The Domineering Female CEO

As we stepped into the office, Royalty's eyes landed on the ring on my finger, and a warm smile spread across her face. "Aww, congratulations, girl!" she exclaimed, even though she knew the engagement was a ruse.

I smiled, feeling a little self-conscious but also grateful for Royalty's support. "Thanks, Royalty," I replied, giving her a quick hug.

We parted ways, heading to our respective offices. I settled in at my desk, getting lost in the tasks at hand. The morning sunlight streaming through the window cast a warm glow over everything, and I felt a sense of calm wash over me.

Just as I was hitting my stride, my phone rang, shrill in the silence. I glanced at the screen, and my heart skipped a beat. The caller ID showed a number I hadn't seen in a long time – one that I hadn't expected to see again.

My mind racing, I hesitated for a moment, wondering whether I should answer it. But curiosity got the better of me, and I picked up the phone, my voice cautious. "Hello?"

Alexander's pov

I paced back and forth in my luxurious living room, my mind consumed by thoughts of Eliana. It had been weeks since we last spoke, and her words still lingered in my mind. She had settled for a movie actor, someone who couldn't hold a candle to me in terms of wealth, influence, and connection.

The thought of her with someone else made my blood boil. I had been restless ever since, unable to focus on my business dealings or anything else. I needed to claim her back, to show her that I was the only one worthy of her love and attention.

And then, I received the perfect opportunity. I found out that her movie actor boyfriend and his friend were traveling for a movie project. It was the perfect chance to make my move, to sweep Eliana off her feet without any distractions.

I quickly grabbed my phone and dialed her number. It rang a few times before she picked up, her voice sweet and melodious.

"Hello?" she said, a hint of caution in her tone.

I smiled to myself, knowing that I had her attention. "Eliana, it's Alexander. I'm coming to your office. We need to talk."

There was a pause on the other end of the line, and for a moment, I wondered if she would try to brush me off. But then, she spoke up, her voice firm but with a hint of curiosity.

"Okay, Alexander. I'll see you soon."

I smiled, feeling a sense of triumph. It was time to reclaim what was mine.

I stepped into the sleek, modern lobby of the Damien Group, my presence commanding attention from the employees milling about. Their eyes widened in curiosity, wondering what had brought me, Alexander, to their company.

I flashed a charming smile, accustomed to being the center of attention. The secretary, a poised and polished woman, hurried over to greet me.

"Good afternoon, Mr. Alexander. Welcome to the Damien Group. How may I assist you today?"

I nodded graciously, my eyes scanning the area until they landed on the secretary. "Good afternoon. I'm here to see Eliana. I believe she's expecting me."

The secretary's expression turned professional, and she nodded efficiently. "Of course, Mr. Alexander. Right this way, please."

She led me to the elevator, and we rode up to the top floor in silence. As the doors slid open, she gestured down the hallway. "Eliana's office is just down the hall, Mr. Alexander. You may go right in."

I thanked her with a nod and made my way to Eliana's office, my heart beating with anticipation. What would our reunion be like? Would she still feel the spark that had once burned so brightly between us?

As I entered Eliana's office, our eyes met, and for a brief moment, I saw a flicker of something - recognition, maybe, or even a spark of the old flame that had once burned between us. But it was quickly extinguished, replaced by a bright, professional smile.

"Hey, Xander, take a seat," she said, her voice light and airy, but with a hint of tension beneath the surface.

I strolled over to the chair in front of her desk, my eyes never leaving hers. I could sense a slight unease emanating from her, a subtle tension that she was trying to hide.

As I sat down, I couldn't help but notice the way Eliana's eyes darted away from mine, her gaze drifting to the papers on her desk. She was trying to compose herself, to maintain a sense of detachment. But I knew her too well. I could see the faintest glimmer of vulnerability beneath her polished exterior.

I leaned back in my chair, a slow smile spreading across my face. "So, Eliana," I began, my voice low and smooth. "It's been a while."

"Yes, it has been a while, Xander," Eliana replied, her voice measured and calm.

My eyes drifted to her hand, and my gaze narrowed as I took in the sight of the ring on her finger. I felt a surge of anger and possessiveness, my palms instinctively curling into fists as I struggled to maintain my composure.

I forced a neutral expression, trying to conceal my emotions. "I see you're wearing a ring," I commented, my tone even and detached.

Eliana's eyes flickered to the ring, and for a moment, I thought I saw a hint of defensiveness in her expression. But then, her mask slipped back into place, and she smiled sweetly.

"Xavier thought it would be a nice gesture," she explained, her voice light and airy. "Since we're...you know, pretending to be engaged and all."

I raised an eyebrow, my eyes locked on hers. "I thought your marriage was just a contract," I said, my voice low and even. "Do you really need a ring to show off your...arrangement?"

Eliana's smile faltered for a moment, and I saw a glimmer of uncertainty in her eyes. But then, she rallied, her expression smoothing out into a calm, professional mask.

Eliana's eyes sparkled with a hint of defiance as she replied, "Yes, but it isn't a loveless contract marriage, Xander. We fell in love."

I felt a surge of incredulity and anger. "You can't be serious, Eliana," I said, my voice rising. "You can't be in love with Xavier McKinney."

Eliana's expression turned stern, her brow furrowing in a frown. "Why will you say so, Alexander? she asked, her voice firm.

What will you gain from loving an actor? Will he even be able to help you in business?

My anger boiled over, and I slammed my fist on the desk. "He knows nothing about business, Eliana! He has no connections in the business world. What could he possibly offer you?"

Eliana's eyes flashed with anger, and she stood up, her voice rising. "You have no right to question my choices, Alexander. I'm happy with Xavier, and that's all that matters."

I stood up, my eyes locked on hers, my voice low and menacing. "You're making a mistake, Eliana. A big one."

Eliana's laughter was like a slap in the face, and I felt my anger boil over. "Xander, there's nothing between you and me," she said, her voice dripping with amusement. "I can love whoever I want, and it's none of your business. Please, if you have nothing to say, you can leave."

Her words were like a challenge, and I felt my temper flare. I took a step closer to her, my eyes blazing with anger. "We'll see about that, Eliana," I growled, my voice low and menacing.

With that, I turned on my heel and stormed out of the office, slamming the door shut behind me. The sound of the door crashing against the frame was satisfying, but it did little to calm the storm raging inside me.

As I strode down the hallway, I could feel the eyes of the office staff on me, but I didn't care. I was too busy seething with anger and plotting my next move. Eliana thought she could just dismiss me and move on with her life? She thought she could love someone else and I would just stand by and watch?

I would show her. I would show her that I was not a man to be underestimated.

Eliana's pov

I slumped back in my chair, my anger and frustration still simmering just below the surface. Royalty rushed into my office, her eyes scanning me with concern.

"Hey, Elly, what the hell just happened?" she asked, her voice low and urgent.

I let out a deep breath, trying to calm myself down. "It was Alexander," I spat, my voice venomous. "Who does he think he is? He thinks he can just waltz in here and try to come between me and Xavier?"

Royalty's eyes widened in surprise. "What did he say?" she asked, her voice curious.

I shook my head, my anger rising again. "He thinks he's better than Xavier, that he's more powerful and wealthy. But it's not about that, Royalty. It's about who I want, and I want Xavier."

Royalty nodded, a fierce glint in her eye. "You're right, Elly. You deserve to be happy, and if that's with Xavier, then so be it. Alexander can't stop you."

I smiled, feeling a sense of determination wash over me. "Exactly," I said, my voice firm. "I'm not going to let Alexander dictate my life or my relationships. I'm going to follow my heart, and if that means being with Xavier, then that's exactly what I'll do."

I stood up, my eyes blazing with determination. "If Alexander thinks he's powerful, he's got another thing coming," I said, my voice firm and resolute. "I'm a billionaire, just like him. And once I marry Xavier, I'll make sure he's set for life. He'll be worth billions, just like me."

Royalty's eyes widened in surprise, but then a slow smile spread across her face. "That's the spirit, Elly," she said, her voice full of admiration. "You show Alexander that you're not to be underestimated. You're a force to be reckoned with, and you won't let anyone stand in your way."

I nodded, feeling a surge of confidence and determination. "Exactly," I said, my voice firm. "I'm not going to let Alexander stop me from being with the man I love. I'll do whatever it takes to make sure Xavier and I are happy together, and that includes taking on Alexander and his ego."

After a long day at the office, I was relieved to leave the Damien Group behind and head home with Royalty. We swung by Jason's school to pick him up, and his bright smile was just what I needed to lift my spirits.

Next, we made a quick stop at the mall to grab some snacks for Jason. His eyes widened as he scanned the colorful array of treats, and I couldn't help but laugh at his enthusiasm. "What do you want, buddy?" I asked, and he eagerly pointed out his favorites.

As we walked out of the mall, snacks in hand, Jason's face lit up with joy. I ruffled his hair, feeling a sense of contentment wash over me. This was what mattered – time with my loved ones, not the drama and tension that seemed to follow Alexander everywhere.

Once we arrived home, the maid and nanny welcomed us warmly, and we exchanged pleasant greetings. After settling Jason in with his snacks, I headed to my room to unwind.

Just as I was starting to relax, my phone rang, shrill in the silence. I smiled as I saw Xavier's name flashing on the screen. I answered the call, feeling a sense of excitement and anticipation. "Hey, handsome," I said, my voice bright and cheerful. "How was your day?"

"I'm not fine, babe," Xavier said, his voice laced with a hint of desperation.

I immediately sensed something was off and my concern spiked. "Why, what's wrong?" I asked, my voice soft and inquiring.

Xavier let out a deep sigh. "I don't think I can last long here without you. Can you please start making arrangements to come sooner? I miss you so much already."

I couldn't help but laugh at his childishness. "Come on, babe, you just left. I miss you too, but I'll be there in three weeks. We can make it work," I reassured him.

But Xavier was insistent. "Three weeks?!" he exclaimed. "No, that's too much. Please, babe, please. Can't you just come sooner?"

I chuckled and interrupted him. "Xavier, three weeks is fine, okay? We'll make it work. I promise."

We talked for a while longer, discussing everything from our days to our plans for the future. As our conversation drew to a close, Xavier's voice turned husky. "I'll FaceTime you tonight from my hotel room. I need to see your beautiful face."

I smiled, feeling a flutter in my chest. "I'll be waiting," I whispered, already counting down the minutes until our virtual reunion.

As I settled into my plush couch, waiting for Xavier's FaceTime call, I realized that I had momentarily forgotten about the drama that had unfolded at the office earlier that day. Alexander's unexpected visit and his condescending attitude had left me feeling frustrated and annoyed. But as I waited for Xavier's call, all of those feelings began to melt away.

Finally, my phone rang, and I smiled as I saw Xavier's face appear on the screen. But what really caught my attention was the fact that he was shirtless, his chiseled chest and abs on full display. I felt a blush rise to my cheeks as I tried to play it cool. "Hey," I said, trying to sound nonchalant.

Xavier grinned, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Hey," he replied, his voice low and husky.

As we chatted, Xavier gave me a tour of his hotel room, showing me the luxurious decor and the door that shared a suite with Elvis Presley's room. I laughed and teased him about covering the presence of royalty, and he chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners.

As we talked, Xavier filled me in on his schedule and his first scene, and I listened intently, feeling proud of him and all that he had accomplished. When he finished, he flopped back onto his bed, a relaxed smile spreading across his face.

"Hey, how was your day?" he asked, his eyes locked on mine.

I hesitated for a moment, unsure of whether or not to tell him about Alexander's visit. But something about Xavier's gentle expression put me at ease, and I found myself wanting to confide in him. Still, I didn't want to ruin the mood, so I just nodded and smiled. "It was fine," I said, trying to sound casual.

Xavier raised an eyebrow, but he didn't push the issue. Instead, he just smiled and said, "Okay, then."

We chatted for a while longer, our conversation flowing easily. As we wrapped up our call, Xavier blew me a kiss, and I pretended to catch it, feeling a flutter in my chest. "I love you," he said, his voice low and husky.

"I love you too," I replied, smiling softly.