over the glittering skyline. The city was alive out there - full of

Alexander's voice last night, slic

ask questions. Emotionally d

isi

g to her like

housekeeper, entered holding a tablet. "Good

the name. "Thanks," she

ave a dress fitting at 10 for the gala

rse he

, fittings, photoshoots. Everything

d assistants fussing over her like she was a mannequin. They kept c

y they

-

wearing a silver floor-length gown that shimmered

n't smile. Didn't compliment h

go,"

w, her hands folded tightly in her lap. Alexander

lbs exploded the mom

nd Mrs

this

ied life tr

- a perfect, practiced gesture. Ava smiled

xander was pulled into conversation after conversation, and A

like wa

said, "I'm surprise

arp eyes and a too-friendly smile. "I'm Clarissa,"

a brow. "Wo

He doesn't usually bring women to th

special made Av

then. His hand went to

d smoothly, then gave Ava one

ped aside, looking up at hi

eact. "Most people

bother p

rything," he replied coldl

greed to help you. But I di

just slightly. "

. "Why? Are you afraid

"You're playing a d

ding. "Then maybe it's time y

and walked away, heels clicking against the

irst time, sh

-

l in her gown, shoes kicked off, heart still racing. She hadn't

minutes later, l

ed me," he sai

ied. "I remind

with affection, but with

nt, Ava knew one

t of a wife, he cho

ne wasn't goin