bChapter /b156

    Olivia

    “That’s not what I meant,” he said quickly.

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    “Isn’t it?” I challenged. “You’re implying that I have all this free time to read trashy novels while you’re too busy running your empire.”

    “Olivia, that’s not-”

    “Because I’ve been working just as hard on the Thompson ount,” I continued, my voice rising slightly. “Not to mention dealing with family stuff and adjusting to this whole… situation.” I gestured vaguely between us.

    Alexander sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I wasn’t implying you have more free time. I just meant that I personally don’t read fiction. It was a statement about me, not you.”

    “It didn’t sound that way,” I muttered, knowing I was probably overreacting but unable to stop myself.

    “I apologize if it came across wrong,” he said, his voice softening. “I’m genuinely interested in how your book ends. The plot sounds… relevant.”

    The hint of vulnerability in his tone defused my irritation. “Fine. I’ll let you know when I finish it.”

    “Thank you.” He stood up, stretching slightly. “I should probably review those contracts for tomorrow’s meeting.”

    “Right,” I nodded, still feeling a bit prickly. “I’ll just stay here and enjoy my frivolous reading time.”

    Alexander paused, giving me a searching look. “Are you okay? You seem… tense.”

    “I’m fine,” I said automatically. “Just tired. It’s been a long day.”

    He studied me for a moment longer, then nodded. “Get some rest. I’ll try not to wake you when Ie to bed.”

    As he walked toward his office, I felt a twinge of guilt for snapping at him. Thement about reading time had struck a nerve, echoing Ryan’s constant jabs about my “useless” fiction reading habit and hisplete inability to understand my love for books.

    I picked up the romance novel again, staring at the cover. The contract marriage plot had seemed ridiculous when Emilia first handed me the book. Now it felt ufortably close to home.

    With a sigh, I set the book aside and stretched out on the couch, pulling a throw nket over my legs. I’d just rest my eyes for a moment before heading to bed…

    Sunlight streamed through the curtains, bathing the bedroom in a soft golden glow. I blinked awake, disoriented and confused. This wasn’t the couch where I’d fallen asleep. I was in our bed, tucked beneath the luxurious sheets.

    b19:34 /bbThu/bb, /bbSep 18 /b

    bI /bnced at the clock on the nightstand. 6:37 AM.

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    Alexander’s side of the bed was empty, the sheets cool to the touch. I ran my hand over the spot where he should have been, trying to piece together how I’d ended up here. Had he carried me? Thest thing bI /bremembered was closing my eyes on the couch, the romance novel still on the coffee table.

    bI /bsat up, pushing my tangled hair away from my face. The bedroom was silent except for the distant hum of the air conditioning. Alexander must have carried me to bed sometime during the night.

    “Alexander?” I called out, my voice still husky with sleep.

    No answer.

    I swung my legs over the side of the bed, noticing I was still wearing my clothes fromst night. Definitely carried me then. The thought of Alexander lifting me in his arms, careful not to wake me, sent an unexpected flutter through my stomach.

    After a quick trip to the bathroom to ssh water on my face and brush my teeth, I padded through the mansion in search of my husband. The living room was empty, as was the kitchen, where a fresh pot of coffee sat ready. I poured myself a cup, grateful for the caffeine as I continued my search.

    “Alexander?” I tried again, moving toward his office.

    The door stood open, but the room was empty, and hisptop was closed on the desk. Where was he? It wasn’t like him to disappear without leaving a note or sending a text.

    I checked my phone. No messages.

    The balcony was empty, too, and the morning air was crisp and cool. I leaned against the railing, my coffee mug cradled between my hands, watching a hummingbird dart between the vibrant flowers in the garden below. The Carter estate grounds stretched out before me, perfectly manicured and peaceful in the early morning light.

    I took a long sip of my coffee, letting the rich vor wake up my senses.

    The sound of footsteps behind me broke the morning silence. I turned to see Alexander walking onto the balcony, his hair damp with sweat, wearing only athletic shorts and running shoes. His chest glistened with perspirationb, /bmuscles defined under the morning sun.

    “Morning,” he said, grabbing a water bottle from the table. “Didn’t expect you up so early.”

    I forced myself to look at his face instead of his impressively sculpted torso. “I woke up and you were gone. No note, no text.”

    He drank deeply from the water bottle, his throat working as he swallowed. “Sorry about that. Needed to bclear /bmy head with a run. Didn’t want to wake you.”

    “You carried me to bedst night,” I said, remembering how I’d fallen asleep on the couch.

    Alexander smiled. “You looked ufortable on the couch. Besides, you’re surprisingly light.”

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    “I’m not sure if that’s apliment or not.” I took another sip of coffee, trying to appear casual despite my awareness of his proximity.

    “Definitely apliment.” He moved closer, leaning against the railing beside me. “Sleep well?”

    “Very.”

    “Good. You needed the rest.”

    “How was your run?”

    “Five miles. Not my best time, but it did the job.” He stretched his arms overhead, causing his muscles to flex impressively. “I’ve been cking on my workout routely.”

    “You could have fooled me,” I muttered before I could stop myself.

    Alexander’s eyebrows shot up, a smirk ying on his lips. “Was that apliment, Mrs. Carter?”

    “An observation,” I corrected, feeling heat rise to my cheeks. “You’re clearly not out of shape.”

    “Clearly,” he repeated, his smirk widening into a full grin. “And here I was, worried you hadn’t noticed.”

    “Your ego doesn’t need stroking, Alexander.”

    “Are you sure about that?” He moved a step closer, his eyes darkening slightly. “I find your… observations quite motivating.”

    The air between us suddenly felt charged with electricity. I took a deliberate step back, raising my coffee mug like a shield.

    “I should get ready for work. I need to finalize a few things.”

    Alexander nodded, though his eyes still held that amused gleam. “Of course. Workes first.”

    “What’s on your agenda today?”

    “Board meeting at ten, lunch with Senator, and conference calls all afternoon. The usual corporate circus.”

    “Sounds thrilling.”

    “Oh, absolutely. Nothing I love more than listening to Victoriain about quarterly projections.” His voice dripped with sarcasm.

    Iughed despite myself. “At least you’re not prepping for a presentation that could make or break your

    career.”

    Alexander studied my face for a moment, his expression growing more serious. “You’re nervous about it.”

    b“/bTerrified is more urate,” I admitted, taking another sip of coffee.

    “Andrew Thompson is notoriously difficult, but you’ve got this. He already likes you. Besides, you’re good iat /i

    …

    what you do. The Thompson ount is lucky to have you.”

    Thepliment caught me off guard. “Thank you.”

    “Don’t sound so surprised. I don’t hire people who aren’t exceptional.”

    “You didn’t hire me for my marketing skills,” I pointed out, immediately regretting my words.

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    Alexander’s expression turned serious. “No, but I promoted you because of them. Don’t sell yourself short,

    Liv.”

    I smiled, then nced at my watch. “I should really get ready.”

    “Of course.” He pushed away from the railing. “I need to shower anyway. I’m disgusting.”

    “I wouldn’t say disgusting,” I murmured, earning another smirk from him.

    “Anotherpliment? Be careful, Mrs. Carter, or I might start to think you find me attractive.”

    “You know exactly how attractive you are. It’s probably listed on your résumé under special skills.”

    Alexander clutched his chest dramatically, a look of theatrical shock spreading across his face. “Did I just receive a genuinepliment from my wife? Wait, let me mark this day on the calendar.”

    “Very funny.” I rolled my eyes, fighting a smile. “Your ego is big enough without me adding to it.”

    “Toote,” he grinned, leaning closer. “I’m definitely adding ‘devastatingly attractive‘ to my LinkedIn skills now. Maybe I’ll even get you to endorse it.”

    “Don’t you dare,” Iughed, pushing him away yfully. “I’m already getting enough suspicious looks at the office without people thinking I’m just there to ogle the boss.”

    “Ogle away,” Alexander winked, stretching his arms above his head in apletely unnecessary disy of muscr prowess. “I don’t mind.”

    “You’re impossiblei,/ii” /iI said, turning to head back inside. “I’m going to shower and get ready for work.”

    “Need help washing your back?” he called after me.

    I nced over my shoulder with a smirk. “I think I can manage.”

    “Your loss!” Hisughter followed me inside.

    An hourter, we were both showered, dressed, and heading to the garage. Alexander had insisted on driving us both to work, iming it was more environmentally conscious. I suspected it had more to do with showing

    off his new Aston Martin.

    “Are you ready?” Alexander asked as we merged onto the freeway, the powerful engine purring beneath us.

    “As ready as I’ll ever be,” I said, checking my phone for anyst–minute emails.

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    Alexander dropped me at the entrance before heading to the executive parking garage. “Knock ‘em dead,” he called through the open window. “I’ll see you tonight.”