Chapter 241: Where Is Alexander?

Chapter 241: Where Is Alexander?

Alexander’s POV

The moment their jet disappeared into the clouds, I dropped the act entirely. No urgent board meetings, no corporate crises demanding my attention. I'd cleared my entire schedule for one singular purpose: our wedding anniversary.

I pulled out my phone and speed-dialed Leo as I strode toward my car.

"Sir?" Leo's voice came through crisp and immediate.

"Everything in place?"

"Down to the last detail, Mr. Claflin."

Next call: Liam. Time to congratulate the man who was about to join the ranks of sleep-deprived fathers everywhere.

"Alexander!" Liam's voice practically vibrated with joy. "Perfect timing—I was just telling Daisy about the ultrasound."

"Congratulations, soon-to-be dad. Looks like I'm getting promoted to uncle."

His laughter boomed through the speaker. "Still can't believe it's real. Daisy's handling it like a champ, though the morning sickness is starting to kick her ass."

"Take care of her," I said, my tone shifting serious. "Pregnant women need—"

"Dude, I'm already driving her crazy with the hovering. She threatened to change the locks if I don't dial it back."

I chuckled despite myself. "Speaking of surprises, I've got something brewing for Nora. Anniversary plans."

"Oh shit, really? What kind of plans?"

"The kind that require absolute secrecy and your help keeping her distracted."

"You sneaky bastard," Liam laughed. "I'm in. What do you need?"

After briefing Liam on the details, I leaned back in my chair, a satisfied smile playing at my lips. Everything was falling into place perfectly. Now I just needed to make sure Nora didn't suspect anything before the big day.

---

Five days later, I stood at the floor-to-ceiling windows of my penthouse suite, watching Highcrest City's skyline glitter like scattered diamonds. Every piece was falling into place. I dialed Mom.

"Alexander, darling," she answered, her voice warm with conspiracy. "How's our secret mission progressing?"

"Is Nora within earshot?"

"She's wrestling Aiden into the bathtub. Coast is clear."

"Perfect. Tomorrow night, eight sharp. Get her to the rooftop restaurant at Meridian Mall."

"Consider it done. I'll make sure she looks absolutely stunning."

"And Aiden?"

"That boy is taking 'Operation Surprise Mommy' more seriously than a CIA operative. He's been practicing his poker face in the mirror."

A small voice piped up in the background. "Is that Daddy? I wanna talk!"

The phone rustled, then Aiden's excited whisper filled my ear. "Dad! I didn't tell Mom ANYTHING! Not even when she asked why I kept giggling at breakfast!"

"Outstanding work, soldier," I replied, unable to suppress my grin. "Tomorrow's the big day. You ready?"

"SO ready! Daisy's gonna make Mom super pretty, and I'm wearing my special tie—the blue one with the tiny dots—and we're going to the fancy restaurant where you'll be hiding like a ninja!"

His enthusiasm was infectious. "And what's our mission called?"

"Operation Anniversary Surprise!" he declared with military precision. "Dad, will Mom cry? The happy kind? Grandma says girls always cry when they're happy, but that seems weird."

"She might," I admitted, feeling an unexpected tightness in my chest. "Sometimes people cry when they're overwhelmed with good feelings."

After several more minutes of Aiden's tactical briefing, Mom reclaimed the phone. "He's been absolutely devoted to this mission. Reminds me of someone I know."

"Any signs Nora suspects?"

"Not a chance. She thinks you're drowning in paperwork back home, poor thing."

"Keep it that way. See you tomorrow night."

After hanging up, I returned to the window, studying the city lights that would serve as the backdrop for tomorrow's surprise. The past week had been a masterclass in covert operations—selecting the perfect pink diamond, personally approving every detail of the restaurant setup, coordinating with florists, musicians, and chefs.

It struck me how much this mattered. Five years ago, our marriage had been a cold business transaction. Now, the thought of seeing Nora's face when I revealed myself made my pulse race like I was sixteen again.

---

That evening, my phone buzzed with an incoming FaceTime call from Nora. I quickly scanned the hotel room, ensuring nothing would blow my cover, before accepting.

"Hey there," I said, keeping my voice carefully neutral as her face filled the screen. She was wearing an oversized sweater, hair twisted into a messy bun, makeup-free and absolutely radiant.

"Hi," she replied, looking pleasantly tired. "Just wanted to check in. How's the merger from hell treating you?"

I angled the phone strategically, keeping only my face visible against the neutral hotel wall. "Like a root canal that never ends. The board's breathing down my neck."

Her expression softened with sympathy. "That sucks. We really miss you here. Aiden keeps asking when Daddy's coming."

Guilt twisted in my gut, but I held firm. Tomorrow would make the deception worthwhile. "How's everyone holding up? Is Daisy feeling okay?"

"She's fantastic. It's Liam who's a nervous wreck. He's already baby-proofing their room, and she's barely nine weeks along." Nora laughed, then her eyes grew wistful. "I wish you could see them together, Alexander. They're so happy it's almost disgusting."

"I'm glad for them," I said sincerely. "Sorry I couldn't make it out there. Next time, I promise."

"You could still come," she suggested hopefully. "Even just for the weekend? I know you're swamped, but—"

I shook my head with practiced regret. "Impossible. This merger is make-or-break for the company." I quickly pivoted. "How's Mom doing?"

Nora's smile turned mischievous. "She told me something interesting today. Said you were the most romantic man she'd ever known. I nearly spit out my coffee."

I raised an eyebrow. "You don't consider me romantic?"

"On a good day, maybe marginally," she teased, her grin infectious. "Anyway, I should go check on Aiden before he sleeps."

"Give him a kiss from me."

"Always do. Goodnight, Alexander."

"Goodnight, beautiful."

After she hung up, I exhaled slowly, realizing I'd been holding my breath. That had been dangerously close. For a moment, I thought she might have noticed the hotel lighting or heard the city traffic outside.

---

As midnight approached, I found myself obsessively reviewing tomorrow's timeline for the hundredth time. Restaurant reservation confirmed. Musicians briefed. Menu featuring all of Nora's favorites finalized. The speech I'd written and rewritten until the words blurred together.

I opened the black velvet box on the nightstand, studying the ring inside. The pink diamond caught the lamplight, throwing tiny rainbows across the ceiling. I'd spent days with the jeweler, rejecting design after design until we created something perfect—elegant without being gaudy, unique but timeless.

Our original wedding rings had been hastily purchased necessities, symbols of a marriage neither of us had wanted. This ring was different. This was my choice, my declaration, my promise of the future I wanted to build with her.

As dawn painted Highcrest City's skyline in shades of gold and pink, I was still wide awake, mentally rehearsing every moment, imagining every possible scenario. I—Alexander Claflin, the man who'd negotiated billion-dollar deals without breaking a sweat—was as nervous as a teenager asking someone to prom.