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.

meet you,” I managed, keeping my voice pleasant despite wanting to dump my beer over

pleasure?” Her hand found his arm again, fingers walking up toward his

“And

I remember how seriously you take your work.” Her voice dropped to a sultry purr. “Almost as seriously as you take

to stab

patience clearly wearing thin, “we’re in the middle

move. “I just couldn’t believe it was really you. You look incredible. That suit fits you perfectly. Have you been working out more? Your

out regularly,” Alexander replied, his

it’s certainly paying off.” Sophie’s eyes raked over him appreciatively, completely ignoring my presence. “You

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

thought was a seductive

attempting to hand the card

pushed his hand away with a laugh. “I know, darling. I’m not suggesting anything inappropriate. Just two old friends catching up over cocktails. I’m sure your wife wouldn’t

briefly, challenge glinting

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

a second. “Your

matching her fake smile with one of my

Her

narrowed slightly.

launch another volley, a tall man in an

he said to Sophie, his British accent crisp. “I’ve

annoyance flashing across her

Carter, an old friend. Alex, this is my

eyebrows shot up. Her husband? She’d been throwing herself at Alexander while her

outside?

Gerald with considerably more

corrected once more, shaking Gerald’s hand. “Nice to meet you.

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