Entwined Lives

Chapter2

Alex couldn't understand why his father would make such a decision without informing him. A decision that had to do with his future? "Unbelievable" Alex muttered to himself.

He had always seen Ann as his kid sister, not as a lover. What was more shocking was that Ann concurred to marrying him. There's more to this. Something just didn't feel right. Lot of things felt off. His father's sudden haste in marrying a wife for him, his father's opinionated decision of him getting married to Ann rather than Phoebe whom he truly loved.

Just then, Marlowe Lane, his personal assistant, entered his office. "Here is the file, sir." She said, smiling seductively at Alex. Her top buttons were loosened, revealing her cleavage. Alex ignored her advances, his mind still reeling from his father's decision.

"Why didn't you knock before coming in?" Alex asked, his tone firm.

"I did." Marlowe replied, caressing her exposed lap. "You probably didn't hear me."

Alex's gaze narrowed. "Marlowe, do you still love your job?"

Marlowe's smile faltered. "Yes, sir."

"Then get hold of yourself. The next time you repeat this, you'll have yourself sacked." Alex warned.

Marlowe's face flushed with embarrassment. "I'm sorry, sir."

Alex dismissed her, his mind still preoccupied with his father's decision. He couldn't concentrate on his work, so he decided to take the rest of the day off.

Alex stepped out of his office building, lost in thought. He was startled by a familiar voice.

"Hey, man! What's going on?" Ryan asked, clapping Alex on the back.

Alex turned to face Ryan wearing a concerned expression. "Just dealing with my father's latest antics," Alex replied, shaking his head.

Ryan nodded sympathetically. "I know what you're talking about. I ran into your dad yesterday, and he mentioned something about an engagement."

Alex snorted. "Yeah, that's the one. He's still pushing for me to marry Ann Walker."

Ryan frowned. "How's that going?"

Alex threw up his hands. "It's not going, Ryan. I've told him repeatedly that I won't do it, but he just won't listen. He's so stubborn and controlling."

Ryan nodded thoughtfully. "I can imagine. Your dad's always been a bit...old-fashioned."

Alex laughed wryly. "That's one way to put it. Anyway, I just had a run-in with Marlowe, and I'm still fuming about it."

Ryan raised an eyebrow. "What happened with Marlowe?"

Alex rolled his eyes. "Just her usual flirting and attempts to get my attention. But I'm not having it. I've got more important things on my mind."

Ryan nodded in understanding. "I can imagine…as you can see, I was heading to your office before meeting you out here…let's go chill”

Alex nodded his head in the negative, “man, I think I have to head home. I kinda feel weird right now.” He explained.

“No issues man, I'd call you” Ryan assured, exchanging a handshake with Alex.

Alex smiled, feeling better that Ryan understood his frustrations. "Thanks, man. That means a lot to me.”

Alex entered into his car as he speed off.

As he arrived home, he found his father, Mr. Martins, sitting by the bar with a glass of wine in his hand.

"Dad, you're home... aren't you supposed to be at the inaugural ceremony of PWD enterprise?" Alex asked, surprised.

"Yes, son, I placed a call across to inform them I won't be making it again." Mr. Martins replied, sipping his wine.

Alex's eyes widened in shock. "Dad, you don't mean this, do you?"

Mr. Martins smiled. "I'm just returning from Mr. Walker's place. We had some preparations and decisions to make as regards to your wedding to his daughter, Ann."

Alex's face darkened. "Why would you do that? For the 1000th time, I'm not marrying Ann. If there would be any marriage preparations, it should be with Phoebe."

Mr. Martins scoffed. "Alex, I call the shots here. You can't marry Phoebe. Ann is the only available option for you right now."

Alex's anger boiled over. "What reasons do you have?" he demanded.

Mr. Martins' expression turned cold. "Don't ask me silly questions."

Alex's face burned with anger. "Well, if you like Ann as much as you do, you might as well consider marrying her for yourself."

Mr. Martins' face turned red with rage. He stood up, his fist clenched, and slapped Alex across the face.

Alex's face stung, but he restrained himself from hitting back. "I will never marry Ann," he affirmed, his voice low and deadly.

As he turned to leave, a sharp pain pierced his chest. He clutched at his heart, his vision blurring. Everything went black.

"ALEXANDER!!!" Mr. Martins shouted.