New beginning: Billionaire love story

Chapter 12 Obsessed

"Surprise" he said in a tone that sent a shiver down Claire's spine.

"Alex, what are you doing here?"

Claire's eyes widened in alarm.

Alex's grip tightened slightly, his expression darkening

"I should be asking you the same question," Alex retorted, his voice laced with accusation.

e of annoyance. "Let me go, Alex."

Claire felt a surge i

Instead, Alex pinned her against the wall, his tone accusing "Having fun, huh? Seems like the divorce doesn't affect you much."

Claire scoffed in disbelief. "You really are obsessed with me, huh? You follow me everywhere, I really need to hire a bodyguard to keep me safe from men like you."

Alex glared at him. "You are different now. So bold..." Alex took a step closer to her. "full of confidence. Tell me who is your next prey for the night?"

She pushed him away. "You are such a jerk."

"You are a manipulative woman.

Claire glared at him, her eyes flashing with anger. "What I do is none of your business. We are divorced, Alex. You have no right to control me."

Π

His expression faltered, as if her words had struck a nerve. Loosening his grip as Claire pulled her hand away.

She didn't miss a beat. "You can't just show up and act like you have a say in my life anymore. Don't tell me you are regretting your choice divorcing me. Cause I don't regret any."

Alex was at a loss for words as Claire turned and walked away, heading back to the bar where Matthew was waiting

Noticing Claire's tense demeanor, Matthew asked cautiously, "Is everything alright?"

Claire grabbed Matthew's drink and drank it swiftly, surprising him. "Far from it," she replied, her eyes fixed on Alex who emerged

from the restroom.

As Alex and Claire made eye co

contact, there was no warmth between them, only a look that could kill each other.

An idea formed in Claire's mind as she turned to Matthew. "Would you like to dance?" she asked, a determined glint in her eyes. "Okay...What are you planning?"

He did not expect Claire to be blunt. He has a feeling she is up to something.

Claire shook her head and smiled innocently. "Nothing, I just want to dance with you.

Without waiting for Matthew to respond, she pulled him to the dance floor.

Unsure of what was going on, Matthew is willing to go along with whatever it is Claire is doing with a hint of confusion in his eyes.

As the pulsating EDM music filled the air, the crowd around them erupted into a wild dance frenzy. Claire's gaze looked onto Alex, her ex-husband, who stood watching from the stairs. There was a smugness in her smirk as she moved to the beat, her eyes daring Alex to Leaning close to Matthew's ear over the thumping bass, Claire whispered, "Put your hand on my waist."

Matthew hesitated for a moment, unsure of what game Claire was playing, but he complied, placing his hand on her waist as they danced.

Alex, witnessing the scene, clenched his fists in frustration. Despite their divorce, seeing Claire act so carefree and bold stirred up conflicting emotions in him.

He couldn't deny that there was something undeniably attractive about Claire in that moment, exiding confidence and independence It frustrated him even more that he no longer had any say or control over her life.

Claire, sensing Alex's gaze, continued to dance with a subtle defiance in her movements. It was almost as if she was challenging him, reveling in the power she had to provoke a reaction from him.

"Okay, you got to tell me what is wrong?"

"Remember when I tell you I was divorced?"

Matthew nodded his head.

"Well, guess what? My ex-husband is here."

His eyes go wide for a second. Matthew couldn't shake off the feeling of being caught in the middle of a tense situation

"No shit."

"Yes, shit."

"Is this your way to make him jealous?

Claire scoffed. "I'm not making him jealous. That guy has another woman. I just enjoy annoyed him. Just follow my lead." o

"Well, if your ex-husband is a jerk, I'll do anything."

"I assure you; he is the biggest jerk! have met."

As the song reached its climax, Claire pulled Matthew closer, her eyes never leaving Alex's,

Alex, struggling to contain his emotions, turned away and left the scene. He knew he had no right to interfere or express his feelings, but the sight of Claire's newfound confidence and allure lingered in his mind. "He's gone." Claire said in relief.

Alex is finally out of her sight.

After the song ended, Claire released Matthew and flashed him a playful smile. "Thanks for the dance," she said, her tone light but with an underlying hint of satisfaction.

Matthew nodded, still trying to process the whirlwind of emotions and dynamies he had just witnessed. "No problemn, just give me a heads-up next time.

"You know this is all your fault, right? For dragging me to this club?"

They made their way back to the bar as Claire crossed her arms over her chest.

"Hey! Don't blame me. How would I know your husband will be here "

"Hey Guys, what did I mis?" AskTalia who has just returned from her phone call

Alex left the club with a mixture of emotions swirling inside him.

"Why do I have to see her again? She is such a devil in disguise."

He couldn't shake off the image of Claire's sudden transformation from a pleading wife to a seductive woman at the club.

"Damn you, Claire. Pretending to be an angel all along"

The drive home felt longer than usual as his mind raced with confusion and curiosity.

As he parked in the driveway and entered his home, the quietness of the night settled around him.

His phone buzzed. Taking a quick look, it was a message from Christian informing him the situation has been handle perfectly. Alex texted him to stay in New York for 2-3 days to make sure everything is under control. When he finally made his way to the bedroom, he found Lisa already asleep.

Alex took a quick shower, trying to clear his mind, but thoughts of Claire kept creeping back in

He sighed heavily and push the thought of Claire out of his mind.

Tiptoeing to his side of the bed, Alex carefully not to disturb her. But Lisa, who had been lightly dozing, opened her eyes as he settled

1. in.

"Alex, you're back," Lisa said softly, her voice tinged with concern. "It's late."

Alex sighed, feeling a pang of guilt. "I know, I'm sorry. It was a work thing that ran late."

Lisa glanced at the clock on the nightstand. "It's past i am, Alex. You promised you'd come straight home."

Alex hesitated, trying to come up with an explanation "Yeah, I know, but things got a bit hectic. Let's just sleep"

Lisa waited for a', to 20 minutes and let Alex doze off. When Alex is finally sound asleep, she climb out of the best and walked to the Chapter 12 Obsessed

bathroom.

She opened the laundry basket and took it out. The smell of alcohol is obvious.

Lisa turned to see Alex sleeping figure and sighed.

"Did Alex just lie to me?"