Millie's POV A few hours earlier. The last evening I spent with Gabrielle was bitter-sweet. No matter how much I tried to relax and enjoy our time, Michel's words kept replaying in the back of my head. I think it finally occurred to me how dangerous this man could be. And he was the one my best friend chose for her lifetime partner. This thought was devastating, but my hands were tied. I could only pray for Gabrielle to see his true colors one day. Hopefully, it won't be too late then. Now, I had to focus on another task that awaited me. I left my friend's apartment, and immediately, the handsome man approached me. " Millie? Are you Millie?" He asked in a warm, friendly tone. " Yes," was the only word I said before a wide smile spread across his face. " Hi, my name is John. Alex asked me to give you a hand with collecting your stuff. Please follow me. I had a car that may be useful. " With those words, he pointed to the small van parked nearby. " Thank you, and sorry fo

Millie's POV John brought me back to Alex's apartment, and I could not find myself a place, so for the first hour, I was pacing around the room, thinking about the previous disaster. All my belongings were gone. I could imagine the smug smiles on Sandra's and Deborah's faces when they were destroying them. I was left with nothing. How am I supposed to look for work if I have no single suitable piece of clothes to attend any potential interview? I could not buy any as my wallet was empty. My family really put a lot of effort into taking me down, and it looked like they succeeded. I would have to ask Gabrielle for help and borrow some clothes from her. My friend will surely give me some unless her charming boyfriend won't stop her. My stomach grumbled loudly. Thanks to my family, I lost my appetite, but now my body begged for some nutrition. I rushed to the kitchen, thinking about what to prepare to eat. I scanned all the cupboards and fridge, and they were loaded. I found f

Millie's POV I still could not believe how Alexander convinced me to take his card. After the initial agreement, I changed my mind and tried to return it to him, but he rejected it and called me a deal breaker. He said I could use it to buy my clothes, and it was not a big deal, but I saw it differently. It was too much, way too much. Alexander allowed me to stay at his place and eat his food. I should not use his money. But I was desperate. I could not show myself in any interview, wearing the only clothes I had that were good for a grocery run but not the work hunt. I arrived at the biggest mall in our town. It had various shops that offered a wide range of prices and brands, from designer brands to some more affordable items. In the past, I would probably visit some of my favorite shops, but today, I had to think of a budget since I was not spending my own money. I chose one of the shops on the ground floor that looked promising. Through the windows, I noticed a nice

Millie's POV My anxiety hit the roof when the store manager disappeared behind the door. The girl behind the counter was eyeing me, and her look was very judgmental. Do they really think I stole this card? Unless it was Alex who stole it, and now he pushed me under the bus. I quickly dismissed that thought. Why would he do it after helping me so much? Every passing minute felt like a year. Customers filled the shop, and I felt like they already knew about my crime. What crime? Pull yourself together, girl. After what felt like an eternity, the manager came back, but his expression had changed. He looked apologetic, scared even. Yep, the card was stolen, and I was the main suspect. " I am terribly sorry for keeping you waiting," he finally spoke, taking me by surprise. " It is not a big deal," I managed to answer, instantly cursing my stupidity. No big deal. It was a huge deal. " Thank you for your understanding. I hope you understand I had to make sure ev

Millie's POV I noticed that Alex was watching me with growing interest. His eyes were sparkling, and I was grateful he could not hear my thoughts. Did I just agree to be his wife? That was insane, but it was done. I do not take my words back. " Well?" Alex asked, and my mind went blank. Well, what? " Sorry?" I asked suprised. " Your conditions," he reminded me politely while I wondered what Gabrielle would say right now. He would scold me for my stupidity, for sure. " Ah, yes, conditions," I mumbled, thinking about any I could come out with. " I would like to keep my last name." Yes, this one was good. If this marriage was going to be a facade, then it was better to do it in case of unavoidable divorce. I glanced at Alex. He looked like he was considering my proposition. " Fine, we can discuss it further if you decide to change your mind," he said slowly. " We will split the living costs evenly. I will find work and contribute to the household, " I said, enc