Millie's POV My anxiety hit the roof when the store manager disappeared behind the door. The girl behind the counter was eyeing me, and her look was very judgmental. Do they really think I stole this card? Unless it was Alex who stole it, and now he pushed me under the bus. I quickly dismissed that thought. Why would he do it after helping me so much? Every passing minute felt like a year. Customers filled the shop, and I felt like they already knew about my crime. What crime? Pull yourself together, girl. After what felt like an eternity, the manager came back, but his expression had changed. He looked apologetic, scared even. Yep, the card was stolen, and I was the main suspect. " I am terribly sorry for keeping you waiting," he finally spoke, taking me by surprise. " It is not a big deal," I managed to answer, instantly cursing my stupidity. No big deal. It was a huge deal. " Thank you for your understanding. I hope you understand I had to make sure ev
Alexander's POV I watched Millie, who was now blinking uncontrolled, stunned by my words. I know I acted too fast, but I did not have much choice, not after the earlier conversation. " I am really disappointed with you, son," my father's tone was cold as ice. " What are you talking about?" I asked, frantically thinking about what could be the reason for his phone call. " I thought we were close as a family, and we could trust each other, but I guess I was wrong," he spoke again without giving me a hint of what could make him so upset. My father's words were true. We were close indeed, as we kept no secrets from each other. Of course, in the past, as a stupid teenager, I tried to be rebellious, but this faze was long gone. Now, I had no doubts, my family would always have my back as I had theirs. " Dad, I really need some clarification here if I am going to deal with your accusations, " I said, slightly offended by his words. I could not think of anything that could
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
Alexander's POVI embraced Millie as she cried her eyes out. That was the only thing I could do right now. How can you cheer up someone whose friend is fighting for life? What can you say in a moment like that? I sat beside my wife, helping her to get through this. I prayed for Gabrielle to survive the operation. Her death would break Millie beyond repair. " She has to be alright," Millie whispered between sobs. It was the first time she had spoken since I have found her. " She will be alright," I said, hating myself for feeding her with promises that could not happen. ' What if Gabi...' I could not find the courage to finish the thought. Instead, I hugged Millie tighter. " We should go where they took her," Millie looked at me, and I gave her a slight nod. She grabbed my hand, and I helped her to stand up. " I promised I would not leave her; now, she is there all alone."" They are helping her. Gabi is under a good care," I replied slowly. We strolled through the hall. I asked som
Millie's POVI felt as if time had stopped when the nurse told me that Gabi was in the hospital and her state was serious. One moment, I was on cloud nine, and now everything fell into pieces. Alex was by my side in a blink of an eye. " What happened, baby?" I looked around in panic and grabbed the phone from the floor, praying the nurse was still on the line. " Where is she? Which hospital?"Luckily, I heard an answer a moment later and noted the hospital's name in my mind. I hung up and hid my face in Alex's chest. A quiet sob escaped my lips. " Gabi had an accident. Can you take me to her? Please..." I looked at Alex, my eyes filled with tears." You don't have to ask, " he replied, and we rushed to the door. In a hallway, the receptionist glanced at us with a smile, but it quickly dropped upon seeing our faces. " Cancel all my meetings," Alex informed her coldly, and we hurried to the elevator. " Don't worry, baby. Everything will be okay." Alex grabbed my hand and squeezed i
*** Warning*** sex scene**** Millie's POV I watched Alex as he talked on the phone. It was the tone I had never heard before, but I did not mind it this time. I could not take my eyes off him. I loved this man, I missed him, but now I just wanted to f*ck him. He looked gorgeous in this suit, but I longed for his naked skin. Alex put the phone down, and his eyes met mine. " Do you like what you see?" He asked in a provocative tone, and I swallowed hard. Of course, I liked what I was seeing. " I want to see more," I replied hoarsely, and his eyes darkened. " So do I." I could not wait any longer and passionately kissed him while he removed my jacket. His hands danced on my body, and I moaned gently. Alex glanced at me with a smile. " We haven't started yet." I shook my head and focused on his shirt's buttons. Right now, I could rip them off to touch his skin, but we were in his office, and he would still need his shirt later. " Don't be so gentle. I have plenty of spare
Alexander's POVI kneeled beside Millie and scooped her in my arms. Panic took over me upon seeing her pale face. " Millie baby, wake up, " I whispered. " You had a great plan, " Natasha said, standing nearby." It is not a good moment for your comments," I replied dryly, not taking my eyes off my wife's face. I did not need my cousin's opinion to know I had messed up badly. Again. Millie groaned slightly, and relief washed over me. My wife slowly opened her beautiful grey eyes and looked at me. " Alex?" She asked as if she was not quite sure what happened. " I am here, honey. You fainted, and it is all my fault. I am sorry, " I moved my fingers over her cheek. Slowly, I helped her stand up, making sure she would not pass out again and led her to one of the chairs in the office. " What is the meaning of all of that?" Millie waved her hand while I filled the glass with water."Before you get mad again, I wanted to tell you I really did, but there was never a good moment to do it.
Millie's POV " You sick psycho!! Who do you think you are? You can take your gift and stick it up to your as*!" I said, opening the door. This company is going to remember me for a long time. I did not even care about the money anymore. What a disgusting man! An hour earlier. " I am begging you, don't do anything stupid," Gabrielle pleaded as she watched me getting ready. " I promised you I won't," I replied, fixing my hair. I felt nervous from the morning, knowing I would meet the man responsible for this inappropriate 'gift'. " For some reason, I don't believe you," Gabrielle glanced at me, tilting her head. She had every right to be suspicious. I had the whole speech ready but kept it to myself, knowing she would try to stop me from going. " I am going to be nothing but professional," I said, hoping my voice sounded convincing, as I had no intention to be polite. This man deserved to be put in place since his behaviour was disgusting. He could have all the money in th
Millie's POV I woke up completely exhausted. Last night, I cried myself to sleep while Gabi hugged me tightly. Whenever I closed my eyes, I could see Alex sitting in that coffeehouse, smiling widely at the woman before him. He seemed relaxed, happy even. That showed me how much our relationship meant to him. I was an emotional mess, and he enjoyed his life. How did I end up like this? Why do I have to make bad choices? And why am I attracted to the men who do not care about me? Those questions spun inside my head as I dragged myself under the shower. The hot stream of water washed off the tears that rolled down my cheeks again. I punched the wall in anger. What have I done to deserve all of that? First, my family and Mark betrayed me, and now I have lost the last person I cared about. The person I loved. The person who changed my life. I dried myself and brushed my wet hair, avoiding looking in the mirror. I could not stand seeing my face. My eyes were red and puffy, and I
Third-party POV" That is impossible! " I have heard my mother's raised voice coming from the hall. " It has to be some mistake. Why would they leave?"" It is more than possible. If the situation worsens, we won't make enough money to pay people," my stepfather replied quietly but loud enough for me to hear. " Then we won't pay them! Give them some speech about temporary struggles." " And then what? Do you think they will stay in a company that can not pay for their work? Besides, I honestly have no work for them. The office phone is silent, and there are no projects we can work on. Our old clients are long gone. Let's be real: Soon, we may file for bankruptcy." I looked at my bitten nails, listening to the conversation I was not supposed to hear. It looked bad, really bad. My fists balled. What was going on? Why did my stepfather lose his clients? This company has been on the market for years, and now they are talking about bankruptcy. This business was supposed to be my future.
Alexander's POV" It is... nice, but I have better. More revealing, if you wanna know " Natasha nodded, pushing the bag back to me. " " I do not know, and I am not interested at all. Even the thought of this is repulsive." I mumbled, glaring coldly at the man staring boldly at my companion. Natasha furrowed her brows, pretending to be offended by my tone, but then she noticed my expression." Is everything okay?" She asked, utterly oblivious to her presence's effect on this place. Men were gaping, and some were almost drooling. I wouldn't mind if they were here alone, but most weren't. I felt sorry for the women accompanying them. " I shouldn't take you to public places," I said, shaking my head, embarrassed in the name of all good guys. " Why?" Natasha looked around and sent a dazzling smile to all the guys who were not fast enough to turn their heads fast enough. " Let them look. That is all they can have." " I do not care about them. But those women do not look happy." "I'm s
Millie's POV The closer to Friday, the more anxious I was. I could not explain that, but I felt this day would change my life. I still hold on to the idea of asking Mr Foster to give me a chance to work for him, but at times it seemed inappropriate. Maybe I should stick to my original plan and consider my small business. Probably, I would have to leave town as my family would find a way to sabotage it somehow. Maybe moving out would be the best for me. The new place seemed great for a fresh start. I would miss Gabrielle, but I am sure she would understand my decision. I thought about Alex. He kept invading my thoughts more and more often during those last days. I did not want to admit it, but I missed him. Even with my friend's support, I felt that something was missing. Last night, I had a dream that left me with an aching pain in my core. Alex's hands were exploring my body. Goosebumps covered my skin, and I shivered in pleasure. His smooth fingers were dancing aro