My Stand-In Groom Is A Secret Tycoon by Lydia Pierce

Alistair's muscles tensed up all over his body, his voice hoarse. "Okay."

Audrey readily wrapped her arms around his neck, clinging to him like a koala. Completely oblivious to any embarrassment or shyness, she didn't have the mind to dwell on how intimate and ambiguous their position was. Alistair remained steady while carrying her up several flights of stairs.

"Are you... tired?" Hearing his slightly heavy breathing, Audrey, who had just regained her composure, gently asked.

"Not at all. You're very light," Alistair rumbled in response.

Audrey blushed slightly and gently pressed her face against his chest. She actually wanted Alistair to put her down. But fearing another encounter with rats, she could only muster the courage to say, "Thank you." Listening to the soft, cooing voice of Audrey in his arms, Alistair felt his bitterness and resentment instantly vanish.

'Why be jealous? No matter what the guy's intentions toward Audrey were, Audrey's rejection was already quite clear. And the person who can make her let go of her stubbornness and rely on is only me at present. That's enough,' he murmured inwardly. Until she stepped into the house, Audrey's legs were still weak. If it weren't for Alistair still holding her waist, she probably would have slumped down right there.

Alistair helped her sit on a small stool at the entrance. He took out slippers and then squatted down in front of her, reaching out to hold her slender ankle.

'Is he changing shoes for me?' Audrey wondered, her heart thumping.

an air of pride knelt on one knee in front of her, his long fingers gripping the edge of her high heels and

heart, and she instinctively tried

she could move, Alistair firmly grasped her ankle, his

And that pair of

Instinctively, she reached out and grabbed his wrist. Lifting her head slightly, she

gaze slightly, looking down at her with a

took the initiative to confess, "The guy who just brought me back is Eric

she finished, she noticed Alistair's jaw suddenly tighten and quickly added,

of surprise

just a few words, she filled his heart with subtle

to explain, are you afraid

sat up straight, nodding obediently. "Yep, I don't want you to misunderstand. Although you might not care, we are already husband and wife. No matter the reason for the marriage, honesty is a must

sparks, setting ablaze the suppressed emotions in Alistair's heart.