CHAPTER 3:
"Nick! Nick, where are you?" Alice's voice echoed through the hallway as she barged into her brother's apartment, her steps urgent, eyes flashing with frustration. She had come straight from the airport, not even stopping to freshen up before heading here to discuss how they might salvage his latest scandal.
"Alice?" Nick's voice called from the kitchen, and moments later, he emerged, a bright red apron wrapped around his neck and torso.
She blinked, looking him over with a raised brow. "Is that… an apron? Since when do you cook?" Her voice was dry with sarcasm.
"Since I moved out, obviously." Nick shrugged, strolling over to grab her bag. "You planning to stay the night?"
"You wish." She smirked, rolling her eyes. "I came right from the airport to check on you. And—" She paused, her expression shifting as she remembered why she was here. With a sudden swing, she smacked him on the back of his head, making him flinch in surprise.
"Ow! What the hell was that for?" he yelped, rubbing his head.
"I warned you, didn't I? I told you she was after your money, that she'd pull something like this, but no—you didn't listen. Now, look at us: the company's shares are dropping because of your little scandal." She folded her arms, her tone laced with irritation.
Nick sighed, a shadow of frustration crossing his face. "Look, people will move on soon enough. I'll just chalk it up to being unlucky in relationships and accept that I'm destined to be single forever."
Alice softened, shaking her head as she tried to reason with him. "Oh, come on. You're only 22. You have plenty of time to figure things out."
He shot her a pointed look, crossing his arms. "You're one to talk. Weren't you the one saying all men were the same because of that one guy who cheated on you? You're freaking 26 and still single." he said, his voice holding an obvious mockery tone
Alice's eyes narrowed. Before Nick could react, he darted out of reach, dodging the swat he knew was coming. They both broke into laughter as they chased each other around the living room, their playful voices echoing through the apartment. Finally, they collapsed onto the couch, breathless and grinning like they were kids again.
Nick leaned back, catching his breath. "Want some pasta? I made enough to share."
"Sure," Alice replied with a smirk. "I could use a good laugh if your cooking's as bad as I remember."
He scoffed, rolling his eyes. "We'll see who's laughing."
---
Meanwhile, across town, Alex stood at the door of his mother's sprawling villa. Despite knowing the door code, he chose to ring the bell. There was a distance between him and his mother, an unspoken boundary he refused to cross. Today, they needed to have a conversation—a long-overdue confrontation about her recent decision regarding his future.
After a few moments, a maid opened the door, bowing politely. "Madam is waiting for you in the living room, sir."
Alex nodded, his expression unreadable as he followed the maid's lead, soon entering the elegant living room where his mother sat, poised and waiting.
"Mrs. Gray," he greeted coldly, deliberately using her title instead of "mother." He sank into the chair across from her, his eyes sharp, guarded.
Mrs. Gray studied her son for a moment, her face softening with a flicker of regret she quickly masked. "I assume you're here about the marriage arrangement. Are you unhappy with my decision?"
Alex's jaw tightened, his tone glacial. "You've made plenty of decisions on my behalf, but marriage? Don't you think that's something I should have been consulted on? You may be my mother, but you don't own me."
She took a measured breath, keeping her voice calm. "You think I'm doing this for myself? The rumors in the company are spreading like wildfire. They say you avoid women because you're either incapable of commitment or—" She hesitated, choosing her words carefully. "Or… gay. You're 29, Alex. Don't you think it's time to settle down?"
"And if I don't?" His voice was sharp, biting. "If I don't, will that ruin your image, tarnish the company's spotless reputation?"
Mrs. Gray's gaze didn't waver. "If the gossip continues, your standing within the company could be compromised. You're set to take over fully in just one year, Alex. Do you really want that legacy clouded by questions about your personal life?"
Alex met her gaze, unflinching. "Did it ever occur to you to ask if I even wanted this?"
Her expression softened, almost pleading. "You wouldn't have agreed. And I only arranged a meeting, Alex. The final decision is still yours." She paused, studying his face. "Are you telling me you're in love with someone else?"
He clenched his jaw, steady and emotionless. "No. I'm not."
He stood abruptly, his mother's sigh following him as he turned his back on her. Her words echoed in his mind as he walked out, her unspoken hope that he might one day forgive her for the years they'd lost. But forgiveness was a luxury he wasn't ready to afford. Not now—not after everything.