Alexa's POVLight flickers.Then everywhere becomes dark again.When my eyes drift open, the light comes back, dimly.My numb emotions become awake too just like me and it dawns on me that it is dark outside and the dim light is a result of the glowing light from the room.I don't have glowing lights in my room or anywhere in my apartment.Abruptly, I sit up.I am not in my room. This is not my room. Definitely not my Aunt's room either.Where the hell am I? What happened?I glance around with confusion skating my expression and fear consuming me.Have I been kidnapped?Getting up from the massive bed, I try to remember the last thing that happened.Suddenly, I find myself remembering the call from my boss. I lost my job. I was supposed to go home to cry but what happened?At the remembrance, my heart feels heavy. Everything aches. My legs ache and my head aches too. I guess I was bruised from the fall but that is the least of my problems now.Why am I not home? Why am I in a stranger'
Xander's POV Alexandra Smith does not exist.She is just one of the figments of my imagination. She is a fictional woman I created just to satisfy my mother and stop her from pestering me to be responsible.I have been away on a business trip to Italy for two months. During the course of the trip, I could barely squeeze out time to go to a club and have fun.Mom won't stop calling me to know if I have found a girl I would love to get married to.When she revealed to me about the trust fund Grandma Nina kept for me before her death and how I won't be able to get the billions if I wasn't married, I knew I had to do something.I didn't do anything other than telling mom that I had a secret girlfriend.Just a few weeks before I came back home, I met Alexandra and I got married in a registry. Mom was over the moon but I wasn't bothered about who to present to her as Alex.I had everything planned.Alexandra would be a businesswoman who is always away on a business trip. This is what I want
Alexa's POVI said a big NO.Despite my curiosity to ask him why he wants to take revenge on his mother, I kept mute and told him I wasn't interested in the offer and that he should look for someone else.I shouldn't involve myself with these people. They are rich and influential. I have enough problems already and I don't want to add anyone else's problem to mine.Why would he even say he wants to take revenge on his mom? Does he want to use me? He expects me to say yes?No, I won't.I am not interested and I don't want to ever cross paths with any of them ever again.I just want to continue living my quiet, miserable life devoid of drama.I am already feeling sleepy again and my heart hurts a lot. I just wish I could turn back the hands of the clock so I can make amends by waking up early and going to work.My tardiness led to all of this. If I wasn't late, I wouldn't have lost consciousness and I wouldn't have met this strange man. I don't even know his name and I don't care.When I
Alexa's POVDusting out my old sequin white dress, I put it on in front of the small mirror, applying a little makeup on my face before grabbing my bag and phone to go out.I want to sneak out. It's still early but I am sure my landlady will be here anytime soon.She is the reason why I have decided to go for this anniversary, coupled with my determined efforts to plead with my boss to take me back.I am willing to do all it takes today to convince him that I will be punctual and he will never find any more reason to fire me.I need this job. This is my only means of survival and without a quick solution, I will soon be out on the streets.Carefully locking the door with my eyes scanning the entire vicinity for the sight of the landlady, I take to my heels when I don't see anyone.Just before I get to the bus stop where I intend to take a bus to the anniversary location, my mind drifts back to what happened last night.That fake man. Xander or whatever he calls himself.How could he
Xander's POV His eyes swirl with fear and dread at my announcement, making me guess what this is about.He must be the one who fired her from work.The boss she told me about two nights ago.Holding her back in place, I plaster a smile on my face and surprisingly, she doesn't say anything but relaxes next to me."Alexa…you…", he stammers, looking from me to her in confusion.Then it hits me.I have made a big mistake. Alexander Smith, my supposed bride is not to be known by anyone else but me since she just arrived in the United States. Secondly, she is supposed to be a business person and not a cook.From the tag name on his coat, I see his name. Mr. James Martins.James Martins has been Alexa's boss for God knows how long. If she eventually accepts my proposal which I am 90% sure of now, then James will be a problem.I watch him gulp loudly, composing himself before flashing her a smile."Can I see your bride for a second, sir?" he demands, making me raise a brow in confusion.I'
Alexa's POVThe urge to slap him across his face hits me but I don't.Instead, I try to disengage from him with rage bubbling inside of me but he holds me back, still staring into my eyes."Let go of me", I find myself shouting at him in anger. I should have known wearing this dress was a bad idea but I had no choice. I needed something unique and this seems to be the only one I could easily get my hands on for the anniversary.I should have known it is old and a little stretch might get it torn.Now I am left with no job and a torn dress all because of this silly man.My dislike for him has just tripled. I wish I could smack him, scream my lungs out at him and kick him in the groins but I know none of these would help.Stubbornly, I yank my hand free and step away, my exposed thighs on display. Still seething in anger, I stare at him for a second before turning to go out."Hey", he blocks my way, standing at the exit with his arms spread out wide to stop me. Quickly, he takes off hi
Xander's POV There is no compassion in my voice and I don't care. Everything is working in my favor but she is just too stubborn to accept my offer.I will do all it takes for her to give in.When I have her, I can have other things too.At the thought, a smirk crawls to my face while her nose flares in anger as she continues to stare at the picture of us together.We look good together.She is too engrossed in her thoughts to realize where I have brought her. I brought her to my place.When we approach, I notice a huge crowd right outside the gate, making me lean forward in curiosity.The car comes to a halt immediately. "Boss", the driver mutters, turning back to face me as realization dawns on me.It's the press.How did they manage to get here before us? Shit!I turn to face Alex squarely. She is watching me too with her eyes widened in fear. What she is scared of is what I have no idea about.This is an opportunity for her. To get a new life. The best life. And even more money
Alexa's POV I open my mouth. But no words come out until Xander nudges me gently, staring at me with a concerned expression.I nod and clear my throat, adjusting in my seat as though that would bring back the confidence I forced myself to put on when we first got here."Yes, sure."The old woman grins, looking all excited and happy, making me wonder why he wants to punish the innocent woman.She is sweet. Hospitable and gentle.She doesn't seem to be like the one who would do anything to jeopardize his life or future. She seems like the type who would do anything to ensure he is happy.But I know a book can not be judged by its cover.Xander must have his reasons too.The sound of cutlery usage jerks me back to life as they begin to eat.Trying so hard not to look out of place, I plaster a smile on my face and begin to dig into my food.Silence falls as we eat but my insides are in disarray, my head spinning with lots of unanswered questions.I still can't believe I agreed to do this