Alex left Betty's house, his mind still reeling from their unfinished conversation. When he arrived at the company, he found Andrew waiting for him in his office, a huge grin on his face.
''Brother, why are you here?'' Alex asked, his tone a little gruff.
''I have good news to share with you,'' Andrew replied, his eyes shining with excitement. ''You're going to become an uncle!''
Alex's expression changed from annoyance to shock. ''What are you saying? I can't understand.''
Andrew chuckled. ''That means Scarlett is pregnant. I'm going to be a father!''
Alex's face broke into a broad smile as he congratulated his brother. But as they hugged, Alex couldn't help but feel a twinge of annoyance. Andrew's timing couldn't have been worse, ruining his date with Betty.
As they pulled back, Andrew noticed Alex's anxious expression. ''Why do you look so worried, brother?''
Alex shook his head, trying to brush it off. ''Nothing, brother. Just a little stressed with work.''
Andrew raised an eyebrow but didn't press the issue. Alex was grateful for that, not wanting to admit that his brother's surprise visit had ruined his plans with Betty.
The mansion was buzzing with excitement as Betty and Sofia arrived to visit Scarlett, who was glowing with her pregnancy. The sisters exchanged warm hugs and congratulations, with Betty and Sofia offering to help Scarlett in any way they could.
As they chatted, Fiona entered the room, a curious expression on her face. ''Betty, when were you and Alex planning on holding the wedding ceremony?'' she asked, her eyes sparkling with interest.
Betty hesitated, looking at Sofia before responding. ''Aunty, we were thinking of having it in two months' time. We both have a lot of work to take care of before then.''
Fiona nodded understandingly, but Sofia's next question caught her off guard. ''Aunty, did you really want Betty to become your daughter-in-law?'' Sofia asked, her eyes narrowing slightly.
Fiona's expression turned puzzled. ''What do you mean, Sofia? Of course, I want Betty to be my daughter-in-law. She's a wonderful person.''
But Sofia's next words dropped like a bombshell. ''Aunt Fiona, Betty and Alex are just pretending to be lovers. They don't really love each other.''
The room fell silent, with all eyes on Betty. Fiona's face was shocked, her voice barely above a whisper. ''What? Betty, is this true?''
It was midnight, and the mansion was bathed in darkness. Fiona made her way to Alex's room, her heart heavy with concern. She had just learned from Sofia that Alex and Betty's relationship was a sham, and she needed to know the truth from her son.
As she entered his room, Alex looked up from his bed, his eyes narrowing slightly. ''Mom, why are you here?'' he asked, his voice tinged with a hint of annoyance.
Fiona's expression was stern, her eyes piercing. ''I want to talk to you about something, Alex,'' she said, her voice firm but gentle.
Alex sighed, rubbing his eyes. ''What do you want to talk about, Mom?''
Fiona's eyes locked onto his, her gaze unwavering. ''I want to talk about Betty. Sofia tells me that you were pretending to be lovers. Is it true, son?''
Alex's face went blank, his eyes darting around the room. ''Huh, I...I...''
Fiona's voice cut him off, her tone firm. ''Don't try to lie to me, son. Betty tells me everything. Did you love Betty?''
Alex's eyes dropped, his face flushing with embarrassment. ''Yes, Mom, I love Betty. I want to marry her. I want to be the person who loves her.''
Fiona's expression softened, her eyes filled with a warm light. ''Then when were you going to tell Betty that you love her?''
Alex's face went beet red, his eyes avoiding hers. ''Of course, Mom, I am going to tell her.''
Fiona's smile was gentle, her voice filled with encouragement. ''I am looking forward to the day when you marry Betty, Alex. You two are meant to be together.''
Alex's face was still flushed, his eyes shy. ''Ahem, okay, fine. Now I am going to sleep.''
Fiona's laughter was soft, her eyes shining with warmth. ''Okay, son. Sleep tight.''
Betty's face was pale, her eyes downcast. ''Aunt, it's true. Alex and I were just pretending to be lovers. He doesn't love me.''
Fiona's eyes were filled with disbelief. ''Then what about you, Betty? Did you have feelings for Alex?''
Betty's voice was barely audible. ''I... I thought I did, Aunty. But now I realize I was just fooling myself.''
The room was silent once more, the only sound being Scarlett's gasp of shock. Fiona's face was a mix of disappointment and understanding, her eyes filled with a deep sadness.