Chapter 307
Chapter 313
Madison
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I stared into my coffee mug, watching the steam curl upward in lazy spirals as sunlight streamed through my bedroom window. Last night’s dreams had been filled with Alexander, his hands, his mouth, his commanding presence. Even now, hours after waking, I could still feel the ghost of his touch on my skin.
I took a long sip, savoring the bitter warmth as I scrolled through my phone. No messages from him yet today. Not surprising. It was barely 7 AM, and Alexander rarely texted before 8 unless it was urgent.
Setting my mug on the nightstand, I headed to the bathroom, peeling off my oversized T–shirt as I went. The mirror reflected a woman I barely recognized sometimes, confident and with a subtle glow that hadn’t been there before Alexander Knight crashed into my life.
I stepped into the shower, letting hot water cascade over my body as my thoughts drifted back to him. Something had shifted since Katherine’s appearance at the gala. Nothing dramatic. Alexander was still attentive and still insatiable when we were alone, but there was a new tension in him, a distraction in his eyes sometimes when he thought I wasn’t looking.
“You’re overthinking,” I muttered to myself, squeezing shampoo into my palm.
Alexander seemed determined to prove something, taking me with an intensity that left me breathless and boneless. If anything, his passion had increased since Katherine returned.
Was it because of her? Was he trying to exorcise her memory through me?
I rinsed my hair, annoyed at myself for the direction of my thoughts. This arrangement was temporary. A business deal with exceptional benefits. I had no right to analyze his motives or feelings.
And yet…
I couldn’t help wondering if I was just a convenient distraction from the woman he really wanted.
“Stop it,” I scolded myself, shutting off the water with more force than necessary. “It doesn’t matter p>
But it did matter. It mattered more than I wanted to admit.
I wrapped a towel around myself and padded back to my bedroom, water droplets trailing behind me.
My phone buzzed on the nightstand, and I lunged for it, nearly losing my towel in the process. Just a weather alert. No messages from Alexander, I tossed the phone onto my bed with a sigh.
The scent of bacon wafted through the apartment, making my stomach growl. Mom was cooking again. I pulled open my dresser drawer, grabbing a matching set of navy blue underwear. Slipping them on, I selected a cream blouse and charcoal pencil skirt that highlighted my curves without being too obvious about it.
Alexander had once commented that I looked “delectable” in this outfit. The memory of what followed that comment sent heat rushing to my cheeks.
I quickly applied minimal makeup, just enough to look polished without appearing like I was trying too hard. A touch of mascara, some tinted lip balm, and a dab of concealer to hide the small mark Alexander had left on my
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neck two nights ago.
“Madison!” Mom called from the kitchen. “Breakfast is ready p>
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I slipped on my heels and headed toward the kitchen, following the mouthwatering aroma. Mom stood at the stove, spatula in hand, looking more vibrant than I’d seen her in months. She moved with a newfound energy that made my heart swell.
“Mom, what are you doing?” I asked, eyeing the spread of bacon, eggs, and pancakes on the counter. “You know you’re not supposed to be cooking like this every day p>
She waved the spatula dismissively. “Dr. Williams said light activities are fine. Besides, I’m sick of feeling useless around here.” She flipped a pancake with surprising dexterity. “You work so hard, the least I can do is make sure you eat properly p>
“Heating up oatmeal counts as cooking too,” I countered, but couldn’t help smiling as I poured myself a cup of
coffee.
“This is nothing,” she insisted. “You should see what I’m planning for Sunday dinner.” She slid a perfect pancake onto a plate and handed it to me. “You should invite Alexander over for breakfast sometime. I barely got to talk to him at dinner p>
I nearly choked on my coffee. “He’s extremely busy with work right now p>
“Too busy for pancakes?” Mom raised an eyebrow. “Nobody’s too busy for pancakes, Madison p>
“I’ll ask him,” I said, cutting into my breakfast. “But don’t get your hopes up. His schedule is packed with meetings and business trips p>
Mom sat across from me, her eyes twinkling with mischief. “Hmm. Seems to me he finds plenty of time for you.
11
“Mom!” I felt my cheeks heating up.
“What? The way he looked at you during dinner…” She took a sip of her tea, looking entirely too pleased with herself. “That man is smitten p>
If only she knew the truth. Our relationship was a business arrangement with an expiration date. But I couldn’t bear to shatter her illusions, especially when she was finally showing signs of improvement.
“Don’t forget to ask him,” she prompted, reaching across to pat my hand. “I want to get to know the man who’s making my daughter so happy p>
“Sure,” I said, forcing a smile. “I’ll ask him when I see him today p>
Mom nodded, satisfied. “Good. Now eat up before it gets cold p>
I took a bite of pancake, surprised by how hungry I was. “These are amazing p>
“Secret ingredient,” she winked. “Love p>
I rolled my eyes but couldn’t help laughing. It was good to see her like this, teasing, energetic, almost her old
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self again. The treatment at Hallmark was clearly working, even if the cost of it hung over me like a shadow.
“So,” Mom said, refilling her teacup, “how are things at work? Still juggling both positions p>
I nodded, grateful for the change in subject. “It’s challenging, but I’m managing. The team respects me now, which makes everything easier p>
“And Alexander? Is he treating you well as a boss p>
“He’s demanding but fair,” I managed, keeping my expression neutral. “He expects the best from everyone p>
“And as a boyfriend p>
Chapter 314
Chapter 314
Sara Lili
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.