Congratulations

Alexander let out a heavy sigh as the car sped towards the hospital where his father had been rushed. This was precisely why he had entrusted Tyron with handling the matter of his unexpected marriage.

Upon arrival, Alexander headed straight to the VIP room where he found Butler Ben.

"How is he?" Alexander asked, approaching his father's bedside where Rock Lancaster lay peacefully sleeping, attached to several machines that were beeping continuously."What happened?"

"He passed out suddenly while watching television, Xander," Butler Ben explained, using his old nickname. "He just finished undergoing a few tests and is currently resting. I've also informed William about this and he said he'll be arriving today, as soon as his plane lands."

Alexander nodded, pulling up a chair and sitting beside his father's bed. There was a terse silence as he gently and lovingly held his father's hand. He gazed at his father worriedly. He seemed weaker than before.

"I should talk to Dr. Lambert. This is the first time he passed out," Alexander began, but then a shaky cough interrupted him. A quick glance downward showed that his father was awake, staring at Alexander with his rheumy eyes. 

"Father! Butler Ben - get Dr. Lambert!" 

"No need, son," Rock Lancaster croaked out. He gestured for Alexander to help him sit up. "I'm just sleep-deprived because of you and William."

Alexander couldn't help but groan, knowing exactly where the conversation was headed next.

"If you and William would just settle down, I wouldn't be stressed every night, wondering when I'll have grandchildren!" Rock exclaimed in his usual dramatic antics.

"I thought you wanted us to find true love?" Alexander scoffed.

"Precisely, which is why I'm arranging these blind dates for you. Who knows, you might find someone you'll fall in love with among these women. These days, love can be learned, so why not try dating someone who physically attracts you and see where it goes?" Rock explained. "How will you find love if you're not even looking? Do you want to wait till I'm dead before making a move?"

Alexander sighed heavily in response. This was an old argument he had with his father. Rock Lancaster continued to lecture him.

"Don't tell me you're still hung up on Carla Cartier? That woman doesn't love you enough! She loves her career more than you! Do I have to remind you how she broke up with you just to pursue her career?

Hah! Didn't she realize long-distance relationships were an option? She could have chosen that, but she didn't! I never liked her for you. She didn't appreciate your worth!" His father ranted. Alexander bit his tongue to avoid arguing further.

He and Carla had been in a relationship for almost two years before she broke up with him five years ago to pursue her career abroad. Alexander sighed and replied casually, "It's not about Carla... I just can't stand blind dates." But his father gave him a suspicious look.

"Son…" his father began, and Alexander gulped as he saw the pleading look in his father's eyes. "Could you please go on the blind date I arranged for you tonight? Just for tonight, let me get a proper night's sleep, will you? If I do a hunger strike will you do it?"

"Why are you so obsessed with getting me married at thirty? Are we in some sort of race?" Alexander scoffed. Then he unintentionally muttered, "I'm already married so there's no need for you to do a hunger strike."

"What?! You're already married? To whom?!" Rock exclaimed with wide eyes, blinking rapidly as he waited for an answer.

Alexander shrugged, thinking this might finally get his father off his back about blind dates.

"Rain Clayton." he simply answered.

Rock frowned suddenly. "Tim Clayton's daughter?"

Not entirely sure, Alexander nodded. "You know them?"

"I've heard of the Claytons. They're in charge of the Clayton University Hospital, but they've been involved in numerous scandals already! Why, their reputation is positively foul, son!" His father commented, sounding concerned. "Are you sure you're not being fooled by her? Even if she treats you well, you can't trust her family!" 

A frown crossed Alexander's face. Could he have been lied to? 

Rock Lancaster's face darkened and he suddenly hit Alexander's arm, "More importantly, how could you get married without telling your family!? Without telling me?! I want to meet her - I'll see if she's good for you or not!"

Turning to Butler Ben, Alexander remarked dryly, "Looks like my father is back to his old self since he has the energy to scold me." He stood up and added, "I'll go get some coffee and your favourite lemon tarts." Then he hurried out the door.

"That brat!" Rock huffed with a pout while staring at his son who just ran out. He turned to Butler Ben and instructed, "Call Rosa and tell her to send to me everything they can find about Rain Clayton! And when is William coming back? He needs to explain matters right now!"

"But sir, haven't you wanted Alexander to get married for so long?" Butler Ben reminded.

Rock's shoulders slumped as he sighed, "That's true, but I want my sons to marry into good families with good people. The Clayton family… with Tim Clayton's attitude, his family will cause Xander so much trouble in the future!" 

He then groaned, and made a series of retching noises, as though he was about to hurl. Butler Ben immediately handed him a plastic bag and a handkerchief, a worried frown on his face.

"Sir, are you going to tell Xander and William about your illness? They deserve to know before it's too late. Dr. Lambert also said he doesn't want to continue lying to your sons." 

Senior Rock Lancaster sighed heavily and weakly murmured, "I… I'm not ready to see my sons suffer because of me, Ben… I… I can't bear to see them in pain because of my condition. I'd rather they find out when the time is right, to spare them prolonged pain and sorrow…"

Meanwhile, Alexander went straight to Dr. Lambert's office to check on his father's condition. Once he confirmed that his father was simply sleep-deprived, he headed down to the hospital cafe to drink some coffee and get lemon tarts for his father.

As he sat waiting for his order to arrive, his assistant Tyron found him. In his hands was a certificate, and he exclaimed, "Congratulations, boss! You're married!"

Alexander was stunned for a moment and then he frowned as he stared at the marriage certificate. He took the certificate from Tyron's hands, examining it. The certificate had his name and signature, and even the face in the photo was his. But he was sure it wasn't him. "Is this authentic?" he questioned.

"Yes, Boss. But I'll have it investigated by the detective immediately," Tyron replied.

Alexander squinted his eyes as a gentle, beautiful yet stern face flashed in front of his eyes. His facial muscles flinched as he stared at the photo of Rain on the certificate. He couldn't help but think she was a lot more beautiful in person.

But was she a good person? His father already mentioned her family was scandalous. Did she orchestrate this marriage?

"Get me all the details about Rain Clayton," He instructed Tyron. "I want to know everything about her." 

"Are you considering marriage with her?" Tyron asked curiously. 

Alexander did not reply but during his stupor, his mobile phone beeped. Alexander's heart pounded hard upon seeing the name in the notification. It was from Carla. He immediately opened it and read it.

Carla: It's been a while Xan… I missed you. I hope you are well. I will be coming back home soon this winter! See you soon!

"So Boss, what's your plan now? Will you keep your marriage with Miss Rain? She's quite a catch don't you think? Smart and beautiful! I was actually star-struck when I saw her approaching you from the police station. I thought she was a celebrity!"

Alexander's jaw clenched as he firmly stated, "Make arrangements for the divorce."