Roman’s POV
I slid into the backseat of my car, adjusting my tie as the driver pulled out of the driveway. The city blurred past, but my mind wasn’t on the towering buildings or the familiar route to my office. It was still caught up in last night. In Avah’s hesitant expression and the way she fidgeted with her coffee cup before speaking.
Why was she still so uncertain around me?
Did I look so unapproachable?
She had looked almost reluctant to ask about starting something of her own, as if she expected resistance. She thought I would deny her. That thought gnawed at me, tightening my jaw. Did she not realize that she could ask for anything? That I wanted to give her anything she desired?
Anything. If she asked for the entire planet I would buy it for her.
I drummed my fingers against my knee, deep in thought.
This wasn’t about indulgence or spoiling her for the sake of it—though I could, and I would, if that’s what she wanted. But this was about something else entirely. Avah needed something of her own. Something beyond me, beyond this marriage. She needed independence, something she could take pride in, something that made her feel like she had control over her own life.
Because she did.
I wanted her to understand that. To believe it.
But how could I show her, when she still hesitated to reach for what was already hers?
I exhaled sharply, pushing the thought aside as we pulled up to my office building. The towering structure stood as a reminder of the empire I had built, the relentless pursuit of success that had defined me for years. But for the first time, I found myself momentarily detached from it. My mind was still at home, lingering on a sleepy-eyed woman who had no idea how much space she was beginning to occupy in my thoughts.
Shaking off the distraction, I stepped inside. My assistant was already waiting, tablet in hand, his usual efficiency greeting me before a word was spoken.
"Good morning, sir. You have a board meeting at ten, lunch with investors at one, and a site visit this afternoon. The legal team sent over the Milan expansion contracts—they require your signature by end of day."
I nodded as I made my way to my desk. "Understood. Also, tell Derrick to come to my office."
Minutes later, Derrick strolled in, adjusting his suit jacket.
"You called, boss?"
I leaned back in my chair, steepling my fingers. "I need you to find candidates for Avah’s personal assistant. Someone experienced, efficient. And it has to be a woman."
Derrick raised a brow but didn’t question it outright. "Any specific qualifications?"
"She’s going to be managing a fashion store, so someone with a background in fashion retail or business management. But most importantly, she needs to be someone Avah can work well with. Find a few solid candidates and let me know."
Derrick nodded, but there was a flicker of amusement in his expression. I could already see it coming.
“A woman, huh?” His smirk was slow, knowing. “Afraid a male assistant would be a distraction?”
I shot him a flat look. “No. But I don’t want some guy hovering around her all day either.”
Derrick let out a low chuckle, crossing his arms. “Jealous already?”
“It’s called setting boundaries,” I replied, my tone cool as I flipped through the reports on my desk. “She’s still adjusting, and I don’t want her to feel uncomfortable.”
“Uh-huh.” He wasn’t convinced. He never was. “So, this has nothing to do with the fact that your wife is drop-dead gorgeous?”
I ignored him. She was indeed gorgeous with eyes that can make you give her everything. I mean look at me.
Derrick grinned, shaking his head. “Alright, alright. A female assistant it is. I’ll make sure she’s professional, competent, and won’t run off screaming when she sees the inside of Avah’s closet.”
“Good.”
He turned toward the door but hesitated, glancing back. “You know, you’re already acting like a husband who actually cares.”
I looked up from my papers, meeting his gaze without hesitation. “That’s because I do.”
Derrick’s smirk widened. “Well, this should be fun to watch.”
I shook my head as he left, but I couldn’t deny the truth in his words.
I did care.
And I wasn’t going to pretend otherwise.
The rest of the day was a blur of meetings, calls, and negotiations, but for the first time in years, I found myself distracted, not by work, but by the thought of going home.
Home.
The word had never meant much to me before. My house had always been just a structure. A place to sleep and to exist between business trips and late nights at the office. There had never been a reason to leave work early, never a pull strong enough to make me want to.
But now? Avah was there.
This unfamiliar feeling settled deep in my chest, a quiet anticipation, a pull I wasn’t used to. I wanted to see her. To hear about her day. To make sure she was okay.
I glanced at the time. If I pushed through the last few tasks, I could leave early.
For once, I had a reason to.
Adjusting my schedule, I delegated the remaining work to my assistant and wrapped up quickly. As I stepped out of my office, Derrick was leaning against the hallway wall, arms crossed, his smirk practically carved into his face.
“Leaving early?” he teased. “Must be nice having a wife to go home to.”
I gave him a look, "You would never understand," I smirked and his expression fell.
Because, for the first time, I didn’t mind the teasing.
Because, for the first time, it was true.