Lina sat on a comfortable armchair, nervously drumming her fingers on the soft velvet upholstery. Her father, Mr. James, sat behind his enormous mahogany desk, his brow twisted in rage as he stared at her long-time rival, Xander. 'Why do you dislike Xander so much?' Lina spoke up, breaking the uneasy tension in the room. What has he ever done to you? Her father's expression darkened even more as he directed his penetrating glance at Xander. 'It appears you're the blind one here.' he responded coldly. 'I mean, look at him. He's obviously a low-life brat who is up to no good.' Xander only smirked in answer, his black eyes sparkling with delight as he turned to Lina.'Could you spare us a moment, Lina?' he respectfully inquired, shocking her with his abrupt request. She furrowed her brow in perplexity. 'Why? What do you have to say that I'm not a part of?' she inquired, anxious about leaving the two of them alone together. 'Just some little things we need to talk about, one gentleman
The packed restaurant terrace was filled with the sounds and scents of a beautiful summer evening. The clinking of glasses, the murmur of conversations, and the scent of rich, delicious meals filled the air. However, for Xander, all of these sensations appeared to dissipate as he held the woman he loved. As Lina's gentle lips touched his, a rush of emotion flooded over him, and he couldn't help but close his eyes and immerse himself in the moment. The butterflies in his stomach flew madly, and for a brief minute, he felt as if he were floating on air. Even when they kissed, Xander couldn't shake the feeling that everything was too good to be true. He has experienced scorn, he was judged by others around him for his affections for Lina, but as he held her in his arms, he knew she was his soulmate. Lina's smile lighted up her face as they eventually pulled away, and Xander couldn't help but smile sheepishly in return. The love in her eyes made his heart swell with joy, and no words we
After a stressful meeting with Mr. James in the well-appointed study room, Xander emerged glad but exhausted to find Lina patiently waiting for him outside. She sat on a sleek black bench with her delicate legs crossed and a troubled furrow between her brows. 'What went on in there?' Lina questioned Xander as soon as she saw him. 'Nothing worth bothering about.' Xander soothed her with a dazzling smile he knew would allay her fears. 'You keep repeating that.' Lina grumbled, her frustration clear.Xander did not blame her for being inquisitive. He had been circumspect about their appointment with Mr. James, but Xander had his reasons. He couldn't let Lina become entangled in the perilous game he was playing. 'Alright, okay, I'll tell you, but only after I eat dinner.' Xander finally agreed, hoping to distract her with food. He knew Lina enjoyed fine cuisine, and he wanted her to relax before he conveyed any information. 'Oh, good. I'll have one of the chefs prepare something.' Lina
Helena sat in the opulent sitting room, her fingers pounding on the armrest of the velvet sofa as she gazed at the fireplace. Her mother, Lady Willow, stood on the other side of the room, her long dress swishing as she paced back and forth. They were debating a proposal that may transform their lives forever. After hours of deliberation, Helena was forced to accept that her mother was correct. They had a legitimate opportunity here. It all revolves on her ex-husband, Xander. Lady Willow proposed that Helena return to him, pretending to have changed her mind and wish to be with him again. Xander would be dumb to trust her, but they would exploit this to their advantage. Helena planned to steal Xander's powerful ring, a family heirloom said to bestow the owner incredible power. Helena's thoughts raced as Lady Willow paced. The plan was dangerous. However, the potential gain was too enormous to overlook. She could already envision their prestige and influence in the city if they owned
Xander stood at the crossroads, his mind racing as Ariel"s words replayed in his head. He wanted to ignore her pleas and continue on his walk, but her pleading eyes and pouting lips tugged at his emotions. He could feel the anguish and longing in her eyes, and he couldn't force himself to reject her. He had just gone for a short stroll, hoping to clear his mind and escape the chaos that had overrun his life. Lina, his girlfriend, would be waiting for him at the hotel room where they had spent the night before. But now, faced with Ariel's plea, he was divided between wanting to meet Lina and feeling guilty for ignoring his old acquaintance."I'm sorry, Ariel," he finally said, the words heavy on his tongue. 'I just can't do it right now.' Ariel's pout intensified, and she bit her lower lip, a motion that Xander recognized all too well. She was on the verge of tears, and he couldn't stand to watch her cry. 'That's not fair, Xander.' she said, her voice full of despair. 'I am not aski
Xander's thoughts raced as he sat across from Ariel in the small, pleasant café. He realized he needed to make things right with Lina, and quickly. He saw the sorrow and wrath on her face when she found him holding Ariel earlier. He could only hope she would not abandon him over this. "I'm sorry, Ariel, but I really have to go now." Xander replied, pushing his chair back and standing up. He could feel the strain mounting in his chest as he prepared to chase Lina. "Oh my God, s'm so sorry, Xander." Ariel apologized hastily, reaching out to clasp Xander's hand. But there was no need for her apologies, even though it was the second she had given him difficulty before. Xander vividly remembered the first time, when Ariel's mother looked at him with contempt, believing he was forcing himself on her daughter. And now, at this café, Ariel's advances had cost Xander dearly yet again. Xander had only consented to meet with Ariel out of concern for her, unaware that it would lead to this. He
Xander's mind raced as he attempted to figure out what game Mr James was currently playing on him. Lina's worried and confused voice interrupted his thoughts. "What is going on, Dad?" she inquired, her face furrowed in fear. Mr James simply smirked and waved toward the house, his eyes bright with delight. Xander felt a little bit uneasy at the imposing mansion before him. As he and Lina had arrived here, Xander had noticed his ex-wife, Helena, waiting on the porch with Mr James. Her face was smeared with tears, and her eyes were red and puffy. Xander's heart tightened at the sight, wondering what could have happened and that Helena may have suffered greatly as a result of this. He followed Mr James into the home, his steps heavy with fear, as Lina went by him, her hand securely gripping his for support. They all settled into the living room, with Xander still standing while Mr James relaxed comfortably in his favourite recliner. Xander couldn't help but be irritated by Mr James' e
Lina's heart plummeted as she gazed at the man who was supposed to be her future husband. She stepped back in astonishment, attempting to distance herself from this stranger whom her father had chosen fit for her. Her expression showed shock and panic, with her eyes wide and mouth open. And as Lina struggled for words, Xander, who had been silent the entire time, felt his heart shatter into a million pieces. His beloved Lina, the lady with whom he had recently begun a relationship, was now being pushed to marry someone else. How could this happen? How could everything deteriorate so quickly?Xander's hands curled into fists as he battled to keep his wrath and irritation at bay. He knew he couldn't stop this, that Lina's fate had already been decided. The mayor and Mr James wielded considerable power in the city. But he couldn't stand by and watch her be coerced into a loveless marriage. As he looked at Lina's tear-stained face, Xander knew that this could be the moment he had been d