HIS PRETENSE BRIDE

CHAPTER 42

Xander's POV 

I can't seem to comprehend how much time speeds past us daily. Or maybe what I can't seem to really believe is that Akexa and I have been married for two months now.

Today makes it two months since we've been married and I'm not sure she knows that. Especially as all she can think about these days is about getting pregnant. She has been frantic in her attempts to be pregnant and while I understand her perfectly, I don't like seeing her worry.

Two days ago, I walked into the room and met her seated on a plushie, clutching one of those gest strips in her hold. The amount of time she uses that these days is alarming and I'm seriously starting to worry about her mental health.

For a few minutes, she had no idea that I had walked in. She was seated there, quietly, lost in her thoughts. And my heart kept breaking at the sight. And when she whispered, quiet into the night as though she was alone, my heart broke even more.

“What's wrong with me?” She whispered, head hanging low.

That was when I walked up to her and picked the device from her. And then I held her in my arms for the longest of moments. She didn't cry but I could feel her heart breaking. Later that night when she was asleep, I got all the devices she had bought and threw them in the trash.

She didn't ask me about them and I am going to take that as a good sign. I sigh and grab my phone from my desk. Sofia informed me that she is going to swing in and take her with her to her new boutique. Dave finally gave her his surprise.  Sofia hadn't seen it coming, mesmerized as she was by the news. 

I'm happy for both of them, I really am. 

And I'm also glad that Reed has started to make plans to return to New York. By Christmas, he would be fully settled here with Anastasia. Lane on the other hand hasn't left New York since he came. And I'm starting to wonder if he is thinking of settling here with Danielle. 

It shouldn't bother me but the chances of me running into both of them at any time is what I don't like. Lane is already keeping his distance. He hasn't even gotten back to me but from the way Dave and the rest of my friends are hounding him, I can tell he will cave soon. 

My phone's screen lit up with a text from Sophia. I click on it and it takes me to our chat. Sofia has sent me a picture of her with Alexa at an ice cream parlor. My wife's face looks bright, a childish grin on her face. Sofia must be making her laugh, taking her mind off things which is good. Very good.

I smile and text back my appreciation to Sofia. She doesn't reply even though the text ticks blue, twice. I put my phone away and try to concentrate on my work. I've made reservations at one of the best restaurants in town, one of the many I'm affiliated with, one of the many I own, and I'm taking her to dinner. 

A light knock sounds on my door and when I respond, Carly pushes the door open and walks in. She is smiling as she approaches me.

“What are you smiling about?” I ask her.

“Nothing,” she shrugs. “It's just good to see you finally getting the hang of how to treat a woman right.” She says.

I frown. “What are you talking about? I've always been a gentleman.” 

“And an asshole,” she coughs lightly. I glare at her and she gives me a sheepish smile. “I just came to tell you that I'm done making preparations for dinner.” She adds quickly.

“Okay,” I nod and continue working. When she hesitates and doesn't leave, I stop and turn to her. “What else?” 

“Ugh, I've been waiting for you to ask. I have a date later this evening as you do. Well, not a date since you're married. The point is, can I be excused to go home earlier than I usually do?” She asked.