Chapter 3

Alexander's POV

"Last night's incident was a mistake and it should be forgotten. Women are scum!" I slammed, trying my best to forget last night's encounter with the waitress.

"Why can't I get her out of my head?" I ruffled my hair with my hands agressively. "I hate this!"

With a throbbing pain in my head, I entered the bathroom and switched on the shower.

I allowed the water to do its work as it ran its way through my skin.

I seethed with rage, wondering who had the audacity to spike my drink.

The culprit is either extremely foolish or has a death wish.

I guess they have no idea who they are messing with. I will make them pay! They will beg for their dear lives.

As I stepped out of the bathroom utterly naked, trickles of water coursed down my body, forming a tiny puddle on the floor at my feet.

Today is Sunday and it's family time for the Kings' family.

I put on a cotton shirt and a denim jeans, and ran to the grand hall where we have our family time.

Everyone was already sitted except me.

"Sweetheart, you didn't come home last night, and you weren't at the office. What happened?" my grandmother asked, pulling out a chair for me to sit.

I gave her a peck on the cheek and took my seat. "I was in town, Grandma. Just out for a drink."

My dad rolled his eyes. "You know you can't be seen out and about like that. Many people are eyeing your position."

I held up my hands, placating. "Calm down, Dad. It was just a drink, and I didn't do anything wrong..."

My voice trailed off as I remembered the incident with the waitress the night before. A shiver ran down my spine at the thought of someone having taken pictures or videos.

My dad noticed my unease. "What is it, boy?"

I forced a smile. "Nothing, Dad. Just hungry."

My cousin Bella, who was sitting across from me, pouted. "Grandma, can we serve the food already? I'm starving."

I flicked her lip with my finger. "Get a man, Bella. You're getting old. Stop acting like a baby. You're twenty-five, for heaven's sake."

She rolled her eyes. "Coming from a man who's thirty and still single. You're one to talk."

I hit her head with my spoon. "I'm a man, I can do what I like."

She touched her head, feigning hurt. "You got angry because I told the truth! Go get a woman and give Grandma a grandchild! Right, Grandma?" She stuck out her tongue at me.

I glared at her, but she just smiled sweetly.

My grandmother stood up, intervening before the argument escalated. "Let's not fight, kids. Let's pray first."

We all stood up to pray, as was our custom before meals. As we sat down to eat, my grandmother cleared her throat. "That reminds me..."

I knew what was coming. The conversation about me getting married was far from over. And I will kill Bella for stirring up trouble.

My grandmother continued, her eyes fixed on mine. "You know Mr. Rogers, don't you?"

I nodded, my mind racing. "Yes, the name sounds familiar."

"Good," she said, a hint of a smile on her face. "He called me yesterday about his granddaughter, Amelia..."

I interrupted, my voice laced with unease. "What happened to her? Is she ill?"

My father chimed in, his voice calm. "Mr. Rogers was my father's closest friend. They grew up together in the same neighborhood before he passed away."

I knew where this was heading, and I didn't like it. "So what? Why are you telling me this?"

My father's eyes locked onto mine. "You and Amelia are getting married."

My grandmother added, her voice firm. "She has already agreed to be your wife."

Bella, my cousin, spoke up, her voice sweet. "I know Amelia, we're the same age. She's a lovely person."

I glared at her, knowing she was just trying to provoke me. "No! I can't marry her. She's a nuisance."

Bella's mother, who had been quiet until then, spoke up. "Don't say that, sweetheart. You can make her into a good woman."

I stood up, my anger boiling over. "No! I don't want her, and that's final. I don't want to hear another word about this again."

I stormed out of the room. My father called out after me, "Come back, son! You haven't even touched your food."

Bella's voice drifted after me, "He's so angry. I'll take his food to him."

I slammed the door shut, my heart racing with frustration. I couldn't believe they were trying to force me into an arranged marriage. Do they still arrange marriages for people at this time and era?

I have to figure out a way to get out of this situation.

As I paced back and forth in my room, I heard a knock on the door. It was Bella, carrying a tray with my food. "Hey, cousin, I brought your food," she said, her voice cheerful.

I glared at her, but she just smiled and set the tray down on my bed. "Don't be angry, cousin. It's just a marriage. It's not the end of the world."

I sighed, feeling a bit guilty for snapping at her. "Thanks, Bella. She sat on my bed, as I collected the food from her.

"Do you also want me to marry Amelia? You know how spoilt that girl can be?" I asked her, looking intently at her. I really wanted her to support me.

Then the question she asked strucked me.

"Is this really about Amelia?" She asked, her eyes not leaving mine.

I became uncomfortable.

I stammered, "wha…wha…what do you me mean?

"You know what I mean, brother." She stared deeply at me. Is this about Amelia or you can't just get Zara off your head?"

The room suddenly became hot. This girl really is something. Is she a witch? How did she know this?

"I…I don't know what you are saying." I pretended.

After Zara betrayed me in high school, I vowed not to give my heart to any woman, ever again!

"Not all women are like Zara, you have to open your heart and give another woman a chance to love and cherish you." She said, she moved closer and gave me a hug. "You deserve it."

I broke down in tears. She patted my back as I cried like a child.

No wonder I love my cousin so much.

"Okay, I will give her a chance." I said after so much crying.

She giggled. "You will? Amazing. Let me tell uncle and grandma." She stood up to run out, but I held her hands.

"Don't tell them yet, I want to surprise them." I pleaded with her and she agreed.

I thought about it all night, but surprisingly, my mind wandered back to the alluring waitress at the club, her sultry gaze and captivating body just wouldn't leave me.

And in that moment I knew I had a choice to make.

It's either I agree to the arranged marriage or risk everything for a gorgeous stranger.