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CHAPTER FORTY-TWO Seven O’Clock
publish date:
2026-05-10 05:25:55
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The wife they never expected CHAPTER FORTY-THREE Not Part of the Arrangement
Xavier’s POVThe DriveI should not be nervous.It’s dinner.One evening.One decision I have negotiated, planned, and controlled carefully.And yet—My pulse has been unsteady since Anna opened the bedroom door.The ProblemThe necklace was a risk.A calculated one.Still a risk.Because gifts imply intention.And intention changes everything between us.AnnaShe sits beside me quietly in the backseat, city lights sliding across her face through the rain-streaked windows.Every few seconds, my attention drifts toward her again.Unacceptable.Predictable.WorseShe keeps touching the necklace unconsciously.Like she still can’t believe I gave it to her.Dangerous ThoughtI would buy her ten more immediately if she keeps looking at it like that.ControlThis is precisely why emotional attachment is problematic.It alters priorities.The RestaurantThe rooftop restaurant remains private exactly as requested.Minimal staff.Restricted access.No media presence.No interruptions.I arrang
The wife they never expected CHAPTER FORTY-TWO Seven O’Clock
Anna’s POVThe Entire DayI make exactly three mistakes during the morning meeting.Which, unfortunately, is three more than usual.Clara Notices Immediately“You typed the same date twice.”I blink down at the tablet in mild horror.Oh God.I actually did.My Excuse“I’m distracted.”Clara’s Dry Tone“Yes. The entire floor has noticed.”EmbarrassmentHeat rushes into my face instantly.“That obvious?”ClaraShe gives me a long look.“You reorganised the presentation folders alphabetically and then by colour.”A pause.“That’s usually a sign of emotional instability.”Internal PanicWonderful.Even my stress is becoming organised.WorseAnd somehow Clara looks entertained by this.Traitor.The Real ProblemI cannot stop thinking about tonight.About the way Xavier looked when he asked me.About the fact that he hesitated.Xavier Cortez never hesitates.Unless something matters to him.Dangerous ThoughtAnd tonight matters.The Hours PassSlowly.Painfully.Every glance at the clock fe
The wife they never expected CHAPTER FORTY-ONE The Invitation
Anna’s POVThe MorningSomething feels different the next morning.Not lighter.Not easier.Just—Decided.The MansionThe house is unusually quiet when I walk downstairs.Soft sunlight spills across the marble floors while the scent of coffee drifts faintly from the kitchen.Normal.Everything looks normal.And yet my chest feels tight with expectation anyway.My ThoughtsLast night changed something.Not between us.Inside him.I saw it.The moment Xavier stopped fighting himself.DangerousAnd somehow—That feels far more dangerous than the tension ever did.Mrs. Alvarez“You’re smiling.”I blink immediately.“What?”Mrs. Alvarez hides amusement poorly while placing fruit onto a tray.“You’ve been staring at the same coffee cup for two minutes.”EmbarrassmentHeat rises instantly to my face.Apparently I’m becoming obvious now.Wonderful.My Excuse“I’m tired.”Her Expression“Mhm.”She clearly does not believe me.At all.WorseUnfortunately—I probably wouldn’t believe me either.
The wife they never expected CHAPTER FORTY: Control
Xavier’s POVControlControl has always been simple for me.Emotions are variables.Variables create instability.Instability creates weakness.So I learned early: Remove emotion. Maintain structure. Stay focused.Efficient.Reliable.Safe.Anna Changed ThatThat is the problem.My OfficeI stare at the city skyline through the glass walls of my office long after Anna leaves.The conversation still replaying in my mind.> “Like this was becoming real.”It is real.That’s precisely why I created distance.The TruthBecause if I continue reacting instinctively around her—I will cross lines I cannot uncross.And for the first time in years—That possibility does not feel strategic.It feels personal.DangerousVery dangerous.My ThoughtsAnna believes I pulled away because I regret what’s happening between us.The reality is significantly worse.I pulled away because I don’t regret it enough.RealisationI enjoy her presence too much now.I notice her absence immediately.I look for her
The wife they never expected CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE Distance
Anna’s POVThe First DayAt first—I think I’m imagining it.Because Xavier is still polite.Still attentive.Still controlled.Nothing obvious changes.And somehow—That makes it worse.The DifferenceBefore the investor dinner, tension between us felt unavoidable.Now—It feels restrained.Deliberately.The OfficeThe executive floor moves normally around us.Meetings continue.Calls continue.Schedules continue.And Xavier?Xavier becomes impossible to read again.---My ThoughtsThree nights ago, he looked at me like I was becoming something personal to him.Now—He barely lets conversations linger.The ShiftNo more standing too close.No more lingering touches against my back.No more quiet moments that feel dangerously intimate.Everything returns to: ✔ professional ✔ composed ✔ controlledAnd I hate how much I notice.WorseI hate how much it affects me.Clara Notices“You’re glaring at the coffee machine.”I blink immediately.“What?”Clara folds her arms calmly beside my des
The wife they never expected CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT After the Admission
Xavier’s POVThe ProblemI should not have answered that question.More specifically—I should not have answered it that quickly.The CarThe drive back to the mansion is unusually quiet.Not uncomfortable.Not distant.Worse.Aware.AnnaShe sits beside me in silence, watching the city lights blur through the rain-covered windows.But every few seconds—I feel her thinking about it.About the investor’s question.About my answer.About me.The WordVery.One word.Careless.Instinctive.Dangerous.RealisationBecause I didn’t say it like a businessman protecting optics.I said it like a man making a claim.ProblematicAnd the worst part?I meant it.Internal ShiftThat thought settles heavily in my chest.Unwelcome.Unavoidable.Anna’s Voice“You embarrassed that investor.”Soft.Careful.But underneath—Amusement.My Response“He was asking unnecessary questions.”Her Observation“He was flirting with me.”Direct.Always direct now.Interesting.My SilenceI don’t answer immediately
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