Over the next few weeks, Olivia found herself drawn to Alexander in ways she couldn't explain. Despite his distant demeanor, there were moments when he revealed glimpses of kindness, a subtle gentleness that contrasted with his harsh exterior. She began to notice the small gestures—the way he would pull her chair out for her at dinners, the way he'd place his hand on the small of her back as they navigated crowded events, the quiet way he'd ensure she was comfortable, even if he said nothing about it.
One evening, after a particularly long day, she found herself sitting in the grand living room of Alexander's penthouse, nursing a glass of wine. Alexander joined her, his gaze soft as he looked at her.
"You're handling this... arrangement better than I expected," he said quietly, his voice devoid of the usual sharpness.
Olivia looked up, her heart skipping a beat. "I'm just trying to do what's necessary," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.
He nodded, his gaze never leaving hers. "I admire that about you. Your resilience."
The words hung between them, heavy with meaning, and for a brief, fleeting moment, Olivia allowed herself to believe that maybe, just maybe, there was more to Alexander than the cold, calculating man he portrayed.
But just as quickly, the moment passed, and he pulled away, his expression hardening once more.
"I expect you to be ready for tomorrow's event," he said, his voice returning to its usual commanding tone. And with that, he turned and left the room, leaving Olivia alone with her thoughts and the faint, lingering warmth of his unexpected words.
As the weeks turned into months, Olivia's feelings for Alexander grew more complex, filled with conflicting emotions she struggled to understand. She was beginning to see the cracks in his armor, the hidden vulnerabilities he kept so carefully guarded. But she also knew that she was walking a dangerous line, one that threatened to shatter everything if she dared to hope for more.
And yet, despite the risks, she couldn't stop herself from wondering... who was Alexander Cross, truly? And would she ever get the chance to find out?
The next morning, Olivia awoke with a strange mix of anticipation and dread. She was becoming accustomed to the life Alexander had drawn her into, but each new day seemed to bring fresh challenges, unearthing emotions she'd buried deep. Today, they were scheduled to attend another public event—a prestigious business awards gala where Alexander was being honored. She'd be by his side, once again playing the dutiful wife for the world to see.
As she dressed, Olivia studied herself in the mirror.
The sleek, emerald-green gown hugged her figure perfectly, the color enhancing her fair complexion and framing her face elegantly. Yet, as stunning as she appeared, she couldn't help but feel like a stranger in her own skin. This wasn't her world, and she was only pretending to fit in.
A knock on her door pulled her from her thoughts. She turned to see Alexander standing in the doorway, dressed in a sharp black tuxedo that accentuated his strong, commanding presence. For a moment, their eyes met, and she felt her heart stutter. There was something different about the way he looked at her tonight—an intensity that went beyond the usual detached assessment.
"You look... beautiful," he said, his voice softer than she'd ever heard it. It was almost as if the compliment had slipped out, unplanned.
Olivia's cheeks flushed, caught off guard by the sincerity in his gaze. "Thank you," she murmured, struggling to maintain her composure under the weight of his attention.
He extended his arm, and she hesitated for a second before placing her hand in his. His grip was firm, his warmth seeping through her skin as he led her to the waiting car. They rode in silence, the tension between them growing with each passing mile. It wasn't the tense, uncomfortable silence of strangers forced together, but something deeper—a silence thick with unspoken words and barely restrained emotions.
The gala was a grand affair, the ballroom glittering with chandeliers and filled with the city's elite. As they stepped into the room, Olivia felt all eyes turn toward them. She stood straighter, clinging to Alexander's arm, her nerves a tangled mess beneath her calm exterior. Alexander greeted the guests with practiced charm, introducing her to people she'd only ever read about in business magazines. She smiled, nodded, and played her part, but inside, she felt like she was swimming in unfamiliar waters, struggling to stay afloat.
At one point, they joined a group of Alexander's colleagues who were in the midst of a heated discussion about a recent merger. Olivia listened, feeling out of place as the conversation turned to complex financial jargon. She glanced up at Alexander, catching his eye for a brief second, and saw a flicker of amusement in his gaze.
"You're doing fine," he murmured, leaning down so only she could hear. His tone was warm and reassuring, a stark contrast to the cold, distant manner he usually reserved for her.
The small reassurance sent a jolt of warmth through her, easing some of her nerves. She managed a genuine smile, grateful for the unexpected kindness. For the rest of the night, she noticed him watching her out of the corner of his eye, as if he were silently supporting her through each awkward interaction, each polite exchange.
As the evening wore on, Olivia found herself relaxing. She even began to enjoy herself, mingling with other guests, laughing at their stories, and feeling, for the first time, like she might belong in this glittering world. But the illusion was shattered when a young woman approached her, her eyes flashing with disdain.
"So, you're Alexander's new... arrangement?" The woman sneered, her voice dripping with condescension. "I suppose even men like him need a pet project now and then."