CHAPTER 2
Alexander Gray, a young, handsome man with dark, brooding features, had just exited the plane when he noticed her approaching. Alice Bates, the woman he'd been captivated by on the flight, was walking toward him with her secretary at her side.
"Hello, could we talk over a cup of coffee? I have something to discuss with you," she proposed, stretching out her hand in greeting.
He hesitated. "I'm sorry, but… do I know you?" he asked, genuinely puzzled.
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Alexander's POV
What's happening to me? Why is my heart racing like this? I'd noticed her on the plane, and once, when our eyes met, I thought my heart might leap out of my chest. She looked away almost instantly, and I felt an inexplicable sense of loss. Yet here she was now, standing right in front of me, wanting to shake my hand. But if I accept, she'll immediately know how nervous I am. Her scent—sweet vanilla—lingers around me, tempting me to pull her close and breathe it in. I've met plenty of women, but why does she make me feel this way?
"Oh, how rude of me not to introduce myself," she said, awkwardly withdrawing her hand when I didn't respond. "My name is Alice Bates, and no, we haven't met. I just have something I'd like to discuss with you."
The moment she withdrew her hand, I regretted it, wanting nothing more than to feel those delicate fingers in mine. But I couldn't risk looking foolish in front of her. I took a deep breath, steadying myself.
"Okay, make it quick. I have somewhere to be… and besides, I don't drink coffee," I replied, keeping my expression unreadable. The truth was, I didn't drink coffee because I was allergic, not because I wanted to look aloof.
We made our way to the waiting hall and found an empty table. Before we sat, Alice turned to her assistant.
"Carol, go get our luggage," she instructed, and the young woman departed. So, she's her secretary, I thought, watching her go.
Sitting across from Alice, I suddenly realized I hadn't introduced myself. "My name is Alexander, and how may I help you?" I asked, deliberately omitting my surname.
"Are you single?" she asked bluntly, her question catching me completely off guard. My heart skipped a beat. Did she like me? Did she want to ask me out? The thought made me absurdly happy.
"Yes," I replied as calmly as I could, waiting for her next move.
She began explaining her situation—a father who kept pushing her into blind dates—and how she wanted to find someone to enter into a contractual marriage with. When she said she wasn't interested in a serious relationship, I felt an unexpected pang of disappointment. So, she wasn't romantically interested in me after all. Although I wanted to accept her proposal, I couldn't risk letting someone into my life. Being with me would put her in danger, and I couldn't allow that.
"I decline," I replied curtly when she finished, my tone firm.
She looked down, clearly disappointed, but she nodded, respecting my answer. "Well, I won't ask why—you must have your reasons. I'm sorry for wasting your time; it was a pleasure meeting you," she said softly before hurrying away. A strange ache settled in my chest, knowing this might be the last time I'd see her. But it was for the best.
Moments later, I headed toward the garage, where my secretary, Christopher, waited to pick me up. I rarely allowed others to drive me, but this time was an exception. Once I got into the car, I turned to him, unable to get her out of my mind.
"Find out who Alice Bates is. I want to know everything you can about her," I instructed.
Chris glanced at me, raising an eyebrow. "So, the Chairwoman informed you?"
I looked at him, confused. "Informed me of what?"
"Alice Bates is the one your mother arranged for you to marry. She's the daughter of Mr. Bates, the Chairman of L.N. Group."
I froze, shock overtaking me. This can't be happening. Out of all the people in the world, the one woman I felt a connection with—she's my fiancée? My heart raced again, this time with excitement. So, I would be seeing her again after all.
"When did this happen, and why am I just now finding out?" I demanded, feeling a surge of frustration.
"The agreement was made after your last trip to Europe. Your mother knew you'd be against it, so she decided to tell you after everything was finalized." Chris didn't meet my eyes, probably sensing my anger.
"Damn that woman," I muttered, clenching my fists. She may have been my biological mother, but she'd never truly been there for me. How could she think it was acceptable to push me into marriage without even telling me?
"And you," I added, my gaze hardening as I looked at Chris. "Why didn't you inform me?"
He swallowed, clearly uncomfortable. "Your mother threatened to fire me. I'm sorry, boss."
Ignoring his apology, I pulled out my phone, scrolling to my mother's number. She and I needed to have a very serious talk.