My Only Love Is Not You

s pristine and eerily quiet, a stark contrast to the vibrant, passionate weekend he had just spent with the woman he tru

furrowed in mild surprise as he walked over, unfolding the paper with a hint of curiosity. Ann

ght. Their interactions were minimal, their conversations polite but devoid of any real connection. He had never cared for her feelings or wellbeing, tr

f, his voice tinged with disbelief. "Since

s for Annie were indifferent at best, bordering on contemptuous, but the thought of her finding solace elsewhe

ad longed for but never received from his parents or his marriage. Yet, this

tered, "This is ridiculo

is jaw clenched slightly as he tried to dismiss the unsettling curiosity about his wife's friend. But the questio

the silence, and Alexander's gaze sna

ding there. Her cheeks were faintly flushed, a small, almost hesitant smile lingering on her lips from whatever moment she had just left behind. For

, straightening her posture, the gentle smile fading. "I didn't expect you home tonight," she said evenly, brushing a

underneath. He allowed his gaze to drift over her appearance, catching the way her dress hugged her form and

swered simply, refusing to elaborate. The subtle defiance in

nd is?" he pressed, voice laced with an edge that he couldn't quite hide. Part of him hated

hat it's any of your business, Alexander, but it was just someone I've known for a

ler frame. "I don't recall allowing you to go gallivanting with anyone outside of this arrangement," he said, voice dangerously low. The words tasted bitter in his

e, Alexander, that I don't need your permission," she whispered, her words soft but firm. For the first

feel his control slipping, a strange, electric heat stirring within him as he watched the defiance in her gaze. It was as though she

ushed past him, leaving him