Chapter 4

Sitting inside the car parked in front of the civil registry office, holding her marriage certificate, Alexa still could not believe it. She was truly married to Devan, a man eleven years older than her.

Without her father’s knowledge, and without anyone else knowing.

“From now on, you are my wife, and also my spokesperson when meeting clients.”

That firm, deep voice pierced her ears. When Alexa turned her head to look at Devan, she could only nod slowly.

“Do you need me to take you home to pack your things?”

Whether it was an offer or merely a question, Alexa felt that Devan’s words were nothing more than a formality laced with mockery.

“I’ll go home by myself.” Avoiding Devan’s gaze, Alexa continued, “Don’t worry, I won’t run away either.”

“It’s better if you know your place.”

Hearing Devan’s words, for some reason, the sentence stabbed painfully at her chest.

As the car began to move, the phone inside Alexa’s bag kept ringing, breaking the silence in the car.

When Alexa saw the name displayed on the screen, her face darkened and her jaw tightened. Even so, she answered the call.

“Hello.”

“Alexa, what does this mean? Why did you suddenly resign? And … your reason is because you’re going to work at your father’s company? Is this a joke?”

With an expressionless face as she listened to all of Ronan’s words, Alexa replied calmly, “It’s not a joke.”

“Then what about the cooperation with Mr. John?”

A faint sneer appeared on Alexa’s lips. It was easy to guess—what Ronan cared about was only business.

“Don’t worry. I’ll still take care of it. See you on the day of our engagement, Ronan.”

Alexa immediately ended the call after speaking. When she turned to look at Devan, she saw his cold expression.

“About our marriage, could we keep it secret for now? At least until the day of my engagement to Ronan,” Alexa said seriously. To be honest, she was afraid Devan would inform the Alistair family before she could carry out her plan.

Devan looked away from Alexa without responding. Still wearing his cold expression, he said, “I don’t like you talking to another man when you’re with me. So next time, I hope you remember that.”

Alexa pressed her lips together.

“And one more thing. From now on, don’t address me formally. Only do that outside, in front of others, when you’re hiding our marriage.”

There was no rebuttal. Alexa simply nodded slowly.

**

Alexa returned to her father’s residence after finishing her business with Devan. She only intended to take some of her clothes; her departure would not be questioned by her family.

No one cared about her.

“Alexa.”

The voice, so disgusting to Alexa’s ears, made her stop in her tracks. When she turned her head to the left, her gaze landed on Felicya, who was walking toward her.

And, as usual, her stepsister wore an angelic expression, attracting everyone’s attention with her fake smile.

Still silent with a cold gaze, Alexa waited until Felicya stood in front of her.

“Alexa, Ronan said you stopped being his assistant. Why?”

Fortunately, Alexa had good self-control. Even though she had hated Felicya long before discovering the affair between Felicya and Ronan, Alexa maintained a calm demeanor.

“Yes, I’ll be getting engaged to him soon. It’s natural that I want to quit, because after we’re married, I’ll focus on taking care of the household,” Alexa said with an unreadable look. “Besides, Ronan’s mother wants grandchildren soon, so I want to focus on my health.”

As she spoke, Alexa observed the slight change in Felicya’s expression.

“Ronan’s mother likes me very much, so I’ll work hard to please her as well.”

Felicya continued to smile, though irritation flickered beneath it as Alexa flaunted herself. “Then why did Ronan say you’re moving to Father’s company?”

“Just an excuse,” Alexa replied calmly. She stepped closer, standing very near Felicya. As she touched a strand of Felicya’s hair, Alexa continued, “You’re that close to Ronan that he told you about my resignation? Is this what they call the relationship between a future sister-in-law and a future sister?”