Already engaged

CHAPTER 4

"Nick! Nick, where are you?" Alice's voice reverberated through the hallway as she burst into her brother's apartment, urgency radiating from her every step. She had come straight from the airport, her irritation simmering just below the surface as she prepared to tackle the mess that was her brother's latest scandal.

"Alice?" Nick's voice called from the kitchen. Moments later, he emerged, a bright red apron wrapped clumsily around his neck and torso.

Alice raised an eyebrow, her frustration momentarily forgotten. "Is that… an apron? You picked up cooking again?" Her voice dripped with sarcasm.

"Sure did, kinda had to after moving out" Nick shrugged, nonchalant as he strolled over to grab her bag. "You planning to stay the night? I could use the company while I whip up my masterpiece."

"You wish." She smirked, rolling her eyes. "I didn't come here for a sleepover. I came to check on you and to—" She paused, her expression darkening as the gravity of the situation settled back in. With a swift motion, she smacked him on the back of the head.

"Ow! What the hell was that for?" he yelped, rubbing his scalp as he glared at her.

"I warned you, didn't I? I told you she was bad news. I told you she'd pull something like this, but no—you didn't listen. Now, look at us: the company's shares are dropping faster than your dating life," she said, her arms crossed, her tone laced with irritation.

Nick sighed, frustration flickering across his face. "People will move on soon enough. I'll just chalk it up to being unlucky in love and accept that I'm destined to be single forever."

Alice softened, shaking her head as she tried to reason with him. "Oh, come on. You're only 22. You have plenty of time to figure things out."

He shot her a pointed look, crossing his arms defiantly. "You're one to talk. Weren't you the one who claimed all men were the same because of that one guy who cheated on you? You're fucking 26 and still single," he retorted, an obvious note of mockery in his voice.

Alice narrowed her eyes, but before he could brace himself, she threw a punch but he darted out of reach, laughter spilling from both of them as she chased him around the living room. Their playful voices echoed off the walls, filling the space with warmth. Finally, they collapsed onto the couch, breathless and grinning, the earlier tension momentarily forgotten.

Nick leaned back, catching his breath. "Want some pasta? I made enough to share. I promise it's not as bad as you remember."

"Sure," Alice replied, a smirk dancing on her lips. "I could use a good laugh if your cooking's as disastrous as last time."

"Just wait and see," he challenged, a glint of mischief in his eyes as he headed back to the kitchen.

---

Meanwhile, across town, Alex stood at the door of his mother's sprawling villa. Despite knowing the code, he opted to ring the bell, a barrier he felt he couldn't cross yet. Today, a confrontation was necessary—a long-overdue discussion about her recent decision regarding his future.

After a moment, a maid opened the door, bowing politely. "Madam is waiting for you in the living room, sir."

Alex nodded, his expression unreadable as he followed the maid, his heart racing with an unsettling mixture of anticipation and dread. Entering the elegant living room, he found his mother poised and expectant, her demeanor as polished as the marble floors.

"Mrs. Gray," he greeted coldly, deliberately using her title instead of "mother." He sank into the chair across from her, his eyes sharp and guarded.

Mrs. Gray studied him for a moment, a flicker of regret crossing her features before she masked it with her usual composure. "I assume you're here about the marriage arrangement. Are you unhappy with my decision?"

Alex's jaw tightened, his tone glacial. "You've made plenty of decisions for me, but marriage? Don't you think that's something I should have a say in? You may be my mother, but you don't own me."

As he spoke, the memory of his recent conversation with Chris flooded his mind. Chris had been tasked with investigating Alice, only to find out she was the woman his mother had suddenly deemed suitable for him. What should have been a simple background check had spiraled into a revelation that sent chills down his spine: his mother had already arranged their marriage to be made official by tomorrow. He had intended to find more about her but wasn't planning on going further, he felt attracted to her at first sight but couldn't risk bringing her into his life...he was danger itself and anyone bold enough to get too close could end up hurt, he knew that clearly and that was why he tried hard not to get attached to anyone over the years, only to find out he was already on the verge of becoming engaged.

Mrs. Gray took a measured breath, her voice calm yet laced with urgency. "You think I'm doing this for myself? The rumors at the company are spreading like wildfire. They say you avoid women because you're either incapable of commitment or—" She hesitated, choosing her words with care. "Or… gay... You're 29, Alex. Don't you think it's time to settle down?"

"And if I don't?" His voice was sharp, cutting through the tension. "If I don't, will that ruin your image and tarnish the company's reputation?"

Mrs. Gray's gaze remained steady. "If the gossip continues, your standing within the company could be compromised. You're set to take over fully in just one year. Do you really want that legacy clouded by questions about your personal life?"

Alex met her gaze, unflinching. "Did it ever occur to you to ask if I even wanted this?"

Her expression softened, almost pleading. "You wouldn't have agreed. And I only arranged a meeting; the final decision is still yours." She paused, studying his face. "Are you possibly already in love with someone else?"

He clenched his jaw, steady and emotionless. "No. I'm not."

Abruptly, he stood, a cold silence stretching between them as he turned his back. His mother's sigh echoed in the expansive room, a sound laden with unfulfilled hopes. As he walked away, her unspoken wish lingered in the air: that he might one day forgive her for the years lost to silence and secrets...but what those secrets were? He was yet to find out