Chapter 184

Olivia

I thought about this, considering how to answer. “He’s more relaxed. Funnier. Still commanding and intense, but in a different way. Sometimes he likes to be barefoot.” I smiled at this small detail I’d come to find endearing.

“Barefoot?” Ariana repeated. “I can’t even picture it. Alexander Carter without those Italian leather shoes?”

“It humanizes him,” I explained. “Makes him real.”

“And what about his family? How are they treating you?” Claire asked.

I took another sip of my drink before answering. “His grandfather, Harold, is actually pretty sweet to me. Victoria is… well, Victoria.”

“Still a bitch?” Emilia asked bluntly.

“She’s not thrilled that I’m the new Mrs. Carter.”

“Screw her,” Ariana declared. “You won the prize, not her.”

“It’s not a competition,” I reminded her, though in many ways, it was exactly that. “Anyway, enough about me. What’s new with you guys? Claire, how’s your job?”

As Claire launched into a story about her latest workplace drama, I felt my phone buzz in my purse. Discreetly checking it under the table, I saw a text from Alexander.

Alexander: How’s girls‘ night?

I smiled and quickly typed a response.

Me: Girls are grilling me about married life and our Europe trip.

came seconds

them I’m taking you shopping

lip to hide

might actually explode with

Good. Coming home

hour or so. Save me some

you something better than

heat rise to my cheeks at

“Who are you texting

quickly put my phone away. “No

accused with a grin. “It’s Alexander, isn’t it? Can’t even make it through

when I’d be

cooed. “That’s actually sweet. Ryan never cared when you came home

like Ryan,” I stated

that,” Emilia muttered. “Otherwise

“Seriously, though, marriage is good. It’s

the Carter family drama?” Ariana prompted. “Any

I lied. “Just normal family

stuff,” Emilia repeated skeptically. “Among

doesn’t change everything,” I pointed

Claire replied. “Seriously, though. Are you happy?

with its sincerity. I took a moment to consider my answer, not just for them but

what I expected for my life, but I’m happy. Alexander challenges me. Supports me. Makes me feel things I didn’t know I

fanning her face dramatically. “Our little Olivia, all grown up and madly

when you’re talking about a man, Olivia. Not even during the early days with Ryan when things were supposedly so blissful and new.” Emilia’s eyes sparkled

with my drink. “It’s different

Claire sighed dreamily. “God, it’s like a

still work my ass off at the office. I’m not

the chauffeur when you don’t want

still the same person. I just happen to

up next to Alexander Carter.”

cocktail. “Is he picking

out soon.” I checked my watch, surprised to see how late it had gotten. “Alexander has an early meeting tomorrow, and I promised

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255