Chapter 21

Had she heard him right? Lilly's breath caught in her throat, her heart hammering in disbelief. Alexander Kane, the man who rarely revealed a crack in his icy exterior, had just said thie unthinkable.

"Don't leave," he had said.

The words hung in the air like a storm cloud, ominous and laden with meaning. She blinked, her voice faltering as she tried to confirm what she thought she'd heard. "What did you say?"

Alexander's expression didn't soften. His gaze was a fortress, locked down and impenetrable. "Have you been to the hospital?" he asked instead,his tone cold and detached.

Lilly shook her head."No."

His jaw clenched slightly, a flicker of emotion breaking through the calm facade. "Put that luggage down," he ordered, his voice steely. "You're not leaving this room until a doctor confirms you're pregnant."

And with that, he walked out, leaving her standing there in stunned silence.

The room felt suffocating in his absence. Did he not trust her? Did he believe she'd lie about something as monumental as this? Lilly's hands gripped the handle of her suitcase tightly. Her emotions were a tempest-confusion, anger, and hurt swirling together in achaotic storm.

The next morning, Lilly woke up with renewed resolve. Alexander might control many things, but he wouldn't dictate her every move. Dressing for work, she chose a sleek gray fitted shirt dress. It was modest yet stylish.stopping just above her knees. The touch of small heels completed her look-confident and professional, a statement of her independence.

She descended the staircase, expecting the quiet hum of her usual morning routine. Instead, she was met with tension so thick it could choke the air.

Alexander sat at the breakfast table, documents spread before him, his eyes scanning them with a laser focus. His presence dominated the room, but it was the man standing beside him-James, his assistant-that caught her attention. The poor man looked as though he might pass out from fear.

Lilly hesitated,suddenly aware of the charged atmosphere. Maybe she should grab a bite at work instead.

"Sit down," Alexander's voice cut through her thoughts like a whip.

She froze mid-step, unsure if she'd even been noticed. Slowly,she obeyed.taking a seat opposite him. The maids brought her breakfast-eggs,toast,and juice-but the air remained heavy.

For ten minutes, Alexander didn't acknowledge her presence, his attention locked on his documents. James shifted nervously, every small movement betraying his discomfort. Lilly couldn't stand the oppressive silence.

"James," she whispered, offering a small smile. "Breathe."

James gave her a shaky nod, his pale complexion doing little to ease her concern. But her moment of kindness drew Alexander's attention. He glanced up,his eyes cold as steel. "You better eat your breakfast and mind your own business," he said, his voice cutting through the room like a blade."And once you're done, go upstairs and change into something more appropriate. Lilly blinked, taken aback. "Excuse me?"

Alexander's gaze dropped briefly to her dress, then back to her face. "You heard me."

Lilly glanced down at her outfit. The gray dress was elegant, professional.and one of the expensive pieces Alexander had bought for her. There was nothing inappropriate about it.

"Mr. Kane," she began. carefully controlling her tone, "this is one of the clothes you purchased for me. There's nothing wrong with it."

Instead of addressing her, Alexander turned his anger on James, who looked as if he might faint. "Why were such clothes included in the purchase?"

James stammered, his words barely audible. "Sir, you instructed me to take a female employee with a similar body type to shop for MIs. Evans' clothes.She selected everything. I only carried the items."

"Fire her." Alexander ordered sharply, his tone like ice.

"Sir,I-"

"Immediately," Alexander snapped, silencing any protest. Lilly's jaw tightened, her sympathy for the unknown employee mixing with her mounting frustration. The dress might be shorter than Alexander preferred, but firing someone over it was absurd. The sound of documents slamming onto the table jolted her from her thoughts. Alexander leaned back in his chair, glaring at James. "Take these away and have them redone. I want them on my desk by the time I arrive at the office."

James grabbed the papers and fled the room without another word,leaving Lilly and Alexander alone in the thick, suffocating silence.

"Didn't I tell you to change that dress?" Alexander said. his gaze now fixed on her.

Lilly met his eyes, her frustration bubbling over. "Mr. Kane, there's nothing wrong with this dress, and firing someone who was only following orders is unreasonable."

His jaw tightened. "As long as you're in my house and carrying my child,you won't wear whatever you please."

His words were a match to dry tinder. "Didn't you say you need confirmation before believing I'm pregnant?" she snapped, her anger boiling to the surface.

"Yes," he replied coolly. "Which is why we're going to the hospital as soon as you change that dress."

Her heart pounded, anger fueling her defiance. "No one knows I'm your wife, or that I might be carrying your child. So why are you so bothered by what I wear?"

Alexander leaned forward, his eyes burning into hers. "Because I said so." His tone was final, his gaze searing, but Lilly refused to back down. "Fine," she spat, standing abruptly. Her chair scraped loudly against the floor,echoing her frustration.′′I′Il change. But this is ridiculous." She stormed out of the room, her heels clicking angrily against the floor.

Alexander watched her go, his expression unreadable. The fire in her eyes had sparked something in him-something he couldn't quite place. But one thing was certain: Lilly Evans was no ordinary woman.

As the door slammed shut behind her. Alexander leaned back in his chair,his thoughts swirling. This wasn't just about the dress. It was about control-a control that seemed to be slipping through his fingers with every step Lilly took.