Chapter 184
Chapter 184
Olivia
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I thought about this, considering how to answer. “He’s more relaxed. Funnier. Still commanding and intense, but in a different way. Sometimes he likes to be barefoot.” I smiled at this small detail I’d come to find endearing.
“Barefoot?” Ariana repeated. “I can’t even picture it. Alexander Carter without those Italian leather shoes?”
“It humanizes him,” I explained. “Makes him real.”
“And what about his family? How are they treating you?” Claire asked.
I took another sip of my drink before answering. “His grandfather, Harold, is actually pretty sweet to me. Victoria is… well, Victoria.”
“Still a bitch?” Emilia asked bluntly.
“She’s not thrilled that I’m the new Mrs. Carter.”
“Screw her,” Ariana declared. “You won the prize, not her.”
“It’s not a competition,” I reminded her, though in many ways, it was exactly that. “Anyway, enough about me. What’s new with you guys? Claire, how’s your job?”
As Claire launched into a story about her latest workplace drama, I felt my phone buzz in my purse. Discreetly checking it under the table, I saw a text from Alexander.
Alexander: How’s girls‘ night?
I smiled and quickly typed a response.
Me: Girls are grilling me about married life and our Europe trip.
His response came seconds later.
Alexander: Tell them I’m taking you shopping in Milan. That should keep them busy.
I bit my lip to hide my grin.
Me: They might actually explode with jealousy.
Alexander: Good. Coming home soon?
Me: Another hour or so. Save me some dessert?
Alexander: I’ll save you something better than dessert.
I felt heat rise to my cheeks at the suggestive text.
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05 wuchers.
“Olivia!” Emilia’s voice broke through my thoughts. “Who are you texting that’s making you blush like that?”
I quickly put my phone away. “No one.”
“Liar,” she accused with a grin. “It’s Alexander, isn’t it? Can’t even make it through a girls‘ night without checking in?”
“He just wanted to know when I’d be home,” I said defensively.
“Aww,” Claire cooed. “That’s actually sweet. Ryan never cared when you came home unless it interfered with his plans.”
“Alexander is nothing like Ryan,” I stated firmly.
“Thank god for that,” Emilia muttered. “Otherwise I’d have to stage an intervention.”
I laughed, grateful for friends who wanted the best for me. “Seriously, though, marriage is good. It’s busy, but good. The Thompson Hotels account is taking off, and Michelle seems pleased with my work.”
“And the Carter family drama?” Ariana prompted. “Any juicy stories there?”
“Nothing too exciting,” I lied. “Just normal family stuff.”
“Normal family stuff,” Emilia repeated skeptically. “Among billionaires.”
“Money doesn’t change everything,” I pointed out.
“It changes enough,” Claire replied. “Seriously, though. Are you happy? Really happy?”
The question caught me off guard with its sincerity. I took a moment to consider my answer, not just for them but for myself.
“I am,” I said finally, surprised by how true it felt. “It’s not what I expected for my life, but I’m happy. Alexander challenges me. Supports me. Makes me feel things I didn’t know I could feel.”
“God, I’m going to cry,” Ariana declared, fanning her face dramatically. “Our little Olivia, all grown up and madly in love.”
“I’ve honestly never seen you look like this when you’re talking about a man, Olivia. Not even during the early days with Ryan when things were supposedly so blissful and new.” Emilia’s eyes sparkled with a teasing. brightness.
I fidgeted with my drink. “It’s different with Alexander. More intense. More everything.”
“And now Europe,” Claire sighed dreamily. “God, it’s like a fairy tale.”
“A very modern fairy tale,” I corrected. “I still work my ass off at the office. I’m not sitting around being pampered all day.”
“Except for the private chef, the cleaning staff, and the chauffeur when you don’t want to drive your Porsche,” Claire teased, raising her glass in a mock toast.
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Chapter 184
“Okay, fine, there are perks,” I admitted with a laugh. “But I’m still the same person. I just happen to sleep in a ridiculous mansion now.”
“And wake up next to Alexander Carter.” Ariana sighed dramatically. “That’s the real perk.”
“Speaking of the devil,” Emilia said, draining her cocktail. “Is he picking you up tonight, or are you your fancy new car?”
driving
“I drove. And thank you for reminding me I need to head out soon.” I checked my watch, surprised to see how late it had gotten. “Alexander has an early meeting tomorrow, and I promised I’d be home before midnight.”
“Cinderella restrictions?” Claire raised an eyebrow.
I shook my head. “More like consideration for my husband, who works insane hours. Besides, we’re still finalizing details for Europe.”
“Europe,” all three women sighed in unison, then burst into laughter.
“You know what? I’m going to bring you all back something fabulous,” I promised, signaling for the check. “What do you want? Perfume from Paris? Shoes from Milan?”
“Husbands from Europe?” Ariana suggested hopefully. “Preferably rich ones like yours.”
I laughed and handed my card to the server. “I’ll see what I can do, but no promises on the husband front.”
“We’re splitting this,” Emilia protested, reaching for her purse.
“Too late,” I said as the server walked away with my card. “My treat tonight.”
“Look at you, big spender,” Claire teased. “Marriage has changed you.”
“Only in the best ways,” I insisted, signing the receipt when it came back. “Now, shall we?”
We gathered our belongings and made our way toward the elevator. The night view of Los Angeles sparkled through the floor–to–ceiling windows, a sea of lights stretching in every direction.
“God, I love this city at night,” Emilia sighed, leaning against the glass briefly.
“It does look magical from up here,” I agreed, taking a moment to appreciate the view before the elevator doors opened.
We rode down in comfortable silence, the slight buzz from my cocktails making everything feel pleasantly warm and fuzzy. In the lobby, we hugged goodbye, promising to meet up again soon.
“Text me when you get home safe,” Emilia instructed, giving me an extra tight squeeze.
“Yes, Mom,” I teased.
Outside, the night air hit me with a refreshing chill. I headed toward the parking structure where I’d left my car, fishing in my purse for my keys. The click of my heels echoed in the concrete structure, the sound bouncing off the walls in an eerie rhythm.
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Chapter 184
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I spotted my Porsche in the distance, its sleek silhouette unmistakable even in the dim lighting of the parking garage. As I approached, something white caught my eye on the windshield.
A piece of paper was tucked under one of the wipers.
“Great, a parking ticket,” I muttered, speeding up my pace. But as I got closer, I realized it wasn’t a ticket at all, but an envelope.
I plucked it from under the wiper, turning it over in my hands. There was no name or address, just a plain white envelope sealed shut. A prickle of unease ran down my spine.
I tore it open and pulled out a single sheet of paper. My stomach dropped as I unfolded it to reveal just one word printed in large, bold letters:
WHORE
7
田
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