Stuck Up Meets Crazy. [COMPLETED]

NINE

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"Where are my clothes?" Cara storms into Xander's office, clutching a white towel like it's her lifeline.

She wakes up this morning in a surprisingly good mood. It's the day of her mother's surgery, and she's shown up early—something she rarely does. But Xander, the insufferable jerk, manages to squash her happiness. She heads to her closet, only to find it empty. In its place are new clothes.

Xander sips his coffee and looks up, unimpressed by the scene before him. His morning silence has been shattered.

"I got you new clothes. Or are you blind?" He raises his eyebrows. Xander is baffled. He thought new clothes would be a welcome change, saving her from looking like a ragged mess in public.

"Oh, I see. You had no right. I want my clothes back," Cara yells.

"You mean the old rags? I had the maids give them away. It's better than looking like a street urchin when we go out," Xander says, rising from his chair and grabbing his suit jacket.

Cara takes a step back, clutching the towel tighter. "You are an asshole," she hisses, each word dripping with disdain.

"It's too early for this craziness," Xander quips with a smirk, leaving Cara alone in his study.

She tries to calm herself. As much as she wants to tear his study apart, she needs to get to the hospital. But this isn't over.

Alexander 2, Cara 0.

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"Is she back?" Xander asks Jonathan as he drops his suitcase in the living room.

"No," Jonathan replies, picking up the coat Xander tossed onto the couch. He heads for the minibar.

"Thank God," Xander breathes out. He's relieved to finally have some peace. He pours himself a glass of whiskey and offers Jonathan one.

"Join me," Xander says, handing Jonathan another glass.

Jonathan takes the ice from the kitchen and fills the glasses. "When was the last time we did this?" Xander asks.

"You're a busy man," Jonathan answers, adding whiskey to the glasses.

"We're overdue," Xander says, lifting his glass and taking a long gulp.

"You seem relieved your girlfriend isn't around," Jonathan observes, sitting on a barstool next to Xander.

Xander notices Jonathan's knowing look. "You don't actually believe I'd date her, do you?" Xander mocks.

"The media seems to think so," Jonathan says, his relief evident. He's always found Cara a nuisance.

"She's not pregnant yet. But by tomorrow, she might be—if the artificial insemination works," Xander says with a smirk.

Jonathan is puzzled. "Help me understand."

Xander explains, despite Jonathan's many questions about suing Cara, among others.

"So, you want to be a dad?" Jonathan asks, setting down his glass. He's had enough whiskey for the night and has to be up early.

"I'm getting old," Xander jokes.

"Are you sure you don't want to do this with someone you love? It would be more special," Jonathan suggests.

"Love?" Xander laughs. "Don't bring her up."

Jonathan tries to be supportive but doesn't hide his surprise. "I support your decisions," he says, standing up. "I need to get some sleep."