Chapter 2

Alexander shut her out immediately. He was too busy talking to business partners and potential investors for his company, which was his major purpose for attending the gala. He didn't believe in the act of charity; to him, it was a waste of money, but these things needed to be done so that he could show off his company. A company that he was about to lose the majority shares he owned if he didn't get married. 

Dressed in a glazing black tuxedo, with the perfect designer watch to match. Alexander Blackwood looked like money because he is money, but what he looked like was a businessman who placed business before everything and anything. He was not known for showing his emotions because he believed that it was perceived as weakness. He always kept a cold stare and made sure that business was business. The only person he trusted was his assistant Marcus, who was always at Alexander's beck and call. 

 As he climbed down the podium from giving the welcome speech at the charity gala, he was invited to. The hands of the audience folded in applause because he was just as famous as he was ruthless when it came to business.

 "Ladies and gentlemen, we thank Alexander Blackwood of Wood Enterprise. As you know, he is not just a socialite but a very popular businessman and a bachelor too." 

 The host teased Alexander as he walked away from the stage. There were a couple of ladies who stood by the side and were trying so hard to get his attention, but Alexander shut them out.

 "Hey, Mr Blackwood, how are you?"

  "I'm really busy."

Within the next six months. His grandfather had called him and told him

 "If you can't find a wife within six months, you'll lose the shares you hold in this company."

 Ever since then, Alexander had been in a state of confusion; he didn't know what to do. He had looked for a woman who fit his spectrum, but he couldn't find any. It's not like he needed a wife so desperately, but he didn't want to lose his inheritance because he couldn't prove to his grandfather that he was capable of getting married. He was capable, just not ready; love to him was a useless emotion. 

  Just as he turned to pick a drink, he saw a lady trip. As she was about to fall, he swooped in and placed his arms, and she fell into them. Immediately, she fell, and he locked into a gaze with her eyes that were emerald green. Her chestnut brown, wavy, curly hair fell beneath his arms. Her cute, petite lips complemented her sharp, pointed nose. Alexander felt like her hero as he held her curvy, petite frame in his arms. He was enchanted by her beauty that she had to tap him to let go of her.

 "Um, sir, sorry, but can you let go?"

Her voice sounded so polite. Immediately, Alexander lifted her and left her standing. Just then, the host called her name on stage.

 "We would like to call on the florist who is responsible for this beautiful decor, please, Miss Sophia Carter." The audience applauded as she walked onto the podium and gave a very short speech.

 "I want to thank everyone here. I appreciate the opportunity I was given to beautify this place. I hope you like it."

 She hands over the mic and walks down from the podium. All this time, Alexander is observing her, following her hips in the blue gown she has on. He quickly signals his assistant to come close to him. As soon as he arrives, he uses his eyes to tell Marcus to follow his gaze. Marcus notices that he is looking at Sophia and nods. He brings his ears close to him as he follows Sophia's movements in the gala. In a whisper, he tells Marcus. 

 "Find out everything about her and report back to me immediately."

 "Yes, sir."

Marcus walks off. The rest of the night, Alexander stalks her with his eyes. Meanwhile, Sophia, who is still shaken by what happened between her and Alexander Blackwood, is confused but scared of him. She has heard so many rumours about him. He is a vicious businessman who has no emotions, but tonight it was different. It was as if when she fell into his arms, she saw everything in his eyes. She saw that he had emotions. His brown eyes were so beautiful, for a moment it felt like a scene in a fairytale movie. Anyway, the night was over, it felt nice to be part of a charity event, to be part of something that was given to the less privileged. Even though Sophia was not well-to-do, she loved the idea of charity so much. On her way home, she grabbed a burger for her friend Olivia.

*****

"You won't guess what happened, Olivia?"

 "What?"

 With food stuffed in her mouth

  "Well, during the charity gala. I almost fell, and this famous businessman caught me."

 Olivia starts jumping up and down excitedly 

"I said it, I knew it."

 Sophia starts laughing 

"Knew what?"

"I knew you were going to meet your prince charming."

"Olivia, it was just a mere coincidence."

"A coincidence that will lead to your problems getting solved, just watch and see."

 Just then, Sophia gets a call from the hospital.

 “Yes… Should I come to the hospital? Okay”

 Sophia hung up and rushed to put on her jacket 

 “What's wrong?”

  “They said Mom had a shock that affected her breathing.”

 “Oh my God”

Sophia makes it to the hospital, where the doctor gives her the news.

 “Based on our observation, she'll need to be moved to an intensive care unit because she'll need to be monitored more.”

 “So what does this mean? Is she going to die? Please tell me”

 Sophia mentioned with a lot of panic in her voice.

 “It means you have 48 hours to make the necessary payment; if not, you'll lose your mother.”

 The doctor walked away. Sophia stood there, buried in thoughts, wondering what she was