Alexander’s POV

I had convinced myself that life would be better with Vanessa, that she would bring me happiness. When we reconnected in London and reminisced about our teenage romance, my emotions spiraled, reigniting the intense love I once felt for her. It consumed me to the point where no other woman—not even my wife—mattered.

I saw no reason to stay married to Olivia, whom I didn’t love. She had always been a friend, and I married her out of frustration with Vanessa’s decision to end our relationship and chase her own adventures. Olivia was there, available, and my parents pressed me to marry quickly for legal reasons tied to inheriting the family company.

In truth, I married Olivia for all the wrong reasons—not love. But when I saw Vanessa again, I felt certain she was the one. Yet, after marrying her, things unraveled swiftly, and I realized Vanessa wasn’t the woman for me.

“Do you expect me to cook for you?” Vanessa asked once, appalled. “For heaven’s sake, you could hire the world’s best chef to make your dinner, and you want me to risk breaking a nail or burning myself in the kitchen?”

“It’s not about money, Vanessa,” I tried to explain. “Olivia never minded cooking for me—it was her way of showing care. I don’t see why you can’t do the same, sweetheart.”

“I’m not your ex-wife, Alexander,” she snapped, as if I’d insulted her. “We’re different people, and I’m not here to mimic her just to please you. You’re being sexist, expecting me to cook because I’m your wife!”

“I’m not being sexist—you’re missing the point,” I said, exasperated. All I wanted was a gesture of affection, like Olivia used to show me. “You’re right, you and Olivia are different, and I shouldn’t compare you. But please, show me some care sometimes. You seem more focused on shopping and trips.”

My words were honest, but they offended Vanessa. “So now I’m a gold digger? If Olivia was so perfect, why did you leave her?” she shouted, storming off.

Her question hit me hard, and it dawned on me what a grave mistake I’d made. Vanessa didn’t improve with time—she only got worse. We stopped sharing a bed, barely saw each other. My desire to be with her faded as her selfish, greedy nature became clear, her priorities centered on sustaining her lavish lifestyle.

Later, I uncovered truths about Vanessa that opened my eyes to my foolishness. When she left me during college to travel, she’d stolen a fortune from her wealthy uncle to fund her European adventures.

When the money ran dry, she resorted to seducing and scamming rich men to survive. Realizing I’d been one of her marks, despite our shared history, left me feeling like a fool.

The thought that I’d abandoned Olivia for someone like Vanessa filled me with frustration. That same year, I filed for divorce to be rid of her, but Vanessa was cunning. Of all her schemes, I was her biggest prize due to my wealth. She wasn’t aiming for a small con—she wanted a billionaire’s fortune.

Unbeknownst to me, the marriage contract I’d signed in my infatuation included a clause granting her nearly all my assets if I sought a divorce. I would’ve given up everything if it weren’t for my family’s legacy. I couldn’t destroy the empire my ancestors built over my reckless mistake, so I remained trapped in the marriage.

Not a day passed without thoughts of Olivia. The regret gnawed at my soul. I’d been deceived by Vanessa, believing I loved her, but it was Olivia I truly loved—always had. Yet she seemed unlikely to ever forgive me.

“So what’s your plan?” Nathan asked over the phone. “Are you giving up on her for good?”

“How can I fix this when she acts like she wants nothing to do with me?” I asked, exasperated. It was an agonizing situation.

“Look, Alexander, Olivia’s thriving. She’s an independent woman gaining global recognition. She doesn’t need you—you know that. You’re at a disadvantage, just the jerk ex who rejected and abandoned her. You’ve got nothing to offer her. Even her business partner has a better shot with her than you do, and they’re getting closer,” Nathan said bluntly.

I valued Nathan’s loyalty and honesty, but his brutal candor stung. I shifted uncomfortably in my car seat.

“Do you think Olivia would marry him?” I asked quietly, dreading the answer. The way Ethan cared for her at lunch suggested he was working hard to win her heart. Olivia might be resolute about avoiding relationships, but with a charming, attentive man like Ethan around, she might eventually give in.

“I’d say your odds aren’t great right now,” Nathan replied.

“I know, but I’m not giving up!” I said firmly, making him chuckle.

“So what’s your next move?”

“She was my wife once. I’ll do whatever it takes to rekindle the love she felt for me.”

“You think having been married to her gives you an edge? I’d call it a liability, given how you ended things,” Nathan challenged.

“Being her husband before is my advantage. I’ll remind her why she loved me. Ethan Brooks is playing a seduction game with Olivia, but I’ll show him how it’s done when the woman in question is my Olivia,” I declared with unwavering resolve. I wasn’t about to surrender.