Chapter one

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Chapter 1

Alexa

I open my eyes to find my handsome husband lying beside me. A smile tugs at my lips as I lean in and press a soft kiss to his cheek. Last night, he told me he loved me over and over again while we made love. The memory fills me with warmth—his feelings for me haven't changed, just like we vowed: till death do us part.

Sitting up, I glance around for my clothes. Once I spot them, I quickly slip them on and head to the bathroom. I take a refreshing ten-minute shower, letting the cold water cascade over me, sending shivers down my spine. It's oddly satisfying. I wrap a towel around my body and walk to our closet, picking out a simple outfit: black leggings and a white shirt. I leave my hair down, letting it air dry naturally.

After checking the time, I smile. There's still plenty of time to make Elijah breakfast. I tiptoe out of the room, careful not to wake him. He must be exhausted from last night.

Downstairs, I decide to make his favorite breakfast—pancakes. He never liked them much before, but he always says that my pancakes are different. I know he only says that because he loves me, but still, I take pride in them. I prepare them quickly, adding his favorite toppings: chocolate syrup, honey, and whipped cream.

I set the table and wait for him. A familiar scent fills the air—the musky, expensive cologne he always wears. My heart flutters when I see him descending the stairs, looking effortlessly handsome in his Armani suit.

"Good morning, baby," I greet him, walking over to peck his lips.

"Morning," he replies casually, adjusting his watch. His response feels distant, but I brush it off.

"I made you pancakes," I say, reaching for his hand, but he pulls away. I stop in my tracks, confused. "What's wrong?"

"I don't have time. I have a meeting in thirty minutes," he says, walking past me toward the door.

"But I made your favorite breakfast. Can't you at least have one bite?" I plead softly, hoping he'll reconsider.

"I never asked you to make it. You can't blame me." His words are sharp, unlike him. I blink in shock. He's never rejected my pancakes before.

Before I can say anything, he continues, "Oh, and I'm flying to London this evening. I'll be gone for a few days—maybe longer. Don't call me unless it's important. I'll be busy."

I open my mouth to respond, but he's already stepping out the door. I watch as his car disappears down the street, an uneasy feeling creeping into my chest. He didn't even take a suitcase.

Sighing, I walk back inside and sit at the dining table, staring at the untouched pancakes. I take a bite, trying to convince myself that he's just stressed from work. That's all. I have to understand—he's a businessman. This is what I signed up for when I married him.

Just then, my phone rings. I glance at the screen and smile—it's Thea, my best friend. She always knows when I need her.

"Hey, girl," I answer.

"Hey... Can you open your door?"

I frown. "Why?"

"Because I'm standing right outside."

I laugh lightly and head to the door, opening it to find Thea grinning.

"Why didn't you just ring the bell?" I ask, stepping aside to let her in.

"Because I didn't want to see your husband. He ruins my day," she says bluntly, making herself comfortable at the dining table and grabbing a pancake without asking.

I shake my head. Thea has never liked Elijah. Ever. I don't even know why. Every time they meet, they bicker like cats and dogs. Shouldn't best friends be happy when their friend finds love? But not Thea—she's always been against my marriage.

"I still don't get why you don't like him," I say, taking a sip of my orange juice.

"Alexa, I just... I don't think he's the one for you."

I frown. "What do you mean?"

She hesitates before taking my hands. "Alexa, Elijah has been cheating on you."

The world tilts for a moment. I blink at her, my grip tightening around my glass. "What?"

"I saw him. With my own eyes."

I shake my head, laughing dryly. "No. No way. He loves me. He told me last night."

"I knew you wouldn't believe me, but I'm not lying. A few days ago, I saw him with another woman. In his car. And that's not the first time. I even saw him walking into a hotel with someone."

"You're lying." My voice trembles. My heart pounds. "You don't even have proof! You've hated him from the start, Thea. Maybe you just saw someone who looked like him."

"I swear to you, Alexa. I wouldn't lie about something like this."

Tears prick my eyes. I stand up abruptly. "Get out."

"Alexa—"

"I said get out!" I yell.

She exhales sharply, standing. "Fine. But I will prove it to you. And when I do, I'll be here for you."

She storms out, slamming the door behind her.

I sink into my chair, pressing my hands against my face. My heart feels heavy. How could she say that? Elijah would never do that to me... would he?

Shakily, I pick up my phone and dial his number. It rings a few times before he answers.

"Hello, Alexa. What's wrong?" His tone is distant.

"Do you... do you hate me?"

"What? Why would you ask that?"

"You were cold to me this morning. And now, you're leaving for days. I just... I just wanted to hear your voice."

He sighs. "I don't hate you, Alexa. I'm just busy. Can I call you later?"

"...Okay. Take care. I love you."

"Love you too." He hangs up.

I exhale, clutching the phone to my chest. He said he loves me. That means Thea was wrong... right?

Later that night, just as I'm about to sleep, I hear the front door unlocking. My heart leaps into my throat. Elijah?

I grab a vase, ready to defend myself. But when the door opens, Elijah steps inside, looking surprised to see me.

"What are you doing?" he asks, closing the door behind him.

"I thought you were a thief." I set the vase down. "I thought you were flying to London?"

"I leave tomorrow. I needed some clothes and files."

I nod, relieved. "I'm glad you're home."

He barely looks at me, already focused on his phone. I step closer to kiss him goodnight, but he pulls away.

"Just go to sleep, Alexa. I'm busy."

Then he leaves the room without another glance.

I stand there, frozen.

What's happening to us?


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Hi guys, a bit of the change for this chapter. I hope you all enjoy it!


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