Alex's eyes widened in panic. Shit, he thought, realizing he had forgotten to ask Nyx her name.
Nyx recalled Alex's earlier forgetfulness and stepped in to discreetly assist him. However, Diana swiftly intervened, pointing a finger at Nyx. "Not you, him."
Alex caught the exchange and looked at Nyx. She seized the moment, signaling him to follow her lead.
Nyx dropped her bag, prompting Alex to bend down with her. As they picked it up, Nyx whispered her name in Alex's ear.
They stood up, and Nyx mouthed "thank you" with a smile, making their interaction appear natural.
Diana rolled her eyes. "What's her name?" she asked again.
Alex adjusted his tuxedo, ready to respond.
"Nyx Norman," Alex announced confidently.
Candice chuckled at her brother's assured tone. Diana's eyes narrowed, suspicion flickering, but she pushed it aside.
"Welcome home," Diana said with a forced smile.
Nyx returned the smile. "Thank you, ma'am."
Alex intervened, "We'll be heading to our room." He didn't want to prolong the awkward encounter.
As they entered their room, the maids followed with Nyx's luggage.
_In their room_
Alex's tone turned icy. "I assume you've read the contract?" He removed his shirt, his eyes fixed on Nyx.
Nyx nodded, confirming she had read it.
Alex's gaze turned stern. "Next time I ask a question, respond verbally. No nodding."
Nyx trembled under his intense stare. "Y-yes," she stuttered, attempting to appease him as he shot her another piercing glance.
Alex nodded, satisfied that Nyx understood his expectations. He headed for the shower, and after dressing, returned to the bedroom.
Nyx followed suit, freshening up and changing into comfortable clothes. As the night drew to a close, they both collapsed onto the bed, lying on opposite sides, their backs to each other.
The next day, they prepared to head out to their respective destinations. Candice and Alex got into the car, leaving Nyx standing outside.
"Aren't you going to drop her off?" Candice asked, looking shocked.
Alex turned to his sister, seemingly puzzled by her question.
"Drop her off at work, I mean," Candice clarified.
"I know she's not really your fiancée," Candice continued. "Yesterday was all an act to deceive our stepmother and secure your position as CEO."
"If you want to make this charade believable, at least drop her off at work," Candice advised.
When Alex remained silent, Candice's anger grew. "Will you at least say something?" she demanded.
Alex's continued silence infuriated Candice, prompting her to get out of the car.
Alex's eyes widened in surprise as his sister, Candice, exited the car, slamming the door behind her. Candice greeted Nyx with a warm "Hi."
Nyx's face reflected her astonishment, but she quickly regained her composure and replied with a smile, "Hi."
Candice stood beside Nyx and asked, "Are you waiting for a cab?" Nyx nodded, responding with a simple "Yeah."
Candice's response was direct: "All right then, I'll go with you."
Nyx's eyes narrowed in confusion. "What do you mean you'll be going with me? Why aren't you going with your brother?" she asked, her composure regained.
"I'll be riding the cab with you," Candice clarified. "And no, I won't be going with Alex."
Candice offered, "I can pay for the cab if it's too much for you."
Nyx reassured her, "No, you don't have to. I'll take care of it myself."
Minutes later, a taxi arrived, and the two women got in. After a short ride, Candice arrived at her destination.
"Bye," Candice said, bidding Nyx farewell as she stepped out of the cab.
Nyx arrived at the office, where she encountered Alex once again. His presence came as a surprise, but she chose to ignore him and continued to her workstation.
Alex, taken aback by Nyx's indifference, initially considered confronting her. However, he thought better of it and let the moment pass.
As the day drew to a close, Alex and Nyx headed back home. Alex arrived first, accompanied by his assistant Daniel. Nyx followed shortly, finding Alex and Daniel waiting by the door.
Just then, Candice rushed towards Nyx, arms wide open. "Nyx!" she exclaimed, embracing her in a warm hug.
Nyx smiled, reciprocating the gesture. "Hello, dear. How are you?"
"I'm fine, thank you," Candice replied, beaming. "And you?"
"I'm fine too, thank you," Nyx said, her smile mirroring Candice's.
As they broke free from their embrace, Alex expected Candice to greet him similarly or even tease him. Instead, she took Nyx's bag and led her to Alex's bedroom, leaving Alex perplexed.
Nyx appreciated the warm welcome but couldn't help wondering if her relationship with Alex was always this strained.
Candice noticed the puzzled expression on Nyx's face but chose not to address it. Instead, she let Nyx bask in the warmth of their interaction.
Meanwhile, Daniel turned to Alex, confusion etched on his face. "What's going on? Why is Candice being so cold?"
Alex dismissed his concern. "It's nothing." He headed to his study, where he and Daniel discussed pressing business matters.
After their meeting, Daniel departed, leaving Alex to retire to his room. Nyx was already asleep, so Alex quietly prepared for bed, attending to some files before turning in.
The next day, Saturday, dawned with Candice still giving Alex the cold shoulder.
In a different part of town, Diana lay on the couch, her lover Orion seated beside her.
"I thought you said Alex was single," Orion said, his voice tinged with anger. "What's this about him bringing home a fiancée?"
Diana's irritation grew. "How was I supposed to know? Even if he did bring someone home, our plan remains the same. We'll still try to take over the company. Calm down."
Back at Alex's apartment, Nyx, Candice, and Alex gathered for breakfast. Nyx handed Candice a plate, and despite her initial shock, Candice accepted with a warm smile. Alex watched, perplexed, wondering why Candice was still giving him the cold shoulder.
After breakfast, Nyx stepped outside to enjoy the crisp breeze. A stranger arrived, luggage in tow, and Alex emerged to greet him.
"Boss," the mysterious man said, his eyes locked on Alex.
"Welcome home, Zamiel," Alex replied, embracing him in a warm hug.
Nyx's eyes widened in surprise.
Oh my God, I can't believe this cocky asshole is capable of such affection, she thought
As they broke free from the hug, Alex asked, "How's your mother?"
"She's doing better, sir, thanks to you," Zamiel replied, his face filled with gratitude.
Nyx's surprise deepened. She had never seen Alex show concern for anyone but himself.
Alex caught Nyx's astonished expression and wondered what was going through her mind.
"Since you're so free today, get us something to drink. We'll be in the living room," Alex instructed, breaking Nyx from her reverie.
Nyx's eyes flashed with annoyance. "It's Saturday, for Christ's sake!" she exclaimed, as Alex and Zamiel headed into the house.
Nyx reluctantly got up to fetch drinks as Alex had instructed. She rolled her eyes and muttered under her breath, cursing Alex's demanding nature as she made her way to the kitchen.
As she prepared the drinks, her annoyance simmered just below the surface. Just as she was about to exit the kitchen, she turned around and was taken aback by a familiar face standing squarely in front of her.