Flash Marriage to a Stunning CEO (Alistair and Richard)

Chapter 13 Like a Stranger

1/9

After dropping Eloise off at preschool, Caroline headed to work while Alistair took a taxi to Everett Villa.

The Everetts had prepared all sorts of ingredients, with several household staff ready to help with the prep work. They handled everything from sorting and washing vegetables to chopping and mincing. Alistair only needed to do the actual cooking.

He'd never received this kind of treatment when he was with

Rebecca.

Whenever Alistair joined Rebecca for dinner with her family, he never got to sit at the table and enjoy a leisurely meal with everyone else.

The kitchen was his domain. It was perfectly normal for him to prepare 15 or 20 dishes all by himself.

By the time he finished cooking, everyone had nearly finished eating, chatting happily and playing with the kids. He would quietly sit at the edge of the table, picking at whatever leftovers remained.

This had been his life for years.

Alistair couldn't say he was used to it-he just didn't have the right to protest.

Chapter 13 Like a Stranger

2/9

Two million dollars might be nothing more than a replaceable sports car to wealthy girls like Rebecca, but for a powerless nobody like Alistair, it was a crushing mountain, suffocating his freedom and self-respect.

Thankfully, that was all in the past now.

Alistair prepared the meal with ease, even finding time to chat with Vivienne when she popped into the kitchen to say hello.

Vivienne's eyes lit up when she saw how vibrant Alistair looked.

It was like finding a diamond in the rough-something that had been there all along, just waiting for someone to polish off the dirt and let it shine again.

What a spirited, talented young man.

It was completely unrecognizable from the quiet, withdrawn Alistair she remembered.

For a split second, the years melted away, and Vivienne could see clearly the spirited young man he'd been in high school.

Back then, even though Alistair was poor, his eyes had sparkled with dreams of the future.

When he dropped out of school to become the father of Rebecca's child, that light in his eyes disappeared.

It was such a mess.

Chapter 13 Like a Stranger

Vivienne couldn't help but sigh.

3/9

between them

him when Rebeccal belittled him in front of

sparkle return to Alistair's eyes filled Vivienne with genuine happiness for

much. My mother had a wonderful time today," she said, reaching for her

head. "That's not necessary. I'm glad

which made her anxious. "That won't work! I can't

he interrupted. "I've actually been wanting to

regret. "I haven't done anything special. At least let me buy you a

politely without

13 Like a

4/9

It was what she'd expected, and she didn't

was attracted to Alistair, but unlike

social circle, she wasn't looking for casual

was too rational

against Vivienne personally. In fact, he was grateful to

money, Vivienne was gentle and good-natured without

of her, but that was

and he preferred to keep his distance from that

tried the chicken noodle soup

Alistair's expression remained neutral, his eyes had grown distant. She stopped herself, realizing she'd accidentally mentioned

Vivienne sighed inwardly.

so she knew

Like a

Richard

5/9

Alistair must have suffered quite a bit working for Rebecca,

refused any payment, Vivienne had prepared a gift for him. Worried he might feel uncomfortable accepting it, she was relieved

he left, Vivienne walked

Vivienne's

glanced oddly at Alistair when she saw who was calling. "Hello,

for a spa day? I'm sorry, Rebecca, but I can't make it. I've got

rolled her eyes at whatever Rebecca said next. "I seriously can't get away. Don't start

she hung up, Alistair had already walked out the front

quick wave without

a Stranger before

6/9

her tracks, Rebecca's words still echoing

help but shake her

Rebecca was going to regret this

time.

Whatever. Not my problem.

Alistair vanish around the corner, then headed back inside. It was time to finish

think of it, Alistair was an amazing cook. That silly Rebecca was eating like a

it were Vivienne, she wouldn't let someone with those cooking skills walk away