Alle Kapitel von The wife they never expected : Kapitel 41 – Kapitel 50

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

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

Anna’s POVThe CityThe city looks unreal from up here.Lights stretching endlessly beneath the rooftop.Rain shimmering softly against the glass.Music low enough to feel private.And somehow—None of it feels as overwhelming as Xavier sitting beside me.The DifferenceTonight feels dangerous in a completely different way.Not because of tension.Not because of uncertainty.Because things are finally becoming honest.XavierHe’s quieter now.Not distant.Comfortable.And I realise slowly that this version of Xavier may be the rarest one of all.My Observation“You think too much.”His Eyes Lift“That’s a criticism.”My Smile“It’s an observation.”UnexpectedThe corner of his mouth shifts slightly again.That almost-smile.And honestly?I think I’m becoming addicted to it.The TruthThree months ago, Xavier Cortez terrified me.Now—He still terrifies me.Just differently.Dinner Ends SlowlyNeither of us rushes the evening.Which feels important somehow.Like both of us understand t

Anna’s POV---MorningBy morning—The internet is on fire.---The HeadlinesEvery news platform. Every business blog. Every gossip account.All repeating the same story.> CONTRACT MARRIAGE EXPOSEDCEO’S WIFE “HIRED” FOR IMAGE CONTROLROMANCE OR CORPORATE FRAUD?And somehow—Reading it the second time hurts more than the first.---The MansionThe dining room feels unusually tense.Not because of Xavier.Because of me.Because every time my phone vibrates, my chest tightens automatically now.---XavierMeanwhile—Xavier looks terrifyingly calm.Which somehow feels worse.---ObservationHe sits across from me reviewing reports on his tablet while drinking coffee like the company is not actively collapsing online.Controlled. Sharp. Cold.But beneath it—I can feel the anger.---Mrs. Alvarez Notices TooShe places breakfast down carefully before glancing between us.Concerned.Quiet.---My AppetiteGone completely.---Xavier NoticesOf course he does.“You need to eat.”---My Vo

Xavier’s POVSilenceThe boardroom remains silent long after Madison leaves.No one moves immediately.No one speaks.Because humiliation at that level leaves damage behind.---My ThoughtsGood.---The DifferenceMonths ago, I might have handled this quietly.Privately.Efficiently.Now?The moment Madison involved Anna—This stopped being business.---Beside MeI can still feel Anna’s hand in mine beneath the table.Warm.Slightly trembling.Still there.---DangerousThat affects me more than it should.---The BoardOne of the older board members clears his throat carefully.“What are the next public steps?”---Work ReturnsImmediately.PR strategies. Legal containment. Media statements.The company keeps moving because companies always move.Even during disaster.---But My Attention Keeps ReturningTo her.---AnnaShe stays quiet through most of the meeting.Composed externally.But I know her well enough now to notice the signs.The slight tension in her shoulders.The way