2. ~Aleksander~

“So how did it go? Did you meet your new bride? Do you like her?” My grandmother’s eager eyes made my shoulders stiff. 

I moved to her bed and sat down with a small sigh. 

“How are you feeling today, Granny? Does your chest still hurt?” I asked her. Her eyes narrowed briefly at me. 

“I am fine, Lex. But you haven't answered my question,” she pushed. Seeing her bright eyes made my chest hurt a little. I didn't want to break her heart. Not when she looked this fragile. 

I flew in hours ago from Moscow after my pilot delayed me for hours. I hadn't heard from my grandmother in several hours due to the unending meetings. When I finally got a hold of her, she was chattering nonstop about a wonderful woman who she just met and wanted me to marry her immediately. 

The idea was ridiculous to me but grandmother insisted that there was no time, that I would regret it if I let her go. I never had much interest in women because of my work so anytime she brought up marriage, I told her to pick whomever she liked and I would wed her. 

I just wasn't expecting it to be that fast. A bit of arguing and she revealed that she was hospitalized and almost died of a heart attack. The guilt of not being there when she needed me pushed me to accept her offer. 

I had nothing to lose anyway. 

She sent me an address and a number hours later and insisted I go see my bride with a gift before coming to the hospital. 

Her excitement was infectious and I found myself growing curious about this woman that had my grandmother completely wrapped around her finger. 

Picking a wedding gift was the second hardest thing to do. The hours kept counting until I was unbearably late. By the time I returned to the city, almost a full day had gone. 

I rushed over to her address and my first thought was to get her the hell out of such a shabby place. Maybe a house would make a perfect gift. 

“Sir, are you sure you want to go in?” My assistant looked even more concerned than I was. 

“It's fine,” I nodded. “Call the agent and tell him to prepare his best housing properties. She'll pick the one she likes best.” 

“Yes sir.” 

I headed instead, searching for apartment 4B and when I finally found it, I was greeted by the sound of moans. 

My eyes narrowed. I glanced at the apartment number again and sure enough I wasn't in the wrong apartment. 

Irritation etched across my features as I listened to them rumble on. Really? Today of all days?

Even my assistant shifted uncomfortably beside me. 

“We’re leaving.” 

“Sir, should I…” I caught his hand before he could touch the door, sending him a stern look. He blinked and immediately muttered an apology. 

“Inform the agent,” I said. “I won’t proceed with the gift purchase yet.”

“Okay sir.”

“Well…” Grandmother slapped my shoulders impatiently, snapping me out of my thoughts. 

“I went to the address you gave me,” I answered. “I didn't see her. She was probably not home.” 

In her current condition, I couldn’t tell her that her saviour was not exactly as pure as she thought. 

Her eyes darted to the gift bag in my hand and she beamed instantly. “What did you buy for her? Is it the pearl necklace I recommended? Or the diamond ring? Or both maybe?” 

“Grandma!” I groaned. “You are too enthusiastic. I only agreed to this marriage because I trusted your judgement. Still I don't think she is worth that much money…”

“Why are you complaining, you little rascal?! You were hours late to sign your own marriage agreement,” She smacked my head. “Besides, you have more than enough money to spare. What is wrong with spoiling your wife a little? Is that how I raised you?” 

If she was in better health, I would have told her that the so-called wife she recommended was currently sleeping with another man in her run-down apartment. She probably didn't even take this marriage seriously and was only in for the money. 

For all we know, she could have already known my grandmother's identity and simply tricked her into believing she was a good Samaritan who expected nothing in return. 

“What matters now is your health, alright. I'll be staying longer this time so don't think you can escape anywhere without your guards,” I said sternly. 

That woman wouldn't have taken advantage of her if my stubborn grandmother had allowed her guards to accompany her. 

She frowned, clearly displeased by my words. 

“I'll also be hiring a caretaker for you. I'm always swarmed with work and I don't want you unattended to,” I finished. 

“I have my daughter-in-law…”

“No, you do not,” I frowned. “I'll find someone else. A lot of staff need replacement anyway.” 

“I don't understand. Why go through the trouble? Do you not like your wife?” Grandmother asked, a little confused. “She will be moving in with us, is she not?” 

“Grandma, she is still a stranger. I need time to get to know her, okay?” I said. “We can do that without staying under the same roof.” 

She was not pleased with my decision at all but for some reason, she didn't argue. 

*************

Vilmorre Corporation was in even worse shape than I thought. I had been so focused on my international branches that I didn't realize the home branch was slowly rotting away. 

We weren't going bankrupt or anything but the staff was incompetent and millions were siphoned over the past six months I was away. 

In three days, I had fired half the staff and arrested three. We were currently in the process of hiring new personnel. 

“Sir, the last candidate is ready for the interview,” my assistant informed me. Since I returned, Mr Hale has been doubling as both my assistant and secretary. 

It was too tasking and I needed to relieve him of some of the work, which was why I was conducting this interview myself.

“Who is it?” I asked, taking the file from him. 

“Mrs Klaire Kingston” 

Why did that name sound so familiar?