Chapter 35
Alexander’s POV:
“I don’t want people to know I got married so early, otherwise I’ll be the subject of gossip and rumors at school. I want my college years to be peaceful,” she explained.
Looking at the determination in her eyes, I chose to compromise once again. I called the dean back and instructed that the fact that Charlotte was my wife must remain confidential.
“Are you satisfied now?” I asked after hanging up.
She glanced away, pouting slightly before nodding. “It’ll do.”
Her little display of pride amused me. “What are you laughing at?” she asked nervously.
“I’m laughing at your boldness. You’re the first person who’s ever dared to storm into my office and yell at me.”
“Well, you were wrong, so why wouldn’t I yell at you? Besides, scolding your husband is not illegal,” she declared with absolute conviction.
I nodded in agreement. “Indeed.”
Since meeting Charlotte, it seemed I had been constantly compromising.
About our agreement, I compromised.
About moving, I compromised.
Keeping our marriage private, another compromise!
With the issue resolved, Charlotte visibly became uncomfortable. She bolted toward the office door like a little locomotive and, without looking back, announced, “I’m leaving, goodbye.” And just like that, she ran out, leaving me sitting alone in my office, a smile still lingering on my lips.
Since clearing up the misunderstanding with Charlotte, I finally had no more reservations. She had been my wife from the beginning, with absolutely no connection to Jason. This meant I wouldn’t need to hesitate when kissing her tonight.
When I returned to the Kingsley mansion on Nob Hill that evening and entered our room, only a small bedside lamp cast soft shadows on the wall. I placed one hand on Charlotte’s shoulder, the day’s events having left us both exhausted.
I felt her gaze fall on my hand resting on her shoulder. She looked up at me with curious eyes.
“Alexander, have you noticed you have a habit when holding hands?” Her voice was barely above a whisper.
“Hmm?” I wasn’t sure what she meant.
Charlotte took my right hand with her left, interlocking our fingers. Then she suddenly pulled away–but in that moment, I felt my hand instinctively tighten around hers before reluctantly letting go.
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Chapter 35
I stared at my open palm as memories flooded back. I hadn’t thought about it for years, but there was a time when I hadn’t held on tight enough, and because of that, I lost someone. That’s why my hand now reflexively tightens–a
subconscious fear of letting go.
“What else have you noticed?‘ I asked, avoiding her question.
“Well, there’s also=”
She rolled her eyes slightly, as if suddenly remembering something.
Alexander, can I ask you something? Her tone carried a hint of tentativeness.
“Not calling me husband anymore?‘ I couldn’t resist teasing her.
“You said I was being fake,” she pouted, looking adorably resentful.
1 sat down on the sofa, reached for the water glass on the coffee table, took a sip, and said, “That was a misunderstanding. You can continue calling me husband.”
She covered her mouth with her hand, crouched beside me with her hands on my leg, looking up to ask: “That night when you said you’d take me to move to your Marin County villa, was that my imagination or did you really say it?”
I looked at her, somewhat surprised she would suddenly bring this up. “Why are you thinking about that now?”
Charlotte’s eyes darted around. “I just heard Jason say that’s your real home, and only extremely important people get to live in the Marin County villa. Is that true?”
My Adam’s apple bobbed as I swallowed. “You didn’t agree to it, did you?”
I watched her shocked expression, knowing she had finally confirmed that night’s conversation wasn’t a dream.
“Alexander…”
“Call me husband,” I requested directly.
She paused briefly, then started again. “Husband, why did you offer to take me to live in your Marin County villa?”
I turned my face sideways and looked down at this innocent young woman beside my leg. “You want to know?”
Charlotte nodded.
I leaned down slightly, moving closer to her face. “Be sweet to me then.”
Charlotte froze, then stood up and lightly tapped my shoulder. “If you don’t want to tell me, that’s fine. I don’t want to know anymore.”
As she turned to leave, I suddenly grabbed her wrist and pulled her forcefully into my arms, Charlotte leaned back, landing directly on my lap as I held her tightly.
While she was still dazed, I lifted her chin and kissed her.
Charlotte’s
eyes widened in surprise, stiffly receiving my kiss without resistance. I picked her up and carried her to the
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Chapter 35
bed, then leaned down over her.
Charlotte nervously clutched the bedsheets, her body tense. Without realizing it, her nightgown strap had slipped down to
her chest.
I propped myself up, looking at the girl beneath me, my eyes filled with desire. “Do you understand why now?”
Charlotte shook her head, and I leaned down again to kiss her lips.
This time, my gentleness made Charlotte surrender to the moment as well. She slowly closed her eyes, and her hands, which had been tightly gripping the covers, gradually relaxed.
I took off my jacket and began unbuttoning my shirt. Charlotte’s nightgown had already retreated to her waist…
Just as I was about to continue, there was a sudden knock at the door.
Even at the edge of restraint, I asked Charlotte: “Do you understand why now?”
Charlotte nodded, biting her lip shyly, not daring to move.
“If you want to continue, close your eyes and I’ll kiss you.”
Charlotte’s face turned intensely red, seemingly unsure how to respond. Understanding her youth and innocence, I leaned down and tentatively kissed her sweet lips again.
Charlotte didn’t refuse.
Just as our clothing became disheveled, the knocking at the door grew more urgent.
“Charlotte, come out for a moment.” It was Jason’s voice.
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