The next morning, I woke to an empty bed. Only a shallow crease remained on the sheets beside me—proof that Alexander had slept there at some point before leaving.
I should have been used to it. He always woke early to work out before heading to the office.
But this morning felt different. The room felt colder. And for some reason, so did I.
After everything that had happened last night, I hadn't expected him to return at all. Not when he had spent the evening with Lilian.
Then again... Alexander Blackwood had always done exactly what he wanted.
Still, the thought stung more than I cared to admit.
I reached for my phone and froze. I had overslept.
Lately, I have been sleeping more and more. The pregnancy was draining me faster each day.
I hurried out of bed, but the moment my feet touched the floor, dizziness struck. I caught myself against the wall and stayed there until the room steadied.
"Not now," I whispered to myself.
I couldn't afford weakness today.
After washing up, I made my way downstairs.
"Good morning, Mrs. Blackwood," Maria greeted.
"Morning, Maria."
I sat at the dining table while she placed breakfast in front of me.
"Mr. Alexander already left."
"I figured."
I hadn't expected to see him anyway, but that didn't stop me from feeling disappointed. I could still remember the feeling of his arm resting on my waist last night, and the dark expression he wore when he forced me back into the master bedroom.
I forced myself to eat quickly and to erase those horrible thoughts, though my appetite was poor.
Afterward, I grabbed my bag and drove straight to the office.
When I entered the conference room, everyone was already seated.
Everyone except Lilian Summer and her team.
The meeting had been scheduled for nine o'clock. It was now nine-thirty.
Because I had also arrived late, I ignored the restless atmosphere and began discussing campaign adjustments with the operations manager and creative director while we waited.
Nine forty-five.
Ten o'clock.
Still nothing.
Each passing minute sharpened the irritation in the room. Finally, I turned to my assistant.
"Call them."
She quickly made the call, then lowered her phone nervously.
"Director Alicia... they said they're on their way."
I glanced at the clock again. Another ten minutes passed, but no one came.
My patience finally snapped.
"Get me her agent's contact. If they can't respect the company's time, we'll reconsider this entire collabor—"
The conference room doors opened. Conversation stopped instantly.
Lilian Summer entered first. Alexander walked beside her. My breath caught in my throat when I noticed her arm was looped through his as though it belonged there.
Soft whispers spread through the room.
"They look perfect together..."
"No wonder they were trending last night..."
A sharp pain stabbed through my chest, but I forced a smile on my face. I rose from my seat.
"Boss. Miss Summer. You're finally here."
Lilian beamed and walked straight toward me as if we were close friends.
"Alicia!" She reached for my hand warmly. "It's so nice seeing you again."
I gently withdrew my hand.
"You too."
She tilted her head, studying me. "You look much more mature now. I still remember when you were in college, following Alexander around and calling me sister-in-law."
Several eyes turned toward me instantly. Of course they knew I was Alexander's adopted sister. And now they knew something else.
That I had once stood nearby while another woman occupied the place I secretly wanted.
Three years ago, Alexander had brought Lilian home and introduced her proudly as his girlfriend. I still remembered the way he looked at her. The memory of how he kissed her in the garden when they thought no one was watching would forever be seared into my brain.
At the time, I believed my role in his life was already decided. I could only love him quietly and watch as he chose someone else.
Then one year later, he married me. I had been foolish enough to believe fate had changed.
Now, seeing them walk in together, I finally understood.
This spot next to Alexander was never really mine. I had only been borrowing what was always hers.
"Thank you," I said evenly. "You look radiant as well, Miss Summer."
Her smile brightened.
"Oh! Did you like the signed album I sent you? The singer is a close friend of mine overseas. Since you love her songs, I asked her to sign it for you."
My heartbeat faltered.
Slowly, I turned to Alexander.
I had thought—
No.
I had hoped that he had chosen that gift himself.
Alexander met my eyes without warmth.
"What?" he said coolly. "Didn't you like it?"
The humiliation burned hotter than anger. I forced a smile.
"I liked it very much. Thank you, Miss Summer."
Then I straightened the files in front of me.
"Now, shall we begin? We've already wasted enough time."
For the first time, Lilian's smile thinned slightly.
"Of course."
Then she turned to Alexander and tugged lightly at his sleeve.
"Go back to work. Don't forget we're having lunch together."
His expression softened in a way I had never seen directed at me.
"Of course," he said.
He left without sparing me another glance.