CONSUMED by Her | 18+ ✔️

CHAPTER 3

Alec

After the heated conversation between my dad and me, I gave him the space to cool down. But I guess it was more for me than it was for him. It took me a few days to process everything he said and objectively access my lifestyle to the position I will occupy. After careful consideration, I concluded he was right. My decision will not be flattering to my personal life, but definitely favorable to my father and the business.

When I step into my his office, he's seated behind his executive desk, engrossed in something on his screen. He doesn't notice my entrance, and I pause halfway, feeling a bit nervous about how he'll react after our last encounter here. Clearing my throat to get his attention, he looks up over his reading glasses, and I wave my white handkerchief.

"Take a seat, son." Dad gestures with his hand, removing his glasses with the other. He turns away from the screen, his full attention on me.

"I'm here to apologize," I confess, rubbing the nape of my neck, giving a sheepish smile as I walk towards his desk.

My father smiles, places his forearms on the desk and leans forward. "I have to apologize as well."

"Dad... if there's someone that has to apologize, then it's me. I thought about what you said, and you're right."

"I'm glad you've come to your senses," he says with satisfaction, giving me a proud smile. "I don't expect you to tie the knot. That's your decision." I nod in agreement. "Just tone things down. Let the media see you as responsible and insightful, not impulsive. You might enjoy being infamous, but in the business world, recklessness can cripple you financially. I was like you once and learned the hard way."

"I understand and want to make you proud," I express as my dad unexpectedly stands up and moves around his desk.

"Come here." Rising to my feet, my father pulls me into a massive bear hug, affectionately patting me on my back. "I'm already proud of you, son. Given the recent events that transpired here, it required a lot of courage to be the first one to surrender."

*

The gala is finally here, and as always, I despise it for various reasons. Nonetheless, tonight holds great importance, as my father is announcing my appointment as the new CEO of the Grayson Empire and I have to deliver a damn speech in front of hundreds of guests. Despite being confident and having no trouble with public speaking, my anxiety has been skyrocketing all day and still has me on edge. My palms are clammy, and I desperately want to get out of this tuxedo, let alone out of this place.

To make matters worse, is my mother, who just loves to play matchmaker and tries to set me up at these galas. Somehow, she always drags along some woman that she thinks is suitable and will make a good wife for me. And tonight, it's one of her best friend's daughters, Gabriella.

My mother is just an incredibly stubborn woman, and despite my persistent requests for her to quit, it seems unlikely that she will stop anytime soon or ever. Even though I love her dearly and hate to disappoint her, I am resolved to maintain my bachelorhood for as long as possible, maybe indefinitely. I prefer the single life.

Earlier, she asked me to keep Gabby company since neither of us have a date, but I've been disregarding her request and opting to converse with acquaintances instead. But somehow, Gabby is showing interest and eye-fucking me since my mother made the request, which is so damn creepy. To move out of her eye view, I walk over to the cheese table on the other side of the hall. But who dares to follow me? None other than Gabby.

What a desperate slut.

"Alec," she coos as I am about to take a plate.

Clenching my jaw, I turn around and narrow my eyes at her. "Don't get hung up on what my mother said earlier. I'm not interested."