Chapter 2 The Fearsome Billionaire

Alexander Drake was a man whose very presence commanded attention. At thirty-three, he had already built an empire that spanned continents, amassing a fortune that placed him among the world's elite.

His towering frame, sharp jawline, and piercing dark eyes were as intimidating as his reputation-a reputation built on ruthless business tactics, unflinching determination, and an almost supernatural ability to stay two steps ahead of his competition.

But beyond his wealth and power, there was something about Alexander that set him apart from other billionaires. His aura was not just one of power but of danger. People whispered about him, spinning tales of how he could crush his enemies with a single look, how he had no patience for weakness, and how he preferred to work in the shadows, pulling strings that others couldn't even see.

Despite his wealth, Alexander lived a relatively private life. He shunned the limelight, avoided the social scene, and rarely gave interviews. The few who had met him in person described him as cold and unapproachable, a man who kept everyone at arm's length.

But the most peculiar thing about Alexander Drake was his phobia-an intense, irrational fear of being touched by women. It wasn't something that many people knew about; Alexander kept it well hidden. He had learned to control it over the years, but the thought of physical contact with a woman still triggered an overwhelming sense of panic and disgust.

His assistant, Ethan, was the only person who truly understood the depth of this phobia, and he took great care to ensure that Alexander's boundaries were respected. The phobia had made his personal life nearly nonexistent. Relationships were impossible, and even casual encounters were out of the question.

Alexander had learned to live with his solitude, focusing all his energy on his business empire. But the one person who wouldn't accept his solitary existence was his grandmother, Evelyn Drake.

Evelyn was the matriarch of the Drake family, a formidable woman in her own right. She had raised Alexander after the tragic death of his parents when he was a child, and she was the only person who could still exert influence over him. Though she loved her grandson deeply, Evelyn was growing increasingly impatient with his refusal to settle down.

"You're not getting any younger, Alexander," she would say, her voice tinged with both affection and exasperation. "It's time for you to bring home a wife, someone who can give me a great-grandchild before I leave this world."

For years, Alexander had brushed off her demands, insisting that he was too busy to think about marriage or children. But Evelyn was relentless, and her pressure had only increased as she grew older.

She had even gone so far as to arrange a betrothal for him to Vanessa Reynolds, the daughter of a prominent family with close ties to the Drakes. Alexander had never liked Vanessa. She was beautiful, certainly, but her vanity and shallow nature grated on him.

He had seen the way she threw herself at him, trying to gain his favor, and it only served to deepen his disdain for her. He had no intention of marrying her, but his grandmother was insistent, and Alexander knew that he couldn't keep putting her off forever.

Ethan, always thorough in his duties, had recently conducted a background check on Vanessa at Alexander's request. What he found only confirmed Alexander's suspicions: Vanessa was not just vain and shallow, but also manipulative and self-serving.

She had a history of using people to get what she wanted, and there were whispers that she had been involved in several unsavory scandals, although nothing had ever been proven.

Armed with this information, Alexander had gone to his grandmother, hoping to persuade her that Vanessa was not the right woman for him. But Evelyn had dismissed his concerns with a wave of her hand. Waving it off as just a mere rumor

"Every family has its skeletons, Alexander," she had said. "What matters is that she is from a good family, and she can give you an heir. You're too picky for your good. You don't need to love her; you just need to marry her."

Alexander had been furious, but he knew that arguing with his grandmother was pointless. She was determined to see him married, and Vanessa was her chosen bride. As much as he loathed the idea, Alexander knew that he had to make a decision.

Reluctantly, he agreed to the marriage, but with one condition: it would be a marriage in name only. He would fulfill his grandmother's wish, marry Vanessa, and then, after a respectable amount of time, he would divorce her. It would be a business arrangement, nothing more. He would provide for Vanessa financially, ensuring that she would have everything she needed, but there would be no real relationship between them.

Evelyn had agreed to his terms, satisfied that her grandson was finally taking steps towards settling down. She didn't care about the details because she wouldn't let him get a divorce; she was sure he would fall in love with Vanessa someday; all she wanted was to see him married and, hopefully, with a child before too long.

Alexander had no intention of letting it go that far, but he kept that thought to himself. As the day of the wedding approached, Alexander found himself growing increasingly apprehensive. The idea of being bound to Vanessa, even temporarily, filled him with a sense of dread. But he had made a promise to his grandmother, and he was a man who kept his promises, no matter the cost.

Ethan, ever the loyal assistant, tried to ease Alexander's concerns, reminding him that it was only temporary, that he could walk away whenever he wanted.

But deep down, Alexander knew that once he was married, his life would change in ways he couldn't predict. And despite his cold exterior, the thought of the unknown, of losing control over his carefully ordered life, unsettled him more than he cared to admit.

With a heavy heart, Alexander steeled himself for what lay ahead. He would marry Vanessa, play the part of the dutiful husband, and then, when the time was right, he would end it. It was a plan that seemed simple enough, but Alexander couldn't shake the feeling that he was on the verge of something that would change his life forever.