After The Storm

Marked

Alexa left with her father for a meeting the morning Dan caught them tangled with each other. Michelle, on the other hand, became gentle with her granddaughter, and Alexa knew that whatever happened, they were still family. Bryan, however, grew increasingly close to Michelle. Alexa knew they were just using Ammielle and that Michelle was only waiting for the right time to break the news to the media so Alexa could marry Bryan. This thought hurt Alexa, and she had been ignoring and avoiding Bryan every time he visited.

One afternoon, Bryan cornered Alexa in her office, frustration etched on his face. "Alexa, we need to talk," he said firmly, blocking her path.

Alexa's eyes flashed with anger. "What is there to talk about, Bryan?" she retorted, trying to move past him.

Bryan grabbed her arm gently but firmly. "Alexa, you can't keep avoiding me. We need to sort this out."

Alexa yanked her arm away, her anger boiling over. "Sort what out, Bryan? I ended things between us. That was long ago!" Her voice rose, echoing through the room.

Bryan looked taken aback but stood his ground. "You know it is me who your grandmother wants for you."

"You can marry each other then." Alexa spat. "You think forcing me will get me back? You wish." Her voice trembled with emotion.

Bryan sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Alexa, you know how these things work. Family, business... we have to think about the future."

"Our future?" Alexa scoffed. "There is no future with you, Bryan. Ammielle is my future, and no amount of scheming from you or Michelle will change that."

Bryan's expression softened slightly. "Alexa, I... I didn't want it to be like this. I thought we could make it work, that you'd eventually see things my way."

"Your way?" Alexa's eyes filled with tears. "Your way involves lies and manipulation. I won't be a part of that. I won't let you or anyone else control my life."

Bryan stepped closer, his tone pleading. "Alexa, please, listen to me. I just want to protect you, to make sure you're safe and happy."

"Happy?" Alexa shook her head, her voice barely above a whisper. "You don't even know what makes me happy, Bryan. If you did, you'd understand that my happiness lies with Ammielle."

Bryan's shoulders sagged in defeat. "I never wanted to hurt you, Alexa."

"Well, you did," Alexa replied, her voice cold. "And now, I need you to stay out of my life. Let me make my own choices, my own mistakes if necessary."

Bryan nodded slowly, the weight of her words sinking in. "If that's what you really want, Alexa. I'll respect your wishes."

"It is," Alexa said firmly. "Now, please leave. I need to be alone."

Bryan hesitated for a moment, his face contorting with a mix of anger and desperation. He turned to walk away, but stopped at the door, casting a final glance at Alexa. "I'll make that woman miserable. You'll see, Alexa," he threatened, his voice low and menacing.

Alexa stood her ground, her eyes locked on Bryan's. "Do whatever you want, Bryan. It won't change how I feel about Ammielle or the choices I've made."

With that, Bryan left the room, leaving Alexa standing alone, her heart pounding in her chest. She knew the road ahead would be difficult, but she was determined to fight for her happiness with Ammielle, no matter the obstacles that Bryan and Michelle might throw in her way.

As Alexa's day progressed with back-to-back meetings and conferences, her thoughts continually wandered back to Ammielle. Last night's argument still weighed heavily on her mind. Just because of one mistake. That one f*cking mistake I made, she thought, a sharp pang of regret piercing through her. The memory of their interrupted passion was a dull ache that refused to fade.