lunch while Alexander worked on his laptop. Later, she took out a book she had been wanting to read for a long time. It was a bestselling romance novel that both Hayley and Sienna had recommended to her. Alyssa bought it immediately, but being busy with her own real-life romance, she hardly got time to read it. “What’s that? Oh, romance? Don’t tell me you believe in that shit?” he teased her, his eyes twinkling with amusement. “Of
Feeling the warmth of his body against her own recede, Eva opened her eyes, knowing that the dream was over. It was time to wake up. It was morning already, and she turned to look at Alexander, only to see him rolling over to his side of the bed. Wasn’t he sleeping on his side? She watched him swing his legs to get down and go to the en-suite, unaware that she was wide awake. The washroom door closed and Eva touched her lips. She could feel her swollen lips, still throbbing, branded by Alexander’s hungry kiss. Was that a dream, or was it real? Confused, she got up to check in the mirror, gasping at her disheveled state. Her lips looked thoroughly kissed! Her eyes went towards the living room bathed in the pale morning sunlight and she walked out towards it. Everything looked so refreshing and beautiful that it took her breath away. She walked onto the adjacent, spacious terrace commanding a panoramic view of the city’s major sights, including the iconic Eiffel Tower. “Good morning!
They reached their suite room, but thankfully Alexander didn’t attack her immediately as she had expected him to. She dashed off to the bedroom to freshen up while he ordered their lunch. Afterwards, they sat down on the expansive terrace to savor the delightful samples of French cuisine laid out before them. “This is Bouillabaisse, a popular French fish soup,” explained Alexander on seeing her reluctance to try out anything new. “Oh, it’s good.” Alexander was quite knowledgeable and explained every dish in detail. Having come here plenty of times, he knew everything about the place and its culture. The warm, clear, sunny day, the spectacular views and the delightful gastronomical experience coupled with his company made Eva wish she could remain immersed in this land of dreams forever with him. His phone buzzed with an incoming call and he frowned at the caller ID, not accepting the call. For the next twenty minutes, his phone kept disturbing them till he just stood up agitatedly.
“I’m still waiting for my kiss, Eva.” Alexander’s husky whisper brought her to her senses, and she opened her eyes slowly, her gaze drifting to his lips inches away from hers. She blushed under his intense scrutiny and tilted her head towards his, lightly brushing her lips against his. The soft-touch immediately ignited a spark again like it always did, intensifying the electric tingle that spread down her body. A deep groan escaped his lips, and he grabbed her head, his fingers working into her hair, making her breath hitch with anticipation. The desire to taste his lips again drove her wild and this time she claimed his lips again, slowly, lingeringly, savoring the taste of cinnamon and chocolate on him. It made her moan with pleasure just like the chocolate cinnamon French silk tartes they had for dessert did a few minutes ago! With a groan of pure need, Alexander’s mouth took charge and plunged his tongue into her parted mouth. The kiss turned into a fiery, passionate joining th
Alexander felt his heart constrict at the thought of telling her about his change of plans. Beatrix’s sudden phone call disrupted the beautiful holiday he had planned with her. “Do you want to go out?” he asked her wanting to make the most of their time together. Staying locked up in a room with her would shatter his self-control and he would end up making love to her. No, he couldn’t do that now! “Yes, please,” she said eagerly. They went out and strolled hand in hand to see the other attractions nearby, in no hurry whatsoever. The sun was about to set when they boarded a spectacular glass-topped boat for a dinner cruise on the Seine River. “This is so different. I’ve never been on a glass-topped boat before!” she gasped with delight. “I’m glad you like it. I wanted to take you shopping too but I’m afraid we can’t squeeze that in today!” he said with a sigh. “I don’t need anything so just relax and enjoy the cruise. This is the best attraction so far!” Alexander gazed at her tend
The next morning, Alexander could feel a change in Eva’s behavior towards him. It seemed as if she didn’t want to interact with him much. Maybe she was upset after having overheard his conversation with his mom. With so much work to wrap up in a day, he didn’t have the time to talk to Eva. Maybe he would before leaving for home. He left after an early morning breakfast while Eva was still in the washroom. He couldn’t afford to wait for her, even if he wanted to. Eva released a deep sigh on hearing the front door shut. She had been feigning sleep, knowing he was getting ready for work. She couldn’t face him knowing that his career was in grave danger because of her. If his parents wanted him to marry Beatrix, then so be it. She didn’t want Beatrix to harm him in any way.The hotel had offered her a guide and a chauffeur at Alexander’s insistence, and Eva left after breakfast. She roamed around the entire morning, missing Alexander immensely. She didn’t want to go in the first place,
“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