Flash Marriage to a Stunning CEO (Alistair and Richard)

Chapter 38 Alone Now

"Thanks for today, honey."

The word honey rolled off Caroline's tongue more and more. naturally these days. Alistair, who used to flinch every time she said it, had grown used to it too-maybe even fond of it.

He gave her a thoughtful look. "Do you realize you have a major flaw?"

Caroline froze. "What flaw?" she asked quickly, a little too quickly. If there was something wrong with her, she wanted to fix it-immediately.

"You're a total hypocrite."

She blinked. "Excuse me?"

"You're the one who told me married couples don't need to keep apologizing or thanking each other. So why are you thanking me right now? Isn't that kind of... I don't know, a double standard?"

Caroline lowered her head without a word.

Alistair's heart skipped.

Shit. That was too much, wasn't it?

Was he letting success get to his head? Just because he pulled off

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one heroic save, did that give him the right to call out his boss?

And not just any boss-Caroline.

God, I'm turning into Preston. I need to shut up.

He opened his mouth to backtrack, maybe even apologize.

But then Caroline looked up. Her almond-shaped eyes shimmered with

amusement, glassy and bright. She nodded solemnly. "You're right. I guess I was being a little hypocritical. Won't happen again."

Alistair blinked.

Well... that was easy.

At least she took it well.

But then her expression shifted-less teasing, more serious. She hesitated before speaking again.

"If something like that ever happens again... would you mind telling me sooner?" She meant the thing with Eloise-those cruel words.

"If Eloise asks you not to tell me, I'll respect that. I promise I won't take it out on you. I just... want to know what's going on. You don't have to betray her trust-l just want to make sure she's okay."

Alistair was quiet. She didn't have to be so reasonable. She was

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her daughter's mother. She had every right to demand he report every detail, no questions asked.

And yet, she didn't.

How lucky did I get, ending up with a boss like this?

"Can I ask you something?" he said finally.

Caroline looked up. "Sure."

"Do you... have a lot of people who've tried to date you?"

The question caught her off guard. Her lashes fluttered as she stared at him.

Wait... is he jealous? Is that what this is about?

She tilted her head, feigning innocence. "What made you ask that?"

“It's just... what happened today got me thinking," Alistair said. "Are there more people like that Preston guy? I mean-unstable, obsessive types. I'm just wondering if I should be... concerned."

Caroline raised a brow. "You're worried about your safety? I can get you a bodyguard or two."

Oh. So it's not jealousy.

There was a flicker of disappointment in her chest.

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But no-Alistair wasn't jealous either. He was just genuinely concerned someone might pull another stunt like Preston's... and mess with the comfortable life he was finally starting to

enjoy.

Caroline didn't say anything. She simply pulled out her phone and typed a message to Julian.

Caroline: [Find two reliable guys. I want my husband protected.]

If bodyguards were necessary, then bodyguards he'd get. End of

story.

*****

"Rebecca, don't tell me you're ditching me for your boyfriend again! You seriously can't get away for just one afternoon? Richard's at work all day-he doesn't need you glued to his

side!"

Anne's voice whined through the phone, drenched in passive-aggressive frustration.

At the mention of Richard's name, a shadow passed over

Rebecca's face.

mirror, her reflection looked polished, almost

was still only twenty-four-naturally beautiful and

Chapter 38 Alone Now

radiant, collagen-rich

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room around her was drained of light. Like her, it carried a

kind that clung to

their last fight. He

Daniel, was still

curled up on

still hear her father's voice echoing

from marrying Richard, but don't think you'll get a penny

made your choice-you live. with the

mother had wept

didn't approve of Alistair, we

Daniel's words-those hurt

want Daddy. He hit me. He hit me

his voice sharp with emotion. Chapter 38

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it for you, Rebecca. Can't you see that? Are you even your parents' daughter anymore? They disown you the second you get married-what kind of people are they? How can they just cut ties like

trying to block

voice was still there, chirping

went off about how Vivienne's so much better than me at everything. Again! So

up and flung the phone

silence didn't

hear her heartbeat, pounding

high-pitched buzz in her skull

the chair, sinking

drained.

alone now. Truly, unmistakably

years ago-when she thought things were at their

hadn't felt

Chapter 38 Alone Now

had been with

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is Alistair now? Who's he

for her? Folding her laundry?

smile?

The door opened.

stepped inside, took in the disarray, and

of sigh laced with

under her arms, trying to lift

limp,

and simply scooped her

easily overpowered her half-hearted struggle.

"You never answered me,"

Richard stiffened.

with this. Why can't she

the bruising on her face. Or maybe he'd seen it and just didn't

more did

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she didn't get an answer she liked? What good does dragging this

her, "Okay, okay, it's all my fault, alright? Want to whip me? I'll get the belt; you can

carefully rehearsed-reminded Rebecca of something her mother once

noble and self-sacrificing. Told your father, 'Punish me all you want, just please support our marriage.' But the second your dad took him up on it

his face-cold as death. Like Nathaniel had

him a chance. But he's not a good man. He's slick. Puts on a show. And if you insist on jumping. into the fire, then

good enough. But next to

slam Richard-Rebecca would've

had run toward him even while her parents

Chapter 38 Alone Now

her to stop.

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like she

in like he'd done

She didn't resist.

she was

He had no idea.

to

chasing, the one

Alistair had once been her loyal little lapdog, then she'd spent

Richard's.

it weren't for Cordelia and Nathaniel, he would've just pulled

wait for her to break, and then waltz back

at him,

reaching for her

cheek.

don't be

Chapter 38 Alone Now

at him,

beside her

She didn't fight it.

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up Danny today, yeah?" he whispered, kissing

slow, distant. "Rick...

he said easily. "Why do you think I came back?

let's get our license tomorrow,"

smiled, indulgent and warm,

he was concerned, her parents

Their posturing meant nothing.

mother was right-Cordelia and Nathaniel didn't

under his thumb, the girl wouldn't

his parents. She would manage to win them over in no time, and that

his father. One move, and she