Unveiling The Billionaire's Heart

CHAPTER 2

In the opulent dining room of their million-dollar estate, Alexander sat at the grand table with his family.

The atmosphere was hushed, interrupted only by the gentle clinking of silverware against porcelain plates. The aroma of a sumptuous meal filled the air.

Each family member indulged in a dish that had been meticulously crafted by the skilled hands of their private chef.

Delicate slivers of truffle adorned the perfectly seared fillet mignon, accompanied by a medley of roasted vegetables, drizzled with a velvety red wine reduction.

The opulence of the feast mirrored the wealth and prestige of the Reynolds family.

As the family savoured their luxurious meal, the silence was broken by the sound of Mr. Reynolds tapping his golden fork against his fine china plate, drawing attention to himself. He cleared his throat, his eyes searching Xander's face.

"Xander" Mr. Reynolds began, his voice resonating with authority. "The annual meeting is fast approaching, and you know that you must attend with a wife by your side. It is an important event for our family's reputation and business connections. Have you found any lady yet?"

Xander paused mid-bite, his gaze fixated on his father. The mention of a wife brought forth memories of heartache and betrayal, leaving him with a guarded heart and a reluctance to pursue love again.

"No, Father," Xander replied, his voice tinged with a hint of sadness. "I have no intention of finding a wife or even a girlfriend. Love is not a priority for me. I refuse to subject myself to the whims of romance." He spoke to his father professionally and continued eating his meal in peace.

His mother, Sarah, looked at him with a mixture of concern and longing. "Xander, darling, it's not about whims or romance. Your father only wishes for you to find companionship and a partner who can support you in your endeavours. Someone who can stand by your side."

Xander's eyes hardened, his pain veiled behind a cold facade. "I appreciate your concern, Mother, but I have learned that love only brings heartbreak and disappointment. I am content with my solitude and my work. I don't need anyone else. And none of you here can convince me."

The room fell into a heavy silence, the weight of unspoken emotions hanging in the air. Xander's defiance clashed with his family's expectations. Maybe a little. Cause they all expected Xander's answer to be a blatant No!

Mr. Reynolds leaned forward, his voice carrying a hint of resignation. "Xander, I understand your hesitations, but we cannot underestimate the importance of appearances in our world. Attending the meeting without a partner might raise questions, and our standing could be compromised."

Xander's gaze met his father's, his resolve unwavering. "Father, I will not succumb to societal expectations for the sake of appearances. Our family's wealth and reputation should not be contingent on my relationship status. I refuse to play a role in a loveless charade."

As the tension thickened in the dining room, Mr. Reynolds, consumed by anger, abruptly stood up from his seat, causing the fine china to rattle against the table. His face contorted with frustration, he banged his fist down, demanding attention from his son.

"Enough, Xander! You cannot continue to wallow in your past and let it consume you," Mr. Reynolds bellowed, his voice echoing through the room.

"The loss of your grandmother affected all of us, not just you. It is time to move forward and leave behind your past love life."

"This business trip is crucial, and you must find a wife within this month. Train her, prepare her, and present her as your partner, or I will have no choice but to pass the company to someone else!"

The words hung in the air like a heavy cloud of doom, punctuating the rift that had formed within the family.

Anger and disappointment radiated from Mr. Reynolds as he stormed out of the dining room, leaving behind an atmosphere fraught with tension.

Dave sat at the table, a smirk dancing on his lips. He struggled to contain his laughter, finding amusement in the chaos that unfolded before him.

His eyes twinkled with mischief, relishing the discomfort of his older brother.

Finally, Dave burst into laughter despite how hard he tried to control it. He covered his mouth and ran away heading upstairs.

Xander's face contorted with fury, his eyes flashing with a fire that matched his father's anger. In a fit of frustration, he forcefully dropped his cutlery onto his plate, the clatter reverberating through the room.

Without a word, he pushed himself away from the table, his jaw clenched, and stormed out, his emotions roiling within him.

Left behind was Sarah, the matriarch of the family, she sat silently, her eyes filled with sorrow. She lamented the disunity that had permeated their once tight-knit family since the tragic loss of Xander's grandmother, a void that seemed to widen with each passing day.

The room remained enveloped in a heavy silence, the weight of anger and unspoken words hanging like a dark cloud. The bonds that once held the Reynolds family together had been strained, threatening to fracture the unity they once cherished.

As Xander hopped into his car in anger, he hit the steering so hard that it made a beep sound to indicate danger.

Xander then called Miles.

"Have you posted the update? This oldie is begining to piss me off!"

A rather sharp and smart voice spoke from the other end of the phone. "Yes boss. We're getting in hundreds of applications already. Even males are submitting theirs!" He said amusingly.

"Good. Be sure all their applications are properly checked. First, sieve out some of the people." Xander said heartlessly.

"Who should be sieved out, boss?" Miles asked.

Xander paused for a bit, probably thinking about whom he would sieve out to get the perfect girl easily for himself. His father will definitely reject a disfigured surly woman.

"The fat ones, the ugly ones and the short ones. Give them all a treat and send them away!"

"Okay. But Xander. We've got a slight problem. Permit me to call it a problem. Someone else is here" Miles spilled finally.

"And who would that be?" Xander asked curiously.

"It's Nora, boss. Your.. your ex, and she refuses to leave until you arrive!"

Xander's anger got even worse, but this time, it was mixed with confusion, sorrow and depression.

He got too weak to start the car. His hands suddenly became too heavy for him to carry. Of all the things he wanted facing in this life ever again was Nora. Her name even sounded like noise to his ears.

He stayed there in the car for a couple of minutes thinking about his life.

At this point of his life, his grandma would be the only person to sooth him. But now when he needed her the most, where was she?

Xander then opened the door in anger and shut it. He was just not ready for the day and would stay at home. Away from Nora, away from everyo….

As if summoned by the tension that hung in the air, Mr. Reynolds suddenly reappeared, his presence commanding attention.

He dressed impeccably in a tailored black suit, his authority exuded from every fibre of his being. His driver stood dutifully by his side, holding his polished briefcase.

With a stern gaze, Mr. Reynolds surveyed his son attempting to go back into the house. . "I invited her over. I did it myself," he declared, his voice commanding attention.

Xander's eyes widened in surprise, his anger clouded his vision, but he kept his cool.

Mr. Reynolds adjusted his suit jacket, straightening the lapels with precision. His appearance mirrored his desire for order and control, as if his meticulously chosen attire could convey the weight of his words.

"I have arranged a meeting with Nora for you, Xander," Mr. Reynolds stated firmly, his tone brooking no argument. "Her family possesses the reputation and connections that align with our business interests. You will meet her tomorrow, and you will make an effort to see the possibilities that lie before you."

"I know she hurt you, but she is the one you will marry. She is truly sorry now, son. Learn to move on and give second chances. Don't forget. You have less than one month to prepare a lady for the business trip. See you at the company!"

Xander's jaw tensed, his eyes narrowed as he listened to his father's demands. The weight of expectations pressed down upon him, threatening to suffocate his dreams and tramping on his vow to lock his heart forever.

"I will not be forced into a marriage of convenience, Father," Xander retorted, his voice tinged with defiance. "Love cannot be manufactured. It cannot be bound by business contracts."

Mr. Reynolds fixed his son with a piercing gaze, his voice a blend of authority and paternal concern. "Xander, you have a responsibility to our family legacy. You must remember that!"

With a final nod, Mr. Reynolds turned to his driver, a signal that he was ready to depart for the day's business dealings. The driver handed him the briefcase, and together they made their way towards the car.

Xander stood there, conflicted emotions swirling within him. Sooner, he may have to give in to the pressure.

So, quickly, Alexander hopped into his car again and drove to the company. Whatever should happen, should happen.