Chapter 117 Hope

Chapter 117 Hope
Tamara stepped into the office wearing a fitted cream dress that accentuated every curve of her figure. Her makeup was immaculate but heavy, with dark red lipstick and smoky eyes that gave her an overly polished appearance. Instead of being impressed, Alexander found himself thinking of Maddie. She never needed expensive clothes or layers of makeup to look beautiful. Her effortless, natural beauty surpassed anything artificial.
Closing the door behind her, Tamara walked directly toward him and slipped her arms around him in a lingering embrace. The hug lasted far longer than he was comfortable with. Her perfume was rich and overpoweringly sweet. He disliked it immediately. It felt wrong—too strong, too unfamiliar compared to the light floral fragrance Maddie always wore.
She leaned in, intending to kiss him, but Alexander calmly turned his face aside.
"Tamara," he said as he gently pulled away. "Why are you here?"
A bright smile spread across her face.
"I came to see you, Alex. You've been so busy lately, and I just wanted to check on you."
Alexander walked behind his desk, deliberately putting some distance between them.
"I have a lot of work to finish," he replied. "Please make this quick."
Ignoring the hint, Tamara perched herself on the edge of his desk and crossed her legs.
"I don't mind waiting," she said with a smile. "We can have lunch together and catch up like we used to."
Alexander shook his head.
"No. I have important matters to handle, and I can't do that with you here. You need to leave."
The smile faded from Tamara's face, replaced by visible hurt.
"Why do you keep pushing me away, Alex?" she asked, her voice trembling. "I love you, Alexander. I've always loved you. I'm better for you than Maddie. I understand your world. I wouldn't bring chaos into your life the way she has. Just look at everything happening—the scandal, the kidnapping, the war. I would never put you through any of that."
Alexander remained calm, though his tone was unwavering.
"I've told you countless times. We can't be together. I'm with my mate now. Maddie is the only woman in my life, and she always will be. I love her. Please respect that and leave."
Tamara slowly rose to her feet, tears filling her eyes.
"You're making a mistake," she whispered. "One day you'll realize it. This isn't over, Alexander."
Without waiting for a response, she stormed out of the office, slamming the door behind her.
Alexander released a long breath of relief before sinking back into his chair. He rubbed his temples for a few moments, then reached for his phone and dialed Maddie's number.
She answered on the second ring.
"Hello, my love," he said, his voice instantly becoming softer.
"Alexander," she replied warmly. "How are you?"
"I'm much better now that I can hear your voice. How are you and the baby?"
"We're doing well," she answered. "The doctor checked on us this morning, and everything is progressing perfectly. I can't wait to come back and resume school. My final exams start next week. My friends sent me everything I need to study, but my notebook is still at home in the estate—the one where I wrote all my important notes."
"I'll get it for you," Alexander said without hesitation. "I'll have someone deliver it today. You just focus on resting and studying. I'll make sure you have everything you need."
She let out a soft laugh.
"Thank you, babe. I miss you so much."
"I miss you even more," he replied. "I'll do everything in my power to bring you home before next week so I can personally take you to school for your exams and make sure you're safe."
They remained on the phone for nearly twenty minutes, exchanging sweet words and sharing little updates about their day. By the time the call ended, Alexander felt lighter than he had in days. His determination had returned, and he felt ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
Leaning back in his chair, he gazed through the office window at the city skyline. The war was still raging, but Maddie was safe. The company continued moving forward despite everything. For the first time in several days, he allowed himself to feel something he hadn't felt in a while.
Hope.