Chapter 4

"Soon", Alex replied curtly

Diana raised an eyebrow, clearly unsatisfied with Alex's vague response. "Soon isn't a date, Alexander," she pressed, her tone firm. "I expect a specific answer."

Alexander remained silent, unsure of how to respond to his stepmother's expectation. Diana's expression turned stern. "You have seventy-two hours to bring her to me. That's all the grace I'm willing to give, considering you're already six months behind our agreement."

Alex's eyes widened in stunned disbelief. Where was he supposed to find a woman to pretend to be his fiancée in just three days? Diana seemed to relish his distress, her expression hinting that she knew he didn't have anyone in his life.

With nothing more to say, Diana rose from her seat and walked straight to her bedroom, leaving Alex reeling.

As Alex headed to his room, his sister Candice suddenly appeared in front of him, blocking his path. Alex raised an eyebrow, confused.

"I know you're already upset, but you have to keep your promise," Candice said, undeterred by her brother's angry mood.

Alex's confusion deepened. "What are you talking about?" he asked, taking a deep breath to calm himself.

Candice rolled her eyes. "You said if I did well on my test, you'd have a surprise for me."

Alex's face lit up with a sheepish grin as he recalled his promise. "Oh yeah... I totally forgot," he admitted.

Candice's expression turned stern. "You said that" she said, her tone curt.

Alex chuckled, trying to lighten the mood. "I did! I just didn't think you'd ace that test!" He laughed at Candice's scowl.

Alex burst into laughter as Candice struck a pose, attempting to calm herself. Candice tried to compose herself, aware of Alex's teasing.

"If you don't believe me, here's the proof," she said, handing Alex her test results.

Alex's eyes widened in surprise as he scanned the script. "Wow, I had no idea you were this smart! All because I promised a surprise?" he teased, grinning at Candice.

Candice's face reddened with anger. Alex continued to taunt her, "If you keep this up, I might stop wasting my money on presents to motivate you."

As Alex walked away, Candice's anger boiled over. "Alex!!!" she yelled at the top of her lungs.

Alex chuckled, attempting to close the door behind him.

"Once Mom recovers, I'll make sure to tell her all about your dirty tricks," Candice threatened, hot on his heels.

"Where do you think you're going?" Candice demanded.

"I'll get you that surprise I promised," Alex replied with a smirk, already knowing what she wanted as he closed the door behind her

Alex's mind continued to reel as he paced alone in his room. "How am I supposed to find a woman in seventy-two hours?" he fumed to himself.

Picking up his phone, he dialed Daniel's number. "Hello, boss," Daniel answered.

Alex decided to change the subject. "Candice aced her test," he said, still in awe.

"What?" Daniel exclaimed, his surprise causing Alex to burst out laughing.

"I had no idea she was this smart," Alex said, chuckling.

"Or was it because you promised her a surprise?" Daniel asked, his tone laced with amusement and sarcasm.

"That was exactly what I teased her with," Alex replied, chuckling.

Daniel laughed. "I can just imagine the look on her face – her face boiling red with anger, almost so red that I can see smoke coming out of her."

Alex recalled the moment, grinning. "You should have seen her. I felt like I was going to get eaten alive."

Daniel and Alex continued to laugh, enjoying the mental image of Candice's angry face.

"What would you like me to pick up for her?" Daniel asked, already knowing his task.

"Get her the latest iPhone model and this season's designer necklace," Alex instructed.

Daniel chuckled. "Alright, boss. But if you get her all this now, what's left for her birthday?"

Alex replied curtly, "There'll be something bigger."

Meanwhile, at Nyx's apartment, she sat crying on the lap of a supportive friend.

"I just can't believe he broke up with me like that," Nyx sobbed. "He cheated on me because I wouldn't let him...you know. It hurts so much."

Sienna consoled Nyx, offering a gentle reminder. "I told you the relationship wouldn't last if you didn't give him what he wanted."

Sienna understood Nyx's pain, knowing she was deeply in love with him. However, Sienna had anticipated the outcome, and was only surprised the relationship had lasted as long as it did.

"C'mon, don't waste your tears on him, he doesn't deserve it," Sienna said gently, cupping Nyx's face.

"Get dressed and go out. It'll help take your mind off him," Sienna suggested.

Nyx nodded, wiping away her tears. "You're right."

Sienna smiled, seeing the determination in Nyx's eyes. "I'd love to join you, but I have a date with Zion today. Don't want to keep him waiting."

Nyx smiled wryly. "It's fine."

With renewed resolve, Nyx stepped into the shower, got dressed, and headed out into the city.

Back at Alex's apartment, he and Candice prepared to head out. Alex wore a casual black anime shirt, white sweatpants, and white sneakers, while Candice looked lovely in a flowered pattern gown and sandals.

As part of her surprise, Alex decided to take Candice shopping. They stepped into a sleek black Rolls-Royce and set off for the mall.

As they arrived and stepped out of the car, all eyes turned in their direction. The ladies couldn't help but stare at Alex, their faces filled with admiration. However, one woman in particular caught his attention.

She had turned around to see what the commotion was about, and upon spotting Alex, she quickly turned back to continue what she was doing, seemingly unimpressed.

Here's a rewritten version:

Candice noticed the woman who had caught her brother's attention and couldn't help but laugh. She knew Alex wasn't in love with the woman, but was rather surprised by her unimpressed reaction.

Alex gave Candice a silly look, aware that she understood his fascination. As they entered the mall, Candice teased him, "I know you're surprised by that woman's reaction, and confused about what Stepmom said."

Alex looked up, slightly surprised that Candice had read him so well. "Not every woman will admire you, and not all are interested in your money," she said with a mocking tone, trying to console her brother.

Alex rolled his eyes, knowing Candice was enjoying the moment. "What did Stepmom say?" Candice asked, moving on to the next topic.

As they continued shopping, Nyx browsed through the clothing racks, searching for more affordable options. Unbeknownst to Alex, their paths would soon cross.

Alex shared the news with a hint of dryness, "Stepmom gave me 72 hours to bring my fiancée to her."

Candice rolled her eyes good-naturedly, "I know that's three days, Alex."

Candice teased him, "Everyone knows you're too cold-hearted to have a girlfriend, let alone a future wife." She shook her head, "I still wonder how women keep falling for you, daydreaming about keeping you. You're ruthless, Alex."

Alex chuckled at Candice's comment. "Says the girl who's shopping with my money," he teased.

"I'll take a stroll. Call me when you're done," Alex said, getting up to leave. Candice nodded and continued shopping.

Meanwhile, Nyx had finished shopping and was heading to pay. She balanced her clothes in one hand and her hot coffee in the other. As she walked, her phone rang. She struggled to answer it, seeing her mom's name on the screen.

Nyx paid for her items while still on the call. As she rummaged through her bag for her keys, she accidentally bumped into a stranger, spilling her coffee all over him and ruining the papers in his hand.