The soft click of the door closing behind them echoed louder in Klarisse’s ears than she thought possible. She stood frozen near the entrance of the Robinson estate’s grand master bedroom, her pulse quickening with every passing second. Alexander, standing a few feet away near the bed, seemed equally tense. Neither of them spoke as the reality of the situation sank in. It had been a long, grueling day. Dinner had been a formal affair, filled with polite conversation and carefully concealed tension. Klarisse had thought that after her and Alexander’s begrudging agreement to “try” fulfilling their parents' ultimatum, she could at least retreat to the privacy of her room to process everything. But no. Their parents had other ideas. “We’ve decided,” Angela had said with a tone that brooked no argument, “that from now on, the two of you will share a bedroom. It’s the only way to ensure there are no doubts about your union. Appearances must be maintained at all costs.” “Think of it as
The soft glow of the morning sun filtered through the heavy curtains of the master bedroom, casting a warm light over the room. Klarisse stirred, feeling the plush sheets beneath her as she slowly came to consciousness. Her mind was still hazy from sleep, and for a moment, she forgot where she was. Then, she felt it—a solid warmth draped across her. Her eyes snapped open, and she found herself nestled in Alexander's arms. One of his arms was wrapped around her waist, while his other hand rested lightly on her shoulder. His steady breathing tickled the back of her neck, and she could feel the even rise and fall of his chest against her back. Her first instinct was to freeze. *What on earth...? * She stared at the ornate ceiling, her heart racing. She didn’t dare move, afraid of waking him. A million thoughts rushed through her mind. She tried to piece together how this had happened. They’d gone to bed on opposite sides, carefully maintaining their "boundaries." But now... *Did he
When Klarisse finally came out of the bathroom, Alex was not there anymore. Her phone chimed and she quickly picked it up and saw Alex's message. “Had my bath in my own room.”Klarisse caught herself smiling on the reflection on the mirror. She imagined Alex in the shower.She messaged him back saying to meet him at breakfast.By the time Klarisse made her way to the dining room, the table was already set. A lavish spread of freshly baked croissants, fluffy scrambled eggs, smoked salmon, and a vibrant assortment of fruits awaited her. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air, mingling with the soft hum of the estate's morning activity. Alexander was already seated, dressed in crisp white shirt and dark slacks, looking as composed as ever. He had a cup of coffee in hand, his focus on the tablet in front of him. The slight furrow in his brow suggested he was reading something important—or at least pretending to, Klarisse thought. "Good morning," she greeted, her voice calm as
After breakfast, Klarisse hesitated for a moment before gathering her courage to ask Alexander. "Do you mind if I drop by the café before the meeting? I need to check on things and talk to Allie." Alexander looked up from his phone, his brow lifting slightly. "Sure. I’ll come with you." She blinked in surprise, momentarily taken aback. "You don’t have to. It’s just a quick stop. I’ll only be a few minutes." He shrugged, slipping his phone into his pocket. "I don’t mind. I’ll wait for you there. Besides, it beats sitting around the estate doing nothing until the meeting." Klarisse hesitated again, unsure how to feel about his offer. The idea of him sitting in her café felt strange, almost too... domestic. "Alright," she said finally, a small smile tugging at her lips. "But I mean it—you don’t have to help. Just... sit and have some coffee." "Deal," Alex replied, a faint smirk playing on his lips. ---When they arrived at the café, Klarisse felt a wave of relief wash over her. Thi
The towering Robinson Enterprise building loomed ahead as Alexander parked the car in the underground garage. Klarisse adjusted her blazer nervously, her mind buzzing with their parents’ instructions. She glanced at Alexander, who wore his usual calm mask, though she could see the faint tension in his jawline. As they stepped into the elevator, their silence spoke volumes. Klarisse thought of the weight this deal carried—not just for the Robinsons and Fowls, but for their precarious position as newlyweds navigating this complex web of alliances. When the elevator doors opened on the executive floor, Bronson Robinson and Alan Fowls were already waiting for them, both men dressed impeccably in dark suits that radiated authority. Angela and Kareen stood nearby, their expressions poised but watchful. “You’re both late,” Bronson said curtly, checking his watch. “Traffic,” Alexander replied evenly. Bronson nodded toward the conference room at the end of the hall. “This is an important
The private restaurant was opulent, its walls adorned with golden accents and muted lighting that gave the room a warm, intimate glow. A long table in the center of the room was set with pristine white linens, crystal glasses, and fine china. It was a space designed for exclusivity, and tonight, it hosted the newly solidified alliance between the Robinsons and the Fowls. Klarisse adjusted the hem of her dress as she entered the room with Alexander by her side. The tension from the earlier meeting with Valentin Marconi had faded, replaced by a lightheartedness she rarely associated with gatherings like this. Both families seemed at ease, the weight of their successful negotiation paving the way for a moment of camaraderie. “Here they are,” Bronson said, raising his glass in a welcoming gesture as Alexander and Klarisse joined the table. “The future of our families.” Alan smiled as he stood to pour drinks. “A deal well-negotiated deserves a proper celebration. Let’s toast to our part
The soft rays of morning sunlight filtered through the heavy curtains of the master bedroom, casting a golden glow on the room. Klarisse sat up abruptly, her head pounding and her heart racing. The familiar room around her did little to quell her panic as she realized she was wearing only a silk robe. Her clothes from the previous evening were nowhere in sight. She pressed her fingers to her temples, trying to piece together the scattered fragments of last night’s celebration. The wine, the toasts, the laughter—all vivid and yet blurry at the same time. Her stomach churned with a mix of embarrassment and worry as the glaring question loomed: *How did I end up here, like this? * Her mind raced, but her body remained frozen, her hands clutching the edge of the robe as if it were the only anchor she had in a sea of uncertainty. Then, the door creaked open. Alexander entered, holding a tray of food—toast, scrambled eggs, and a steaming cup of coffee. He was dressed casually, his shirt
As Klarisse sipped her coffee, its warmth spreading through her, her mind wandered to an entirely different line of thought—one that she hadn't allowed herself to entertain until now. She glanced at the tray Alex had brought her, a small gesture of care that was so unlike the circumstances of their union. *Why didn’t he even look at me like that? * Her thoughts were unwelcome, frustrating even, but she couldn’t stop them. She was thankful Alex hadn’t taken advantage of her vulnerability while she was drunk—that much was clear. But deep down, there was another question gnawing at her, one she hated herself for even considering. *Was he not attracted to me at all? * She frowned, picking at the corner of her toast. Alex was her husband, at least in the eyes of their families and the rest of the world. Yet, despite their arrangement, it felt like they were two strangers playing their respective roles, trying not to step on each other’s toes. It wasn’t as though she wanted him to fall
The mansion was quiet that evening, save for the occasional soft rustling of the curtains as a light breeze drifted through the slightly opened windows. The twins were fast asleep in their nursery, their gentle breathing a soothing rhythm that filled the space. Klarisse sat on the edge of their king-sized bed, brushing her fingers through her hair as she waited for Alexander to return from his study. She had sensed something weighing heavily on him all day. His touch, though still tender, had been more hesitant, his usual ease shadowed by deep contemplation. Klarisse knew her husband well enough to understand that whatever was on his mind was significant. The door to their bedroom creaked open, and Alexander stepped in, loosening his tie as he exhaled deeply. His eyes met Klarisse’s, and for a moment, he simply stood there, as if gathering the right words. Klarisse patted the spot beside her. “Come here.” Without hesitation, Alexander crossed the room and sat beside her, resting h
The soft hum of the city below provided a muted backdrop to the storm brewing inside the penthouse suite. The space was luxurious yet impersonal, the kind of temporary home suited for a man who never truly settled. Artemis stood by the floor-to-ceiling windows, gazing out at the cityscape, hands in his pockets. His broad shoulders remained relaxed, but Alexander knew his brother well enough to recognize the tension in his stance. Alexander, on the other hand, sat stiffly on the plush leather couch, gripping the photos Alan Fowl had given him. His knuckles were white, the edges of the photos slightly bent from the pressure of his grip. He hadn’t spoken since entering the suite, but Artemis knew why he was here. “Go ahead,” Artemis said without turning. “Say what you need to say.” Alexander exhaled sharply, his patience already running thin. “I just came from Alan Fowl.” At that, Artemis turned his head slightly, an amused smirk ghosting his lips. “I see Klarisse’s father has been d
The dimly lit study in Alan Fowl’s private estate was filled with the scent of old books, mahogany, and the faint aroma of cigar smoke from years past. The room, usually a haven for solitude and quiet contemplation, now held an air of urgency. Alexander Robinson sat across from Alan, his sharp gaze locked onto the older man, waiting for him to speak. The tension was palpable, the weight of whatever Alan had uncovered pressing heavily between them. Alan, dressed in his signature tailored suit, poured himself a glass of bourbon before gesturing toward Alexander, offering him a drink. Alexander shook his head, his focus unwavering. “I didn’t ask you here for pleasantries, Alexander,” Alan said, taking a slow sip. “I asked you here because of Artemis.” Alexander leaned forward, resting his forearms on his knees. “What about him?” Alan exhaled sharply. “I know you and Klarisse have made an effort to bring him back into the fold. I understand your family’s wish to make amends. But you
The sun cast long shadows over the exclusive golf course, the pristine green stretching endlessly under the warm afternoon sky. Valentin Marconi stood on the edge of the course, dressed in a tailored golf outfit, yet his mind was far from the game. He tapped his club against his shoe absently as he watched his business associate take a swing, sending the golf ball flying across the open field. Beside him stood Enrico D’Angelo, the head of another powerful mafia family. Unlike Marconi, Enrico had no interest in golf, but he understood the importance of playing along with the charade. Here, among the wealthiest businessmen and politicians, deals were made under the guise of harmless sportsmanship. Marconi exhaled slowly, eyes narrowed. “Artemis Robinson… he wasn’t supposed to come back.” Enrico took a sip of his whiskey, his eyes sharp beneath the brim of his expensive hat. “Things don’t always go according to plan, Valentin. You should know that by now.” Marconi clenched his jaw. “
Artemis stepped out of his sleek black car, adjusting his cufflinks as he glanced at his watch. *6:59 PM—perfect timing.* He had told Allie he would pick her up at seven, and he had no intention of being late. His nerves were something new to him. He was used to confidence, to having control over every situation, especially when it came to women. But this was different. This wasn’t just a casual date—it was Allie. And for the first time in a long time, he actually cared about making a good impression. Taking a deep breath, he stepped inside Klarisse’s café. The familiar scent of freshly brewed coffee and baked pastries filled the air. The café was quieter at this hour, with only a few customers lingering. Allie was behind the counter, wiping down the espresso machine. She wore a simple yet flattering navy blue dress, her long brown hair falling in soft waves over her shoulders. When she noticed him, she smirked. “You’re punctual. I’ll give you that.” Artemis chuckled. “I told you
The morning sun cast a golden glow over the Robinson Mansion, illuminating the grand estate in a way that made it feel even more like the powerful empire it was. But inside, the warmth of the morning light was nothing compared to the rare moment of brotherly bonding happening in the study. Artemis Robinson had arrived early, an unusual occurrence for him. He wasn't typically one for family discussions, preferring to keep his thoughts and feelings to himself. But today was different. Today, he had something important to talk about. Alexander sat across from him, his arms crossed, an amused smirk playing on his lips. Klarisse was beside him, sipping her morning tea, her expression a mix of curiosity and knowing. “So let me get this straight,” Alexander said, leaning forward. “You came all the way here, first thing in the morning, to ask for *dating advice*?” Artemis scoffed, running a hand through his dark hair. “I wouldn’t call it *asking for advice* exactly. More like… discussing
Artemis sat on the balcony of his hotel suite, the city stretching out before him in a sea of twinkling lights. A glass of whiskey sat untouched on the table beside him, his phone resting in his hand. He had been staring at the screen for the past ten minutes, his thumb hovering over Allie’s contact. Artemis Robinson was not the kind of man who hesitated. In business, in life, and especially in matters of the heart, he had always been decisive. But as he sat in his hotel suite, staring at his phone with Allie’s contact name on the screen, he found himself pausing. It was past ten at night. Would she even pick up? Would she even *want* to hear from him? He exhaled sharply and shook his head. *Since when do I second-guess myself?* He smirked bitterly, realizing that Allie was already affecting him in ways no one else ever had. Why was this so difficult? He had made countless business calls, brokered million-dollar deals, and faced ruthless competitors without breaking a sweat. And
Artemis drove through the city streets, his grip firm on the steering wheel, yet his mind far from the road ahead. The city lights blurred in his vision as Klarisse’s words echoed in his head. *"She was orphaned at a young age... no family to call her own... bounced from one foster home to another..."* His jaw clenched. He had always sensed there was more to Allie than what she let on. She was sharp, independent, and resilient—traits that only came from surviving hardship. But now, knowing the full extent of her past, he understood why he was drawn to her. Because in many ways, she was just like him. The realization settled heavily in his chest as he pulled into the hotel’s parking lot. He turned off the engine but made no move to leave the car. Instead, he leaned back against the headrest, staring blankly at the roof of his vehicle, allowing himself to process everything. For most of his life, Artemis had felt like an outsider. Even before he discovered the truth about his adopt
The Fowl Estate was unusually quiet that afternoon. Klarisse sat on the patio, gently rocking one of the twins in her arms while the other napped inside under the watchful eye of their nanny. A soft breeze rustled the leaves of the garden, offering a sense of peace—something she rarely got these days. With Alexander busy handling a road project and her parents doting over the twins, she finally had a moment to herself. That was until the unexpected guest arrived. Artemis Robinson. Klarisse had just taken a sip of her iced tea when she saw him walking toward her, his signature confident stride making it clear he wasn’t just here for a casual visit. She raised an eyebrow as he approached. “Artemis. Didn’t expect to see you here.” “I hope I’m not interrupting,” he said, stopping just short of the patio. Klarisse smiled knowingly. “You wouldn’t care even if you were.” Artemis chuckled. “Fair point.” He glanced down at the sleeping baby in her arms. “I see the little ones are keepin