Chapter 120
Chapter 120
Olivia
After Victoria’s unexpected visit, Alexander and I continued the tour of the estate. By the time we reached the massive garage housing his collection of luxury vehicles, I was mentally exhausted from trying to memorize the layout of my new home.
“Jesus Christ,” I muttered as Alexander flipped on the lights, revealing a gleaming row of cars that would make any collector weep. “This is obscene.”
Alexander grinned, clearly pleased by my reaction. “Which one’s your favorite?”
I walked slowly along the line, passing a Ferrari, two Bentleys, the Aston Martin we’d arrived in, and several other vehicles I couldn’t even name. “I don’t know anything about cars except that these probably cost more than my entire education.”
“True,” he conceded. “But you must have a preference.”
I stopped in front of a sleek silver Porsche. “This one’s pretty.”
“The 911 Turbo S,” Alexander nodded approvingly. “Good choice. Want to drive it sometime?”
I laughed. “I’m afraid I’d crash it and end up owing you for the rest of my life.”
“You’re already stuck with me now,” he pointed out, moving closer. “Might as well enjoy the perks.”
There was something in his tone that made my skin prickle with awareness. I took a stop bar should probably head to my apartment soon. I want to get started on packing.”
eding some distance
Alexander checked his watch. “You’re right. We can come back to the estate later.” He led me toward he Aston Mar “Ready to go sort through your underwear drawer?”
“You’re not touching my underwear drawer,” I informed him as he opened the passenger door for me.
“We’ll see about that,” he replied with a wink, closing the door before I could retort.
The drive to my apartment was mercifully quick.
Alexander spent most of it on the phone, dealing with some work crisis that required his immediate attention. I used the time to gather my thoughts, still processing the whirlwind morning and Victoria’s unexpected appearance.
When we arrived at my building, Alexander ended his call with a brisk “Handle it” to whoever was on the other end.
“Everything okay?” I asked as we rode the elevator to my floor.
“Just the usual corporate fires,” he said dismissively. “Nothing that can’t wait.” He placed his hand on my lower back as we exited the elevator, the casual touch sending a flicker of heat through me.
My apartment felt smaller than ever after the sprawling Carter estate.
Alexander followed me to the bedroom, his presence immediately making the space feel even smaller. He surveyed my cluttered dresser and the clothes spilling out of my laundry basket with amusement.
“Not quite as organized at home as you are at work,” he observed.
“I’ve been busy,” I defended. “You know, getting married and all.”
His eyes narrowed at my tone. “Having second thoughts?”
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Chapter 120
Chapter 120
Olivia
44%
After Victoria’s unexpected visit, Alexander and I continued the tour of the estate. By the time we reached the massive garage housing his collection of luxury vehicles, I was mentally exhausted from trying to memorize the layout of my new home.
“Jesus Christ,” I muttered as Alexander flipped on the lights, revealing a gleaming row of cars that would make any collector weep. “This is obscene.”
Alexander grinned, clearly pleased by my reaction. “Which one’s your favorite?”
I walked slowly along the line, passing a Ferrari, two Bentleys, the Aston Martin we’d arrived in, and several other vehicles I couldn’t even name. “I don’t know anything about cars except that these probably cost more than my entire education..
“True,” he conceded. “But you must have a preference.”
I stopped in front of a sleek silver Porsche. “This one’s pretty.”
“The 911 Turbo S,” Alexander nodded approvingly. “Good choice. Want to drive it sometime?”
I laughed. “I’m afraid I’d crash it and end up owing you for the rest of my life.”
“You’re already stuck with me now,” he pointed out, moving closer. “Might as well enjoy the perks.”
There was something in his tone that made my skin prickle with awareness. I took a s should probably head to my apartment soon. I want to get started on packing.”
eding some distance
Alexander checked his watch. “You’re right. We can come back to the estate later.” He led me to “Ready to go sort through your underwear drawer?”
Aston M
“You’re not touching my underwear drawer,” I informed him as he opened the passenger door for me.
“We’ll see about that,” he replied with a wink, closing the door before I could retort.
The drive to my apartment was mercifully quick.
Alexander spent most of it on the phone, dealing with some work crisis that required his immediate attention. I used the time to gather my thoughts, still processing the whirlwind morning and Victoria’s unexpected appearance.
When we arrived at my building, Alexander ended his call with a brisk “Handle it” to whoever was on the other end.
“Everything okay?” I asked as we rode the elevator to my
floor.
“Just the usual corporate fires,” he said dismissively. “Nothing that can’t wait.” He placed his hand on my lower back as we exited the elevator, the casual touch sending a flicker of heat through me.
My apartment felt smaller than ever after the sprawling Carter estate.
Alexander followed me to the bedroom, his presence immediately making the space feel even smaller. He surveyed my cluttered dresser and the clothes spilling out of my laundry basket with amusement.
“Not quite as organized at home as you are at work,” he observed.
“I’ve been busy,” I defended. “You know, getting married and all.”
His eyes narrowed at my tone. “Having second thoughts?”
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Chapter 120
“No,” I said quickly, “Just… it’s a lot to process.”
Alexander nodded, his expression softening. “I know. But it will get easier. You’ll settle into the estate, into our routine.
Our routine. The phrase conjured images of shared breakfasts, sleeping in the same bed, living as a couple.
“Let’s just focus on packing,” I suggested, pulling a suitcase from under my bed. “Closet first, then dresser.
Alexander rolled up his sleeves, revealing strong forearms. “Point me in the right direction.”
We worked silently for a while, me sorting through clothes while Alexander folded and packed them with surprising efficiency.
“Do you really need all these t–shirts?” he asked, holding up one with a faded band logo.
“Yes,” I said firmly, snatching it from him. “That’s vintage.”
“It has holes in it.”
“That’s part of its charm.” I stuffed the shirt into the suitcase. “Not everything needs to be designer quality, you know.”
“Your wardrobe, your rules.”
We fell into a rhythm, occasionally commenting on an item of clothing or laughing at something ridiculous Id kept for sentimental reasons. It was almost normal. Until we reached my underwear drawer.
“I’ll handle this,” I said quickly, stepping in front of the dresser as Alexander approach
He smirked. “Afraid I’ll find something interesting?”
“No,” I lied, feeling my cheeks heat. “Just seems unnecessary for you to pack my underwear.”
“On the contrary,” Alexander moved closer, his chest almost touching my back. “I think it’s very necessary. After all, we are married now.”
I turned to face him. “This is still my stuff. My private things.”
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The appropriate title must be (Olivia and Alex) and not Olivia and Ryan....