Chapter 2 2.

Alex's POV-

"Please leave my office," I calmly stated as I spun the paperweight.

"Sir... I really need this job," he repeated nervously.

I exhaled softly and turned my head toward him. His face displayed anxiety and beads of sweat. I glanced at his trembling fingers struggling to hold some documents.

"Do you want to keep this job? THEN WHY DID YOU TAKE LEAVE WITHOUT NOTIFYING ME?" I inquired, still attempting to control my temper, but all he did was lower his head. "I've had enough of this nonsense."

"Please leave immediately."

"Sir, my wife was unwell, and I..."

I couldn't help but let out a small chuckle. So, he chose his wife's health over this job? Well done, you've just given me one more reason to let you go from my company.

"Now, you have two options: either leave right now, or stay and witness how I ensure no one will hire you again."

His face turned even paler, and without uttering a word, he exited the room.

I pushed the paperweight, and it crashed to the floor, breaking into pieces.

"Sir, would you like a brief diversion?" Sophie, my secretary, entered, closing the door behind her. She approached me, standing between my legs.

I raised my eyebrows but she leaned closer and loosen my tie with her perfectly manicured fingers. Who am I complaining about? She's one hell of a distraction. She knows how to satisfy me. Licking her lips, she pulled her top over her head. I smirked and smashed our lips together. She let out a moan when our tongues collided. Lust ignited into every core of my nerve.

I clenched my teeth as the door swung open, and a familiar voice reached my ears. Sophia swiftly put some space between us, shooting an angry glare at Joe, who returned her look with disdain. I rolled my eyes and sank deeper into the leather chair, pressing my fingers against my forehead.

Joe always seemed to choose the most inconvenient moments. Sophia adjusted her top and began walking toward the door, maintaining a hostile stare in Joe's direction the entire time. After Sophia left, Joe quickly took a seat across from me and began to playfully wiggle his eyebrows.

"Why are you here? Don't you have any hospital duties?" I inquired with a touch of irritation.

He responded by rolling his eyes and leaning forward to pinch my cheek.

"JOE, I CHALLENGE YOU TO ACT CHILDISH AGAIN, AND I PROMISE YOU'LL END UP IN A HOSPITAL BED NEXT TIME."

He let out a sigh and adopted a blank expression. Frustration coursed through me as I clenched my fists.

What's wrong with me? Why am I in such a miserable mood?

"What's the matter?" he asked, his voice tinged with concern.

"Just leave me alone," I snapped.

"Listen, Alex, I'm your best friend. Please, stop acting like I'm your enemy. WHY CAN'T YOU JUST TELL ME?" he yelled, his voice filled with emptiness. When I remained silent, he downed an entire glass of water in one gulp. "He chose his wife's health over his job," I added blankly and pressed my eyes shut trying to avoid his gaze. "You were jealous of him, weren't you?" I swallowed the thick amount of lump forming in my throat. Jealous? Maybe. After all, that employee had someone to return home for, unlike me who got nothing but this company.

"Out. Now." I stated simply and he scoffed. "Bro, you love me, don't you?" "Joe stop acting gay and come to the point. What do you want?" I asked ignoring the weird look he has, with wide eyes and lips being pulled out.

Asshole. "I've found a bride for you." I choked on my saliva at his words. What the hell? "Before you consider throwing me out of your cabin, please hear me out, alright?" He said anxiously, casting an innocent glance my way.

I nodded cautiously, and it was at that moment he beamed with a wide, ear-to-ear smile.

"Alex, you made a promise to me that you would do anything for me. Today, I am requesting that you marry someone of my choosing. Just for my sake, please agree to this marriage," he explained hurriedly, his gaze darting everywhere except towards me.

"You would be ruining her life," I countered.

"She's far from an ordinary woman. With a heart of gold, she truly believes, Alex, that one day you'll appreciate my efforts in arranging your marriage to her," he exclaimed with genuine happiness.

I couldn't help but feel the urge to chuckle at his naivety. While I might indeed marry someone of his choosing, not even my future spouse would have the power to transform me.

Joe is my friend, but there are still many secrets he remains oblivious to. If only he knew, he would certainly never have attempted to arrange my wedding with anyone." Someone like me doesn't merit all of this. I've committed terrible deeds that are difficult to forget. That pain, that guilt, that agony are not things easily erased; they've ensnared my heart.

The woman with a heart of gold will never be able to heal my shattered soul.

"Look at yourself, Alex. You're one of the most eligible bachelors, blessed with perfect looks and great wealth. Anyone would be eager to marry you, yet at the age of twenty-seven, you remain single. But I'm not complaining; I'm glad you're single because if anyone deserves to be your wife, it's Chloe, and only her."

You're not getting Joe; no one should become the spouse of such a nightmarish person like myself.