“She moved out to a place of her own, forever. Happy? That’s what you always wanted, right?” Alyssa demanded angrily, while Alexander pursed his lips to stop the retort he was about to spew out. He couldn’t believe that Eva was really gone when she didn’t have any place of her own to stay, only a job she had just started. Being fresh out of college, her pay wasn’t much and a place of her own would leave nothing with her to run her daily needs.
He hadn’t wanted this at all! He was just frustrated with his life! With the board meeting happening the next morning, he didn’t know how long he could continue to be the CEO of Rotterdams without marrying Beatrix. Recently, it had become impossible to stall the wedding with Beatrix after him to fix a date within the next three months. His dad reminded him all the time that his health was improving only because of him! Therefore, he was afraid to risk his dad’s health by taking a drastic decision. His life, therefore, was doomed!
A verbal combat ensued between them regarding her growing interest in Nicholas and her rejection of their dad’s offer. However, upon seeing Alyssa pack her stuff to leave, Alexander calmed down and pacified her. He now knew what he had to do and he would do it come what may!
Eva finally settled down in Roberta’s apartment, but she wasn’t happy with the arrangement. She hadn’t unpacked her stuff since she wasn’t planning to stay here longer than a night. This didn’t feel like home at all! It wasn’t the same as living with her best friend! Being a few years older, Roberta was nice, but she was more dominating and motherly than a friend.
“Eva, have your dinner before you sleep. You can take multivitamin supplements from today. I’ve bought them and kept them in your room.”
“Yes, Roberta, I will. Thanks,” said Eva as she settled at the dining table. The food was simple and bland because Roberta was too diet conscious and followed a strict regimen to remain healthy and active. Half-heartedly, Eva ate the salad with almost no dressing. The chicken and vegetable soup too didn’t taste good, but she wasn’t complaining. At least she had a roof over her head for the night. Tomorrow, she would go house hunting for herself!
After dinner, she went to her room and lay down, missing Alyssa and Alexander immensely. She wondered what they were up to! Were they still fighting or were they missing her as much as she was missing them? She knew Alyssa was, but what about Alexander? Strangely, there has been no phone call or message from him. Did he really not care?
She had dozed off to sleep when there was a firm knock on her door. “Eva? Open the door. There’s someone to see you,” said Roberta loudly. Startled, Eva sat up, rubbing the sleep off her eyes. She glanced at the clock on the nightstand. It was 10:30 in the night. Who could come to see her now? Maybe Alyssa had gone over to Hayley’s house for a night stay and they had come over to get her!
She opened her door and stretched her tired muscles. She had no wish to go with them now. “Who has come over?” she asked Roberta, who just gestured towards the living room.
“See for yourself. I’m off to sleep,” she said, walking away towards her room with a chuckle. Frowning at her reaction, Eva went out to the living room but her eyes popped out at seeing Alexander, of all people, sitting on the sofa and waiting for her patiently. It was strange since patience wasn’t one of Alexander’s virtues.
He got up the moment she entered the room. “Where’s your luggage? You’re coming home with me.” Eva shook her head, his scowl not affecting her this time.
“I’m staying where I am. I don’t want Alyssa to be affected by my bad company. Anyway, you have lots of females interested in staying with you. I’m sure you’ve taken their numbers already. Go to them. I don’t need you in my life, Alexander. You can get married and stay happy with anyone you choose,” she muttered angrily. Her statements angered him all the more, and he grabbed her hand to pull her closer.
“It meant nothing. Why don’t you admit it you were jealous?” he demanded, searching her eyes.
“Yes, I am. Is it my fault that I am? Kissing me might be a game for you Alexander, but it’s not for me. I don’t go about kissing random people. Anyway, please go. I’m fine where I am,” she said, wrenching her hand free and going back to her room. He came out of his trance and followed her inside instead of leaving. He picked up her suitcases and carried them, two at a time, towards the main door.
“What the hell are you up to now? Didn’t you hear me? I’m not going back with you,” she gritted out, raising her voice out of frustration. Why was he so adamant about whisking her back to his apartment? She wasn’t his punching bag, someone he could trample upon all the time to vent out his frustration.
“I’m not giving you a choice. You will stay with me from now on. I don’t want you to live such a nomadic life, Eva. Come home, please,” he pleaded suddenly, whirling around to face her. Stunned by the pleading note in his voice, Eva’s eyes widened, leaving her dumbfounded. Why was he pleading with her when he was the one to have driven her away?
“No, Alexander. I don’t have a home. I’m tired of listening to your jabs. This time I’m going to rent a place of my own and live there all alone, forever. I’m not going back,” she said in one breath while Alexander listened to her intently.
“I’m sorry if I’ve hurt you. I’m going through shit right now, but I promise I won’t take it out on you. Just come home, Eva. You can stay with me forever,” he said earnestly, his eyes pleading with hers.
“I can’t stay there forever. Beatrix will kick me out after you marry her,” she whispered, holding his gaze and watching the myriad emotions fleeting by.
“I won’t marry her then,” he said, gazing deeply into her eyes. Roberta peered out of her room at that instant, breaking the magical bubble they were in.
“All good? Are you leaving Eva?” she asked, looking from one to the other.
“Yes, I’m taking her home with me. Sorry for the inconvenience caused, Ms. Stevenson.”
“Oh, are you her boyfriend? You look familiar to me, you know. I think I saw you somewhere?” said Roberta.
“Yes, you saw him at Hudson Skyview the other day when we first met,” said Eva with a nervous laugh, not wanting her to recognize Alexander. She might tell everyone at her hospital and her fellow nurses would drive her crazy with their curiosity.
“Oh, right! So have fun, Eva. You are always welcome to stay here anytime.”
“Thanks, Roberta. I’m so honored to have a friend like you,” said Eva. They left the apartment quietly, not wanting to create a scene, but Eva picked up her luggage and stormed towards her car.
“I’m going to spend the night in a hotel.” She dumped her suitcases into her car, going back to get more from the elevator, but Alexander was faster. Without a word, he fetched her luggage back and loaded everything in his car, leaving Eva gaping at him.
“Stop this Alexander! I told you I’m not staying with you,” she protested, but he just came back to her and picked her up on his shoulder, and strode towards his car. She beat her fists against his broad back, but he simply dumped her into the passenger seat and tied her seat belt.
“Why are you abducting me? Have you gone crazy? Stop bullying me, Alexander. I’m not your personal property that you’d do as you please with me.”
“Yes, you’re mine.” Eva gaped at him as he climbed in and drove ahead grimly. It was evident that he wouldn’t listen to her at all. Sighing, she looked out of the window wondering why he was so weird. He stopped at his parking space and unloaded her luggage.
“I’ll go back to Alyssa’s place,” said Eva with a sigh. She had no wish to live with Alexander. What if Beatrix or his dad found out? Her life and career would be finished.
“No, you’ll stay with me this time.” Eva turned to glare at him, not understanding why he was harping on the same thing.
“Why? What difference does it make? I can live with Alyssa like I used to.” She followed him to the elevator.
“I don’t want you escaping again. You will stay with me so that I can monitor you properly.” Eva scoffed at his words and turned away from him.
“What am I? A criminal?” she muttered angrily.
“No, you’re precious!” he murmured.