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The Billionaire’s Reluctant Bride (By Tessa Wren) novel Chapter 42

The penthouse feels too big for me. Its elegant, of course, every inch of it designed with a kind of perfection that makes me feel like Im living inside a maseurs. The floors gleam underfoot, the walls adorned with modern art pieces that scream wealth. The view from the floor–to–roof windows is confounding

a general scene of New Yorks skyline that feels as far off as all the other things in this world

I step into the living room, my heels clicking against the cool marble floors, however the sound appears to be suppressed here, consumed by the huge space around me. Alexander it now sitting on the lounge chair, a glass of whiskey in hand, the cool amber liquid getting the light. He doesnt even look at

me when I enter

Make yourself comfortable he says, his voice smooth but detached. It’s as if he’s speaking to a guest, not a wife,

I nod awkwardly, uncertain where to start. The quiet stretches between us, thick and choking

He hasn’t spoken much since we left the wedding, In fact, he hasn’t spoken much at all since the ceremony. The only time I’ve heard his voice was when he promised to take care of everything after our vows were said and done.

He looks at me then, his gaze sharp, assessing, I meet his eyes for a moment, but quickly glance away, feeling exposed. It’s almost like I’m being evaluated. Tested. As if my every move is scrutinized.

TIL. I’ll change into something more comfortable, I say, the words awkward in the stillness of the room.

Do what you need to Alexander replies, his tone indifferent.

I turn and stroll towards the room, the heaviness of his indifference squeezing against my chest. The room feels like it could gulp down me, and the silence is a steady update that this is my life now. A daily existence I didnt request.

The bedroom is pretty much as cold and clean as the rest of the penthouse, the bed excessively large for one individual, not to mention two. I put my purse down on the end table and stroll into walk–in closet, picking the main thing I see a simple,oversized sweater and some leggings. The garments feel like a relief. Not a big deal Just comfortable.

But, even as I change, I cannot shake the inclination that everything in this apartment, in my life presently, is only a deception. I don’t belong here, and I’m not certain I, at any point will.

When I emerge, Alexander is standing at the window again, his back to me. I’m still not used to the silence between us. It’s suffocating, I wish I knew what to say to break it, however every endeavor appears to be vain. What do you share with a man who doesn’t care about you? To a man who clarifies that this marriage is an arrangement, not a real relationship?

I sit down on the lounge chair, my hands curving in my lap. I dont know why I’m actually attempting to figure him out. I don’t know why it matters. He’s not here to make me feel comfortable. He’s not here to help me understand what this marriage means, or how its supposed to work.

1 thought… I thought maybe we could talk,I say, the words slipping out before I can stop them.

He doesn’t turn around, but his voice comes, cold and sharp, from the darkness. Talk about what?

I bite my lip, unsure of what to say, I hadn’t really thought this through. About… about us. About this. What exactly did I sign up for?

For a moment, the silence stretches again, heavy and thick. Alexander doesn’t seem to move. And for a second, I wonder if he even heard me.

You signed up for a marriage he says, his tone even, almost too calm. A contract. And thats all it is.

1 flinch at his words, the finality in them stinging more than I’d care to admit. A contract?I repeat, my voice barely a whisper.

That’s what it is he says, his voice low and emotionless. Don’t fool yourself into thinking its anything more.

I feel the heaviness of his words, the coldness in them sinking profound into me. Briefly, I dont know what to say, I simply stay there, gazing at him, at the one who guaranteed me nothing but obligation.

Chapter 42 1

Chapter 42 2

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