Flash Marriage to a Stunning CEO (Alistair and Richard)

Chapter 19 The Temptation of Home

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Despite having Alistair looking after Eloise, Caroline still felt an urgent pull toward home. She finished her work as quickly as possible and rushed back.

Beyond seeing her precious Eloise, coming home now carried an additional temptation for her-Alistair.

Caroline couldn't figure out the reason, no matter how much she pondered.

Alistair was watching a cartoon with Eloise-a well-received animated film.

Even kindergarteners had homework, though the amount was so minimal it could be practically ignored.

Alistair and Eloise sat together on the sofa, barefoot, his large feet contrasting with her tiny ones.

Eloise cuddled against him dependently while Alistair casually draped his arm over her shoulders. Their eyes remained fixed on the television screen, wholly absorbed in what they were watching.

The scene was so heartwarming that Caroline unconsciously paused in her tracks, afraid her presence might disturb their

Chapter 19 The Temptation of Home peaceful moment.

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As she watched, Alistair seemed to sense something and turned his head toward her.

Eloise noticed Caroline and said, "Mommy!" in her sweet, clear

voice.

Caroline approached them. "Did I startle you?" she asked, directing the question at Alistair.

Alistair gave her a confused look.

Caroline's expression remained serious, showing no signs of teasing.

Perhaps my gaze had lingered on her a second too long?

Alistair was quietly annoyed with himself.

He hoped Caroline wouldn't think he was the type who couldn't tear his eyes away from a beautiful woman. And he certainly didn't want her to see him as some delicate flower who turned pale at the slightest disturbance.

Alistair instinctively wanted to protect his image before her, despite not usually caring what others thought of him. "Sorry, I didn't notice when you came in. I was just caught off guard," he explained.

Caroline glanced at him, then couldn't help but look again a few seconds later. Chapter 19 The Temptation of Home

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At first, Alistair found her behavior puzzling, but he quickly remembered what he'd done that afternoon...

Sure enough, Caroline said, "You look much healthier now, like before."

not

had looked malnourished, she thought, but didn't

couldn't tell

exceptional ability with anyone, not even those closest to him. They'd think

guess I've been resting well these past couple of days," he

his explanation without

get pizza

just opened, and

a downtown plaza, so they wouldn't need to drive. After dinner,

bear purse slung over her shoulder, holding Alistair's hand in

The Temptation

weather had warmed noticeably after

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carried a pleasant freshness and a

as husband and wife couldn't change the fact that

for Eloise, the marriage license that had forcibly brought them together would have left them feeling awkward

place was doing great business for its grand opening. Fortunately, they had arrived early; otherwise, there wouldn't have been any seats

the clever mind," someone remarked. "Her restaurant is thriving. Among all the girls who grew up together, I'd say she's

have built an impressive business of her

walked in, surrounded by his entourage.

gaze away and

*****

The Temptation of Home Rebecca was in a

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had asked her to bring the kids and Alistair home for

knew that Cordelia inevitably wanted to

in person.

had already kicked

regretted her actions

paid him off and asked him to continue the charade. That would have saved her

evening,

feared her guileless son might blurt out something like "I have a new daddy now" to Cordelia, which would

stall for at most another week. After that, she'd have to come clean no

the truth

Cordelia would certainly be angry, but she was their only child. Their anger would be temporary. Even when she

The

disown her,

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she was having dinner with Cordelia, Nathaniel walked

be supporting Vivienne's restaurant today?" Cordelia asked him. "Why are you back

urgent call and came back for some documents," Nathaniel replied. Then, spotting Rebecca, he blurted out, "What are you doing here? Who's having pizza

name "Alistair" now. "Dad, you saw Alistair?"

at the pizza place. If he wasn't with you,

didn't make

shook his head firmly. "My eyesight isn't that bad. How could I mistake Rebecca's

complicated look. "Rebecca,