The Arranged Marriage Book 2
Автор
Tania Shava
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Julia is back, but she’s not the woman Alexander once knew. Their marriage is built on power, passion, and secrets—too many secrets. As the truth unravels, so does the empire they built together. With emotions running high and betrayal lurking in the shadows, love might not be enough to hold them together. But walking away isn’t that simple—especially when Alexander refuses to let her go.
Chapter 1
Book 2
JULIA
Julia froze at his words. “There you two are, we need to head back.”
They both turned toward Ava, but Julia’s heart was racing wildly at what Alexander had just said. “Of course.”
Ava hurried over to Alexander and helped him up. Julia sank back into her chair, watching as Alexander took the seat right next to her.
He pulled her chair closer until she was practically pressed against him. “Did you hear what I said?”
“Yes.”
The rest of the night passed in a blur. All Julia could hear in her head, over and over again, were those three words: “I love you.”
“Julia.”
She snapped out of her trance. “Leo.”
Leo—sweet, thoughtful Leo. How had she forgotten about him?
“Leo, I’m sorry. I know you must’ve been worried about me.”
“Yeah, you disappeared without a word. Is everything okay?”
“Yes, why?”
“You seem out of it.”
“I’m just tired. It’s been a long night.”
“Let’s go sit outside.”
She nodded and glanced toward Alexander. He was busy talking to Ava, so she didn’t bother interrupting.
“Let’s go,” she said softly.
They stepped outside, and Leo immediately took off his blazer, wrapping it gently around her shoulders. “Thank you,” she whispered.
“Anything for my lady,” he teased lightly. “Now be honest, what’s wrong? Maybe I can help.”
“I’m fine, Leo.”
“I can see you’re physically here, but that’s about it.”
“I don’t want to lie to you.”
“Fair enough. But promise you’ll tell me when you’re ready.”
“I promise.”
“Julia.” It was Alexander’s voice.
She turned quickly, worry filling her chest. “Do you need me back inside?”
Alexander shook his head. “We’re leaving.”
“Already?” Leo asked, surprised.
Alexander didn’t even glance at Leo; his eyes stayed locked on Julia. “Let’s go.”
Julia stood up and hugged Leo, who squeezed her tightly. “I’ll see you another time. Thanks for keeping me company.”
Leo smiled warmly. “Anytime. I mean it, Julia—anytime.”
She walked toward Alexander, noticing the tight clench of his jaw. Before they left, Alexander reached out, removed Leo’s blazer from her shoulders, and tossed it back to him.
Then he took off his own jacket and wrapped it around her instead. Holding her close, he guided her toward the car.
Now seated and staring out the window, neither of them spoke. The silence stretched between them the entire ride home.
When they arrived, they headed straight to their room. Julia went into the bathroom and tried to unzip her dress, but the zipper wouldn’t budge.
She considered asking Alexander for help but quickly dismissed the idea. No way, not after tonight.
Julia continued struggling until she heard his voice behind her: “What are you doing?”
She turned to see Alexander standing in the doorway. “My zipper must be stuck. I’ve been trying.”
“Why didn’t you ask me to help?”
“It didn’t cross my mind,” she lied, instantly regretting how stupid it sounded.
Alexander stepped closer, placing his hands gently on her waist. He turned her around so she faced away from him.
Slowly, he unzipped her dress, and Julia quickly grabbed the fabric to hold it in place. Without another word, Alexander left the bathroom.
Julia finished undressing, showered, and changed into her pajamas. When she stepped back into the bedroom, her heart raced nervously.
But the room was quiet, with only her bedside lamp glowing softly. Alexander seemed to have already fallen asleep.
She climbed into bed, shocked and confused. Was he really going to sleep after dropping such a huge bombshell on her?
Weren’t they going to talk about what he’d said? She wanted to shake him awake, but no—he was the one who confessed, so why should it bother her so much?
Yet it did. She was about to wake him when his phone vibrated.
Julia glanced over him and saw Ava’s name on the screen. Her heart sank when she read the message: I love you too.
This is bullshit. Yet part of her wasn’t even surprised. She turned off her lamp and forced herself to sleep.
***
The next morning, Julia woke up to find Alexander already gone. Was he serious right now?
Was he avoiding her? Did he regret saying those words?
Did he not mean them? Why would he do this to her?
Frustrated, Julia got dressed and headed straight to Blake’s place. Blake opened the door, looking disheveled and sleepy.
“To what do I owe this early visit?”
“I need to talk to you.”
“This better be urgent. It’s seven in the morning.”
“I need you, Blake.”
Blake nodded, stepping aside. “Come in.”
They went to Blake’s room and sat down on the bed. “What happened?” Blake asked, rubbing her eyes.
“Alexander told me he loves me.”
Blake’s jaw dropped. “What?”
“Exactly.”
“Are you sure you heard him right?”
“Yes.”
“He said it out of nowhere?”
“No, well, last night he was acting strange…”
Julia took a deep breath and began explaining everything that had happened.
“I just need to be sure, Julia. You’re absolutely positive he said he loves you?”
“Yes. You’re the one who said he’s in love with me.”
“True. So, he was drunk?”
“Yes.”
“Then he definitely meant it.”
“You really think so?”
“I know so, Julia. A drunk mind speaks a sober heart.”
“Right.”
“Okay, so what did he say when you got home?”
“That’s where the problem comes in, Blake.”
“What happened?”
