Chapter 26

"Hey, Princess, were you thinking about me?" 

I heard Samuel's voice. I swear, this guy is always looking for trouble. "For the last time, stay away from me. I don't care about you or your family issues, do you understand? Don't come near me," 

I shouted at him. I really don't understand some of these guys. I pushed him aside forcefully to make my way out of the university gates. Most of today's lectures had been canceled, and I had five hours before the workday ended.

I glanced back, but I didn't see Samuel. I felt a little relieved. As I looked ahead, I noticed a woman holding a child, standing in front of a luxurious car. Yes, I remembered her; she was Alexander's sister.

"To make things clear, I'm here to reward you for saving my child," 

A huge amount of cash fell from the sky onto my head. The sight didn't just surprise me, Teal, but also caught the attention of everyone around.

I blinked several times. I saved the child because I could do something about the situation. I didn't do it to get money or anything similar. Just then, I heard the door of another car opening. It was a red sports car. A woman stepped out and walked toward Alexander's sister.

"I'm Bora Apex. We're grateful for saving our little one," 

She said, then threw a bag filled with jewelry and precious stones at my feet. Of course, this was wealth being tossed without a second thought, right in front of me.

With this money, I could live for five years in the most luxurious places. Is this how they express their gratitude? Well, I've dealt with many wealthy people and their elitist communities before, but the Apex family was the worst of them all.

Is that why Alexander didn't want to make our marriage public? Because of his family? I shook my head and took a step back, avoiding stepping on the scattered bills. I looked into the eyes of both women and said quietly, "I didn't do it to get money. Ladies, I don't need these things."

The mother of the child blinked several times before bursting into laughter and stepping toward me, stomping on the dollar bills with her high heels, not caring in the slightest. "Oh, don't make drama out of nothing. Everyone knows who we are. We're the Apex family. No one refuses our requests. And you..."

Before she could finish, Bora, the other woman, intervened, removing her glasses. "Forget about her, Mandy. She won't understand us any better."

With that, she turned and left. Their arrogance and pride were overwhelming. Damn, where is the peaceful life I deserve?

I stopped at the spot where I thought Alexander would come to pick me up for a few minutes. Just then, my eyes fell on him—Stephen. But what was he doing in New York? Didn't he say he was going to France to study? What brought him here?

He was on the other side of the street, standing amidst a crowd of important-looking people. My feet moved without thinking, heading toward him, but then I felt a strong arm pull me back before I made the mistake of throwing myself at that fool Stephen.

"Teal, why are you crossing the street when the light is still red?"

It was Alexander's voice. Tears filled my eyes. I really felt an overwhelming emptiness, unbearable pain, afraid to fall in love again, terrified that he would abandon me. He was rich and had everything. It's no wonder he would get tired of me under any circumstances. Even his family only cared about money.

"T-Teal, did I hurt you?"

By God, you didn't do anything wrong, at least not yet. I buried my head in his chest. "Just five more minutes," 

I said, tightening my grip on his waist. Alexander held me even more tightly, and I felt the warmth of his embrace. His breath was hot against my neck. "Teal, if something's bothering you, I'll be the happiest listener. You don't have to bear all the burdens alone."

My body went numb from the lingering sensation of his kiss on my neck. Oh damn, what was he thinking? I tried to pull my head away from his chest, blinking rapidly, but he picked me up and carried me to the car.

"It's nothing important. I'm fine now," 

I said after wiping away the last of my tears. I must look pathetic, right? What was I thinking trying to chase after Stephen? "In the blink of an eye, darling, I'll make anyone who bothers you disappear," 

His voice was cold, sending shivers down my spine. I didn't notice the anger in his eyes. Surely, he wasn't serious.

I burst out laughing. "What are you saying, Alex? You don't have to go to any lengths for me."

Wait, did I say something to upset him? Why was his face suddenly like that? His eyes were void of life. He took my hand and brought it close to his face, saying, "I would go farther than you expect to put a smile on your heart."

Like a nobleman, he kissed my hands, one after the other, his eyes still locked on my face, studying my features. I don't know why, but my heart was losing control around him, forgetting how to beat. I felt like my breath would stop if he continued talking.

"Oh, right, I almost forgot. What's your issue with Samuel?"

Alexander spoke, glancing at his phone as if checking some messages. His gaze made me feel a fluttering inside. Looking at his face again, I realized he had those attractive features. I'd be foolish to deny he was irresistible.

Wait, did he mention Samuel? I snapped out of my daydream to stare at him like a fool. "The men following us belong to his family," 

I lightly slapped my face with my hand. That crazy man, was he planning to die? I really didn't know what Alexander was capable of or what his intentions were, but judging by his tone, he wouldn't show mercy to anyone he considered a threat.

Before I could respond, an unknown number flashed on my phone. This was my new number, and no one had it. I thought it might be a chance to avoid causing any more problems with Alexander, so I answered the call, only to hear a whistling sound.

"Madam, I didn't expect your taste to involve someone from the Apex family," 

It was Samuel. His comment and the way he spoke made me drop the phone into my lap without realizing it. As I tried to hang up, he pressed the speakerphone, saying, "I can't believe you refused to pretend to be my girlfriend just for someone from the Apex family. What a waste. I wonder who has fallen into his hands now..."

I hung up the call coldly, feeling the pressure mounting around me. Alexander hadn't said a word. Was he angry or upset? I mean, this was a small issue, but why did I feel like I was the one in the wrong here?