The Rightful Successor

Chapter 5

Alex woke to find the bed empty; he knew Brielle must have gone to get some groceries. They were still on break because of Grandma's birthday. Sighing, he sat up and stared at the mirror before him. His dark hair had fallen to his temples, and his eyes still looked hungry for sleep—he damned well needed one.

Yawning, Alex walked out to the bar stand, where he now always resorted to drinking to clear his head. He grabbed a bottle of liquor, poured it into a glass, and took a sip.

“This is becoming a habit. Do you know how much it costs to maintain this lifestyle?” someone said, and Alex nearly spilled his drink in surprise.

“Amelia,” he said, his voice deep, something that made her observe him closely. “Good morning,” he added nonchalantly, and Amelia smiled at him, a grin plastered on her face as she walked up to him.

“Should you be drinking this early? This lavish lifestyle, I hope you know your meager salary can't fund it,” she mocked. Alex frowned, and the liquor turned sour in his mouth.

“Huh? I'm not ready for your tantrums this morning,” Alex said, making a move to leave for work. Despite being given the week off for Grandma's celebration, he wasn't enjoying the break. He wanted to go out to finish some of the piled work he had abandoned, so it would be minimal when he resumed.

Alex worked for his in-law's company as a delivery man. It was a family business, and since he couldn't find another job, he accepted the offer temporarily. He had expected his father-in-law to give him a better position, but he shrugged it off to avoid looking entitled. Despite the daily humiliation, he worked hard to avoid fault and tried to steer clear of Brock, who wouldn't give him breathing space.

“Why are you avoiding me, Alex?” Amelia asked with a suggestive look. Alex shook his head; it was true. She was among the people he wanted to avoid. “Is it because I said I like you?” she asked, and Alex looked away. He knew she was up to no good, and he wanted to avoid her at all costs. She was tricky and could land him in trouble.

Amelia was undeniably attractive, capable of captivating any man with her charm. However, Alex saw through her facade. He knew that she was desperate to destroy his marriage to Brielle, and he refused to give her the opportunity. Divorce was considered taboo in their family, but if infidelity was involved, Grandma would likely offer him the option on grounds of infidelity.

"I am a married man," he snapped, his eyes filled with anger. "Just leave me alone already."

"Oh, Brielle, right? The woman who despises you," she taunted, causing Alex to look away. "The one who can't bear to..."

"Enough!" Alex bellowed. "How dare you? Are you any different? I remember the wicked schemes you and your cousin plotted against me. I'm not foolish, Amelia." He brushed past her and slammed the door to his room. Amelia stared at him, furrowing her brows, before following him inside. She sat beside him and noticed the tension in his body.

"Listen, Alex, I was foolish back then, but I'm sorry. I didn't realize what a kind person you are, and I think I've fallen in love with you." Alex turned sharply, his gaze locking with hers, and he could see the sincerity in her eyes.

"That's not true," he murmured, his voice barely audible. As she gazed into his eyes, she could still see the exhaustion in them, and she saw an opportunity to take advantage of it.

"I love you," she said sweetly, taking a few steps closer to him, reaching out for his hand. But Alex's expression turned into a scowl.

"Get out," he barked firmly. She nodded and stood up. However, without warning, she pushed him onto the bed and swiftly handcuffed his hands. "What the hell is this?" he growled, his frustration evident. She stared at him with a serious expression.

"I want you to divorce Brielle and marry me," she said, licking his ear provocatively. Alex struggled against the restraints, but she held him down. "And right now, your incredible body is so hot, I want to pleasure you. I want you inside me," she whispered seductively into his ear. Alex continued to struggle, but she forcefully pressed her lips against his, trying to overpower him.

Annoyed, she bit his lower lip, forcing his mouth to open, and she forcefully thrust her tongue inside. He groaned and lay still, waiting for the right moment. When Amelia relaxed her grip, he seized the opportunity and bucked, causing her to tumble onto the floor. With all his strength, he snapped the handcuffs and grabbed her by the neck, throwing her out of the room.

"Try that again, and I swear I'll kill you," he warned, his voice filled with anger. She scowled and winced in pain from his rough treatment. "I'll get you one way or another, Alex, whether you want me or not," she stormed away. Alex slumped onto the bed, wondering if his problems would ever end. Why was she so desperate? He sighed and paced around the room, his anger consuming him. Glancing at his watch, he realized it was still only 11 am. Was this how he would spend his remaining days off work? He pondered to himself.

He reached for his phone to call Sir Martins, hoping to meet him and finally hear what he had to say. Martins had sounded important on the phone last night, and Alex was curious about what he had to reveal.

As he unlocked his phone, he intended to search for Martin's number in his phonebook. However, Brielle's number unexpectedly appeared on the screen, instantly capturing his attention. The sight of her number brought a smile to his face, reminding him of how much he missed her. For a moment, he felt the strong desire to hear her voice and almost dialed her number, but he quickly dismissed the thought. Instead, he dialed Martin's number and he answered right away. "Can we meet now?" Alex asked in a serious tone, immediately leaving the room. Behind the door, a stunned figure emerged, too shocked to even move after witnessing what had just happened.