“I will love you forever.”
Mia stepped back slowly, his hands falling away as her body stiffened. Too many emotions collided at once—fear, longing, confusion. She stared at him, taking in the need, the fear, and the sincerity written plainly across his face.
After a long moment, she gave a small nod.
“I’ll… think about it.”
Alexander’s face lit up instantly, as if she had already agreed. His eyes softened, a satisfied curve tugging at his lips.
“Don’t look at me like that,” she snapped, taking a step back. Her hand rose in the air between them fast. “I didn’t agree to getting back together yet!”
“I got it,” Alexander said, though nothing about his expression changed. If anything, he looked even more certain—which only fueled her irritation.
Before she could move away, Alexander slid his arm around her shoulders, drawing her firmly against his side.
“Now,” he said calmly, already turning her body and steering her forward, “tell me which one you want to choose to wear to our wedding.”
She shoved his shoulder, trying to break free from his hold. “I told you, I haven’t agreed to this yet.”
“Yes, I know,” he replied smoothly, tightening his arm to keep her beside him as he guided her toward the racks. “Now tell me—what dress do you want to wear to your wedding?”
She shot him a glare sharp enough to cut, her heels scraping against the floor as he tugged her along again. Her jaw set in stubborn defiance, but he didn’t slow or look back.
By the time they stepped out of the wedding store, the assistant trailed behind them, struggling slightly under the weight of four large bags filled with wedding dresses. At the entrance, she carefully set them down on the table near the door.
“These dresses will be delivered to your home within the week, Mr. and Mrs. Graves,” the assistant said brightly, placing them neatly in place.
Mia crossed her arms tightly over her chest, her steps stiff as they walked toward the car. Her lips pressed into a thin line, every inch of her body radiating displeasure.
When they reached the limo, she abruptly stopped. Instead of getting inside, she turned on her heel and walked in the opposite direction.
Alexander reacted immediately. He followed in two long strides and caught her by the shoulder, his hand firm.
“Where are you going?” he asked.
“Home,” she said flatly, shrugging his hand off. “I’m not staying at your place. We’re not reconciled. I’m going back to my apartment.”
She didn’t get another word out.
Alexander bent down without hesitation, scooped her up effortlessly, and lifted her into his arms. Her feet left the ground as he turned and carried her straight back toward the limo, his grip secure and unyielding.
“Mr. Graves!” she snapped, her hands bracing against his chest,
He ignored her completely, setting her down inside the limo before climbing in after her. Instead of sitting properly, he stretched out along the seat, turning sideways and dropping hishead into her lap. One leg bent casually on the seat, the other hanging off the edge.
Closing his eyes, he muttered, voice low and rough, “I’m exhausted. I worked all night for you. Don’t disturb me.”
Mia stared down at him, stunned.
“Get up,” she said, planting her palm against his shoulder and giving him a push. “Stop acting like a child. What is wrong with you?”
Alexander didn’t budge.
Not even an inch.
His weight remained there, his head resting comfortably against her thighs. She scowled, irritation rising in her chest—until she felt it. The slow, steady rhythm of his breathing beneath her hand.
She hesitated, then looked down at his face.
