The rest of the ride was silent, the weight of their words settling between them. Yet Sarah felt a strange sense of exhilaration.She had seen a chink in Alexander’s armor, a glimpse into the truth he kept hidden.As the car pulled into the sprawling driveway of Blake Manor, the realization of her new life settled over her.This mansion, this marriage, this strange game of secrets, they were all hers now, for better or worse. Alexander’s family would be her family, his enemies her enemies.Stepping out of the car, she squared her shoulders, her gaze steady as she surveyed the grand manor before her.The sprawling estate was draped in the elegance of old money, its gardens sprawling into the horizon.Guests had already begun gathering for the reception, a sea of society’s finest dressed in glittering jewels and sharp suits.Alexander’s hand on her arm pulled her back to the present, guiding her toward the crowd.She took a steadying breath, allowing herself one last look at the ring on
The wedding reception was winding down, guests dispersing into the night with murmurs of congratulations and polite goodbyes.Sarah and Alexander had played their roles perfectly, their dynamic intriguing enough to keep the gossip swirling but dignified enough to avoid scandal.She could feel the weight of the night lifting, but only slightly, she knew there was still a gauntlet to face.As Sarah moved toward the hall leading to their private wing, the familiar sharp click of heels announced Victoria’s presence.Sarah didn’t turn around, but she didn’t need to. She could already picture her, all sharp angles and sharper words, dripping with venom disguised as concern.“Well, congratulations, sister,” Victoria drawled, her voice low and biting. “You’ve really outdone yourself this time.”Sarah paused, glancing over her shoulder.Victoria stood there, her designer gown catching the light, a perfect picture of bitterness wrapped in elegance.She took a step closer, her tone dropping to a
Alexander’s smirk broke through the tension like a sharp knife through silk.He tilted his head slightly, a glint of amusement in his eyes.“Well,” he said, leaning back in his chair with exaggerated nonchalance, “since you want to consummate our marriage. We should at least make an attempt at the… consummation part.”Sarah raised an eyebrow, her lips twitching in amusement. “Oh? And how exactly do you propose we do that, dear husband?”He gestured dramatically to his wheelchair, his tone light but laced with challenge. “Clearly, you’ll need to help me into bed. After all, it seems I’m destined to be a burden.” His grin widened as he added, “And since I’m completely at your mercy, you’ll have to do all the work tonight.”Sarah folded her arms, giving him a long, appraising look. “All the work, huh?” she echoed, her voice playful. “You sound awfully confident for someone so helpless.”Alexander chuckled, the sound low and rich. “Helpless is my brand, darling. But don’t worry, I’m sure
Sarah lay sprawled across the bed, her figure illuminated by the moonlight.Her long hair spilled over the pillow, curling like dark tendrils against the white linen.At some point, she had rolled closer to him, her arm now draped across his chest in a way that was both unexpected and… comforting.Alexander froze, unsure of what to do.The woman who had spent the day sparring with him, teasing him with her quick wit and sharp tongue, now looked impossibly serene.Her lips, which had delivered more barbed remarks than he could count, were slightly parted as she breathed in and out, soft and rhythmic.Her long lashes cast delicate shadows over her cheeks.For a moment, the sight of her distracted him from everything else, the investigation, the pretense, the world outside their bedroom.She sighed in her sleep, her brow twitching slightly as if she were reacting to some dream he couldn’t see.The sound was so soft, so unguarded, that it sent a pang through him.How is it that you’re alw
They lay there for a moment longer, the morning light wrapping them in a cocoon of warmth.“Alright,” Alexander finally said, his voice tinged with amusement. “Since you’re clearly so captivated by my presence, why don’t you help me up so we can start the day?”Sarah rolled her eyes but sat up, the sheets pooling around her waist as she reached out a hand to him. “Oh, please. I’m doing this out of kindness, not admiration.”“Of course you are,” he replied, smirking as he clasped her hand.As she helped him sit up, Alexander took a moment to study her.Her hair was slightly tousled, and her cheeks were still pink from their earlier exchange.She looked different from the composed, guarded woman he had married.She looked… real.“Alright, time to freshen up,” Sarah announced, breaking the moment as she slid out of bed.She stretched briefly before grabbing her robe and heading toward the en suite bathroom.Alexander leaned back against the headboard, watching her retreat with a faint sm
The morning air was crisp and refreshing, a stark contrast to the suffocating atmosphere of the dining room.They walked in silence for a while, the gravel crunching softly beneath their feet.“You don’t have to let her treat you like that,” Alexander said finally, breaking the silence.Sarah glanced at him, her expression conflicted. “She’s your mother,” she said quietly. “I don’t want to make things harder for you.”Alexander stopped and turned to face her, his gray eyes searching hers. “She’s my mother, yes. But you’re my wife. And I won’t stand by while she disrespects you. You shouldn’t either.”Sarah looked down, her fingers twisting nervously. “It’s not that simple,” she murmured.“It is,” Alexander insisted, his voice firm but not unkind. “You’ve stood up to me plenty of times. You can do the same with her.”She gave a small, humorless laugh. “You’re different,” she said, finally meeting his gaze. “With you, I feel like I can fight back. With her... I feel like I’m sixteen aga
Sarah returned to the study with a tray in her hands, balancing a steaming cup of coffee and a small plate of biscuits.She set it down on the edge of Alexander’s desk with exaggerated care, shooting him a smirk as she straightened.“Your coffee, sir,” she said, adopting a mockingly formal tone. “Three teaspoons of sugar, just as you requested. Though I think your dentist would have something to say about it.”Alexander grinned, taking the cup. “My dentist doesn’t know what he’s missing.” He took a sip, his eyes closing briefly as if savoring the taste. Then he opened one eye and looked at her. “You might survive this assistant thing after all.”Sarah leaned against the edge of the desk, her arms crossed. “Glad to hear it. So, boss, what’s next? More coffee? Should I shine your wheelchair? Maybe dust off your ego?”Alexander chuckled, setting the cup down. “Very funny. Actually, I thought it was time you learned about your new real job.”“Oh?” Sarah arched an eyebrow. “And what might
The atmosphere in the boardroom was electric with tension.The heavy oak doors creaked open, and Alexander entered, Sarah following close behind.She immediately felt the weight of the room’s scrutiny, powerful gazes appraising, dismissing, and judging her presence.At the head of the long table sat Lawrence Blake, Alexander’s father, his face a storm of barely contained fury. Beside him, a man who bore a striking resemblance to him, his younger brother, Gerald Blake, leaned back in his chair, exuding smug satisfaction.“Ah, Alexander,” Gerald drawled, his smile as sharp as a knife. “So good of you to join us.”Alexander’s jaw tightened. “I wasn’t aware I had a choice,” he said coolly, wheeling himself toward the table.Sarah kept her head down, trying to remain inconspicuous as she took a seat at the edge of the room.But her eyes never left Alexander, who radiated restrained anger as he parked his wheelchair at the table’s head, directly opposite his uncle.“I’m sure you’ve been inf
Sarah stretched lazily, the first rays of dawn filtering through the curtains and spilling golden light over the room.Her gaze drifted to Alexander, still asleep beside her, his dark lashes resting against his cheeks and his expression softer than she was used to seeing.A tender smile curved her lips. In moments like these, he seemed so unguarded, free from the burdens he carried during the day.She reached out to brush a stray lock of hair from his forehead, her touch featherlight to avoid waking him.Carefully, she slipped out from under the covers, moving with the precision of someone defusing a bomb.She planted her feet on the cool floor and stood, her gaze flickering back to him once more.Just as she took her first step toward the bathroom, a strong hand wrapped around her wrist, pulling her back toward the bed.She let out a surprised laugh as she tumbled back onto the mattress, landing against his chest.“Five more minutes,” Alexander murmured, his voice thick with sleep, t
Her hands found their way to his shoulders, pulling him closer as their kisses deepened.Sarah responded in kind, her trust and love for him evident in the way she melted into his embrace.As Alexander’s lips brushed against Sarah’s, a soft sigh escaped her, her body instinctively leaning into his warmth.His arms wrapped around her with a firmness that spoke of both possession and tenderness, drawing her close until there was no space left between them.Her fingers trailed up his shoulders and into his hair, holding him to her as the world outside their embrace faded away.She felt the heat of his touch, the way his hands moved over her back, caressing her with an intimacy that sent shivers down her spine.Every kiss, every gentle stroke of his hand, unraveled her defenses, leaving her bare in a way she only allowed with him.Sarah’s breaths quickened as she surrendered completely, her trust in him absolute.In his embrace, she felt safe, cherished, and wholly loved.Alexander’s lips
Sarah felt the weight of the moment settle over her.Her fingers absentmindedly traced the rim of her coffee cup as she glanced at Alexander.His protective demeanor was evident, his gaze unwavering as he watched her.“Did he mention specifics?” Sarah finally asked, her voice soft but steady.Margaret nodded. “He mentioned a meeting to discuss the details further, nothing is set in stone yet. But it’s clear he sees Mountain Rose as a valuable asset.”Alexander’s lips pressed into a thin line. “I don’t trust him,” he said bluntly. “And I don’t want you walking into something that could compromise your independence, Sarah. You’ve built Mountain Rose from the ground up. You don’t need Blake Group to validate your work.”Sarah gave him a small, grateful smile. “I know, Alexander. And I appreciate your support. But if there’s a chance to expand the brand and bring it to more people without losing its essence, isn’t it worth at least hearing them out?”Margaret interjected gently, “You don’
They finally disentangled themselves from the sheets and began getting ready.Sarah hummed as she rummaged through her suitcase for something to wear, while Alexander leaned against the bathroom door, watching her with amusement.“Do you think Margaret will notice if we’re a little late? And why the sudden breakfast?” he asked casually.Sarah glanced at him, arching a brow. “She’ll notice. And then she’ll scold me for letting you sleep in.”Alexander smirked. “I don’t mind taking the blame if it means a few more minutes alone with you.”Sarah rolled her eyes, but her smile betrayed her. “You’re hopeless,” she said, shaking her head as she pulled out a dress.“Hopelessly in love with you,” he corrected, his voice light but sincere.Sarah paused, looking over at him with a soft smile. “Good thing I’m hopelessly in love with you too, then.”Dressed to perfection, Sarah adjusted the hem of her chic, pastel dress, the soft fabric flowing gracefully as she stepped into the room where Alexan
Alexander’s lips found Sarah’s in a kiss that started soft but deepened with an intensity that left no room for doubt.It was the kind of kiss that spoke of love, longing, and unspoken promises.Sarah responded in kind, her arms wrapping around his neck, her fingers threading through his hair as their breaths mingled and the world beyond their suite ceased to exist.Alexander’s hands, steady yet reverent, moved to Sarah’s waist, pulling her closer as though afraid she might slip away.Her scent, warm and inviting, enveloped him, and the warmth of her touch ignited something raw within him.He broke the kiss only to trail his lips along her jawline, planting gentle kisses down the curve of her neck.Sarah sighed, her head tilting to give him better access, her heartbeat quickening with every caress.Her hands roamed over his chest, slipping beneath his shirt to feel the heat of his skin.Alexander shivered at her touch, his restraint teetering on the edge. “Sarah…” he murmured against
The gala drew to a close, the glittering lights dimming as the event transitioned into quiet farewells. The crowd of fashion elite thinned, and the once buzzing atmosphere settled into the polite murmurs of guests departing for the night.Near the grand entrance, Alexander, Liam, Sarah, and Margaret stood in a loose circle, exchanging parting words.Margaret, ever the gracious mentor, reached out to clasp Sarah’s hand. “You’ve done brilliantly, my dear,” she said warmly. “Mountain Rose has left an indelible mark tonight. You’ve made me so proud.”Sarah smiled, her cheeks tinged pink from both the praise and the lingering tension of the evening. “Thank you, Margaret. I couldn’t have done it without your guidance.”Liam chimed in, his easy charm lighting up the moment. “She’s a natural. You’d better watch out, Alexander. Sarah’s destined to outshine us all in the jewelry world.”Alexander’s lips curved into a faint smile, though his hand instinctively tightened on the armrest of his whe
Alexander froze mid motion, his heart pounding as the shrill cry echoed through the grand hall.“Sarah,” he murmured, his voice a mix of alarm and urgency. Forgetting his ruse of reliance on the wheelchair, he pushed it with one hand, propelling himself faster toward the center of the room where a crowd was beginning to gather.The sea of guests parted slightly, and Alexander’s breath caught at the sight before him.Sarah, pale and shaken, was being helped to her feet by Liam, who looked equally concerned.Her gown was slightly askew, and the delicate straps of her shoes seemed out of place, one bent as though it had twisted mid step.“What happened?” Alexander’s voice was sharp as he reached Sarah, his gaze scanning her face for any sign of pain or injury.Liam glanced at him, his expression unusually serious. “She must have slipped on the polished floor,” he explained, steadying Sarah as she swayed slightly. “She’s fine, but she hit the floor hard.”“I’m fine, really,” Sarah interje
“Well,” he said, taking a small step back, “I’ll leave you both to enjoy the evening. Don’t forget, Sarah, there’s always a place for you in my corner of the industry.”With that, he clinked his glass lightly against hers one last time before turning away, disappearing into the crowd.Sarah exhaled slowly, tension she hadn’t realized she’d been holding easing from her shoulders.She turned to Alexander, whose expression was a study in restraint.“I...” she began, but Alexander cut her off, his voice low and firm.“Not here,” he said, his eyes flicking briefly to the crowd before returning to her. “Let’s just focus on the gala for now.”Though his words were measured, the look in his eyes spoke volumes. This wasn’t over, not by a long shot.Sarah excused herself to use the washroom.The soft hum of the gala’s festivities faded as she stepped into the lavishly decorated washroom.The walls were lined with opulent mirrors, their gold filigree frames reflecting the soft, warm light.She t
Cecilia raised a perfectly arched brow, a flicker of surprise crossing her features before she masked it with an amused smile. “Wife? Well, isn’t that unexpected?” She chuckled softly, though it lacked warmth. “I would have thought you’d... wait longer to settle down. Considering everything.”Alexander’s expression darkened, and Sarah felt the weight of his restraint. “What I do with my life is none of your concern, Cecilia,” he said sharply. “You made your choices. I made mine.”Cecilia’s eyes flashed, and she tilted her head, feigning innocence. “Oh, Alexander, don’t be like that. I only meant... you’ve been through so much. It’s just surprising to see you with someone so... fresh faced. Doesn’t she look barely out of school?”The jab was subtle but clear, and Sarah stiffened.Her instinct was to retort, but Alexander beat her to it.“Sarah is everything I’ve ever wanted,” Alexander said firmly, his voice cutting through the tension. “And more than you could ever understand.”Cecili