Chapter 10
772words
My second-place finish in The Alice competition had instantly elevated the company's profile.
My former boss seemed both excited and confused by my return.
"Why are you calling me boss? Mrs. Hart, you're too modest. Eastern Dawn Group acquired us months ago. I'm just a department manager now."
I scratched my head awkwardly. "Can I still work here?"
"Are you joking? You're our chief designer and largest shareholder! We've been maintaining your benefits all this time. Your husband has been quite determined to establish your career."
I turned to leave, tossing a bitter comment over my shoulder.
"I'm single. We divorced ages ago!"
I began job hunting everywhere, not because positions weren't available, but because I was too recognizable.
The moment I introduced myself, everyone recognized me as "Mrs. Hart."
I found myself missing the anonymity our secret marriage had once provided.
News of Mrs. Hart's job search and repeated "rejections" quickly reached Alexander Hart.
A luxury car suddenly blocked my path one afternoon.
Alexander Hart emerged holding flowers, his tailored suit and devastating good looks almost offensively perfect.
Before he could drop to one knee, bystanders began cheering.
"Say yes! Marry him!"
Alexander smiled, playing to the audience as he knelt before me.
"Mrs. Hart, work with me here. Perfect opportunity to make up for that missing proposal. Marry me again! What do you say?"
I turned and walked away, feeling like I was being stalked by a persistent stray.
Alexander jumped up and followed me. "Claire, I was wrong. I was blind not to recognize my first love."
"I recall Mr. Hart saying he never reclaims what he's discarded."
"I'll eat those words! I'll swallow them whole and choke on them if I have to! I never betrayed our marriage, and I never gave you that failing grade. My character and professional integrity are intact.
Lauren was just a shield before you came along. I used her to deflect my grandmother's marriage pressure. There was nothing real between us! I never intended to marry her. All I wanted was to find my long-lost fiancée."
"Then why marry me? Weren't you waiting for this fiancée of yours?"
Alexander took my hand, his expression pained. "You can't be jealous of yourself. It's my fate to fall in love with the same woman over and over again."
"Disgusting! Smooth-talking! Completely insincere! I invented those lines first!"
Only now did I realize how hollow my own sweet talk had been, how emotionally and physically uncomfortable it must have made him.
"Wife, I never signed those divorce papers. We're still legally married."
Alexander Hart clung to me like a desperate man, producing not a ring but the ownership deed to The Alice.
The temptation was overwhelming—I snatched it immediately.
"I'll take this, since the ship was rightfully mine to begin with. As for you—I'm returning to sender! I'm focused on my career and earning money for my mother's medical bills. I don't have time for your reconciliation games."
Alexander Hart produced another document. "I'm offering Eastern Dawn Group as my wedding gift. From now on, I'll work for Miss Alice without compensation, ensuring your career eclipses even mine."
I stopped walking. "And what about your other assets, including Hillside Bay?"
"All yours. I'll have my lawyer start the transfers immediately!"
I placed my hands on my hips. "So you'll be my kept man? I'll be supporting you?"
Alexander Hart nodded reluctantly through gritted teeth. "If my wife doesn't object, I'll manage the home while you handle the business world."
I squished his handsome face between my hands. "You're aiming too high! Let me be clear: when I keep a man, it's two hundred a month for expenses, plus there's a hefty medical bill that needs settling. If you behave, I might consider making this arrangement permanent."
"Wife, you're ruthless! Making me pay for the privilege of being your kept man. Luckily, that bill is under Kevin's name, and as his uncle, I can easily cover it without him complaining."
"Really? I promised Kevin that if I couldn't clear that debt within three years, I'd return and offer myself to him instead."
Alexander Hart gazed regretfully at his luxury car, then unstrapped the Rolex from his wrist.
"I should have waited to transfer everything, but don't worry, wife. Even if I have to sell my car and watch and live in poverty, I'll still win you back."
Under the gentle moonlight, the soon-to-be-penniless Alexander Hart took my hand, his tenderness washing over me like a warm tide.
"My wife, let's go home."
