Chapter 84

Olivia

“Your family approves,” Alexander said after a moment. “That’s what matters.”

“My dad told me to be careful,” I admitted. “He thinks we’re rushing.”

“He’s right to be concerned. It would be strange if he wasn’t.”

“And my mom pulled me aside to make sure this is what I want.”

Alexander glanced at me. “And what did you tell her?”

“That I’m sure,” I said, meeting his gaze briefly. “That when it’s right, it’s right.”

Something flickered in his eyes, satisfaction, perhaps, or something deeper. “Good answer.”

We drove in silence for a while, the city lights blurring past my window. I thought about my family’s reactions, about the lies we’d told them, about the wedding we were now apparently planning for next month.

“Why did you say next month?” I asked suddenly. “That’s so soon.”

“The sooner we’re married, the sooner the inheritance is secure,” Alexander replied practically. “Besides, a long engagement would raise more questions. This way, it seems romantic and impulsive.”

“Right,” I said, trying to ignore the slight sting his words caused. “Business.”

Alexander’s hand found mine across the center console, his touch warm and surprisingly gentle. “Not just business, Olivia. We make a good team.”

joined hands, wondering when this arrangement had started to feel so complicated. When had the lines

do,” I

Alexander turned to me. “Thank you for tonight. Your

admitted. “Even Nick, and he never likes anyone I

“Get some rest. We have

exhausted by the weight of our

“Goodnight, Olivia.”

up earlier than usual on the big day. Sunlight barely crept through my bedroom window, but sleep had abandoned me completely. Today I would become Mrs. Carter,

was

complicated. Alexander and I had been inseparable for weeks, attending dinners, charity galas, and family events. The world believed we were madly in love, and sometimes, in quiet moments when his hand would find

and padded to the

1/3

Chapter 84

I whispered to myself. “It’s just

from Emilia: “IT’S YOUR WEDDING DAY!!!

HOUR!!!”

not my family, not my friends. Only Alexander and I knew this was all for show, a calculated move to secure

came through, this one from Alexander: “Good morning, almost–wife.

back: “Terrified.

response was immediate: “Not in the slightest. See you at

I tossed my phone onto the bed and headed for the

the time Emilia arrived with champagne, as promised, plus bagels and enough energy

she squealed, setting down her bags to hug

protested, but I could feel

until you see what I brought for your honeymoon.” She waggled her eyebrows

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