Mr. Villain's Lovely Wife

Chapter 42

Izzy stared at the ceiling, her temples throbbing with the kind ofull pain only a hangover could deliver. The dim light filtering through the curtains mocked her as she groaned and rubbed her forehead. It was a weekday–why on earth had she thought drinking so much was a good idea?

Rolling onto her side, she squinted at her phone on the nightstal. Two missed calls from Anna. Her stomach dropped when slie checked the time: 9:07 AM. Her meetings. Panic spiked through her headache as she quickly dialed Anna back.

“Miss Rossi, you’re late,” Anna said before Izzy could even speak

“I know,” Izzy muttered, sitting up slowly to avoid making her headache worse. “Cancel my morning meetings. Reschedule anything urgent for later this week.”

Anna hesitated. “Understood. I’ll adjust your schedule.”

“Thank you,” Izzy said, ending the call. She dropped the phone onto the bed and let out a heavy sigh. A wave of irritation swelled inside her. First, the headache, and now the frustration of having to rearrange an already packed day. Her mood worsened as she glanced at the other side of the bed. Liam’s side Empty, as always.

Her memory

flashed back to last night in his study–his teasing smirk, the weight of his gaze, the tension that hung in the air between them. What the hell had possessed her to ask him to drink with her? She pressed a hand to her forehead. That wine–fueled confidence was nowhere to be found this morning, leaving only the sharp edge of regret.

Shaking her head, Izzy slid out of bed and made her way to the bathroom. A quick shower washed away some of the haze, but not the lingering embarrassment. She avoided looking at herself too long in the mirror as she brushed her teeth, half, hoping the water would somehow erase last night’s choices.

By the time she made it downstairs, she was only half–functioning. All she wanted was coffee and something to eat. Maybe caffeine would fix her mood–or at least dull her headache enough to get through the day,

Her steps faltered as she entered the kitchen. Liam was there,

He stood by the stove, his sleeves rolled up, casually flipping something in a pan. The faint smell of eggs and freshly brewed coffee filled the air. He didn’t look like a man who’d been up late managing his company–or dealing with her drunken antics. He looked composed and maddeningly unbothered.

Izzy hovered by the doorway, uncertain whether to turn back or address the situation head–on. Before she could decide, Liam glanced over his shoulder.

“Morning,” he said simply, gesturing toward the counter. “Sit. Food’s almost ready.”

Izzy blinked, momentarily thrown off. She moved toward the counter but hesitated before sitting. “You’re cooking?”

cracking another egg into the pan. “You look

tightened. “I’m

a brief glance that suggested he wasn’t convinced. “Hungover on a weekday.

urge to stomp her foot like a child. “You could’ve said no to the wine.” “And miss the entertainment?” he replied, smirking as he plated he eggs. “Not

teeth, refusing to rise to the bait. “You know how to cook?” she asked.

been cooking your lunch, and you still wonder if I

Jan 4

Chapter 42

food?”

from the fridge, poured her

stared at the yellowish liquid. It smelled

freshly squeezed

the glass. “Thanks.”

wasn’t a suggestion. It was an order.

like tofu cubes, alongside a small bowl of fresh fruit–kiwi, strawberries, and blueberries, arranged with an annoying amount of precision. A side of perfectly toasted whole–grain bread completed the spread. The presentation was neat and borderline professional

she asked, incredulous, picking up the spoon. How did

her, resting his forearms on the table. “It’s a simple miso broth,” he said. “It’s good

tasted it. It was light but flavorful, a far cry from anything she’d manage on her own. “This is

again,” he said, leaning back

and took another sip of the soup, her headache already starting to fade. After a few moments, she glanced up. “Why are you still here? Don’t you have meetings or I

picking up his own coffee mug. “I rescheduled,” he said simply.

She paused, suspicious.

a husband to stay and take care of his wife,” he replied,

as an excuse to avoid

into her mouth, focusing on chewing to avoid looking at him. The silence stretched between them, broken only by the

much,” Liam said suddenly, breaking the quiet.

mid–bite, her eyes snapping to his. He wasn’t looking her, his focus was on the coffee mug in his hands. She swallowed quickly, the words forming in her mind but refusing to

voice was steadier. “Did you even eat breakfast, or are you just playing chef today?” She set

his elbows on the ble. “Why does