HIS PRETENSE BRIDE

CHAPTER 40

Xander's POV

Wifey❤️

Have you landed in NY? Should I come pick you? I'm not too late, am I?

I stare at the message from Alexa for the umpteenth time, my lips stretching into a smile. She has on idea I have landed in NY already and I am going to keep it like that till I return home. Even though it didn't really settle well with me that I'm leaving her on read.

‘So, this is me…” Carly drawl as we step out of the airport. I didn't even realize that we had stepped out of the airport because I've been busy staring at the text on my phone, grinning widely like a Cheshire cat. 

Talk about a gone man and I shall appear.

“Do you need a ride home?” I ask my assistant, my eyes skimming over her face to be sure she is fine. The last few days we've been out of the country have been really stressful..

It had been work, endless meetings, and more work. I wanted to leave too, so I made sure we were quick with the whole thing, so I could return home on time to see my wife. 

I've missed her too much to be alright. 

And I can't even begin to comprehend any of it.

“Nope,” Carly shakes her head, her lips stretched in a grin. “I have everything sorted out. I'm going to leave now. And say hello to the wife!” she rushes out before I can say anything. 

I stand there and watch her leave, shaking my head before I turn and head in the direction of the airport where I know the chauffeur must be waiting for me. Stanley rushes toward me the moment he sees me approaching. I nod quietly to him, suddenly feeling too tired to say anything. 

I get in the car and he starts the car. My phone pings again and I pick it up from beside me. I stare at my phone, my brows creasing into a frown. It's a message from Dave, and even though all he's sent me is an address, I know what it means. 

“Stanley,” I call him as I put my phone away.

“Yes, Mr. Gold?” He asks, tipping his head back to look at me briefly.

I tell him to take me to the address instead. It is time to address something I haven't been able to. Lane still hasn't left New York since the dinner whereas the others are happily settled in London again, doing their thing. We've left him to do his thing for the most part, but since he's been actively avoiding me, I haven't been able to speak to him and that sucks.

Besides, I still need his help. So, he can avoid me all he wants but I will be seeing him today.

I close my eyes and lean into my seat while Stanley transports us to the venue. When we arrive at the venue about thirty minutes later, I step out of the car and proceed into the restaurant. It's where he is currently dining even though he lives in one of the best hotels in town. 

I spot him as soon as I walk in, but Lane doesn't see me which gives me time to play out how I want our exchange to go in my head. Regardless of what I have planning in my head, I get to his table, and take my seat in front of him.

Lane stiffens for a few seconds before he slowly looks up from his phone. He puts his phone away when he sees that it's me, a light smirk grazing his face.

“What a coincidence, Xander.” He says while reaching for the tumbler filled with water before him.

“Not much of a confidence if I knew where to find you.” I grumble watching the smirk disappear off his face. “Is Danielle the one keeping you away, Lane?” I ask as I reach for the bottle of alcohol on his table to fill the other glass in front of him.