New beginning: Billionaire love story

The glass hit the floor with a sharp crash, and hot coffee splattered everywhere, but Alexander didn't care. His eyes were glued to the screen of his iPad, his grip tightening so hard around it that the device looked like it might snap in half. His heart pounded in his chest as he stared at the images.

"This can't be happening."

On the screen was a photo of Claire. But it wasn't just Claire-it was Claire, smiling brightly as Adrian twirled her around in some romantic dance. And then, the one that made his blood boil-the two of them kissing.

Kissing.

Alexander felt a surge of anger rises in his throat, his vision swimming with red. Without thinking, he threw the iPad onto the couch, his jaw clenched so tight it hurt.

"Dammit!" he cursed aloud, storming toward his bedroom, his hand already pulling his phone out of his pocket. He dialed Claire's number, pacing back and forth, his frustration growing with every unanswered ring. Of course, she wasn't picking up.

He let out another curse and tried again, only to get her voicemail. "Claire, call me back. Now." His morning was already shot to hell, and the day hadn't even really started.

Meanwhile, across town, Claire woke up feeling like she was on cloud nine. The morning sunlight filtered into her room, and as she stretched out in bed, she replayed the events of the previous night in her head.

A smile crept across her face, and she couldn't help the blush that followed. It was like something out of a high school romance, and she buried her face in her pillow, giggling softly to herself.

"Get a grip, Claire," she whispered, but it was no use. She was smitten.

With a soft sigh, she finally got up, deciding a nice hot shower and a cup of tea would be the perfect way to start her day. After freshening up and enjoying her tea, she was just about ready to head out when something or rather, someone caught her eye outside. Adrian.

He was leaning casually against his car, a bouquet of flowers in one hand and a pastry bag in the other. Claire's heart did a little flip, and she felt the grin spreading across her face before she could stop it.

"Could this guy be any more perfect?"

She stepped outside, approaching him with a teasing smile. "What are you doing here?"

Adrian beamed at her, holding out the flowers. "Good morning, beautiful. I wanted to see my princess before heading off to work."

Claire's face flushed, and she took the bouquet shyly, her fingers brushing against his as she did. "You really didn't have to do this," she said softly, though she couldn't stop smiling.

Adrian stepped closer, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "A beautiful girl deserves beautiful flowers," he said, his voice soft and sweet.

Claire's stomach fluttered, butterflies dancing in every direction. Before she could respond, Adrian handed her the pastry bag. "And," he added with a grin, "you can't skip breakfast. Thought I'd bring you something delicious."

She accepted the pastry with a laugh, shaking her head. "Okay, now you're just spoiling me. But seriously, thank you. You're too sweet."

Adrian shrugged with an easy smile. "Only for you."

Her heart felt light, and the morning couldn't have been more perfect. She glanced at the flowers in her hands, feeling a warm blush on her cheeks.

"How did I get so lucky?"

Adrian opened the car door for her, and Claire stepped inside, still smiling to herself as she buckled up. The ride to Metacortex was quiet, but it was the kind of silence that felt comfortable, and peaceful.

Every now and then, Claire would sneak a glance at Adrian, who seemed just as happy, his hand resting casually on the wheel.

After a few minutes, Adrian broke the silence, glancing at her with a grin. "So, how about brunch later? Just the two of us."

Claire bit her lip, considering it. "I don't know... My schedule's a little crazy today. I'm not sure I'll be able to get away."

Adrian raised an eyebrow, his voice teasing but warm. "Come on, Claire. You can't work all day without taking a break. Besides, if you get sick, you won't be able to do anything at all."

She laughed, shaking her head. "Okay, mom."

Adrian chuckled, shooting her a playful look. "Just looking out for you."

Claire's heart swelled. He was thoughtful and kind in a way that made her feel safe. She sighed, looking out the window as they approached her office. "I'll try to make time," she promised. "But no guarantees."

"Deal." Adrian pulled up in front of

Metacortex and put the car in the park. He turned to her with a soft smile. "Take it easy today, alright? And don't forget about that pastry. I expect a full report on how delicious it was."

Claire laughed, reaching for the door handle. "I'll make sure to text you a full review."

Before she could get out, Adrian leaned over, planting a soft kiss on her cheek. "Have a great day, Claire."

Her cheeks turned pink again, and she smiled, feeling that warm, fluttery feeling all over again. "You too," she whispered before stepping out of the car.

As she walked toward the entrance of Metacortex, flowers in one hand, pastry in the other, Claire couldn't help but feel like her day was off to a perfect start. Little did she know," halfway across the city, Alexander's morning couldn't have been more different.

Back at his place, Alexander was pacing the length of his bedroom, still fuming, his mind racing. He couldn't stop thinking about those photos, about Claire looking so... happy. With him. Adrian. It made his stomach churn with anger, and he felt his fists clench involuntarily.

He picked up his phone again,

dialing her number one more time, desperate to get some sort of explanation, even though deep down he knew she wouldn't answer. As expected, it went straight to

voicemail again. He threw the phone down onto his bed, letting out a

frustrated growl.

"Claire," he muttered, raking his hands through his hair. "What are you doing?"

He couldn't shake the image of her laughing in Adrian's arms. The way she looked at him-that look. It wasn't just casual. No, it was something more, and it was driving Alexander crazy.

He stormed over to the window, staring out at the city, but all he could see was red.

"This isn't over."

He wasn't about to let Adrian sweep in and take what was his. Not without a fight.

Alexander surfs on his phone and the news is everywhere. Even on X, the news about Claire and Adrian is trending. People are talking about it and some comments even ship them together telling how good they look together.

Just reading it makes Alexander's eyes burn with jealousy and anger. No one can have Claire other than Alexander himself. Even if he has to play dirty, he will do it in order to make Claire his.

"You are not going anywhere, Claire. You.Are.Mine." Alexander muttered to himself. His tone was filled with jealousy and anger.noveldrama