Alex stood in front of the large mirror in the bedroom as he combs forward his curly hair preparing to go to his work.
Evelyn was awake but still in bed as the family doctor has advised her not to engage in any strenuous exercise.
"Maybe your hair is one of the reasons I'm deeply in love with you" She said, staring at Alex while still laying on the bed.
"Hmmm" Alex chuckled and walked towards Evelyn then he bent his head, moving his face very close to her face,his lips near her forehead.
"How was your night,Mrs Alex?" He muttered, finally landing a kiss on Evelyn's forehead.
Evelyn replied forcing herself to frown "Mrs Alex? I'm not yours yet,stop dreaming"
With a sly grin, Alex replied, "Oh, but you will be soon, Mrs. Alex." He leaned in, planting a playful kiss on her cheek.
"I'll be dreaming until then."Evelyn couldn't help but smile as she rolled her eyes at his antics.
"Alex stayed beside Evelyn,gently running his fingers through her hair. "I can't help but dream of our future together," he murmured softly. "Each day brings us closer to that moment."
Evelyn's expression softened as she reached out to hold his hand. "I know, Alex," she said, a hint of affection in her voice. "And I can't wait to officially be Mrs. Alex."
Alex smiled then planted a tender kiss on her forehead.
"I would like to be on my way now" He said then he turned back as he was about to step outside.
He walked back to Evelyn,then lingered beside the bed and whispered some words to her protruding belly.
Evelyn looked at him and a broad smile infiltrated her cheeky face then
"Knock!"
She gave him a resounding knock on the head then looked him in the eye.
"What are you telling my boy?" She asked
With a playful chuckle, Alex rubbed his head, pretending to wince in pain. "Ouch!That hurts" he exclaimed, feigning injury as he sat up, grinning at Evelyn.
Laughing, Evelyn leaned forward. "I hope he's telling Daddy to bring home some ice cream today!" she teased, her eyes sparkling mischievously.
Alex got up, playfully holding his hands up in surrender. "Alright, alright! Ice cream it is!" He pretended to tiptoe out of the room, adding, "But our little secret, okay?"
Evelyn giggled, nodding in agreement. "Absolutely! Let's keep it between us three," she said, gently patting her belly with a smile.
As Alex walked out, he looked back, waving at Evelyn. "See you soon, Mrs. Alex-to-be!" he called out with a grin before disappearing down the hallway.
Alex smiled all through his journey to work. The joyful moment that had just transpired at home played in his head, making him forget to greet the receptionists as he walked past them.
As he was about to settle down in his office chair,His boss,Marcus,came in.
"Hey, Alex! Got a minute?" Marcus asked, leaning against the doorframe.
"Sure thing, Boss. Good morning sir?" Alex replied, gesturing for Marcus to sit.
Marcus stepped into the office, a folder in hand then he sat on the chair across from Alex.
"Alex,I've got a proposal for you"Marcus said, handing over the folder to Alex.
"Great,thanks for that." Alex took the folder wondering what in the world the contents are.
"What does it say sir,can I open it ?"Alex inquired,his expression fully showing how much anxiety has taken over his joyous morning.
Without any answer,Marcus stood up and left his chair then placed his hand on the table mischievously looking at Alex directly in the eye.
"You can,but only when you get home.that folder is about your wife,so you should read it alongside her" He said then he proceeded to leave the office.
But as he was about to turn the door knob to step outside,he turned around and said
"Get back to me as soon as possible" then he stepped out.
Alex was in a mixed state of anxiety and confusion.he still wonders what contents might be in the folder and at the same wondering why it involves his wife.
Alex sat there for a moment, the weight of the folder palpable in his hands. His mind raced with a mix of emotions - concern, curiosity, and a hint of fear. What could possibly be in there that involved Evelyn?
Taking a deep breath, he tucked the folder securely into his briefcase and hurried through his workday.
He attempted to focus on his tasks, but his thoughts kept drifting back to Evelyn and the strange folder.
Some of his colleagues who noticed his unusual behavior tried convincing him to speak.
"Oh Alex,why are you not cheering up?" They inquired repeatedly but he carefully insisted that nothing was wrong.
As the clock struck the end of the workday, Alex felt a surge of urgency to get home. Rushing through the familiar streets,the once cheerful anticipation of being with Evelyn in the morning now morphed into a knot of worry, clinging to the unknown contents of that folder.
Finally reaching home, Alex found Evelyn in the living room, a serene smile adorning her face as she flipped through a magazine.
Her gentle smile made the whirlwind of emotions that had overtaken him since morning disappear.
"Evelyn," Alex called, his voice betraying a trace of unease.
Evelyn looked up, noticing the hint of anxiety in Alex's expression. "What's wrong, baby?" she asked,as she leaned forward to give Alex a kiss,concern lacing her voice.
Wordlessly, Alex handed her the folder. Evelyn's brow furrowed in confusion as she took it, opened it, her eyes scanning the contents.
Minutes felt like hours as Alex anxiously watched her reaction, his heart pounding with each passing second,his sweat glands now producing more sweat than ever as his shirt was now drenched in it.
The silence between them felt suffocating until Evelyn finally closed the folder, her gaze meeting Alex's.
The silence between them felt suffocating until Evelyn finally closed the folder, her gaze meeting Alex's.
"Who wrote this and by the way,who is Marcus Oblitroix?" She queried, appearing to be very confused.
On seeing her expression,Alex immediately understood that the content must be disturbing.
...................................
He took the letter from Evelyn and read aloud;
Hi Alex and to my beautiful woman,Evelyn.
Ok Alex,let me go straight to the point.
Since the day I set my eyes on your phone's lockscreen,I've developed an intimate feeling for your beautiful wife.
I could have just done it the hard way by kidnapping her but I would like to propose a deal.
You let me have your wife and you get promoted to the post of the Managing Director of my company.
And I'm sure you know what it means to be the MD of The Litroix Company.
Get back to me as soon as possible and remember;
I can be very inconsiderate when it comes to going for what I want.
..............................................
Alex's hand trembled slightly as he finished reading the unsettling words.
He glanced at Evelyn, her brow furrowed in worry and confusion. Placing the letter back into the folder, he tried to maintain composure.
"Evelyn, this is... concerning," he began carefully, trying to mask the unease in his voice. "We need to take this seriously. Marcus seems determined, but I won't let anything happen to you."
Evelyn's eyes widened, and she reached out, grasping Alex's hand tightly. "What are we going to do? I don't even know this Marcus person!"
Alex squared his shoulders, his protective instincts kicking in. "He's my boss,the chief managing director of the Litroix company,I must figure out why he's doing this"
"I don't know why he's starting to become so desperate, I'm really scared...I wouldn't lie.I'm scared of losing you" He lamented.
Evelyn's grip on Alex's hand tightened, her eyes reflecting her fear. "Alex, I don't want anything to happen to us. Can we please just leave this behind? Go somewhere far away, away from all of this?"
Alex looked into Evelyn's eyes, his heart aching at the desperation in her voice. "I wish it were that simple, Evelyn. But I need to understand why Marcus is doing this. I won't let him intimidate us."
He pulled her into a tight embrace, trying to convey a sense of reassurance despite the turmoil racing through his mind. "I promise you, I won't let anything happen to you and our unborn child. We'll face this together."
The next morning,with unwavering determination, Alex and Evelyn decided to confront Marcus. Gathering the folder and its contents, he headed towards the Litroix company, his mind racing with questions and plans to safeguard Evelyn.
As he entered the building, he went straight to the receptionist. Each step he took showed his determination and annoyance.
His face was flushed with annoyance as he asked the receptionist, "Where is Marcus?"
The receptionist, shocked by his audacity, couldn't help but ask, "Did you just call the CEO by his name?"
Without giving her an answer, he angrily left the reception area and headed towards his office.
As he reached for his office key, a voice from inside called out, "Come in, Alex, the door is open."
Turning the knob, he found Marcus seated in his office chair, flanked by two burly men in red suits, both wearing stern expressions.
"How did you get in, and who are these guys?" Alex asked, pointing at the two hefty men.
Alex asked, pointing at the two hefty men adorned in red suits.
Marcus leaned back in his chair, a smirk playing on his lips. "Ah, these gentlemen are just ensuring our conversation remains civil, Alex."
"Well, I demand an explanation, Marcus," Alex retorted, his voice steady but laced with an underlying intensity.
Marcus chuckled. "Sit down, Alex. We have much to discuss."
Reluctantly, Alex took a seat, his eyes fixed on Marcus, waiting for an explanation.
"I'm sure you've read my proposition," Marcus began, his tone casual yet authoritative. "I want what I desire, and you have a chance to gain a lot in return."
"I won't entertain such ridiculous demands," Alex shot back, his patience wearing thin.
"You should reconsider," Marcus continued, unfazed. "Your career could skyrocket, and all you need to do is cooperate."
"Cooperate with what? Threats and blackmail?" Alex retorted, his voice rising with each word.
"Let's not be hasty, Alex," Marcus replied calmly, gesturing towards the folder on the table. "Consider the options carefully. I'll give you time.
"With that, Marcus signaled to his companions, indicating the conversation was over. As they left the room, Alex sat there, his mind racing, contemplating the gravity of the situation.
He realized this wasn't merely about a job promotion; it was a threat to his family, his integrity,his marriage and everything he held dear.
Outside the office, Evelyn anxiously awaited news. As Alex emerged, she rushed to him, concern etched on her face.
"What happened?" she asked, grasping his hand.
"We need to talk," Alex said, his voice serious, leading her away from the company premises.
As they walked, Alex recounted the tense encounter, detailing Marcus's proposal and the looming threat.
Evelyn's eyes widened in disbelief and fear. "What do we do now?"
"We can't give in," Alex replied firmly. "We'll find a way to deal with this, together."
They boarded a taxi and headed home.
"While en route to their residence, a pickup van abruptly intercepted their taxi, halting alongside it.
Two imposing figures, garbed in impeccably tailored red suits, emerged from the vehicle, each wielding a firearm-an unmistakable signature of Marcus's cohorts in pursuit.
"Exit the vehicle promptly," commanded one of the men, forcibly removing the taxi's driver from his seat.
In the chaotic and harrowing turn of events, a gunshot reverberated, terminating the life of the taxi's driver in an instant, eliciting a horrified gasp from Evelyn.
"Silence and lie flat," barked the second man, his countenance becoming increasingly severe.
Compelled by the unfolding threat, Alex and Evelyn complied, pressed against the ground.
Evelyn had begun to wriggle in pain as she was lying down on her protruding belly,Alex couldn't help the sight of seeing her suffer as he voiced out.
"Don't you guys have any atom of mercy,my wife's pregnant.... please have mercy" He pleaded
"Is that so?,then let me show you how to treat a pregnant woman" scoffed the second man derisively, dismissing Alex's plea.
Before Alex's disbelieving eyes, the first man callously struck Evelyn's abdomen, eliciting an anguished cry from her. The assault resulted in severe injury and profuse bleeding.
Driven by despair and desperation, Alex instinctively shielded Evelyn, cradling her as tears streamed down his face.
"Marcus, I curse the day we crossed paths," Alex lamented bitterly, overwhelmed by helplessness.
As Alex's plea went unheeded, the second assailant aimed his weapon, poised for another attack. However, a commanding gesture from the first man intervened, halting the imminent threat.
Exhibiting brute force and a chilling lack of compassion, one of the men forcibly seized Evelyn, dragging her into the van, while the other held Alex at gunpoint.
With ruthless exactness, they departed, leaving Alex stranded,in a state of shock.
The profound shock left Alex teetering on the brink of unconsciousness, engulfed by the looming darkness that swiftly enveloped his vision.
Shortly thereafter, the tranquil surroundings were disrupted by the arrival of four luxury cars,sleek Mercedes-Benz models that effortlessly cruised onto the scene.
Each vehicle unloaded three robust figures clad in immaculate white attire, their countenances obscured by sleek black sunglasses.
"He's still breathing" One of the men affirmed.
Effortlessly and with a sense of accuracy,they swiftly hoisted Alex into one of the sleek vehicles before silently departing.
Bystanders, captivated by the extravagant display, were left in a state of awe and intrigue at the elegant show off.
The four luxury cars, sleek Mercedes-Benz models, arrived at a sprawling estate. Hefty men surrounded Alex, escorting him inside the opulent mansion where he eventually gained consciousness.
In a lavishly decorated room, Alex couldn't help but wander at the extravagance of the rooms-the walls adorned with intricate tapestries,the plush velvet drapes flowing down the expansive windows.
The gilded chandeliers casting a soft glow, illuminating every corner of the room in a dance of lights.
"Where am I?,and how did I get here?" He thought to himself, deeply lost in thought.
He didn't realize the presence of a woman in the entrance of the room before a familiar voice jolted him out of his deep thoughts.
"Alex my boy"the voice said as Alex turned around to see who it was.
He found himself face-to-face with a woman of elegance and wealth, his mother. The air grew thick with tension and unspoken emotions as they locked eyes for the first time in years.
"Alex," she began, her voice tinged with a mix of regret and relief, "I'm your mother."
The words hung in the air, echoing with years of questions and hurt. Alex's mind raced with conflicting emotions, a blend of anger and a desperate desire for answers.
"Why didn't you look for me?" Alex's voice trembled with the weight of years spent longing for an explanation.
His mother hesitated, her eyes conveying a storm of emotions. "There were circumstances beyond my control,after the armed robbers killed your dad then took you away,I had no idea where they took you"
''You had no idea?do you know how much I've suffered?'' Alex scoffed, bitterness creeping into his voice. "It's been years. I needed you then.''
She reached out her hand, a gesture of comfort, but Alex flinched away. "I searched for you, Alex. I never stopped.''
"You let me suffer" Alex's words were laced with pain. "You left without a trace."
His mother's gaze fell, her voice barely a whisper, "I had to protect you."
"Protect me?" Alex's disbelief reverberated through the room. "From what?"
"I was trying to protect you from the assailants,I fear that they may have taken you hostage,any move from me might make them kill you"
''And I don't want to lose you,son"His mother explained,tears dropping from her eyes.
Alex, seeing the tears, hugged his mother immediately.
''I'm sorry for making you cry Mum,I didn't mean to'' Alex said as tears started to drop from his eyes.
As Alex unwrapped his hand arms around his mother, Mrs. Dona motioned toward the door.
A tall man elegantly dressed in a pristine white suit entered the room. "Mrs. Dona, you called for me?" the man inquired respectfully.
Alex recognized him as one of the men who came to rescue him at the kidnap scene.
"Sindacco, please meet my son, Alex," Mrs. Dona introduced, gesturing towards Alex.
"Nice to meet you, sir," Sindacco greeted with a nod, his voice carrying an air of confidence and professionalism.
Alex managed a nod, still reeling from the unexpected reunion with his Mother.
"Alex, you might find this hard to believe, but while you were away, I worked hard to build our empire," Mrs. Dona began, her tone a mix of pride and regret.
''As written in the will,I took over your dad's assets when he died,both the ones here and in the overseas''
Alex's eyes widened in disbelief as his mother mentioned "Overseas".
''Overseas?You have assets overseas?'' Alex asked.
''That's right son'' Mrs.Dona affirmed.
''After so many trials and triumphs,I made a lot of connections and expanded our business in the states'' She continued.
Alex's jaw dropped in disbelief. The scale of his mother's success was beyond comprehension.
"That's incredible,how much do you worth mum?"
he managed to ask,awestruck by the magnitude of her achievements.
"Our net worth exceeds $250 billion, and one of our most prized assets is the renowned fashion brand 'La Dona,' valued at a staggering $67 billion," she replied.
''My mother is the CEO of La Dona?'' Alex asked as he pinched himself to clear his mind that he's not dreaming.
Sindacco nodded in affirmation, confirming his employer's statements.
"Mrs. Dona Dexter is a formidable force in the business world," he added, a subtle pride reflecting in his voice.
As Alex tried to grasp the enormity of it all, his mother extended her hand."I've missed you, Alex. I wish things had been different."
Alex hesitated for a moment before embracing his mother, a mix of emotions washing over him. "I've missed you too, Mum," he said, the weight of years apart palpable in his voice.
Sindacco watched as the two enjoyed their reunion before Alex voiced out.
''But mum, I'm sure you knew about everything that happened at the scene Mr.Sindacco came to pick me?'' Alex asked,his face down with regret.
''Yes son,I knew everything about it'' Mrs.Dona cautiously replied not wanting to hurt further his feelings.
"How do I get my fiance back?" Alex asked again now looking his mother in the eye.
''With all these wealth you've acquired,you should know how to go about it" His mother said, looking him directly in the eye.
"What wealth are you talking about,Mum?''Alex asked.
With a slight giggle,Mrs.Dona replied "All the assets I own are now yours.
Alex couldn't believe his ears,the fact that He now owns a $250 business empire left him awestruck.
''Mum,are you serious?''He asked this time on his feet.
''Yes Master,Mrs.Dona will be starting her retirement vacation next week and the time of her flight is tomorrow evening" Sindacco nodded in confirmation.
Alex turned his gaze from Sindacco to his mum,his face screaming with curiosity.
''That's true son,you have to sign the necessary documents before I leave and most importantly,the Dexter card'' Mrs.Dona Explained.
Tears flowed down Alex's cheeks uncontrollably as he still finds it difficult to process all that's happening.
Few hours ago,he was just a poor guy that was cheated on by his Ex boss because of his financial status but now he's awesomely richer than his Ex boss as he is now a billionaire.
''Get me the card'' Mrs.Dona said gesturing at Sindacco.