Millie's POV I noticed that Alex was watching me with growing interest. His eyes were sparkling, and I was grateful he could not hear my thoughts. Did I just agree to be his wife? That was insane, but it was done. I do not take my words back. " Well?" Alex asked, and my mind went blank. Well, what? " Sorry?" I asked suprised. " Your conditions," he reminded me politely while I wondered what Gabrielle would say right now. He would scold me for my stupidity, for sure. " Ah, yes, conditions," I mumbled, thinking about any I could come out with. " I would like to keep my last name." Yes, this one was good. If this marriage was going to be a facade, then it was better to do it in case of unavoidable divorce. I glanced at Alex. He looked like he was considering my proposition. " Fine, we can discuss it further if you decide to change your mind," he said slowly. " We will split the living costs evenly. I will find work and contribute to the household, " I said, enc
Alexander's POV I entered my parent's home, expecting the worst, and the atmosphere inside did not disappoint me. They were waiting for me in their spacious salon. My father was standing next to the fireplace. My mother was sitting in a chair, sipping the wine. One glance at her told me more than I needed. She was disappointed. Very disappointed, and I was the reason for this. My father gave me a reassuring nod while I approached the most important woman in my life. " Good evening, Mum," I said, kissing her cheeks. " Sit, Alexander," she replied, and I froze. Gloria Foster was a loving and caring mother who always had time for me whenever I came to her with my problems, no matter how big or small they were. She probably knew me better than I did and always had my back. My mother was like a rock in the sea of problems. But now, she was pissed! I could tell since she used my full name. " Mum, before you say something, it is all misunderstanding," I spoke, taking
I looked at my father utterly shocked by his reaction. What was wrong with him? He was usually very composed, and now all his self-control was gone. " Dad, what is going on here?" I asked, while my mother watched him with an expression similar to mine." How could you do this? Out of all women, you had to choose her?" He looked at me, and to say I was shocked is like to say nothing. " I am trying to understand the reason for this outburst, but I really can't," I replied, running my hand through my hair. This conversation was getting nowhere, but now I had to know why my father acted like this. My mother stood up, and approached her husband, putting her hand on his arm. " Honey, calm down and tell us what is wrong with this girl. You can see that we are both clueless." My father remained silent for a while, and let out a deep breath. " I am sorry," he mumbled sitting back on his chair. My mother left us for a moment and returned with two glasses of whiskey in her hands. She pas
Millie's POV I woke up, feeling refreshed, and filled with newfound energy. This day could be the start of my brighter future since the past weeks were really gloomy. I took a quick shower and helped myself with breakfast. A Bowl of cereal would do since I was too excited to feel hungry. But I had to eat something. Passing out during the interview would look really unprofessional. I had two hours before my first meeting, which I spent on choosing my outfit and putting make-up on. Even if that was absorbing me completely, there was still a tiny room for thinking about my conversation with Alex. I was going to get married to a man I barely knew. The details were not set yet, but it was enough to send shivers down my spine. It was craziness, but did I have much to lose? I pushed those stubborn thoughts aside. There was nothing more important than my meeting right now. I would have to catch a taxi, to be there on time but I did not mind. " Millie, wait," I have heard my
Alexander's POV One look allowed me to figure out that Millie's day did not go well. When I came back home, she was sitting at the kitchen table with a cup of coffee that was probably cold for hours. " How was your interview?" I asked, knowing well it was not the best question right now. " Great," Millie mumbled, without looking at me. Her gloomy expression did not change a bit. " So bad, huh?" I asked again, sitting in front of her. I was not helping much, but I could not let her sit all alone. Millie finally raised her eyes on me. " Am I that bad?" She gave me a questioning look. I was not sure what to say at this moment. I do my best to show empathy, but consoling people is not my thing. " It was only the first try. You cannot give up after the first attempt. I am sure you will find the right work in no time." " You think so? Because I am not so sure about that," Millie took a sip of her coffee and scrunched her nose. " Do you want the fresh one?" I aske
Aleksander's POV Mark Green looked at me stunned, struggling to breathe, but I had no mercy for this man at all. He and Millie's family showed zero mercy to the woman who would soon be my wife. This thought was still spinning in my mind, but now I had to focus on the problem. " Is there a problem?" I asked innocently, at the same time giving him a cold stare. " Well, in fact, there is. Miss Brown is no longer working for the company." He said, fixing his tie, which seemed to be choking him. " Well, that complicates everything," I murmured, watching him sweat. It looked like they were indeed desperate to make a deal with us, and I was keen on using it to squeeze him like a lemon. Visualising Millie, who was sitting on the bench, completely devastated, made this much easier for me. " Is there nothing else we can do to prove trustworthy?" Green was stubborn, but so was I. " You see, I would love to trust you just like that, but is it how the businessmen act?" My tone was calm but
Millie's POV I was preparing the dinner when my phone rang. Since my last interview was such a disaster, I was hoping for another chance to prove myself and finally get a job. My excitement died after one glance at the screen. My whole body went numb when I saw my father's name on the screen. What the hell did he want? My fingers were trembling, making me struggle to accept the call. " Hello," I mumbled in a weak voice. " Millie, I am so glad you picked up," I heard on the other side. " And why is that?" I asked, narrowing my brows. " Well, that is not something I would like to discuss over the phone. Can we meet?" My father said with hesitation but also hope in his voice. " Why do you want to meet?" I asked, wondering if there was anything else they could want from me. No, they took everything. There was no reason why they would need to see me again. " Do you always have to be so stubborn? Just meet me, and I promise you won't regret it." My father said,
Millie's POV I was laughing so hard my stomach hurt. They could not be serious. And that part about a family. We were no family. At least, I was not part of it. Not since they kicked me out of my workplace and home. I took a few calming breaths. That was fun. " If that was a reason why you called me, Father, I think we are done here. But thank you for the entertainment," I said, looking back at Deborah. She was still on the sofa, clenching her fists. I could hear the nasty thoughts forming in her mind, but she only tied her lips in a thin line. " Millie, we are serious," my father spoke calmly. " We have a chance for a huge contract, but only if you will be in charge. The customer does not want to work with anyone except you." I gave them a stern look. Finally, someone spilled the beans. " So let's get it straight. You do not care about me, but you need me to get the deal?" My voice was cold and sharp, but I could not care less. " They have heard about your succes
Millie's POV I stretched my arms, relaxing the muscles. The last two weeks were crazy, but it was fun craziness. I was initially reluctant when Alex offered me a position in his company, but now, I was slowly changing my mind. This place offered me more than I could expect. The projects were demanding, and I loved it. I was coming back home exhausted, but I could not be happier. Of course, at first, some of the workers were giving me side-eye, but it was nothing I hadn't experienced before. This field is male-dominated, and they often struggle with women's presence. It is even worse when the woman is in charge because what can she know. It took me a while to prove to them that I was something more than just a pretty face, and I knew my job. Since then, our work has gone smoothly. I was also glad that Brian kept his word, and most of my father's ex-employees found new jobs in his growing company. Some decided to try their luck in other fields, and I could not stop them fro
Alexander's POV " Well, that sounds promising," I smiled, listening to the report. One of the lawyers I hired told me about the progress of Millie's family case. Deborah and Sandra tried to make the judge believe they were innocent but failed after the record from Sandra's interrogation was presented. After presenting this proof, nothing they said mattered. Now, both women waited for the final verdict. I still tried to process how they could do all this because of a trust fund. It was beyond my imagination how someone could be so cruel. But, now, they would get what they deserved. I could not feel pity for them, not for what they did to my wife. " Thank you for the info. Keep me updated," I said before hanging up. My thoughts returned to my agreement with Millie. She agreed to a probation period in the company. For the next six months, she will take care of some of my projects to figure out how she feels about working together. I could not ask for more and was obliged to follo
Millie's POV I brushed my hand over Alex's bare chest. It was so lovely to be together again. We spent a lazy morning, leaving bed only to get snacks or drinks. I wished this day could last forever. " Gabrielle's physio is going great," I said, placing my head on Alex's chest and listening to his steady heartbeat. " Brian is helping her every day. They became inseparable," my husband replied, playing with my hair. He was right. Since Gabrielle was discharged from the hospital and returned to the lake house, Brian spent almost all his free time there. He enjoyed helping my friend with her therapy. Aside from that, they spent a lot of time talking, laughing, and watching movies. I could tell Gabrielle was getting attracted to Brian, even if she called it friendship. I knew she was careful after Michael's betrayal. When I cursed Gabrielle's ex-boyfriend, Alex only smiled mischievously and mumbled about karma. I only hoped that this karma would hit him hard. This man deserved not
Third-party POV **Warning-sex scene*** I thought about Gabrielle. And how lucky I was that it was over. This accident was a blessing. Now, I could focus on things that really mattered. My career was blooming. The cases I worked on made me more and more respected in our circle. Everyone knew I was fearless, always ready to fight until the blood was drawn, no matter whose blood it was. I turned around to look at the woman peacefully sleeping by my side. She was a stunning beauty and had a position that could help me a lot in the future. I moved my hand across her full breast and squeezed her nip*ple, which hardened under my touch. My di*k responded to that immediately. She was a great lover, always willing to fulfil my needs. No wonder when her husband was too busy to appreciate what he had. I could use that instead. " Hmm...," Monic mumbles softly. " Ready for more? " With you, I am always ready. How much time do we have left?" Monic glanced at the fancy clock hanging
Millie's POVI watched as Gabrielle sighed, preparing for another physio session. It had been two weeks since she started, but there had been no results. " Do I really have to go there? After each session, I feel exhausted but there is no improvement, " she whined as I helped her to dress. It became our daily routine, and I could only roll my eyes when she was not looking. We both knew how this conversation was going to end. " Yes, you have to go. The result won't happen by themselves. If you want to walk again, you must bite your teeth and let them do their job." Gabrielle's head lowered. " What if I never walk again? What is the point of all of that? We both know this may never happen." This was the part I hated the most. I was scared that one day, my friend would lose her whole hope and give up. " It will happen," I whispered, hoping my voice would not break. " How can you be so sure about that?" Gabrielle looked me straight in the eyes. " I do not know!" My voice betrayed me
Third-party POV" Is it all you got?" Deborah Brown leaned in her chair and smiled. " Is this not enough?" I replied, mimicking her movements. " You show me a video where I walk with my daughter. Since when has that been enough to keep me here? I thought you were a professional. I feel disappointed." My hands balled, but I confined my anger quickly. It was not my first rodeo, and I dealt with people like her all the time. " Do not spoil everything. I am just warming up." I pressed the button, and another video started. This time, it was a recording from the parking lot. "Does it look familiar?" Deborah Brown glanced at the screen, but her face remained emotionless. " Seriously? This one is even better than the last one. Some people in masks and a random car." I smiled gently. This was going to be interesting. " The car is not just a random car. It belongs to Millicent Brown. Isn't she, by any chance, your stepdaughter?" Mrs Brown shrugged her arms. " Maybe. What does that have
Alexander's POVI ran into Adam's office practically but couldn't care less. Nothing else mattered since he told me there was a chance to find out who had damaged my wife's car. " Someone is eager to discover the truth," Chief Cleaveland greeted me with a soft smile, utterly unfazed by my intrusion." Did you find anything?" I asked, shaking his hand. " Anything is not the word I would use. I think I know everything already," Adam replied, returning to his chair. I sat on mine, breathing deeply. " Out of form?" he joked, but I could only think about what he had discovered, so I raised my eyebrow. " Okay, okay, jokes aside," Adam said, fixing his glasses on his nose and turning his attention to the computer on his desk. " It took me a while to put my hands on the record from the carpark. The owner of the building was pretty adamant about keeping them secret." " Was he involved?" I asked, surprised. What could this person have against Millie? " No, I think he is just against police
Third-party POV" It is over. We ran out of money. Any day now, people will start banging at our doors, asking about their paychecks. I can pay them this month, but then nothing will be left for us."I looked at my husband. This man was supposed to be my ticket to a comfortable, luxurious life, but everything has gone downhill. It was not how I imagined my life after years of poverty. " Is there nothing you can do?" I asked, fixing my gold bracelet. I have always loved jewellery and promised myself that one day I would have tons of it. And I kept my promise. Brown has been spoiling me with it since we met, and I was not ready to give up on that. "There is nothing we can do. I do not have new projects, and without them, there will be no income. I am sure you understand that!" His voice rose, and my eyes darkened. I did not like how he said 'we'. There was no 'we' until he got back on his feet, but I was not going to tell him that now. For now, he had to believe I was still the same l
Millie's POVTwo weeks passed in a blur, but it was finally that day. Gabrielle would be discharged from the hospital. I could not hide my excitement, even if my friend were nothing like her old self. No matter how much I tried, Gabrielle seemed distant and quiet. The smile barely showed on her lips, and my heart was breaking seeing her like this. " Ladies, are you ready?" Alex came into the room after I helped Gabrielle dress up. I was happy that she had let me in this much. " I think we have everything sorted," I replied, smiling at my friend. She forced a smile, but it did not look sincere. " Where are we going?" Gabi asked in a quiet voice. " That is a surprise," Alex said with a mischievous smile. " I promise you will like it."I heard about this surprise for last week but had no idea what it was, as Alex said nothing to me. He has been very secretive, disappearing for long hours. He promised me it was nothing bad, and I decided to trust him. " Very well. Then we should mov