New beginning: Billionaire love story

Chapter 355 “This can't be happening.”

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?"

approaching him with a

holding out the flowers. "Good morning, beautiful. I wanted

face flushed, and she took the bouquet shyly, her fingers brushing against his as she did. "You really didn't have to

her ear. "A beautiful girl deserves

she could respond, Adrian handed her the pastry bag. "And," he added with a grin, "you can't skip breakfast. Thought I'd

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

an easy smile. "Only

glanced at the flowers in her hands, feeling a warm

did I

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

sneak a glance at Adrian, who seemed just as happy, his hand resting casually on

silence, glancing at her with a grin. "So, how about brunch later? Just the two of

it. "I don't know... My schedule's a little crazy today. I'm not sure I'll be able

on, Claire. You can't work all day without taking a break. Besides, if you get

shaking her head. "Okay,

playful look. "Just looking out

way that made her feel safe. She sighed, looking out the window as

pulled up in

her with a soft smile. "Take it easy today, alright? And don't forget

laughed, reaching for the door handle. "I'll make sure

out, Adrian leaned over, planting a soft kiss on her cheek. "Have a great

warm, fluttery feeling all over again. "You too," she whispered

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

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