“Yes, granny. What is it?” asked Eva as she went to sit beside her. Alexander received a phone call from his mom and he left them alone while Alyssa stayed back, curious to know what granny wanted to discuss with her best friend. “Do you realize that Daniel and Jodie absolutely despise you? Your wedding will cause a huge rift in the family. How will you deal with that?” asked granny with a deep sigh. Her direct question shocked Eva, having never expected it from her. “I’m not marrying Alexander, granny. He just asked me to accompany him here, and that’s all there is between us. I know his parents hate me. It isn’t something that happened overnight. They have always hated me for reasons I’m not aware of. While everyone is allowed at Alyssa’s house, I’m not for the last thirteen years, since the first day I met them. I’ve learned to accept it.” Eva sighed and looked down at her hands. She had stopped searching for a reason for their behavior towards her.Granny looked at her with genu

For the next fifteen days, Alexander had no time to spare. He and Ashton lived at his parents’ house. They discussed the treatment and finally, his dad settled down into a routine, with check-ups, medicines, and lots of tests. Although he wanted to retire from his business, Alyssa wasn’t interested in taking over the reins from him. Alexander still continued with Rotterdams like he used to, but with more vigor now. Desmond Rotterdam completely handed over the responsibility of the business to him, since his open heart transplant was scheduled a week later. He had to go to his house regularly to meet him since legally he and Beatrix were still the legal proprietors, having the final signing authority.Therefore, his personal life took a backseat, and he didn’t know where Eva was. He didn’t have the time to go searching for her. It was as if the road trip, the wonderful time they shared, had been nothing but a dream. She had completely disappeared from his life. He tried calling her, bu

Alexander stood with a broken and lost Beatrix clinging to him, unable to console her. Her dad’s sudden demise had left all of them shattered. They hadn’t expected this at all. A million thoughts flitted across his mind at seeing the lost look on her face. What would he do now? Did Desmond Rotterdam leave a will? Would he be able to continue to manage the business without marrying Beatrix? Would his parents force him to marry Beatrix?His mom came forward and led Beatrix towards a seat. They were waiting for the hospital's post-mortem formalities. “Why don’t you go home? I’ll handle everything here,” suggested Alexander upon seeing Beatrix’s condition. “No, I can’t leave dad and go,” whispered a dazed Beatrix, unable to cope with her loss. After her mom's death, it was her dad who had brought her up single-handedly since the age of five. He hadn’t ever let her miss her mom. He was her everything. Maybe he had spoiled her rotten, yet she couldn’t envisage a life without him. Now his s

The next day, Alexander brought Alyssa home from the airport, but she fought with him all the way. “I told you I didn’t agree to the engagement. Mom and dad just dumped it on me.” “Are you spineless? No one can dump something or someone on you, Alex,” seethed Alyssa. “I could have protested if dad was well or uncle Desmond was alive. How would you know the circumstances I’m going through? You don’t care about anyone,” said Alexander bitterly. “What’s wrong with dad to get you so worried? I’m sure a few antibiotics can heal him up,” said Alyssa with an eye roll. Alexander didn’t correct her, since he had promised his parents that he wouldn’t bother her with their dad’s illness. She didn’t care about them and never ever visited them to take an update on their health! “Maybe, but I can’t be the cause of his deteriorating health.”“No wonder they’re taking advantage of you,” scoffed Alyssa. She walked into her apartment and sighed at seeing Eva’s things still lying around. “I’ll get

Obviously, Eva didn’t pay any heed to her friend’s suggestion. She knew Alexander didn’t care about her and thus her association with Victor Garrett wouldn’t affect him at all. Alexander didn’t bother them for the next few days, and she was thankful. Maybe staying here wasn’t a terrible decision, after all. “Tomorrow’s my birthday. I’m so excited. What are you giving me?” asked Alyssa excitedly. Eva grinned at her best friend, shaking her head playfully. “All my love and good wishes.” Alyssa groaned and tucked into the dinner Eva had made after returning from the hospital. “Will Sienna be able to join us? Isn’t she recuperating from the ordeal she just went through?” asked Eva, worriedly. Roman Drexler had abducted Sienna to marry her against her wishes, but Lucas rescued her just in time. “No, she can’t join us, and neither can Sky,” said Alyssa. “It’s just Hayley, Ashton, you, and me with Alexander and Beatrix.” Eva wanted to opt out but couldn’t find a good excuse. The next mor