Chapter 166
“I mean if you like her, you can marry her?” Alex said, biting into his food, eyes briefly lifting to glance at his brother.
Rita.
The name floated around more often now. According to Jullian, she worked in the marketing department.
That’s how they met, during one of those long project meetings that dragged on for hours. At first, Alex hadn’t paid much attention. But over the past few weeks, Rita had made a few casual appearances, mostly when she stopped by the office or tagged along for quick lunches.
There was just something about her.
Something off.
Alex couldn’t quite place it. She was polite, smiled when necessary, and asked the right questions. But her eyes lingered too long. And not on Jullian. On him.
He noticed the first time she came around. He had brushed it off as nothing.
But then it happened again, and again. Always that same stare.
And it made Alex uncomfortable, even though he’d never said anything to Jullian. How do you tell your brother that his girlfriend keeps staring at you like she’s reading a book you forgot you wrote?
“I think we shouldn’t rush to marriage just yet,” their mother chimed in, cutting a piece of fish with her fork. Her voice was soft but firm. “You have time. Date her. Get to know her well before talking about marriage.”
“Sounds good,” Jullian replied, nodding.
He looked relieved, like the pressure was off. Maybe even he felt like things were moving too fast.
Silence settled around the table again. A comfortable kind of quiet, where everyone was just focused on their meals.
But peace didn’t last long.
Their mother cleared her throat, setting her fork down gently on the side of her plate. “What about you?” she asked, eyes locked on Alex.
Alex didn’t look up. He kept chewing slowly, then glanced at her with a raised brow. “What about me?”
“Stop playing dumb, Alexander,” his mother said with an eye roll. “You know exactly what I’m talking about.”
He smirked, leaning back in his chair. “I don’t know, Mom. Maybe try to be more specific with your question.”
His mom sighed, clearly not amused by his deflection. Her eyes softened, though. “You need someone in your life, son. Someone to…”
“As a matter of fact, I don’t,” Alex interrupted, tone still light but sharp around the edges.
“Alex-” his mother called gently.
He sat forward now, setting his fork down and meeting her eyes. “Jullian has a girlfriend. How about we focus on that? And if you’re worried about a grandchild, I’m sure Jullian will make that happen soon.”
Jullian, who had just taken a sip of water, choked.
Water spluttered from his mouth as he coughed, reaching for a napkin to wipe his chin. Alex leaned back again, watching the scene unfold with a nonchalant expression, though a flicker of amusement crossed his eyes.
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Chapter 166
“Bro!” Jullian said hoarsely.
Their mother shook her head, stifling a laugh behind her hand. “Alexander, please.”
“What?” Alex said, lifting both hands in mock innocence. “I’m just saying. You’re clearly more invested in his future right now. Maybe I’ll sit this one out.”
“I just want to see you happy too.”
Alex’s smile faded, just a little.
He didn’t have a comeback for that. Because deep down, he knew his mother meant well. She always had.
But happiness looked different to Alex.
“I appreciate your concern, Mom,” he said after a pause. “But I’m okay. Really.”
His mother didn’t push again. She only nodded, picking up her fork.
“Okay.”
Alex walks around his office, hands deep in his pockets, his eyes fixed on nothing in particular.
He has gotten it all.
In just four years, he built something people said would take a lifetime. An empire. A business so strong and so successful that it could stand side by side with companies that have been around for decades.
He did it with sleepless nights, sacrifice, betrayal, and ruthless decisions. There were days he didn’t eat. Nights he sat in silence, telling himself he was okay.
And now? His company is thriving. He has money. He has power. He has the kind of connections that could move mountains and make politicians sweat.
But none of that has been able to fill the emptiness inside him.
Nothing has.
He stops by the window, looking out at the city. Cars look like ants below, people rushing about their lives.
They all have somewhere to be, someone waiting for them maybe. He sighs and leans slightly against the window frame.
He’s ashamed to say it out loud. Even to himself. But the truth is there, buried deep in his chest.
He misses her.
He doesn’t want to. He tried not to.
Sometimes it gets worse…those days when he comes so close to calling his private investigator to find and send her address.
He’s come close. So many times. His hand hovering over his phone. He couldn’t….
Because what’s the point?
His money can’t buy her love. It can buy anything else, cars, private jets, but not love. Not her love.
You can’t force someone who has already decided to leave to stay.”
She left. She left him.
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Chapter 166
But he’ll heal. He tells himself that every day.
He will heal. No matter how long it takes.
Another sigh leaves him as he finally moves from the window. He walks over to his sleek leather chair and drops himself into it.
There’s a knock on the door.
He straightens a little, brushing a hand through his hair.
“Come in,” he says, his voice low but clear.
The door opens, and the Head of HR and the Head of Management walk in, files in hand
They are probably here to discuss the vacancies in a few departments. He had instructed them earlier in the week to review staffing issues and draft a proposal.
He motions for them to sit, nodding politely.
They settle into the chairs across from him and begin to talk. One of them flips open a folder and begins listing departments that need more hands.
“We’re seeing increased workloads in Finance, marketing, Customer Relations, and the Legal team. We think it’s time to bring in fresh people, especially
in areas where growth is happening faster than expected.”
Alex nods silently, his fingers lightly drumming on the armrest of his chair.
“We’re sending out the notice tomorrow, sit,” the HR head adds.
“Okay,” Alex replies simply.
“Make sure you employ the best people for the position”
“Offcourse sir”
“Will you pick the final selection sir?”
Alex shook his head.
“But my mom will pick for the marketing department”
“Off course sir”
They stood up and left.
Alex is automatically drawn back into his thoughts.
