``Sarah stood in the center of the quiet living room, her heart pounding like a drum.She had barely made it back inside the hall, her thoughts a whirlwind of anxiety and dread.She clasped her trembling hands together, trying to steady her breathing.The events of the day had drained her, and now she was faced with the most daunting task yet, explaining her disappearance.What could she say?The truth was out of the question.Admitting she had gone to see Margaret Windsor would raise too many questions, questions she wasn’t ready to answer.And claiming she had been at the mall would crumble under the slightest scrutiny, especially since William had no doubt already reported the situation to Alexander.Her thoughts raced, trying to piece together a plausible story, but before she could settle on anything, she heard the sound of hurried footsteps approaching.Alexander.He emerged from the hallway, his face a storm of emotions, relief, anger, worry, all colliding at once.His usually
William looked at the case and the keys, his throat working as he struggled to find the right words. "Thank you," he said finally, his voice barely above a whisper. "I don’t know what to say.""You don’t have to say anything," Alexander said, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "Just keep being the dependable man I’ve always trusted. And... take a vacation, William. You’ve earned it."William nodded, the tension in his shoulders easing as he reached for the keys and the file.He hesitated for a moment before speaking again. "Sir, I only have one request.""What is it?" Alexander asked."Take care of Mrs. Blake," William said earnestly. "She’s... she’s a special woman. Don’t let anything happen to her."Alexander’s expression softened, and he nodded. "I will. You have my word."As William left the basement, the weight of guilt began to lift from Alexander’s chest.He watched his assistant go, a sense of satisfaction settling over him.He turned to the guard. "Dismiss every
Alexander lingered by the doorway after their brief conversation, his hand resting on the polished wood of the frame.His sharp gaze lingered on Sarah for a moment longer than usual, a flicker of something unreadable crossing his features before he cleared his throat.“I’ll be in the study,” he said finally, his voice steady, though tinged with an undercurrent she couldn’t quite place. “There’s a lot to prepare if the jewelry division is going to make an impression at Paris Fashion Week.”Sarah stiffened at the mention of Paris Fashion Week, the weight of her secret bearing down on her again.She forced a smile, nodding as she wrapped her towel more securely around herself.“That’s exciting,” she said lightly, though her tone betrayed the anxiety bubbling under the surface. “You’ll do great, I’m sure.”Alexander quirked an eyebrow, as if he could sense the forced enthusiasm in her voice, but he didn’t comment. Instead, he nodded.“You should rest,” he added, his tone softening slightl
Inside the jewelry division, the atmosphere was a stark contrast to the tension between them.Designers bustled about with sketches and prototypes, their excitement for the Paris Fashion Week project evident.Alexander greeted a few key figures with a nod but didn’t linger for small talk, his focus laser sharp.Sarah tried to engage with the team, her natural curiosity drawing her to the intricate designs on display. But she couldn’t shake the feeling of Alexander’s eyes on her, watching her with an intensity that felt more like scrutiny than admiration.As the morning stretched on, his clipped tone and cold demeanor became harder to ignore.Every time she tried to speak with him, his responses were curt, his body language rigid.By lunchtime, Sarah couldn’t take it any longer.She found Alexander in his office, sitting behind his desk with his wheelchair parked neatly beneath it. He looked up when she entered, his gaze guarded.“We need to talk,” she said firmly, closing the door beh
The Paris Fashion Week loomed on the horizon, and the tension at the Blake Group was palpable.Elise, the lead designer with an icy demeanor and an obvious disdain for Sarah, had her designs chosen as the company’s submission.It was a major milestone for the jewelry division, one that carried the weight of Alexander’s ambitions to reclaim his CEO title.The entire office buzzed with preparations, and Sarah, despite her lower position, found herself drawn into the flurry of activity.As the day ended, Sarah wrapped up her tasks, her mind preoccupied with the secret she had been guarding so carefully.The pieces for her Mountain Rose collection were ready, and Margaret had assured her that the Paris Fashion Week stage would give her brand the visibility it needed. Yet, guilt pressed heavily on her chest.She hadn’t told Alexander about her designs, or her mentor. As much as she wanted to trust him, the fear of jeopardizing his plans for the Blake Group held her back.That evening, as t
The morning began with the usual organized chaos of a high profile trip.The Blake household bustled as staff members darted through the halls, coordinating final details for Alexander and Sarah’s departure to Paris.Suitcases were stacked near the door, and the assistants were double checking itineraries and travel arrangements.Sarah, dressed in a sleek but understated outfit, exuded an effortless charm, though her mind swirled with conflicting emotions.She stood by the window, gazing out at the driveway as the car was prepared.The Paris Fashion Week was days away, and the pressure within the Blake Group had reached its peak.Elise’s designs were finalized and being polished for the showcase, but Sarah’s own designs, hidden under her Mountain Rose alias were also making their way to Paris.The collision of these two worlds was inevitable, and the weight of her secret felt heavier than ever.Alexander wheeled into the room, his movements fluid and practiced, but his eyes carried a
As evening fell, Alexander retreated to the study to finalize plans for the Blake Group’s presentation at Paris Fashion Week.Sarah lingered in the living room, her thoughts heavy.She wanted to go to him, to tell him the truth and bridge the growing gap between them. But every time she tried, the fear of losing his trust, and possibly his love, paralyzed her.In the study, Alexander sat in his wheelchair, his fingers steepled as he stared at the documents spread before him.His mind kept drifting to Sarah, to the phone call he’d overheard and the evasiveness in her eyes.He hated feeling this way, hated doubting her, but he couldn’t ignore the nagging sense that something was amiss.“I can’t let this distract me,” he muttered to himself, shaking his head.As the city lights of Paris twinkled outside, both Sarah and Alexander found themselves lost in their respective thoughts.She stood by the window, gazing out at the Eiffel Tower, her heart aching with the weight of her deception.H
The grand exhibition hall buzzed with excitement as the Paris Fashion Week runway show began to come to an end for the first day.The space shimmered with light reflecting off intricately crafted jewelry and lavish couture designs, casting an almost otherworldly glow over the audience.Sarah sat beside Alexander, her hands gripping her dress to keep them steady, her heart racing.She had played her part flawlessly thus far, ensuring her identity as Mountain Rose's designer remained under wraps. But as the show neared its pinnacle, her anticipation became nearly unbearable.Alexander, seated in his wheelchair, exuded quiet authority, though his eyes flicked to Sarah more often than she realized.Her glittering gaze and nervous demeanor hadn't gone unnoticed.What was it about this show that had her so captivated?The MC took to the stage, a poised woman with a voice that commanded the room's attention. "Ladies and gentlemen, Paris Fashion Week has always been a stage for legacy and inn
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