Chapter 198

Olivia

“Alex?” she purred, tilting her head as her perfectly glossed lips curved into a smile. “Is that really you? I almost didn’t recognize you in this… quaint little establishment.”

Alexander stiffened, his jaw tightening for a fraction of a second before his polite mask slid into place. He turned to face her, his expression carefully neutral.

“Sophie,” he acknowledged, his tone flat.

“It is you!” She laughed, a tinkling sound that grated on my nerves. “God, how long has it been? Two years? Three?” Her hand landed on his shoulder, fingers trailing down his bicep in a way that was far too familiar. “You look absolutely delicious, as always.”

I felt my spine straighten, my grip tightening on my fork. Who the hell was this woman, and why was she touching my husband like she had every right to?

“It’s been a while,” Alexander replied, pointedly shifting away from her touch. “Sophie, this is Olivia. My wife.”

The word “wife” hung in the air between us like a grenade. Sophie’s eyes widened for a split second before she turned to me. Her smile never wavered, but her eyes were calculating as they swept over me from head to toe.

“Wife?” She let out another laugh, this one with a sharp edge. “Well, isn’t that unexpected. I had no idea you’d finally settled down, Alex.”

“It’s Alexander,” he corrected, his voice cool. “And yes, we got married recently.”

Sophie’s gaze lingered on me, taking in my fish, chips, and half-empty pint of Guinness with barely concealed

amusement.

“How… charming,” she said, though her tone suggested she found it anything but. “It’s lovely to meet you, Olivia. I’m Sophie Hartwell. Alex and I used to know each other quite well.”

The emphasis on “quite well” made her meaning crystal clear. This was an ex. Or at least a former hookup.

I managed, keeping my voice pleasant despite wanting to dump my

London? Business or pleasure?” Her hand found

this time. “And it’s a

dropped to a sultry purr. “Almost as seriously as you take your…

stab her

Alexander said, his patience clearly wearing thin,

really you. You look incredible.

replied, his tone clipped. “Same

raked over him appreciatively, completely ignoring my presence. “You know, we should catch up properly

clutch and pulled out a business card, pressing it into Alexander’s hand. Her fingers lingered against his

to what she probably thought was a seductive whisper. “My number’s on there.

said flatly, attempting to hand the

a laugh. “I know, darling. I’m not suggesting anything inappropriate. Just two old friends catching up over cocktails.

eyes flicked to me briefly,

would mind very much. We’re on our honeymoon, you see. Rather busy

for a fraction of a second. “Your honeymoon? In a pub, eating fish and

replied, matching her fake smile with one of my own. “Not everything needs to be

Her

narrowed slightly.

another volley, a tall man in

accent crisp. “I’ve been waiting in the car. You said you’d only be

annoyance flashing across her features before she smoothed

an old friend. Alex, this

She’d been throwing herself

outside?

hand to Gerald with considerably more

Gerald’s hand. “Nice to meet you. This

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