All Chapters of Ties That Bind: Chapter 71 - Chapter 80

ROWAN’S POVFor once, there was no echo of Lia’s voice ringing down the halls, no tension lingering like smoke in the air. Piper and I had the place to ourselves, and the relief of that simple fact was enough to make me loosen the tightness in my chest.After dinner, I suggested we watch a movie together. I half expected her to refuse—Piper often hid behind her busyness when she didn’t want to think—but tonight she surprised me.“Alright,” she said, with a small smile tugging at her lips. “But you’re in charge of the popcorn.”I smirked, rising to my feet. “Popcorn it is. Don’t blame me if it burns.”Her laugh followed me into the kitchen, and for a second I just stood there, listening to it. It wasn’t often I heard Piper laugh freely. That sound alone was worth all the chaos of earlier.We settled on the couch, popcorn bowl between us, blankets pulled over our laps. She leaned into the cushions, tucking her legs beneath her, her hair spilling across her shoulder. I scrolled through t

PIPER’S POVThe next time I opened my eyes, the first thing that greeted me wasn’t sunlight, or even Rowan’s quiet presence beside me. It was the smell of food.Warm, rich, comforting. My nose twitched, and I blinked the sleep from my eyes. I sat up slowly, realizing that a tray sat across my lap—avocado toasts, golden and perfectly cut, with a steaming mug of coffee beside them.My stomach growled so loudly I laughed. “Oh my God, I didn’t even realize how hungry I was.”Rowan, standing near the dresser and adjusting his cufflinks, turned to me with that calm, collected expression of his. “That’s because you fell asleep halfway through the movie,” he said matter-of-factly.Heat rushed to my cheeks. “I… did?”“Yes,” he replied, his lips twitching ever so slightly, like he was holding back a smile. “You lasted maybe twenty minutes before your head was on my shoulder. You were out cold.”I groaned, covering my face with my hands. “Great. I probably drooled too.”He chuckled softly—rare,

ALEXA’S POVI stood in front of the mirror, lips curved in satisfaction as I took in my reflection. The gown clung to me like it had been tailored by fate itself. Midnight blue satin with a daring slit that rose almost indecently high, hugging my hips in a way that made me look like a living temptation. My hair fell in soft, glossy waves, makeup polished—red lips, smoky eyes, a perfect balance of elegance and seduction.Tonight, I wasn’t just going to dinner. I was making an entrance.“Damn, Alexa,” Alicia, my best friend, leaned against the doorframe, eyes raking me up and down. “That man won’t know what hit him. You look like sin wrapped in satin.”I smirked, spritzing my perfume along my collarbone and wrists. “It’s just a business meeting.”Her brow arched so high I thought it would touch her hairline. “Business meeting? In that dress? Honey, unless you’re closing the deal on a wedding proposal, you’re lying to yourself.”I laughed, adjusting the strap of my gown. “Maybe it’s bus

ROWAN’S POVI trailed after Piper into the bedroom, her footsteps sharp against the polished floor. She didn’t slam the door, but the way she shut it—tight, deliberate, final—hit harder than a slap. She stood at the edge of the bed, her back rigid, refusing to face me.“Piper,” I said softly, reaching out a hand.She spun around, her eyes blazing, and for the first time in a long time, I saw raw hurt threaded through her anger. “Stop it, Rowan. Just stop.”I froze, my hand falling back to my side. “Stop what?”Her laugh was hollow, bitter. “Apologizing. That’s all you ever do, isn’t it? Every time something goes wrong, you say you’re sorry, and then what? We’re supposed to forget? Pretend it didn’t happen?”Her words stung more than I wanted to admit. I moved closer, my chest tight. “Piper, I’m trying. I’m not perfect, but I’m trying to make this work—”“Make what work?” she cut in, her voice breaking. “This marriage? This… arrangement?” She waved her hands between us as if the very

ROWAN’S POVI tucked Piper into bed that night, pulling the duvet all the way up because she always kicked it off in her sleep. She shifted a little, mumbling something under her breath. I couldn’t make out the words, but I caught my name in there. My chest tightened, and I brushed her hair back from her face.I leaned in to kiss her , but I didn’t want to place my lips on her mouth. She seemed to have a beauty sleep as I placed my lips on her forehead.She looked so peaceful when she slept, and for a second I wished I could freeze time. Just her and me in that quiet space. No family drama. No company battles. No disturbance from anyone.But Dad being here, so late at night? That didn’t sit right with me. He didn’t just “show up” for no reason. He was watching Piper too closely, like she was more than just my wife. I hated the thought, tho he married her for the family, but she was my wife now, all these thoughts kept churning in my head but Still, I shoved it aside, too drained to