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

taking you shopping in Milan. That should

bit my lip to hide my

might actually

Coming home

hour or so. Save

you something better

my cheeks at the

through my thoughts. “Who are you

quickly put my phone

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

wanted to know when I’d be home,” I

sweet. Ryan never cared when you came home unless it interfered with his

nothing like Ryan,” I

muttered. “Otherwise I’d have

grateful for friends who wanted the best for me. “Seriously, though, marriage is good. It’s busy, but good.

drama?” Ariana prompted. “Any juicy stories

exciting,” I lied.

family stuff,” Emilia repeated skeptically.

doesn’t change everything,” I pointed

“Seriously, though. Are you

took a moment to consider my answer, not just for

not what I expected for my life, but I’m happy. Alexander challenges me. Supports me. Makes me

Ariana declared, fanning her face dramatically. “Our little Olivia, all

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 with Alexander.

now Europe,” Claire sighed dreamily. “God, it’s like

modern fairy tale,” I corrected. “I still work my ass off

when you don’t want to drive your Porsche,” Claire teased, raising her glass

still the

up next to Alexander Carter.” Ariana sighed dramatically.

of the devil,” Emilia said, draining her cocktail. “Is he

And thank you for reminding me I need to head out soon.” I checked my watch, surprised to see how late it had gotten. “Alexander has an early meeting tomorrow,

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