The little boy’s voice rang through the grand foyer like a bell.
“Daddy!”
Alyssa’s heart stopped.
She watched as a small child, not older than three or four came running toward Alexander with outstretched arms.
Alexander bent down and scooped the boy up effortlessly, a rare softness crossing his features.
Daddy?
Alyssa’s mind raced.
He’s married?
He has a child?
Why didn’t he tell me?
Why would he need a fake wife if he already has a family?
A flood of questions crashed through her thoughts.
She stood frozen, staring at the two of them.
The little boy had Alexander’s eyes.
His nose.
His expression.
He looks exactly like him.
“Looks like you two are already here,” a warm voice said.
Alyssa turned.
A middle-aged woman was descending the staircase, her elegant silk robe flowing behind her.
She had kind eyes and a gentle smile.
But when her gaze landed on Alyssa, the smile flickered just for a moment.
Then it returned, warmer than before.
“You must be my son’s girlfriend. Come, dear. Have a seat.” The woman took Alyssa’s hand and led her to the dining table.
Alyssa’s legs moved on their own.
She sat down beside the woman, her mind still reeling.
Girlfriend?
So he didn’t tell his mother we’re married?
Or did he?
What story are we supposed to follow?
“Nora,” the woman said, patting Alyssa’s hand.
“You can call me Nora. Or Mother, if you’d like.”
Alyssa managed a smile.
“It’s nice to meet you, ma’am.”
“Zaza, leave your daddy alone and come eat,” Nora called out.
Alexander walked over, the little boy still in his arms.
“Come on, Grandma is calling us,” he said softly to the child.
He settled Zaza into the chair beside him and sat down next to Alyssa.
She watched them.
Alexander was feeding the boy, a small smile on his lips.
She had never seen him smile like that.
It transformed his face.
He’s a completely different person around his son.
Nora noticed Alyssa watching.
“Zaza hasn’t been eating well lately. He misses his father.”
Alyssa smiled softly.
“He certainly has a healthy appetite now.”
She picked up her fork and began to eat.
She was grateful that Nora didn’t ask her any questions during the meal.
Alexander sat on a large couch with Zaza on his lap, the two of them absorbed in a video game.
Alyssa sat beside him.
Nora settled into a single armchair across from them.
Nora’s eyes settled on Alyssa.
“So, tell me. How did you two meet?”
Alyssa’s smile froze.
She glanced at Alexander.
He was already looking at her, his expression unreadable.
We were supposed to cook up a story.
But you said you’d go with my flow.
Now I have no idea what to say to your mother.
She turned back to Nora, forcing calm into her voice.
“We first met at a hotel. I was at a dinner party with my team, and I accidentally bumped into him. I stained his suit with my lipstick.” She let out a small, self-deprecating laugh.
“I offered to buy him a new one, but he ignored me. Eventually, he gave in and gave me his address to ship the replacement. When I saw the price of that suit, I nearly removed my own eyeballs.”
Nora laughed.
Alyssa was about to continue when Alexander’s hand found hers.
His fingers intertwined with hers, warm and firm.
“Mom,” he said, his voice smooth, “you don’t want to hear what my wife was about to say next. It’s embarrassing.”
“Wife? How come I’m not aware that Alexander Kim is married?”
A soft, feminine voice sliced through the moment.
Alyssa turned toward the door.
A woman stood there, silhouetted against the evening light.
She wore a short red dress that clung to every curve like a second skin.
Her black hair cascaded over her shoulders, and her red lips curved into a smile that was equal parts charm and danger.
Alyssa’s blood ran cold.
Jessica Grey.
The business tycoon.
The richest woman in Country A.
Her face was on every magazine cover, her name whispered in every boardroom.
What is she doing here?
And then the realization hit her like a wave.
Kim.
There’s only one Kim family in Country A.
The richest.
The most feared.
Alyssa’s heart pounded against her ribs.
Oh no.
What have I gotten myself into?
Jessica glided into the room, pressing a kiss to Nora’s cheek.
“Hi, Aunt Nora.”
She turned to Zaza, who was still perched on Alexander’s lap, absorbed in his game.
“Hi, Zaza.”
The little boy ignored her completely.
Jessica’s smile didn’t waver.
She turned to Alexander.
“Hi, Alex.”
He didn’t look at her.
His hand found Alyssa’s, holding it tighter. Follow the newest chapters on g.com.
Jessica met his icy gaze with a practiced smile.
The air between them crackled with unspoken history.
Exes, Alyssa thought.
They look like exes.
“Where’s Ivor?” Jessica asked, her tone casual.
Nora sighed.
“He’s been busy lately. Doesn’t even answer my calls.”
Alyssa’s eyes widened.
Ivor.
President Ivor.
The President of Country A.
She looked at Nora, then at Jessica, then back at Alexander.
What the hell have I walked into?
“How come your marriage isn’t known publicly?” Jessica asked, her voice light but her eyes sharp.
Nora turned to her son, her expression shifting.
“You’re married? And you let me go through the stress of setting you up on blind dates with various women?”
“He’s been going on blind dates?” Jessica asked, raising an eyebrow.
“Yes, he has,” Nora said, her voice carrying a hint of hurt.
Alexander looked at his mother, completely ignoring Jessica.
“My wife wanted to keep it a secret since she’s a public figure.”
All eyes turned to Alyssa.
She swallowed.
“Yes. I wanted it to be a secret. For now.”
“Have you done your wedding?” Nora asked.
“No, we haven’t,” Alexander said.
Alyssa looked at Nora.
From the way things were unfolding, it was clear, this Marriage wouldn’t stay buried for long.
“It’s best if you make your marriage known to the public,” Nora said firmly.
“Because if your grandfather finds out, things won’t go well.”
“Yes, Mother,” Alexander said.
Nora’s expression softened.
“You two should go upstairs and freshen up. Rooms have been prepared.”
Alexander shook his head.
“I’m sorry, Mom. We have to go back tonight. My wife has a shoot tomorrow and needs to leave early.”
Nora nodded.
“Alright. But do come visit again. And don’t leave me like your elder brother.” She turned to Alyssa.
“Alyssa, make sure he comes to visit me.”
“Yes, Mother. I will,” Alyssa said.
Alexander lifted Zaza into his arms and placed his other hand on Alyssa’s lower back, guiding her out of the house.
The car ride was silent as neither of them spoke.
The city lights blurred past the window as Alyssa stared into the darkness, her mind spinning with questions she didn’t dare ask.
When the car stopped in front of the building, Alyssa opened the door and stepped out without a word.
She walked inside, her heels clicking against the marble floor.
Alexander got out behind her.
He handed Zaza to the waiting guard.
“Put him to sleep,” he said quietly.
Then he turned and walked inside.