Chapter 96 In One Condition
"I think she will. Sooner or later." He glanced toward the house, where he could hear Laura's laughter. "She's not the type to stay home and wait. She's too dedicated to her work."
Kent nodded slowly. "You're right. Just make sure she doesn't overdo it. She's not just your secretary anymore. She's your wife."
Elliot smiled faintly. "I know, Dad."
Kent studied him for a moment, then chuckled. "And try not to bring work to the bedroom."
Elliot choked on his coffee. "Dad!"
Kent laughed, clearly delighted. "What? You think I don't know your habits? Before you got married, you'd work until dawn."
Elliot opened his mouth to protest, but Kent continued smoothly.
"Though I suspect you won't be doing that anymore. I imagine you'd rather spend that time—"
"Dad!"
Elliot's horrified expression only made Kent laugh harder.
"I'm serious, son." Kent sipped his coffee calmly. "You're dedicated to work. Always have been. But now you're married. Priorities shift, don't they?"
Elliot exhaled slowly, willing his embarrassment to fade. "Of course they do. I know when to work and when to... spend time with my wife."
Kent nodded approvingly, still smirking. "I just don't want my daughter-in-law complaining that her husband stares at a laptop more than he stares at her."
Elliot frowned. "Audrey's not the type to complain about that."
Kent's smirk widened. "Oh? Then you'll be the one complaining if she's busier than you?"
Elliot went quiet. The thought of Audrey ignoring him? Unacceptable.
Kent laughed again. "Take care of your wife, son. No work is more important than your marriage."
Elliot finally smiled. "I know, Dad."
"One more thing." Kent's voice turned careful. "You're keeping the marriage a secret for now?"
Elliot exhaled, staring out at the garden. "For now."
Kent studied him, then nodded slowly. "I understand. But eventually, you'll have to face the consequences."
Elliot's smile turned sharp. "I'm ready for consequences. I just want to make sure Audrey doesn't bear the brunt of them."
Kent held his gaze. "Then make sure you protect her."
Elliot didn't answer. He didn't need to. His clenched fists said enough.
After a moment, Kent clapped his shoulder. "If you need anything, tell me."
Elliot nodded. "Thanks, Dad."
Kent stood. "Let's go inside before your wife becomes the subject of an interrogation."
\---
They found the women in the dining room, laughing over something. Audrey looked up as Elliot entered, and her face lit up in a way that made his chest warm.
"Everything okay?" she asked softly.
He sat beside her, hand finding hers under the table. "Perfect."
After breakfast, Elliot announced they were leaving. Laura's teasing reached new heights.
"Going back to the apartment already?" She wiggled her eyebrows. "Can't wait to be alone with your wife?"
Elliot ignored her. Audrey's face, however, turned a delightful shade of pink.
Back at the apartment, Audrey collapsed onto the sofa, holding her stomach. "Your mom's cooking is dangerous. I'm so full."
Elliot smiled, sitting beside her. He played with the ends of her hair.
"I have to go back to work tomorrow."
Audrey sat up immediately, eyes bright. "Oh! Me too?"
Elliot caught the excitement in her voice. "You want to go back?"
She nodded eagerly. "Of course! I've been gone long enough. There's so much to catch up on."
Elliot smiled, but something flickered in his eyes. He'd expected this. She wasn't the type to stay idle.
"I could have Liam cover for you longer," he offered, still playing with her hair.
She frowned. "Why?"
He hesitated. "I want you to rest more. You've been through a lot—"
"I'm fine." She cut him off. "Elliot, I'm not someone who can just do nothing. And my work is important."
He was quiet. She was right. She was his wife, but she was also his executive secretary—a position she'd earned through years of hard work.
"Are you sure you're ready?" he asked quietly.
She nodded firmly. "Yes. I don't want people at the office getting more suspicious than they already are."
He exhaled. "Okay. If that's what you want."
She smiled. "Thank you."
He pulled her closer by the waist. "But one condition."
She raised an eyebrow. "What?"
He looked at her seriously. "Don't push yourself too hard. I don't want you exhausted."
She touched his cheek gently. "I promise."
They looked at each other for a long moment. Then he kissed her forehead.
"Of course," he added, voice turning playful, "if you get tired, you're always welcome to rest in my office."
She narrowed her eyes suspiciously. "What do you mean?"
He grinned. "You know... on the couch. On my lap. Or—"
She clamped a hand over his mouth. "You're unbelievable!"
He laughed, pulling her hand away and kissing it. "You know, I wouldn't mind staying home longer..."
She sighed dramatically. "I'm going back to work, Mr. Elliot Harrington."
He smiled, pulling her close. "Fine, fine. My stubborn princess."
But deep down, he knew—once they stepped back into that office, nothing would be the same.
The secret they carried would follow them through every hallway, every meeting, every stolen glance.
And they'd have to learn how to be husband and wife... while pretending not to be.