Chapter 47

Jenny POV:

"No, let me help you out," I said, my voice filled with concern as I gazed up at Alex's pale face.

"What will you do?" he asked, his eyes narrowing slightly, his voice low and husky.

"I'll take you inside and maybe help you cook so you could eat something," I replied, my hand reaching out to support him, my touch gentle on his arm.

Alex chuckled, a cold, heartless sound. "Wife-to-be, that's nice of you, but I'm staying at a hotel, so you can't possibly do that."

I felt a pang of disappointment, my face falling. "Oh, I didn't know. I'll get going now. See you when we meet next," I said, turning to leave.

But Alex's hands shot out, his fingers wrapping around my wrist, pulling me back. His lips brushed against my cheeks, a gentle, yet possessive touch. "This should be your welcome greeting to me when we see each other next time," he whispered, his breath sending shivers down my spine.

I smiled, a little too brightly, trying to hide my unease. "Okay, love," I said, quickly opening the door and escaping into the night air.

Alex POV:

"Hey..." I whispered, my voice barely audible, as I watched Jenny disappear into the darkness. "She's gone already. Love!" I said, smiling, the word feeling strange, yet pleasant on my lips.

I couldn't believe I liked the way it sounded, the way it made me feel. "Alex, get yourself together," I thought, trying to shake off the unfamiliar emotions, but the smile lingered, a stubborn, yet welcome guest.

Alex POV:

As I stood in the dimly lit hotel lobby, surrounded by the soft hum of hushed conversations and the gentle clinking of glasses, I noticed the driver and Rhino exchanging a knowing glance.

Their eyes, filled with a mix of curiosity and amusement, were fixed on me. Rhino's voice was barely audible, but I caught the whispered words: "Boss has fallen hard." His tone was laced with a hint of surprise, as if he couldn't believe I, Alex, had succumbed to love's tender trap.

I felt a slight smirk spread across my face, a calm, heartless smile that belied the turmoil brewing inside me. My eyes, cold and detached, met theirs, and I nodded slightly, acknowledging their unspoken question.

The soft glow of the lobby's chandelier cast a warm light on my face, but my heart remained shrouded in darkness, untouched by the tender emotions that had begun to stir within me.

As I entered the hotel room, the soft glow of the lamp casting a warm ambiance, I couldn't shake off the exhaustion. I lay down on the bed, my eyes heavy with sleep. But as I closed them, a familiar image flashed before me - an elderly man with kind eyes and a gentle smile. "Grandpa," I whispered, recognizing the face that haunted my dreams.

Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes as I sat up, my heart racing with a mix of emotions. I shouted his name, "Mayes!" but he vanished into thin air.

"Don't leave...come back to me," I pleaded, my voice cracking with desperation.

Memories flooded my mind, taking me back to a time when life was simpler, and love was pure. My grandfather, Mayes, was more than just a family member - he was my confidant, my mentor, and my best friend. I was his favorite, and he was mine.

I remembered the countless hours we spent together, exploring the world, learning about life, and laughing until our bellies hurt. Mayes taught me valuable lessons, showed me the beauty of nature, and introduced me to his trusted friend, Mr. Thompson.

But that fateful day, everything changed. Thompson's betrayal, Mayes' death, and my shattered world. I was only twelve, but the pain and anger I felt were overwhelming.

As I lay there, tears streaming down my face, I relived the horror of that day. Mayes' blood-stained hands, his weak smile, and his final words - "I'm proud of you, Alex." The memory still haunted me, fueling my desire for revenge and my vow to never trust anyone again.

Mayes wanted me to be just like him - good and carefree. He always said, "Alex, my boy, spread love and kindness wherever you go." But after his death, I realized that people didn't deserve my love. They only deserved my hatred and contempt.

I remembered the way Thompson smiled as he killed Mayes, the way he laughed as he walked away from his lifeless body. I remembered the pain and the helplessness I felt as I held Mayes' hand, begging him to come back.

"Don't leave...come back to me," I whispered, my voice shaking with emotion.

But Mayes was gone, and I was left with a void that could never be filled. I vowed to fill that void with hatred, to become the person Mayes never wanted me to be - cold, heartless, and ruthless.

I thought of all the times Mayes told me to trust people, to believe in their goodness. But Thompson's betrayal proved him wrong. I realized that people only looked out for themselves, that they only cared about their own interests.

And so, I made a promise to myself - to never trust anyone again, to never love anyone again. I would use people for my own gain, and then discard them like trash. That's what they deserved.

As I lay there, tears still streaming down my face, I felt a sense of determination wash over me. I would become the person I needed to be to survive in this cruel world. I would become the person Mayes never wanted me to be.

....

The next morning, I woke up feeling refreshed and composed. I got dressed in a crisp, white shirt and tailored black pants, my movements deliberate and calculated. I picked up my phone and dialed Jenny's number, my fingers moving with precision.

"I'm coming to your house today," I said, my voice calm and detached, when she picked up the call. I could sense a hint of panic in her voice, a slight tremble that betrayed her composure.

"Why? I haven't even prepared anything, nor told my Dad or Granny," she asked, her words tumbling out in a rush.

"Just tell them and get prepared. When you're done, call me, and I will come," I replied, my tone firm but polite.

"Okay, thanks," she said, and the call ended.

Jenny POV:

I went straight to the bathroom to shower, the warm water cascading down my skin like a soothing balm. I changed into a elegant dress, the fabric rustling softly as I moved. I went to Dad's room to inform him about Alex's visit, my heart racing with anticipation.

He quickly got up, his movements swift and decisive. He called the staff, his voice firm, announcing a sudden holiday. "No one should bother coming to work today," he said.

After informing our relatives, Dad and I went to the kitchen to start preparing a sumptuous feast. I left home and went to the market, the vibrant colors and cacophony of sounds enveloping me like a sensory blanket. I returned home, my arms laden with fresh ingredients.

We made Foie Gras with Fruit Compote, the silky mousse melting in my mouth like a cloud. We also prepared Truffle Risotto, the earthy aroma of truffles filling the air, teasing my senses.

As we finished cooking, I called Alex, my heart skipping a beat. "I'm coming," he said, his voice low and husky.

My relatives were seated, waiting for the guest, their faces filled with curiosity. Dad turned to me, his eyes questioning. "So, who is this guy coming to meet you?" he asked.

"He's someone who wants to marry me," I replied, my voice steady.

Granny's eyes widened in surprise. "You have found a man already?"

I nodded, a smile spreading across my face. "Yes. You told me to fight for my love, so I decided to accept him when he asked me out yesterday."

Dad's expression turned skeptical. "Wait, I'm lost. Tell me everything."

I took a deep breath, my words spilling out in a rush. "The man I told you about, the one who asked me out yesterday... I thought he had a girlfriend, but it's not true. She's just obsessed with him."

Dad's eyes narrowed, his voice firm. "Are you sure?"

I nodded, my heart pounding in my chest. "I am, Dad. There's no need to worry again."

Just then, we heard a knock on the gate, the sound echoing through the silence like a drumbeat. I went outside to open the gate, my heart racing with anticipation.