The soft glow of the morning sun spilled through the curtains, casting a warm light over the room.Alexander stirred first, his senses waking to the comforting presence of Sarah still curled against him.For a moment, he let himself relish the quiet intimacy, the sound of her even breathing bringing a rare sense of calm.Just as he was about to close his eyes again, Sarah shifted, her hand lazily swiping across his chest as she stretched.Her eyes fluttered open, and she looked up at him groggily."Morning," she mumbled, her voice thick with sleep, a faint smile tugging at the corners of her lips."Good morning," Alexander replied, his voice smooth but carrying a hint of teasing. "Finally awake, are we? I was beginning to think you'd sleep the whole day."Sarah let out a soft laugh, her face still nestled against his chest. "Says the man who couldn't keep his eyes open past midnight last night," she quipped, her tone playful."I was exhausted from all your secrets," Alexander shot bac
Alexander smirked and crossed the room to stand behind her.He rested his hands lightly on her shoulders, meeting her gaze through the mirror. "Sarah, you could wear a potato sack and still turn heads. But if you’re asking for my opinion..." His voice trailed off as he tilted his head, scrutinizing the dress.She turned to face him fully, her eyebrows raised. "Well? Honest thoughts."He gave a small shrug. "It’s nice. But ‘nice’ doesn’t suit you, not for tonight. You need something that makes everyone in the room stop and stare."Her cheeks flushed at his words, and she glanced down at the dress before tossing it onto the bed with a sigh. "That’s exactly what I’m trying to figure out, but nothing feels good enough."Alexander stepped around her, pulling a sleek navy jacket from the wardrobe and shrugging it on. "Do you want me to call a stylist? We can have someone here in an hour with a rack of options."Sarah shook her head quickly. "No, no, I’ll figure it out. I don’t want to make
The streets of Paris were bustling as Alexander and Sarah strolled along, his wheelchair expertly maneuvering through the cobblestone streets.The crisp air was laced with the scent of freshly baked bread from nearby patisseries.Sarah had been unusually quiet though her eyes sparkled at every window display they passed.Alexander noticed her hesitance, attributing it to her nerves about the gala later that evening.His gaze softened. Though he had grown accustomed to masking his emotions, he found himself feeling strangely protective of her. More than usual."See something you like?" he asked, motioning toward a storefront showcasing elegant Parisian jewelry.Sarah shook her head, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "Not really. Just admiring the craftsmanship."He arched a brow, a teasing grin tugging at his lips. "You, admiring someone else's jewelry? Should I be jealous?"Before Sarah could respond, a familiar voice cut through the din of the crowd."Alexander! Sarah!"They t
Alexander sat in the study, the faint light from the desk lamp casting shadows across his furrowed brow.His hand rested on the arm of his wheelchair, fingers drumming absently as frustration boiled within him.The confrontation with Liam and the way he had abruptly ended their day haunted him.What’s wrong with me? He thought bitterly.His possessiveness had spiraled out of control.He wasn’t the insecure type, yet with Sarah, everything seemed heightened, his protectiveness, his jealousy, his doubts.Liam’s casual familiarity with Sarah had ignited something primal in him. The realization left a sour taste in his mouth.He exhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair.I cut the city tour short for what?To prove some nonexistent point?His own actions disgusted him.She had been so excited about exploring, and he had stolen that moment from her.In their bedroom, Sarah stood by the window, arms wrapped around herself as she gazed out at the city lights.Her mind replayed the day
As they made their final preparations, Sarah added subtle jewelry to complement the gown, delicate emerald earrings and a matching bracelet.Alexander, ever attentive, adjusted the clasp on her necklace, his fingers brushing against her skin.She shivered at the touch, and he noticed, his lips quirking into a knowing smile.Once they were ready, Sarah stood back to admire the both of them in the mirror.They looked like a power couple straight out of a fairy tale, her radiant in green and him a pillar of poise and strength, even in his chair.“You know,” she said playfully, “if I didn’t know better, I’d say we look like we’re about to take over the world.”Alexander raised a brow. “Who says we’re not?”They both laughed, and he held out a hand. “Shall we, Mrs. Blake?”“We shall,” she replied, her heart swelling as she took his hand.She bent down to place another lingering kiss on his lips before standing straight again.“We’re going to turn heads tonight,” he said as they exited the
The grand hall was a dazzling display of opulence, with crystal chandeliers casting a warm glow over the polished marble floors and gilded walls.The Paris Fashion Gala had drawn a crowd of elite figures from across the globe, designers, celebrities, business magnates, and journalists, all mingling in their most extravagant attire.As Alexander and Sarah entered, their presence immediately commanded attention.Heads turned, and a murmur rippled through the crowd.It wasn’t just Alexander Blake, the formidable businessman, or Sarah, his stunning wife, it was their palpable aura as a couple that drew people in.“Mr. Blake!” A portly man with a thick French accent approached, his hand extended in greeting. “A pleasure to see you again. It’s been too long.”“Good to see you, Jacques,” Alexander replied smoothly, shaking his hand while subtly shifting his chair to ensure Sarah was included in the conversation. “Allow me to introduce my wife, Sarah Blake.”Jacques beamed as he turned to Sar
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
“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
“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
The grand hall was a dazzling display of opulence, with crystal chandeliers casting a warm glow over the polished marble floors and gilded walls.The Paris Fashion Gala had drawn a crowd of elite figures from across the globe, designers, celebrities, business magnates, and journalists, all mingling in their most extravagant attire.As Alexander and Sarah entered, their presence immediately commanded attention.Heads turned, and a murmur rippled through the crowd.It wasn’t just Alexander Blake, the formidable businessman, or Sarah, his stunning wife, it was their palpable aura as a couple that drew people in.“Mr. Blake!” A portly man with a thick French accent approached, his hand extended in greeting. “A pleasure to see you again. It’s been too long.”“Good to see you, Jacques,” Alexander replied smoothly, shaking his hand while subtly shifting his chair to ensure Sarah was included in the conversation. “Allow me to introduce my wife, Sarah Blake.”Jacques beamed as he turned to Sar
As they made their final preparations, Sarah added subtle jewelry to complement the gown, delicate emerald earrings and a matching bracelet.Alexander, ever attentive, adjusted the clasp on her necklace, his fingers brushing against her skin.She shivered at the touch, and he noticed, his lips quirking into a knowing smile.Once they were ready, Sarah stood back to admire the both of them in the mirror.They looked like a power couple straight out of a fairy tale, her radiant in green and him a pillar of poise and strength, even in his chair.“You know,” she said playfully, “if I didn’t know better, I’d say we look like we’re about to take over the world.”Alexander raised a brow. “Who says we’re not?”They both laughed, and he held out a hand. “Shall we, Mrs. Blake?”“We shall,” she replied, her heart swelling as she took his hand.She bent down to place another lingering kiss on his lips before standing straight again.“We’re going to turn heads tonight,” he said as they exited the
Alexander sat in the study, the faint light from the desk lamp casting shadows across his furrowed brow.His hand rested on the arm of his wheelchair, fingers drumming absently as frustration boiled within him.The confrontation with Liam and the way he had abruptly ended their day haunted him.What’s wrong with me? He thought bitterly.His possessiveness had spiraled out of control.He wasn’t the insecure type, yet with Sarah, everything seemed heightened, his protectiveness, his jealousy, his doubts.Liam’s casual familiarity with Sarah had ignited something primal in him. The realization left a sour taste in his mouth.He exhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair.I cut the city tour short for what?To prove some nonexistent point?His own actions disgusted him.She had been so excited about exploring, and he had stolen that moment from her.In their bedroom, Sarah stood by the window, arms wrapped around herself as she gazed out at the city lights.Her mind replayed the day
The streets of Paris were bustling as Alexander and Sarah strolled along, his wheelchair expertly maneuvering through the cobblestone streets.The crisp air was laced with the scent of freshly baked bread from nearby patisseries.Sarah had been unusually quiet though her eyes sparkled at every window display they passed.Alexander noticed her hesitance, attributing it to her nerves about the gala later that evening.His gaze softened. Though he had grown accustomed to masking his emotions, he found himself feeling strangely protective of her. More than usual."See something you like?" he asked, motioning toward a storefront showcasing elegant Parisian jewelry.Sarah shook her head, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "Not really. Just admiring the craftsmanship."He arched a brow, a teasing grin tugging at his lips. "You, admiring someone else's jewelry? Should I be jealous?"Before Sarah could respond, a familiar voice cut through the din of the crowd."Alexander! Sarah!"They t
Alexander smirked and crossed the room to stand behind her.He rested his hands lightly on her shoulders, meeting her gaze through the mirror. "Sarah, you could wear a potato sack and still turn heads. But if you’re asking for my opinion..." His voice trailed off as he tilted his head, scrutinizing the dress.She turned to face him fully, her eyebrows raised. "Well? Honest thoughts."He gave a small shrug. "It’s nice. But ‘nice’ doesn’t suit you, not for tonight. You need something that makes everyone in the room stop and stare."Her cheeks flushed at his words, and she glanced down at the dress before tossing it onto the bed with a sigh. "That’s exactly what I’m trying to figure out, but nothing feels good enough."Alexander stepped around her, pulling a sleek navy jacket from the wardrobe and shrugging it on. "Do you want me to call a stylist? We can have someone here in an hour with a rack of options."Sarah shook her head quickly. "No, no, I’ll figure it out. I don’t want to make
The soft glow of the morning sun spilled through the curtains, casting a warm light over the room.Alexander stirred first, his senses waking to the comforting presence of Sarah still curled against him.For a moment, he let himself relish the quiet intimacy, the sound of her even breathing bringing a rare sense of calm.Just as he was about to close his eyes again, Sarah shifted, her hand lazily swiping across his chest as she stretched.Her eyes fluttered open, and she looked up at him groggily."Morning," she mumbled, her voice thick with sleep, a faint smile tugging at the corners of her lips."Good morning," Alexander replied, his voice smooth but carrying a hint of teasing. "Finally awake, are we? I was beginning to think you'd sleep the whole day."Sarah let out a soft laugh, her face still nestled against his chest. "Says the man who couldn't keep his eyes open past midnight last night," she quipped, her tone playful."I was exhausted from all your secrets," Alexander shot bac
“So, Mr. Blake,” she said, her tone teasing. “What’s next for the thirty million dollar investor?”He chuckled, his hands sliding down to rest on her hips. “Next, we turn Mountain Rose into a household name. Together.”“Together,” she echoed, her smile widening.But as much as the lightness had returned, Alexander’s mind still lingered on a thought he couldn’t quite shake.He couldn’t deny the jealousy that had flared when he’d seen Liam with her, or the frustration he’d felt at being kept in the dark.While he trusted her promise to be open moving forward, the possessiveness he felt was a stark reminder of how deeply he cared, and how much he had to lose.Still, for now, he pushed those feelings aside, focusing instead on the woman in his arms.As their lips met, the room seemed to grow warmer, the tension that had simmered between them melting into a passionate embrace.Sarah's arms wrapped around Alexander's neck, pulling him closer as their kisses deepened, each one more fervent t