when the black limo arrived at the grand hotel where the ball was being held all camera's flashed towards it a guard opened Alex' door Alex helped Lara out the reporters where left dazed and wowed upon seeing the powerful couple
" Mr Grey I must say you and Mrs Grey look perfect this evening, we would like to interview you for a few minute." a reporter said
" No comments. " Alex said and led Lara inside
another gray sports car arrived at the hotel James stepped out with Maya in his arms the reporters immediately flashed their cameras to them
" Mr Lan you look quite handsome, is this woman your girlfriend?" one reporter asked
" Yes, this is Maya young my girlfriend. " James smiled slightly
" wow she's beautiful, when did you guys started dating? "
" Uhm sorry but no more comments. " Maya butted in holding James' hand and proceeded inside James could not help an amused smirk curving on the corner of his mouth, Maya has always wanted to say these words she finally got the chance she was so happy she felt like a celebrity at the moment.
the last white sports car arrived a tall handsome man stepped out the car his gray shiny hair was shiny as the moon he held out his hand and a beautiful woman took it, it was non other than Nia Fox the famous model she was flawless she wore a gray Silva dress with gray high heels her long black hair was tied up into a ponytail the cameras flashed towards them
" Mr Zen is Nia Fox your girlfriend now?" a reporter asked waiting to take note
" yes Mr Zen this is the third time the Media has spotted you two together please tell us." another reporter asked
" Mr Zen Miss fox is a gorgeous woman the people would go crazy if you two get together. " another reporter said, Kay sighed and said
" Miss Fox is only a good friend nothing more nothing less please excuse us." Kay took Nia's hand and went inside
everyone was dressed elegantly they all looked fancy and wealthy Lara couldn't help admiring the place she looked at Alex and said
" This is such a beautiful hotel I never imagined it had a ballroom. "
" well all Kay's hotels are grand and this is one of it." Alex said
" this belongs to him?" Lara blinked a few times Alex nodded they were about to go grab something to drink when a man spoke
" Alexander we meet again. " Norman smiled there was a woman standing beside him she wore a beautiful sexy red dress that carved her body her gold brown hair was left loose flawing behind her, her thin lips were painted pink she looked beautiful as always Alex remained calm and indifferent he acted causal Adriana stared at Lara and greeted
" Mrs Grey you look amazing this evening. "
" thank you, I like your dress it looks good on you." Lara complimented back
" thank you. "
" is it me or does it sound like you guys have already met." Norman smiled
" yes Lara and I met at the supermarket today." Adriana said
" I see." Norman nodded thoughtfully the atmosphere was very weird no one said a word finally Alex decided to break the silence
" excuse us. " he took Lara's hand and led her towards a table he called a waiter and told him to bring one wine glass and a mixed fruit pouch
" Lara. " Maya called out Lara turned around and saw her best friend she missed her so much after arriving back in England no one had the time to visit the other Maya was still handling some work while Lara was busy taking care of her babies finally they can talk and updating everything that went on in that period of time Maya and James joined the couple on the table
" is their space for two more?" Kay asked from behind grabbing a seat for his date before he to sat down
" Hey you're Nia Fox right am Maya Young am a really big fan of yours I have all your pictures in my room back in New York."
" Is that so it's always a pleasure to meet a fan so you're James' girlfriend?" Nia smiled warmly
" yes I am." Maya smiled Nia looked at Lara and said
" Mrs Grey such an honer to meet you I have always asked Kay to introduce me to you but his answer as always been, Soon." Nia said
" well it's also a pleasure meeting you Nia fox am also a fan of yours." Lara smiled
" Tell me Kay are you and Nia dating? " Maya asked
" We are just good friends. " Kay replied
" yeah maybe some day we'll get to be more than friends. " Nia stared at Kay as if hearing nothing Kay took a sip of his wine
" you guys would make such a great couple. " Maya smiled
Alex was getting bored there was boredom written all over his handsome face he stood up leaning in and whispered near Lara's ear
" come with me. " he said and left Lara hesitated for a while and said to the others
" Uhm excuse me." she stood up and followed Alex behind Kay had a naughty mischievous smirk on his handsome face while James remained calm as if he knew nothing, Alex led Lara inside a hotel room it was huge and warm she couldn't help wonder why they were here when the party was downstairs she looked at Alex and asked
" Alex what are we doing here the party is out there." Lara said Alex occupied her slender waist pulling her closer to him he missed her the entire day he could not help thinking about her the entire day after last night and this was his opportunity he could not miss this chance leaning in he said next to her ear
" Your punishment my beloved. " he smiled
" P...punishment, what for? I did nothing wrong. " Lara frowned
" Are you sure? think carefully. " Alex said Lara tried to think about today's doing but she still couldn't find anything she did wrong she stared into Alex' eyes and shook her head innocently and said
" I don't recall doing nothing wrong Alex. " she said innocently Alex could not help a charming smile forming on his tempting lips he caressed Lara's cheeks she looked so dumb and innocent at the moment he touched her lips jaw and neck before kissing her he kissed her neck sucking and nipping on it he unzipped her dress taking it off Lara was so aroused by his touch she wrapped her slim long hands around his neck she tiptoed kissing him hard and passionately Alex pinned her on the bed her naked body under his they entangled in each other's arms as they made love when they were both satisfied with each other they got dressed and went back to the party
" Alex.." a tall sexy woman called out it was Ann Smith as always she dressed at her best her dark hair was left loose she wore a long blue dress with black high heels Lara stared at the woman in front of them before looking at Alex
" Miss Ann." Alex nodded
" You look quite charming as always I feel like it's getting hot in here just looking at you." Ann bit her lip Lara wanted to chock with her saliva she could not believe her ear," was this woman just flirting with her husband in front of her." Lara got annoys she held Alex' hand smiling sweetly at Ann
" Miss Ann hi am Lara Bella Mrs Grey." Lara forwarded her hand Ann felt a little embarrassed and angry but sealed it away and plastered on a smile
" Ann Smith manager director of Smith Jewry cooperation." Ann introduced herself as if proud of her position
" I see well Miss Ann next time you decide to flirt with my husband in public or when am around I would not take it lightly remember that. Lara said annoyingly turning to Alex and added," baby let's go." she turned around and left Alex gave an amused smile his little wife had the courage to speak out and fight for him he was amazed he glanced at Ann one more time before following his little wife behind like an obedient little puppy
everyone was having a good time chatting and laughing Alex introduced Lara to his business partners and other people he had signed contracts with, when the music started Alex said
" May I have this dance?"
" Alex I have never done this I might mess up and embarrass you no no I can't. " Lara said
" don't worry it's easy just follow my lead and you will be fine." Alex gave a reassuring smile Lara hesitated for a while before taking his hand he led her to the dance floor on the other end Maya also would not have it
" Are you crazy they're so many people what if I step on you and fall down that would be so embarrassing my social life would be over." Maya said
" Miss Young am here you do not worry just follow my lead. " James said calmly
" Mr Lan I already said no nothing you say will convince me OK. " Maya stood her ground James nodded he had his own way of making her change her mind he scanned the room and saw a woman sitting at a far corner he approached her and forwarded his hand to her
" May I have this dance." James gave a charming smile the woman was dazed she looked around to make sure if she was really the one he was asking she actually knew him I mean who would not know him he was handsome and friend to Alexander Grey also the CEO to Lan Cooperation shaking her head coming back to reality she slowly lifted her hand to put it on James' palm but Maya stepped in between and said
" sorry to keep you waiting baby we can go now." she pulled James to the dance floor
" Knew you would change your mind." James smirked
" you're lucky I did not pouch that woman in the face it would have been your fault and everyone would think you have a crazy girlfriend. " Maya said seriously
" am sorry." James apologized
Kay also took Nia to the dance floor Adriana and Norman and the rest joined in Lara was doing so well she danced gracefully and wonderfully everyone admired them Maya was also impressed with herself she was doing good as they men turned around their partners they switched partners
Adriana was now with Alex
Lara with Norman, James with Nia and Maya with Kay. Alex and Adriana locked eyes the situation was weird for both of them no one said a word but just being in Alex' arms once again made Adriana happy she was excited from the bottom of her heart as they danced gracefully together this was the only chance she could speak to Alex so to break the silence between them she spoke
"you haven't changed a bit You look good as always." she smiled
" you haven't changed a bit as well." Alex said
" is it a good thing or bad thing?" Adriana asked Alex paused for a while as if thinking about something before he spoke
" it suits you." only three words came out Adriana nodded and said
" Alex if I returned much earlier before you met Lara would you take me back?" this question like a thunderstorm in Alex' ears left him speechless he did not know what to say at the moment he could no longer think rational it was like he was stuck in between but all he knew was that he loves Lara and always will he could never accept another woman apart from Lara not even Adriana starring into her deep brown eyes he said straight forward
" you're my past Lara is my present and future I love her." Alex said seriously loud and clear for her to hear Adriana gave a broken bitter smile while on the other side Lara could not get her eyes off Alex and Adriana she wanted to hear what they were saying but she could not because of the music
" you know if you keep starring at them you'll miss your step and hurt yourself. " Norman said Lara titled her head and said in flat voice
" And why do you care if I hurt myself or not."
" Because I care about you. " what Norman said made Lara frown she finally looked at him and said
" am nothing to you, you do not have to worry about me just stay away from me." when the music stopped Lara immediately pulled away and left the dance floor Alex rushed to her and said
" Are you alright did he do anything to you?"
" No am just tired and hungry." Lara said Alex made her sit down and went to get her some food he brought sushi rice balls with beef Lara began to eat while Alex watched her in silence his stare was so hot Lara wanted to choke on her food
" please stop starring at me like that. " Lara blushed
" why? I enjoy starring at you I can stare at you the all day so let me." Alex smiled Lara rolled her eyes and continued eating Alex continued watching her when his phone rang he excused himself to take the call
while in the other room Adriana was dragged and taken to room in one of the hotel rooms
" Miss Anderson have always admired you your sexy body tonight I'll be able to touch." the man said he was one of Norman's business partner he was fat and his eyes was full of lust and desire Adriana was in a vulnerable state she was weak and could not move the drag really affected her badly the man approached her slowly it was getting hard to control himself
While in the lobby Norman could not see Adriana anywhere he suddenly got anxious and worried about his little sister to called one of his men outside
" Did Adriana perhaps leave the building? " he asked
" No boss Miss Anderson did not leave the building. " the man said
" I have a bad feeling search for her." Norman ordered
"yes boss." Norman also ordered his inside men to search for Adriana in each room, when Alex was done with his phone call he decided to go back to Lara when he bumped into Norman
" Would you watch where you're going. " Alex frowned
" My apologizes am just rushing. " Norman said
" it's non of my business if you're rushing or not." Alex creased his brows before Norman could speak one of his men came to him
" Boss we found this on the stairs going to fifth floor." the man handed him a red pace Norman immediately recognized it..it belonged to Adriana
" This is Adriana's what else did you find out?" he asked
" well boss the time Miss Anderson disappeared Mr Den is also no were to be seem." when Den's name was mentioned Norman clenched his fist he knew what that man was capable of he had his eyes on Adriana ever since he met her
" Damn it... Norman cursed," find him now and if he dares do anything to my sister don't hesitant on torturing him I will finish him off myself." Norman said and left when Norman left Alex also left to look for Adriana
Lara was done with her food Alex still wasn't back she stood up to look for him when she saw James she approached him and said
" James have you perhaps seen Alex around? " Lara asked
" No but do not worry I will find him for you stay with Maya here and don't go anywhere it might not be safe." he told her
"OK.." Lara nodded Maya held her shoulder and gave a slight smile and said
" You madame no longer have time for me it's either you're with your Darling husband or your kids it hurts. " Maya gave disappointing sad face
" Am sorry friend I promise I'll make it up to you." Lara smiled
Alex already searched twenty rooms on the fifth floor but he still couldn't find Adriana he ordered his men to look for her in each corner while on the sixth floor Den ripped the back of Adriana's dress revealing her smooth white back Adriana has never felt so helpless in her entire life she could only hope for a miracle for a saviour tears rolled down on her face as the fat man was about to touch her naked back the door banged open
" Who the fuck is..-
before he could finish his words he saw a tall charming man he looked angry like the devil in the mist ready to slaughter and devour his prey Alex' eyes was burning with anger he was so angry that he rushed to the fat man pouching him on the face blood covered his fat face
" please... please spare me Mr Grey I did not know you had a connection with her. " the man pleaded
" You dare touch her I will make sure these hands of yours will never touch another woman again get that." Alex crushed his hands with his shoe the man screamed in agony and pain Alex took out his gun the man widened his eyes he begged and cried out for mercy but Alex cared less he was about to shoot when Adriana called out his name in a flat trembling voice
"Alex.." she was trembling so much she looked scared and vulnerable at the moment she no longer looked like that proud strong woman she is she looked weak Alex ordered his men to torture Den more while he rushed to Adriana he held her in his arms as he removed some wet strains of her hair off her face sweat dripped from her forehead Alex did not like seeing her in such a condition he held her close and said, " Am here now I won't let anything bad happen to you Adria."
Norman and his men arrived to the room they were in he ordered his men to take Den away and that he will deal with him later on.
Lara was tired of waiting around James was still not back even though he told her not to leave Maya's side she still couldn't shake off the anxiety she was feeling she turned to Maya and said
" Maya I will be back I need to use the restroom." Maya nodded and allowed Lara to leave when Lara left she went upstairs to the fifth floor she asked around but no one saw such a man then a guard said he saw Mr Grey going to the sixth floor Lara immediately went to the sixth floor she looked around but still saw no sign of Alex she was about to leave when she saw a door at the end open up four guards were dragging out a man he did not look like he was in a good condition she quickly hide behind a open door and when they left she came out approaching the room at the far end she peaked inside and saw Alex on his knees holding a body in his arms it seemed to be a woman Lara's heart skipped a beat when she saw who that woman was it was Adriana her dress was torn she looked weak and in a bad condition, " what happened to her? and why was Alex here and holding her so tightly in his arms as if afraid of letting her go." Lara thought Norman slowly approached Alex and said
" Thought you no longer cared about her but the way you are holding her now perfectly shows how much you still care for her. "
" I would do the same to anyone who is close to me this doesn't mean anything. " Alex simply said Norman raised a brow and said
" Even though Adriana left you five years ago I know what she went through she used to cry day and night she would stare at your pictures talk to it and that's when she would go to bed she never smiled since then, am sure you are aware that your mother threatened her baby's life she had to choose between you or her unborn baby even though she chose to protect her baby she was also protecting you." Norman said Alex frowned he knew everything what happened and he could not blame her for it any woman in her place would choose to protect their child and leave everything behind for their sake he looked up to Norman and said
" Why are you telling this?"
" because I want to know what your feelings are about Adriana do you still love her? " what Norman said made Lara want to scream out in pain but she stayed quiet she also wanted to hear what Alex' answer would be she held her breath silence followed the room no one spoke for a long time Lara's heart was beating fast like a running tiger she didn't know what Alex would say what if he admits he still loves her what if he decides to get back with her what Kara said to her that day finally came running in her head she never imagined that Adriana was actually Alex' ex lover," wait if Adriana is Alex' Ex lover does that mean Alexah is their daughter." Lara widened her eyes tears rolling down her face she held her mouth not wanting not to make a sound
that's why Alexah resembles Alex so much Lara had doubts about Alexah but pushed them away cause she trusted her husband but he ended up betraying her he betrayed her Lara clenched to the floor crying in silence Alex stared at the woman in his arms for a long time before he spoke
" Lara..Lara is my wife she makes me happy she conceived my kids she makes me feel alive she reminds me that am still human I love and will always love her I will never leave her for anyone I will always be by her side and protect her she's my responsibility and I want to her husband forever. " Alex said word by word when Lara heard this her heart stopped racing her mind relaxed but she was still heartbroken from what she just found out standing up she ran away from the place and left the hotel
Alex stood up carrying Adriana and handed her over to Norman and said
" take her to the hospital." he turned around and left to find Lara he already missed her and wanted to hold her in his arms she must be waiting for him already and must be worried. Alex thought going to the lobby he met James there
" Alex where have you been Lara was asking about you have been looking everywhere for you." James said
" Was caught up with something I had to take care of, where is Lara? " Alex asked
" I told her to stay with Maya while I looked for you." James said Alex nodded and left with James when Maya saw the two gents she went to them and said
" Alex did you perhaps see Lara anywhere? "
" Isn't she supposed to be with you." Alex frowned
" Well she said she needed to use the bathroom so I let her since then she never came back. " Maya explained this made Alex really worried the first thing that came to his mind was her kidnapping she was kidnapped the first time what if she was kidnapped again Alex thought
" Damn it." Alex cursed rushing out James turned to Maya and said
" Benjamin will take you home I will go with Alex in search for Lara. "
" I want to come with." Maya said
" it's late you need rest." James said
" how can i rest when my best friend is out there am her friend and I want to help look for her it's my fault I let her go on her own please let me come with. " Maya begged James sighed knowing perfectly well she won't take no for an answer
" Fine let's go. " Maya nodded and they both left the hotel