Wealthy family

Chapter 4

"Thanks everyone, I'm happy you all could make time to come," Maria said, her voice delicate, as she bowed slightly, her slender figure dipping forward.

As she stepped off the stage, she made her way through the crowd, greeting people with a warm smile, deliberately ignoring Alejandro, who's been desperately trying to get her attention.

Jessica made her way over to Alejandro, her expression curious. "Did you know she's the daughter of a wealthy family?" she asked, her voice low.

Alejandro raised an eyebrow. "I didn't know, is there a problem with that?" he demanded, his tone defensive.

Jessica hesitated. "No, I was just thinking she's not a good person to have on your bad side," she said, her eyes darting towards Maria.

Alejandro chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "I guess you should watch your mouth. She might have a reason for everything," he said, his voice laced with amusement, as he defended Maria.

Jessica's eyes narrowed, her expression skeptical, but she said nothing more. Her gaze simply followed Maria as she moved through the room, her presence commanding attention.

"Why did you keep defending her?" Jessica suddenly asked, an offended frown enveloped her expression. "She's your ex-wife, not like she's still part of your life," even though she didn't want to show it, each of her words were wrapped with jealousy.

Alejandro scoffed with a dismissive expression. "What the fuck is wrong with you? Huh? Do you want me to regret bringing you here?" He leaned closer to her right ear. "Listen to me, it's better you be a good girl and stay quiet. This..." He nodded towards Maria. "...is none of your business," that being said, he turned and walked away, leaving Jessica looking frustrated and flustered.

Jessica's bothered eyes followed Alejandro as he quickly made his way towards the hallway, where Maria was heading. She watched as he caught up to Maria, his long strides eating up the distance.

As he reached her side, he fell into step beside her, his eyes were fixed on her face but Maria didn't acknowledge him. Her gaze was fixed ahead.

"Hi, Maria!" Alejandro said, his voice cheerful, but Maria's response was icy.

She scoffed, her eyes rolling in annoyance, as she turned to face him. "What's the issue, young man? How may I help you?" she demanded, her expression cold, her voice dripping with disdain.

Alejandro's smile faltered, his eyes narrowing in surprise. "Don't you recognize me again?" he asked, his tone laced with confusion.

Maria scoffed once more, her expression incredulous. "Do I have to know you? Am I supposed to you? Or, are you someone important?" she narrowed her eyes in a confused manner, then she gasped dramatically. "Oh! Are you trying to hit on me?" she chuckled as she shook her head in disbelief. "You really suck at hitting on women, buddy." she rolled her eyes as she turned and walk away.

Alejandro's eyes widened in shock, his mind racing with possibilities. Has she truly forgotten him? Or could it be something tragic happened that her forget about him? But what could have happened that made her forget about him so fast? 

"Are you sure you don't recognize me?" Alejandro asked, his voice laced with surprise and concern.

Maria hasn't gone far so she heard him perfectly clear, then stopped in her tracks, and quickly turned to face him once more. "Who on earth are you?" she asked, her expression blank, as if she was genuinely puzzled.

Alejandro's eyes searched hers, looking for any glimmer of recognition, but there was none.

"Listen, I'm not a very patient person. If you keep stalking me like this, I might call security on you. So just stay away from me," Maria warned, her voice firm, as she turned to leave once more.

As Maria turned to leave, she heard a familiar voice calling out to her from behind. She looked back to see Xavier, a bright smile on his face, holding a bouquet of flowers. Her face lit up with delight as she rushed towards him, leaving Alejandro standing alone.

"Hey Xavier, you came!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with excitement.

Xavier nodded, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "I told you I was going to come. Sorry I'm late. The surgery today was so stressful," he apologized, his expression sheepish.

Maria nodded understandingly, her eyes sparkling with warmth. And to make Alejandro feel even worse, she hugged Xavier tightly, her arms wrapping around him like a vice. She took the flowers from him, her fingers brushing against his.

"Did you get these for me or were you just passing by?" Maria asked, her voice teasing.

Xavier nodded, his smile growing wider. "Thanks so much, you're the best," Maria gushed, her eyes shining with appreciation.

She held out her hand, and Xavier took it, his fingers intertwining with hers. "Come with me to meet my parents," she said, dragging him away, leaving Alejandro to watch them go with a mixture of shock and dismay.

AAlejandro's face contorted in anguish as he shouted, his voice echoing through the hallway. "Stop this! If you're pretending, just stop it, it's annoying!"

Maria and Xavier stopped in their tracks, turning to face him. Alejandro strode towards them, his eyes blazing with emotion, and separated their hands. He faced Maria, his voice cracking with regret.

"If this is your way of getting back at me, I accept it. But I didn't think you'd pretend you don't know me. It really hurt," Alejandro said, his eyes pleading for forgiveness.

Xavier looked on, confusion etched on his face. "Who's he?" he asked Maria.

Maria dismissed him with a wave of her hand. "Don't bother yourself, he's not someone important. You shouldn't bother about it."

Alejandro's eyes locked onto Maria's, his voice filled with sincerity. "I am sorry, Maria. I am deeply sorry. I love you, Maria. I really do."

Maria's expression turned icy, her voice challenging. "What do you know about love? How can you love me when our marriage, which has already ended, was just a contract?"

Alejandro's face twisted in pain, his eyes welling up with tears. "I know I didn't show it, but I realized too late that I do love you, Maria. I want a second chance, please."

"Now I realize you're a joker," Maria said, her voice firm and commanding. "If you will continue to be rude like this, I am going to make sure the security throws you out."

With that, she turned on her heel and walked away, leaving Alejandro standing alone. Xavier, who had been watching the exchange with interest, stepped forward, a wicked grin spreading across his face.

"I have known Maria for a while now, and I haven't seen her this angry," he said, his voice low and menacing. "So stay away from her if you know what's good for you. You seem to be her worst nightmare."

With that, he turned and followed Maria, leaving Alejandro to seethe with frustration and regret.