When The Love Comes

From Alexander's Perspective:

"Alex, my friend, you've acted impulsively. I only took that job to stay close to Bella, and now you tell me you got married just to take revenge on the one who convinced Bella to reject you? It doesn't make sense," Michael said, locking his sharp gaze with mine.

"I'm still shocked that Bella let go of you and turned you down. Instead of getting married, you should've been chasing your beloved Bella," he added.

I placed the contract on the table before him. "I'll fill out your part and teach them for just two years. I'll achieve my revenge against Teal and Bella. She can't move on from me like this. I'm Alexander Epix," I said, seething with anger.

Michael shook his head in despair. I had no idea what was going through his mind, but it didn't matter to me.

Bella knows exactly what my job entails. I told her at the beginning of our relationship that being with me would come at a cost. I can't dedicate time to care for her; I have companies to manage and problems to solve. Yet, she accepted me as I am.

I won't deny that I was harsh with her recently, and that was because of my grandfather's relentless pressure to get married. What's the big deal about turning thirty? I never intended to remain single forever, but she should've waited for me as always. She should've accepted my proposal.

When Bella refused to be my wife, she didn't just shatter my trust in her—she broke my understanding of love and relationships. Why make a promise to stay with me forever if she couldn't keep it?

And Teal—who does she think she is? A social reformer? A relationship counselor? What gave her the right to interfere between me and Bella? If she hadn't advised Bella to leave me, Bella wouldn't have dared to walk away.

Before I knew it, I had smashed the chair next to the table. I was furious. No one had ever told me "no" before. No one had ever opposed my decisions or desires. I swear I'll break your heart, Teal. You'll wish you had kept your advice to yourself.

"Damn it," I muttered, running my hands through my hair to calm down. I hadn't lost control like this in years.

"Alexander, believe me, you'll lose yourself and everything else if you chase revenge. Marriage isn't a game or a light switch you can turn on and off at will," Michael said.

I ignored him and rushed out, heading to the lecture I wanted to finish quickly. Acting is what I excel at more than anything else, so it won't be hard to make you fall for me, Teal.

Michael stared at the chaos and absurdity his friend was causing. He pulled out his phone and made a video call. "Hi, Bella—"

Before he could finish, her voice cut him off. "Michael, I did ask you to convince Alexander to teach at my university to fix our relationship, but I've realized there was no relationship to begin with."

She sighed, wiping away tears. Had she been crying before Michael called?

"I was foolish to wait for him all these years. I wasted my youth hoping he'd spend even five minutes with me, like any other couple. I've realized my life would've been hell if I married him. No, Michael, not this time. I'm done. Alexander will never be serious about me," she said before the call abruptly ended.

Michael clenched his jaw, tossing his pillow in frustration.

"As if Alexander needed more drama in his life. That man is truly something else. I still don't understand his perspective on love and relationships. You've changed so much, Alex," Michael muttered.

---

From Teal's Perspective:

"Mom, I really want to apologize for the way I got married. I know you dreamed of me having a grand wedding fit for a queen, and I even made you sick with my elopement," I said as soon as I entered the room.

My mother didn't respond. She just waved me closer.

"Don't worry about it. Since you married a wealthy man, it doesn't matter anymore. At least you won't suffer like I did, my dear," she said, a faint, insincere smile on her face.

Well, my mom never changes. I just have to play along for now. At least she likes Alexander. The last thing I need today is another argument.

She was busy taking pictures of my marriage certificate, overjoyed. I watched her with fondness, but my mind was elsewhere. My university was my priority.

That night, I stayed by her side, worried something might happen to her. Things had been going well for me lately, and that felt like a nightmare waiting to happen.

"Mom, Alexander doesn't mind me continuing my studies," I said, trying to ease her excessive worry.

"My dear, he could've arranged private tutors for you at home. I really don't understand what he plans to do with his wealth if not pamper his wife," she replied.

Great, this conversation was going to drag on. My mom was adamantly against me stepping out of the house. I rubbed my temples and said, "We'll talk later. I have an important lecture."

After ensuring I looked presentable, I kissed her forehead and left the room.

A few minutes later, I stood in front of the university campus. I took a deep breath. Nothing would stop me from achieving my dreams. No one.

I received a message from Ayor and headed to the lecture hall on the twelfth floor. It was a shared class between us.

As I walked, a curvaceous figure with full hips and a D-sized bust blocked my path. I tried to avoid her, but she deliberately stood in my way.

"Malika, I have a lecture and no time for your nonsense," I said, my irritation clear.

I hated her. Because of her, my father had died trying to save her mother. Damn it. Why did my father have to betray my mother that way? I never expected to see her here after all these years.

"I don't know what you're doing at my university, but I don't ever want anyone to know that you're my half-sister. If anyone finds out, I'll break your neck," Malika sneered, inspecting her nails and loudly chewing gum.

I wanted no connection to her. Whatever bond we had died with my father.

Rolling my eyes in boredom, I brushed past her. I could feel her searing gaze burning into my back.

Nothing would stop me from completing my studies. I wouldn't let someone like her ruin my college life.