Chapter 11

"Yes, sir, we're almost there," Max said, speaking to Alexander. Could he have overheard us? I sighed and shook my head. Focus on yourself, Teal. Don't overthink it. I opened my phone to check if Alexander had sent any other messages, but I was disappointed to find none.

Instead, I saw several photos from Ayor. "Teal, you won't believe this! Remember that handsome, charming Lyson? Ooooh, he accepted my invitation to hang out and eat pizza. Damn, you should've joined us. He has a side you'd totally love!" she wrote.

A smile spread across my face as I scrolled through the pictures she sent. I was so engrossed in their fun moments that I didn't even notice the car had stopped.

"Maybe next time, I'll join you,"

I texted Ayor as I lifted my head, only to see him extending his hand to help me out of the car. Wait a minute—didn't he say he'd be late? He pulled me by the hand, causing me to collide with his chest forcefully. Had this man lost his mind?

"I changed my mind,"

he said softly, lifting my chin so my eyes met his. My breathing hitched. How could he act like this? What if I tripped because of his reckless moves?

"I didn't want to miss the chance to look at your face. I wanted to welcome you to our home,"

he whispered in my ear. I couldn't respond; it was as if my tongue was tied. Realizing I was still in his arms, I quickly pulled away.

"Where's my mother?"

I asked, my eyes scanning the area for her.

"Max already took her inside while you were busy staring at your phone,"

he said in a tone laced with a strange undercurrent. I swallowed hard. I had a bad habit of getting completely absorbed in what I was doing, losing awareness of everything around me.

The grand gates behind him opened, revealing a path leading to a magnificent garden filled with stunning flowers. He extended his hand again, expecting me to take it. Did he think I'd hold his hand and stroll through this enchanting garden like a pair of love-struck newlyweds? Absolutely not.

Before I could refuse, he clasped my hand firmly, his expression soft yet compelling.

"Mr. Alexander, I can walk on my own. There's no need to—"

I stammered, glancing at his hand holding mine.

The house loomed before us, a testament to wealth and grandeur. Was this going to be my new home? Snap out of it, Teal. Of course, it's his house; it's bound to be extravagant.

"It'll only worry your mother if she doesn't see us getting along,"

he said as we entered the house. I took a deep breath and nodded. He had a point; I didn't want her to worry about me. But I had so many questions for him.

Inside, rows of staff stood to greet us. My heart sank at the sight of them bowing. Surely, this level of formality wasn't necessary.

"You are now Mrs. Teal Alexander Epix. This is our home, my dear,"

he said softly, lifting my hand to place a gentle kiss on it. The butterflies in my stomach fluttered wildly. Calm down, Teal. You're doing this for your mother.

I spotted my mother wiping away tears. Was she crying? I immediately pulled away from Alexander and rushed into her arms. I had never seen her cry, not even after my father passed away. It broke my heart.

"Finally, I can die in peace,"

she said, and her words pierced my chest like a dagger.

"Mom, what are you saying? You still have a long life ahead of you. Aren't you happy to see me here, in my husband's home? Didn't your dream come true?"

I said, taking a deep breath to hold back my own tears.

My mother wasn't usually emotional, but what did she mean by those words? She kissed my forehead and said:

"May God bless your marriage, my dear."

Her loving gaze shifted to Alexander as she gently ran her hand through my hair.

"Mrs. Evik, I am honored to be by your daughter's side. Don't worry; she will be safe and happy with me,"

Alexander said, his presence close enough for me to feel his warmth.

My mother chuckled softly.

"No need for formalities. Just call me 'Mom.' But let me warn you—this girl has been a troublemaker since she was little."

Hearing that, I stopped crying and lifted my head to give my mother a pointed look.

"Mom, you promised not to tell anyone about my childhood!"

I complained, earning a laugh from Alexander. His laughter was rich and warm, making my heart race. What was happening to me?

He stood there, hands in his pockets, clearly enjoying the scene. One of the staff approached him and whispered something in his ear. The smile vanished from his face but was quickly replaced by a forced one.

"I have some matters to attend to. I'll leave you two to settle in. This is Marita; she will handle all your needs,"

he said, addressing us.

I stood up, wanting to ask him what had upset him earlier, but his strides were swift. Teal, stop it. You're not going to catch up with him.

---

From Alexander's Point of View:

"She got married? Who gave her permission to move on without me?"

I yelled, slamming my hands against the steering wheel. I turned on the microphone to call Michael.

"Damn it, why didn't you tell me she was getting married today?"

Michael's reply was cold.

"She didn't want Bella's wedding to be ruined. Alexander, don't do anything rash. This is her choice. She wants to move on and forget you. At least respect her decision."

I hung up on him, parking my car near her apartment. Damn everyone. No one understands me.

Using my key, I entered her room. Everything was just as she had left it, untouched and neatly arranged.

"Bella, I know you're here. You can't hide from me forever. I'm Alexander Ibex; I always get what I want. No one refuses me and gets away with it,"

I growled, yanking open the drawer where she kept gifts. I found a basket filled with them, but a black envelope fell to the floor.