"Excellent Choice ma'am" the one beside them said then I returned the ring to them with a smile and they picked up the boxes and left the room.
Alexander smirked, clearly pleased with my choice too, but before he could respond his eyes landed on my hand the one with a wedding ring still adorning it, the one from my ex-husband.
His playful expression faded for a moment, his brow furrowing slightly
"Planning on taking that off anytime soon?"
Tension coiled inside me as I glanced at the ring on my hand, beautiful memories flooded my mind. Once upon a time, this ring meant everything to me.
"It's okay if you don't want to take it off, things like this take time" he said his voice soft noticing how I tensed but I knew there was no room for hesitation.
With a deep breath, I slid the ring off my fingers trembling slightly,
I placed it on the table
"There'll be another one to replace it soon" I said softly forcing a small smile.
"My hand won't feel naked for long
"Hm" He mused, a knock came from the door, and a male head poked in
"Sir, Liam and Cassandra are here?"
Alexander smiled warmly and said "I'll be with them shortly" Then he turned to me and said
"They are our only wedding guests, I'll be right back" he gave my shoulder a friendly squeeze then he stood up and left the room
Just as I thought the moment was over, my phone pinged with a text and the name Brandon lit the phone, shattering the earlier sense of warmth I felt.
As I read the text a deep sense of urgency shifted in me. The weight of everything—my failing company, Brandon's manipulations, and now? everything overwhelmed me.
I needed to act fast before Brandon made the worst of this situation
Alexander returned a few moments later and sat beside me, he was about to say something but I didn't let him instead I turned to him and said the last thing I would ever say
"Let's get married today, Now"
His eyes lit up, amusement glimmered there, he leaned in his lips curling into a smirk
"Eager to get in bed with me I see" he teased, his voice low
I grimaced and shot him a flat look "I'm serious Alexander, and that's not the reason"
He grinned, clearly not taking me too seriously.
"Of course, it isn't," he said though his eyes held a different story
"But lucky for you, I make things happen"
He stood up, finally serious but with that lurking charm that's almost impossible to ignore
"I already have a dress picked out, take as much time as you need to get ready" He gestured toward the door
"Come, let me show you to your room"
I followed him through the nooks and corners until we reached a beautifully decorated room where a dress waited for me—a stunning pearl-colored gown with delicate lace details, a V-neckline, and beaded embellishments, It was simple yet perfect for this rushed occasion
"Freshen up in there" he pointed to the bathroom
"I'll send someone to help you get ready" he said and exited the room closing the door behind him.
Without wasting time I entered the bathroom and soaked in the tub for almost an hour before I stepped out of the bathroom wrapped in a bathrobe.
Two women stood waiting for me, one looked like the hairstylist, the zanzi pin roughly placed in her hair in an updo was a dead giveaway, and the other was the makeup artist
"Hello ma'am Mr. Croft sent us to help you" the zanzi pin lady said gesturing to the chair in front of the vanity.
"I'm Clarice and this is Nicole" she said with a wide smile gesturing to the lady beside her
"I'm Thalia" I said returning her smile
"What look are we going for today ma'am anything particular in mind?" Nicole asked
"Don't worry" I said as I sat down "I'm not in the mood for heavy makeup. Just something basic"
The stylist nodded with a smile "You're already stunning, ma’am a little touch is all you need"
After a few minutes she was done, she listened to my request, the makeup was barely noticeable, she smiled at me and moved back to let Clarice work on my hair.
She began styling my hair, gathering it up into a loose, romantic chignon with a few soft wisps of hair gently framing my face.
After she was down they helped me into my dress and handed me a bouquet that was equally beautifu.l White roses with hints of lavender, tied with a sage green satin ribbon.
By the time I was finished, I barely recognized myself. The dress fit me like a dream, and my reflection in the mirror was calm, collected, and most of all ready.
I stepped out of the room to find Alexander waiting for me, his eyes scanned me from head to toe he whistled softly
"You clean up well, Mrs. Croft"
"Not yet" I said even though my heart fluttered at the sound of his voice “and I keep my name Mr. Croft”
“Anything you want darling” he said his voice low and sultry
“You are sure about this though?” He asked
“I am” I said and nodded releasing a sharp breath.
He offered his arm I took it, and he led me upstairs to a modestly sized hall. It wasn't grand, just perfect for what we needed.
Inside, the wedding officiant stood, waiting for us, along with a man and a woman sitting in the front row, they must be Cassandra and Liam.
Alexander introduced them after we exchanged rings and a soft kiss that left me breathless, buzzing, and wanting more.
"These are the only people who matter today" Alexander said his tone light as we approached the couple.
"Thalia meet my cousin Cassandra and her husband Liam, who also happens to be my best friend” Cassandra smiled warmly, her green eyes twinkling
“Hello” I said returning her smile
“Cassie and Liam meet Thalia my lovely wife” he said bringing my hands to his lips
“Never knew this day would come” Liam chuckled with his thick Irish accent
“Congratulations to you both” he said and offered me a handshake
“Welcome to the family Thalia” Cassandra chimed in and she fiercely pulled me into a warm bear hug.
“Thank you so much Cassandra” I said caught off guard by her hug
“Oh please call me Cassie, we are family now girl” She said finally releasing me
“Though I didn’t expect the wedding to be today” Liam said shooting Alexander a knowing look.
“Well what can I say I couldn’t wait” Alexander teased draping his arm around my shoulders"
“I know who did the same thing” Cassie said glaring at her husband, sarcasm dripped into her voice, causing Liam to laugh.
After a few minutes of polite conversation and teasing, we said goodbye to them and Alexander led me to our marital room.
Liam and Cassie went to their room on the other side of the manor.
"This here is your room Thalia" Alexander said as we walked into a room with a luxurious white canopy bed with emerald green silk sheets, fresh white roses on the nightstands, and more basically everywhere in the room, giving it a— romantic atmosphere. "My room? We have separate rooms?" I ask turning to face him surprised. "Well, I didn't think you were looking forward to sharing a room with me" he replied with a smirk. I groaned, lightly smacking his chest "Get over yourself" I say tucking a stray strand of hair behind my ear "I could get over you instead" He said his voice dipped low in a seductive tone that sent shivers down my spine I didn't reply to that, I don’t trust myself to say anything clever, instead, I reached over to the vanity and took a deep breath"Listen I know you want some answers about why I rushed the wedding but..." "Actually No I don't" Alexander interrupted and came to stand behind me, our eyes met in the mirror "It's been a long day Thalia, you need t
Thalia? What happened?” Alexander said as he entered Edith’s room with a confused expression on his face. Liam and Cassandra came in behind him, she went to get them after I stopped crying. I was sat in the armchair with a tissue box in one hand and the test stick in another, I might have stopped crying but the pounding in my chest remained the same. “Drink some water Thalia” Cassandra said offering me a half-filled glass of water, I took it and gulped it down in one go.“Give us a moment” Alexander said to Liam and Cassandra even though his eyes were still on me before they landed on the stick in my hand “Of course” Liam said taking Cassie’s arm and guiding her to the door they closed it behind them. “Is that?…” Alexander started but I cut him off.“It’s a test, yes and it’s positive” I said the last part slowly meeting his eyes to see his reaction, but his expression remained unreadable no shock, no anger, nothing.“I’m really sorry, I didn’t know” I began to ramble “I didn’t t
Alexander's POV Everything seemed to narrow to the sound of my fists connecting with Brandon’s face, I couldn't think, all I wanted was to kill this lowlife piece of shit for putting his hands on my wife in my house."Alex stop you'll kill him" Liam's voice came through the haze but I didn’t care, I felt his hands trying to pull me away but I didn’t budge."Stop him, he's gone mad!" Brandon wheezed his voice pathetic as I landed blow after blow, his face gradually forming into a clot of blood. "That's enough!" Liam’s voice became desperate and somehow he was able to drag me away from the asshole, leaving him, crumpled on the floor."Let go of me Liam, that bastard attacked my wife!" I yelled, my fists clenched so tightly I felt my knuckles turning white. "Yes but killing him won't solve anything” Liam snapped back, his outrage visible as he held me in place.“So calm the fuck down!" I shook him off, glaring at my brother-in-law, now a possible target for my rage, his eyes were blaz
Thalia's POV "Your eyes look like flying saucers in there," Dr. Sage Alastair said as she flashed a light into my pupils, the brightness stung making me wince. "I'm pregnant so..." I said my voice trailing off waiting for her reply "Well, that explains it" she said thoughtfully scribbling something onto her notepad "When was your last checkup?" I glanced at Alexander, who stood a few feet away, phone pressed to his ear but his eyes constantly flicking over to me."I just found out last night" I murmured wrapping my arms around myself. Dr. Alastair's pen hovered for a moment before she jotted something else down. "You should head to the hospital for a proper checkup soon"I hesitated, my throat tightening "I was... um I'm thinking of terminating it" She paused, her eyes narrowed slightly in surprise "Oh? Well, you are Mr. Croft's wife right?" I nodded "Well is he on board with your decision? It's something you two should discuss together" "it's not his" The words slipped out b
Alexander's POV I shifted the car into gear, the engine roaring as I sped down the highway toward HQ. A blast at our headquarters where most of our critical resources were stored—wasn't just an inconvenience, It was a disaster. One that could set us back by months, maybe more. I tightened my grip on the steering wheel. Next to me, Thalia was drumming her fingers on her lap, her gaze focused on her phone. She looked calm, but I could see the tension in the way her fingers moved faster with every passing second. We pulled up to the HQ grounds, and chaos greeted us. Employees were scattered everywhere, some in small groups frantically talking, others rushing toward their cars, the building itself looked okay. But the third floor was damaged. Smoke curled out from the shattered windows. "Stay here" I said to Thalia, unbuckling my seatbelt preparing to step out."What? No!" Thalia shot back her hand already reaching for the handle "I won't just sit here" I quickly hit the lock button,
I scrunched my nose at the bratty tone in her voice and turned to look at her. She had an upturned smirk on her face like she thought she owned the place."And you are?" I asked my voice blank and impassive. "Bella Evers, Brandon's girlfriend” she said her tone dripping with complacency. I blissfully ignored her and stood up, heading for the door to knock and give the papers back to the nurse. This conversation wasn't worth my time."Did you not hear me?" she snapped irritated that I wasn't giving her the attention she so desperately craved.The nurse opened the door and took the papers from me "Thank you sir” she said and closed the door again.I nodded before returning to my seat and pulling out my phone, I had nearly forgotten Bella was still there until she spoke again."You can ignore me all you want but just so you know we'll be suing you for assault” she huffed stomping her foot like a child.Oh god kill me now I sighed inwardly feeling a pang of secondhand embarrassment. B
Thalia’s POV I never expected to see Bella here, in the hospital of all places but considering how bruised Alexander’s fists were, she was likely here for Brandon, yet somehow she managed to track me down.She wanted to talk and normally, I wouldn’t have entertained her, but I wasn’t feeling normal anymore.So, here I was, sitting at the café in the hospital sipping on coffee with Bella."So it's true then” Bella began setting down her cup with a self-satisfied air "You're pregnant” Not anymore I thought but instead, I just nodded. She gave me a half-smile as if she dreaded this moment."Well, that’s a shocker” she added, dragging out the words. “So am I.” She paused watching me for a reaction but I just took another sip of my coffee. I couldn’t bring myself to care about her dramatics, but at least that explains why she was hanging around the OB/GYN section."I'm 14 weeks along" she said again clearly fishing for something, some sort of emotion from me.When I remained silent she
Thalia's POV He tilted his head returning my smile but concern still lingered in his expression."Is this an effect of the pill?" I chuckled softly "Maybe it is He wrapped his arms around me."I think I like these side effects" I laughed a bit louder this time. The elevator dinged as it opened behind us. A man came into view, our hands immediately fell from each other and the man's smile widened as he spotted Alexander. "You found her?" he asked stepping out of the elevator.Alexander nodded "She was...?" He said turning to me and I quickly filled in."I was at the cafe with Bella" I nodded"Good talk?” he asked I smiled, nodding again "Yes very good, it's why the side effects kicked in" I said, my voice bubbly, and Alexander's expression softened into a warmer smile. "Well I checked on the guy you said she, uh Bella, came with" Nolan said. "You roughed him up," he said, chuckling lightly. "And I'm not done," Alexander said, his tone stern. Nolan nodded in agreement "If he
Alexander's POV I hadn't noticed when Father entered the room. He knelt behind Mother, helping her to her feet. She was still sobbing uncontrollably, her body trembling as she clung to him. Zach stood stiffly, anger radiating off him in waves, but his girlfriend tugged at his arm, trying to pull him aside, the air in the room was thick—tension simmering and ready to boil over. Father steadied Mother as she cried into his chest, her hands gripping his suit jacket as though it were the only thing keeping her upright, he murmured something softly to her before leading her out of the room. A moment later, he returned, his expression firm, his presence commanding. "Zach" Father said, his voice low and authoritative, the kind of tone that left no room for argument "You will apologize to your mother" "What?!" Zach snapped, incredulous “Father, she interacted with the enemy!" "And she has apologized" Father replied, his tone unwavering. "You know your mother, Zachary. She acts from emot
Thalia's POV "How could I let this happen?" My voice cracked, barely above a whisper, as I stared down at the table. Grace pulled up on her computer. "It wasn't your fault, Thalia." Grace replied gently, but I shook my head, unwilling to accept her reprieve."No" I said, my tone firmer now, though my voice wavered, "I remember when you came to me and showed me what Brandon was doing, I saw the proof. And I—I hid the documents. I let him do this" My voice faltered, fading into the quiet of the office. Grace stepped closer, her expression resolute."Yes" she admitted without hesitation, her words sharp and piercing "but it doesn't matter anymore. What's done is done" Her eyes locked onto mine"So you let him do it—fine. The question now is, what will you do to undo it?" I drew in a shaky breath, her words passed through me in the whirlwind of my own thoughts, he stepped aside, giving me space to approach the computer screen, where the stark proof of the company's current state stared
Alexander's POV Sierra's words struck like a thunderclap, leaving the house in deafening silence as she stormed down the stairs and slammed the front door behind her. "Alex, I..." Mother began, her voice trembling with the load of an excuse she hadn't yet found. Before she could continue, Cassandra's voice rang out from the top of the stairs, cutting through the tension like a knife. "Lorraine?" Cassandra called out, her tone sharp and demanding, her figure appearing at the top landing. Behind her, Liam appeared, his brows furrowed as he placed a steadying hand on her shoulder "Alex? We heard yelling. What's going on?" he asked, his voice calm but tinged with concern. Cassandra didn't wait for an answer, she started down the stairs, her movements purposeful, her gaze locked on Mother, who visibly flinched under her niece-in-law's scrutiny. Liam followed closely behind, his posture protective, his eyes darting between all of us.Mother looked at me, her eyes pleading—begging me
Thalia's POVAfter wandering around the manor for a bit, I returned to my room, feeling a bit relaxed. Once inside, I decided to change. I peeled off my skirt and replaced it with a pair of fitted denim jeans, next, I grabbed a warm brown jacket and wrapped a soft scarf around my neck, and then I pulled my hair into a quick twisted ponytail. On the dresser, my phone buzzed with a notification, picking it up, I saw a new message from Bella. I sighed heavily, my jaw tightening What now? For a second, I considered ignoring her, but curiosity won and I opened the message. "Hello there, Thalia. I know you don't want to talk to me after all that I did, but I'd really appreciate it if you'd at least try"I stared at the screen, debating whether to respond, part of me wanted to delete the message and block her number, but instead, I typed a curt reply; "Where are you?"I hit send, feeling equal parts irritated and intrigued, shoving my phone into my pocket. I glanced at the mirror one la
Alexander's POVI was in the room I shared with Thalia. It shouldn't have mattered, I thought I could sleep there and act indifferent to everything it meant. I was wrong. By midnight, the walls closed in, suffocating me with memories—albeit short— But I didn't want to think about them. The air itself was heavy, and every breath seemed to claw at my chest. I left the room and made my way down the dim hallway.I found myself in Zach's room, further down the hall, it was the nearest occupied space—not by Zach himself, but by his lingering presence. Empty, lifeless rooms disgust me more than rooms that reek of memory and attachment, I couldn't bear the barren emptiness of the other rooms.Zach's room was different, even in his absence, since he was staying with Nolan, much to my disapproval—it still carried the scent of someone living. Mother hadn't returned home last night either, the idea nagged at the back of my mind—Silas might have gotten to her, done something unspeakable—but by mo
Thalia's POV I left the kitchen and headed to the dining table, relieved to find a bowl of fruit already set out, I grabbed an apple and a handful of grapes and slid into one of the chairs, eager for a moment of peace.Tobias strolled in a few moments later, balancing a plate with two sandwiches, his dark hair was a mess, but his grin was alarmingly bright, no doubt due to the horror I witnessed. "Good morning, Thai" he said, his tone cheerful, behind him, Katherine entered, her presence as commanding as ever, her neutral expression always sent a spark of anxiety through me, like she knew something I didn't."M-morning, Tobias” I stammered, my voice slightly shaky." Lilith mentioned you slept in the library last night, everything alright?" Tobias asked, pulling out a chair and sitting down across from me. His concern was genuine, but his question caused a faint blush of embarrassment to creep over my cheeks as the events of the library with Andrei replayed in my mind."Yes" I answe
Alexander's POV "I need the truth" I said, my gaze locking with his "And nothing but the truth" Father leaned back slightly, his brows furrowing "Alright, Alex" he said, his voice grave."Go on". I took a deep breath, steeling myself "We've had this conversation before, I trusted you when you told me not to believe the rumors" My tone turned colder. "But now they've come back, in a way we can no longer ignore, so tell me Father, did you or did you not have Jeremiah and his family killed?”The words hung in the air, heavy and suffocating. Father physically recoiled as though I had spat acid in his face, his jaw tightened, and for a moment, he looked like he wanted to be anywhere but here. His hand trembled briefly before he ran it through his hair. "Alexander..." His voice was a mixture of weariness and something I couldn't quite place. He shook his head, his movements almost phantom-like, and then nodded faintly as though deciding on the weight of his next words."I'm going to tel
Alexander's POV I stayed outside until my thoughts stopped circling around her and the thousand things I needed to do. If Thalia planned all of this as revenge, if she orchestrated this entire game to get back at my family for what we did to hers, I needed to know. I needed the truth. And there was only one person who could give me that. The burden of my decision settled like iron in my chest as I walked back into the room. Inside, Patrick and Liam were hunched over the laptop, their heads almost touching as Zach leaned over to show them something on the screen. Callum stood by the corner, carefully removing pins from the vision boards, while Nolan stacked papers into neat piles on the desk. As I stepped in, all their heads turned toward me, a collective pause stretching in the silence. I cleared my throat, directing my question to whoever had the answer."Which house is Father in?" Zach straightened, his brows furrowing slightly before he answered "He's back at the manor" I nod
Thalia's POVAndrei's gaze lingered on me for a moment longer, his eyes sharp, assessing "Good" he said finally "Maybe this will help you." Before I could ask what he meant, his lips crashed against mine, catching me entirely off guard, the kiss was rough, almost desperate, and it consumed every rational thought I had. I froze, unsure of how to respond, but then, something deep inside me, something buried and starved, churned. I responded. My fingers found their way into his hair, pulling him closer, my heart raced, and my breaths came in sharp, uneven gasps as the world narrowed down to the heat between us. At some point, without realizing it, I moved to straddle his lap, my body pressing against his as if drawn by some invisible force. Andrei kissed me like he was starving, and God help me, I let myself sink into it, his hands were in my hair, his lips demanding yet purposeful, every move he made left me breathless, for one fleeting moment, the world outside of this kiss ceased