Chapter 23
When he asked about my weekend plans with a hopeful gleam in his eye, I knew I needed to address the situation. I was a married woman.
I was formulating a gentle rejection when my phone rang. Francesca’s name flashed on the screen, and I seized the opportunity.
“Excuse me.” I said, answering quickly. “Hello, darling.”
There was a moment of confusion on the other end before Francesca caught on. “Playing the wife card, are we? Who’s making
I laughed naturally, maintaining the charade. “Yes, I’m having lunch at Ritz Restaurant with a colleague.”
“Ooh, Marco’s restaurant? ” Francesca teased. “Want me to play the jealous husband?”
“That would be wonderful, thank you,” I replied warmly.
g eyes at you?”
“Well then, she deepened her voice comically, “get home early to Casanova Residence tonight, baby. Your husband is waiting to warm your bed.”
I blushed despite myself. “I’ll see you tonight, then.”
When I hung up, Antonio was studying me with new interest. “Husband? I didn’t realize you were married.”
Before I could respond, my phone rang again. This time it was Marco.
My heart jumped to my throat as I answered. “Hello?”
“I had Luca prepare lunch to be delivered to your office. Why aren’t you there?” His voice was controlled but with an undercurrent I couldn’t quite identify.
Caught off guard and still maintaining my charade for Antonio’s benefit, I answered, “Oh, hello darling. I’m at Ritz Restaurant having lunch with a colleague.”
The silence that followed was so long I thought the call had dropped. When Marco finally spoke, his voice was low and dangerous. “I see.”
“We’ll be heading back to the office soon.” I added quickly.
I’ll be in Altoria until Thursday,” he said after another pause. “Take care of yourself, Alia. Don’t go out alone at night.”
There was something in his tone–possessiveness, concern, or perhaps both. “I will. Goodbye… darling.”
As I ended the call, I noticed Antonio’s expression had changed completely. The flirtatious glint in his eyes was gone.
“Are you really married?” he asked, his voice suddenly strained.
I nodded, feeling a strange satisfaction at his reaction.
Antonio signaled for the check immediately, his earlier confidence evaporated. “We should get back to the office.”
On our walk back, Antonio maintained a respectful distance.
That day I worked very late, determined to make significant progress on the Phantom Game research report. By the time I got home, it was past midnight. Without Marco, the apartment felt empty
After a quick shower, I collapsed into bed, pulling the covers up to my chin. The sheets still carried a faint trace of Marco’s cologne, and I burying my face in his pillow before drifting off to sleep.
I don’t know how long I’d been asleep when a subtle shift in weight on the mattress jolted me awake. My eyes flew open, heart racing, only to find Marco sitting on the edge of the bed.
Chapter 23
“You–you said you wouldn’t be back until Thursday,” I stammered, pushing myself up against the headboard. “Is everything
okay
in
Altoria?”
Marco looked tired, shadows beneath his eyes suggesting he hadn’t slept. “Something came up that required my attention here.”
“Oh.” I looked at him in the dim light, noticing he was still wearing yesterday’s suit, though his tie was loosened and his collar unbuttoned. “Do you want to sleep for a while and rest?”
He shook his head. “Early morning flight.”
I hesitated, then asked, “Have you eaten? I can make you some pasta.”
I offered, already sliding out of bed. “Cream and mushroom, my mother’s recipe. It won’t take long.”
Marco’s eyes followed me as I stood, dressed in just an oversized t–shirt that barely reached mid–thigh. For a moment, something flickered in his gaze that made my breath catch.
“Okay.” His voice slightly rougher than usual.
