Ethan’s jaw tightened.

And that’s when I heard it–movement in the doorway.

I turned sharply.

Alexander was standing there, one arm crossed over the other,

his expression unreadable. His gaze shifted briefly between us,

then settled on me. I swallowed hard.

How long had he been there?

Ethan noticed him too and stepped back quickly, trying to y

it cool. “I, uh… I made some chicken and rice soup for you,” he

said, suddenly fumbling for casual. “Would you like me to get

it?”

I didn’t answer. I was still trying to decode the look on

Alexander’s face.

But he didn’t say anything. Didn’t walk in. Didn’t give Ethan a

reaction.

He just looked at me for a moment longer, then turned and

walked away.

The click of the door closing behind him echoed louder than it

should have.

“Here,” Ethan said after a moment, walking toward the table

with a thermos in hand. “I’ll just leave it here.”

“Put it down,” I said quietly, already exhausted.

He set it down on the bedside table, but he didn’t back away.

Instead, he crossed his arms and looked at me like I’dmitted

some kind of betrayal.

“Tell me something,” he said. “Do you want Alexander to feed

you instead?”

I blinked. “What?”

“Is that what this is about? You want me gone so you can run

into his arms?”

I stared at him, speechless for a second. “You’re unbelievable.”

“I’m serious,” he snapped. “I’ll believe nothing’s going on between

you two if you resign ande home.”

Iughed, “You think this is about proving my innocence to

you? You, of all people?”

He didn’t even flinch. “I’m still your husband.”

“No, you’re the man who slept with another woman while I was

still healing from the wounds of our wedding night”

“That was… just to maintain the diplomatic rtions between

our n,” he whispered.

“Oh! Shut up! I don’t want to hear any of your pathetic reasons,”

I said. “And, I’m not resigning. I’m not leaving. And I’m definitely

not going back.”

“You’re using him to get back at me,” he said, almost childishly.

“You’re trying to make me jealous.”

“I’m doing my job,” I replied coldly.

Ethan took a deep breath, held it, then let it out through his

nose. “Then I’ll stay,” he said quietly. “As your husband. I’ll take

care of you!”

“I don’t need you to take care of me.”

“I’ll stay anyway,” he insisted. “Because you’re still mine.”

I turned away from him.

I could only ignore him now. Expecting Ethan to understand or

obey was harder than training a feral dog.

An hourter, the door creaked open again.

Alexander walked in with Gai and Jess. I sat upright. My thigh still ached, but I didn’t want to seem fragile, especially not in

front of her.

Jess stood awkwardly by the foot of the bed. She looked much

calmer than thest time I saw her, though her eyes still held

that calcting glint.

“I want to apologize,” she began, “Forst night. I misunderstood

your intentions, Olivia.”

I raised an eyebrow slightly but kept my tone neutral. “Apology

epted. I understand you were emotional.”

I knew the apology wasn’t for me. It was for Alexander.

Everything about her was always for Alexander.

Alexander didn’t speak at first. He just looked at me, then at the

IV line still taped to my hand.

“You should rest more,” he said. “And no more risking your life

again.”

His tone was firm, protective. I felt a flutter in my chest, one I

quickly silenced. Even Yve felt a hint of warmth in Alexander’s

words.

Before I could respond, Ethan–who had been ring from the

couch–stood up.

“She’s in no condition to be anyone’s secretary,” he said sharply. “Especially yours.”

I blinked. “Excuse me?”

Jess took that moment to step forward, her voice lilting with eagerness. “If it helps, I can return as your secretary, Alexander.”

I almostughed. Was this a coordinated ambush?

“Thanks but it is not needed,” I said inly, turning to

Alexander. “and if this is a question of whether I want to resign

-then no. I don’t!”

Alexander met my eyes. “Good.”

Jess stiffened. Ethan, meanwhile, looked like he was choking on

his own breath.

Alexander added, “The doctors say you’ll need at least a week to

recover. I’ll arrange for a private jet. You shouldn’t travel

I shook my head. “Thank you, but I’ll go back with the team. I

don’t want special treatment.”

He gave a small nod. “As you wish.” He nced at Jess. “We’ll

head out. Gai, with me.”

As they turned to leave, Jess lingered a moment, throwing a

frosty nce my way. I held her stare, calm, unshaken. She

followed Alexander out, her heels clicking hard against the

floor.