"I heard that your business is doing well. If you have time, I would like to set a meeting with you." One of the guests asked him as they discussed the current situation in the business market.

"Just set it up with Marcus. I'm sure that I have something that might interest you." Alexander told the man at his side.

"We also have plans on expanding the business in this part of the world. We are open to negotiations." Marcus informed the group, which consisted of the top heads of leading companies that Alex's father had dealings with and partnership.

Meanwhile, the rest of the group also expressed their willingness to invest in his business. After hearing what Marcus had to say, they were willing to shell out millions of dollars to his new ideas.

"I'm glad to welcome all of you onboard, that is, if we could reach a reasonable deal," Alex told everyone.

He was glad that his reputation in the business world was finally gaining recognition. His hard work in making a name for himself had finally paid off as many of his colleagues in the business arena praised what he had done so far with his company.

Many did doubt that he would succeed in the international market. He had proven them wrong. Still, a few did believe in his capabilities and helped him start his company. From the ground up, his business grew, and now, it had steadily risen. It was still far from the top, but his determination and perseverance would help him reached the peak of his success.

"Alexander, there you are. I had been looking for you." Someone at his back interrupted their conversation. A graceful hand touched him in his shoulders, alerting him of her presence.

"Tyra, it is nice to see you." He turned around, recognizing the voice of the woman who just came to greet him.

"I would never miss attending your special day." She leaned forward and kissed him. He did not have time to avoid it as her kiss landed on his lips. It was a soft peck on his lips, but the meaning did not get lost with him. "Happy Birthday, Alex, my darling." She announced for everyone in the group to hear.

"Thanks, Tyra." He replied, unable to do anything about it. "By the way, this is Tyra Richards." He introduced her to the group, making sure not to place a label on their association.

He was not sure what Tyra was doing, but he did not like the way she was acting. He was uncertain why his mother even invited her to the occasion, but she was here now, and there was nothing he could do about it. She was still a friend, so he did not mind her attendance as long as she did not do anything that would compromise his plans.

"Do you mind if I speak to you privately?" Tyra whispered close to his ears, avoiding the others from hearing what she had to say.

"Gentleman, please excuse us?" He apologized to the men and women in their small circle. "Marcus, please take over while I talk with Tyra." He said in a low voice, as he also left a few instructions.

"Shall we?" He guided Tyra away from the group and moved further away from the ballroom into a private study.

He wanted to talk to her privately and hear what she had to say. Once he closed the door, Tyra stepped closer to him and placed her arms around his neck. She tiptoed on her toes and started kissing him on the lips. He was not expecting that from her as he quickly held her by the shoulder and pushed her away.

Although they had a very long relationship before, it was over now. Alex only considered Tyra as a friend and nothing more. What happened to them had taught him a valuable lesson, and he was not about to forget that.

"What are you doing, Tyra?" Alex questioned her motives for the kiss. He did not want to judge her outright. He still wanted to hear her reasons.

"I still love you, Alex. As I said to you before, I regret hurting you. It was a big mistake when I left you." Tyra looked at him with teary eyes. "I want you back. Please come back to me."

She truly loved him, but the pressure of his father pushed her to leave him. Now, she missed him. She wanted him back, and she was willing to do anything, whatever it took for him to forgive her for what she did.

"Tyra, you have to stop this. I already told you that we can't go back to the way we were. I have moved on." He was not about to give her false hope when there was none. "Besides, I am getting married."

It was precisely the reason why he could never consider Tyra for acting as her fiance. She would want more. She would eventually expect the real thing.

"I don't believe you. I know you still love me." She was about to cry, but she kept pushing her tears back. "You don't love her, so how can you marry her." She did not want to appear weak in front of him. She wanted to show him that she was willing to fight for them this time.

"I love her, and I am going to marry her. You have to accept that." He let go of her shoulder but never broke his eye contact with hers. He wanted her to see that he was dead serious. He had to make her understand. "We are over, and you have to come to terms with that."

He knew he was lying to her, but this was for the good of everyone involved. He had no intention to hurt her. However, this was his chance to drive her away.

He knew that she was still in love with him, but he could not accept her back in his life after what happened to them.

"But, you barely know her." She tried reasoning.

She heard about the engagement. She was hoping that Alex would choose her to be his wife. Instead, she learned that he chose her. The girl she met twice in a restaurant.

"I know enough to know that she was perfect for me." His statement was mostly true. He believed that Dani would be the best fit for the job.

"But we are better together. I know we still love each other." She insisted, not wanting to believe his words. "Please marry me instead." She pleaded.

Learning that Alex was about to marry someone else broke her heart. But it did not mean that she was ready to give up on getting him back.

"I can't do that." He spoke softly to her, hoping that she would finally accept their situation. "I am going to marry her, and I love her." He repeated and made sure that she heard every word.

She could not believe that he loved her. As far as she was concerned, they barely knew each other. It was not possible that they already fell in love, not that fast.

There was something wrong in this picture, and she was about to find out. She believed that this girl was only using Alex to get what she wanted. She was going to expose her for what she exactly was, a fraud.