Chapter 60

Lilly's gaze drifted out of the airplane window as the city below grew larger, a smile slowly forming on her lips. After three long weeks of business travel, the familiar sight of home had never seemed so sweet. The time away had been grueling-not just for the work but for the ache of missing her family. She had left behind her little girl and her husband,Alexander, who had made it clear he wasn't happy about the length of her trip. The thought of seeing him again, of being in his arms, made her pulse quicken. But she was certain-now that she was back, he wouldn't let her take another trip like that again anytime soon.

As the airplane descended, her mind drifted back to their video call the day before. She couldn't help but chuckle at the memory of teasing him about not being able to come home today. His reaction had been instant-anger, sharp and clear. She'd had to quickly backpedal, trying to calm him.Then, in an attempt to keep the peace, he showed her their daughter,fast asleep in their bed, refusing to sleep alone because she didn't want the house to feel empty. It was an unspoken message of his own loneliness,one that made her heart ache.

The memory warmed her as shegazed out the window. She hated being away from them, but her role as the president of Blake Group had demanded it. Late nights, endless meetings, constant travel-life had become a whirlwind. But now, with the weight of the past few weeks behind her, she was determined to change things. Regular hours,more time for family-this was going to be her new normal. Stepping off the plane, Lilly was flanked by her assistant and her ever-present personal guard. She scanned the bustling crowd, her heart searching for the familiar, comforting sight of Alexander. "Mommy!" The high-pitched voice cut through the noise, and Lilly turned just in time to see her daughter barreling toward her, tiny legs carrying her with unrestrained excitement.

Lilly's heart swelled as she dropped her hand luggage, rushing to scoop up her little girl. "My baby, I missed you so much!" she exclaimed, lifting her daughter into her arms and spinning her around. Her laughter rang through the air, pure and unrestrained.

Her daughter beamed, touching Lilly's long blonde hair and planting a kiss on her cheek. "I missed you too, Mommy," she said, her voice a soft whisper.

"And I missed you, my darling," Lilly murmured, spinning her around once more, her laughter mixing with her daughter's. The unexpected joy of this reunion filled her to the brim, and she almost forgot everything else.

"But Daddy missed you more," her daughter added, with a knowing look in her eyes.

Lilly froze,her smile faltering as she glanced around. The crowd had gathered around them, snapping photos of the perfect family reunion, but something was missing. She didn't see Alexander anywhere.

"Where's Daddy?" she asked, her voice slipping with a hint of confusion.

"In the car," her daughter replied casually. A wave of discomfort washed over Lilly. He was waiting in the car? Not here to greet her himself? Her mind raced as she held her daughter close,trying to push down the unease that bubbled up inside her. What was going on? "Let's go," she said, forcing a smile for her daughter's sake, even as her mind churned with questions.

Her assistant had already collected her bags, and they moved quickly through the crowds, cameras flashing around them, but Lilly's focus remained on the missing presence of her husband.

Outside, several sleek black luxury cars stood in a neat line, drawing the attention of bystanders who couldn't help but admire the polished vehicles.But it was the first car that caught her eye-specifically, the man sitting inside,checking his watch with restless impatience.

Alexander.

He watched her approach, his expression guarded, his posture stiff. She couldn't read him. It had been a long three weeks, but his distance now-his decision to let their daughter come in to greet her while he stayed in the car-wasn't lost on her.

The moment she reached the car, she slid into the back seat, still holding her daughter in her arms. Alexander was silent beside her, his calm gaze meeting hers, but there was something in his eyes that made her pulse spike. He had been distant, and it didn't sit right with her.

She leaned her head on his chest, breathing in the scent of him,the familiar, comforting feeling of his presence. "I missed you," she murmured.lifting her face to meet his eyes, hoping for the reassurance she craved."Didn't you miss me?" His hand slid around her waist, pulling her closer. "I missed you so much,"he said, his voice low, before he kissed her deeply, passionately. It was everything she'd longed for during their time apart. And yet,something felt off, as if there were words left unspoken between them. Their kiss deepened, growing more urgent, until Alexander pulled back.his breath ragged. "If I kept kissing you like this, we'd make headlines again," he said, his voice rough with restraint.

Lilly's cheeks flushed, and she pouted playfully. "You didn't want to greet me?" she teased, still trying to piece together the odd distance between them.

Alexander's fingers ran through her hair, his gaze unreadable. "IfI had.we'd have ended up all over the tabloids by tomorrow morning," he replied with a half-smile. He was right. The last time they had shown affection publicly, the backlash had been swift and cruel. The internet had exploded with jealousy, and Lilly had been the target of hate-filled comments. Alexander had been furious, making sure those who insulted her paid the price.

Lilly leaned in, pressing a kiss to his lips, a suggestion lingering in the air."Then we can just keep it between us," she whispered,her voice hushed.

A knowing smile curled on his lips. "Agreed."

As the car rolled toward home, Lilly's mind continued to swirl with questions. Her daughter had fallen asleep by the time they reached the house. Lilly gently tucked her into bed, kissing her cheek before leaving the room. But when she entered their master bedroom, Alexander was nowhere to be found. His study, she knew, was where he'd be. Seizing the opportunity for a moment of peace, she decided to indulge in a warm bath. The soothing water relaxed her muscles, and before she knew it, she'd drifted off to sleep. When she woke, she found herself in bed, Alexander's arms wrapped tightly around her. The softness of his embrace was comforting, but his stillness only raised more questions.

The next morning, Lilly found herself staring at her reflection, shock running through her at the marks on her neck. Her fingers traced them.her mind running wild. What had happened during the night?

As she turned to face him, Alexander's smug smile said everything.

"Isn't it beautiful?" he asked, his voice dripping with satisfaction.

Lilly opened her mouth to protest but closed it, speechless. Instead,she sighed, wondering where her plans for the day would fit in with Alexander's ever-present control.

"Where are you going?" he asked, his tone more commanding than curious.

"You're not working today. You'll stay home and be a good wife."

Lilly turned to help him with his tie, her fingers brushing against his chest.

"I'll pick Viola up from school, then take her to see Grandma," she replied,a smile tugging at her lips.

Alexander studied her for a moment before speaking, his eyes dark with something she couldn't quite place. "Make sure you're both back by 7 p.m.

The weight in his voice had her pause. Why the insistence on an early return? But she nodded, hoping it was nothing more than a father's protective instincts. As he kissed her forehead and left the room, Lilly's thoughts lingered on his words. There was something he wasn't telling her-something beneath the surface. And she intended to find out what it was.