Chapter 20 Her Pictures
At Alexander’s mansion, the TV in the master bedroom played softly, the flickering light casting shifting shadows across the room.
Reporters’ voices filled the air as Kylie’s scandal dominated every channel.
Her downfall was everywhere—photos, rumors, and desperate denials flashing in rapid sequence.
‘Kylie Brown caught red-handed, shocking affair photos break the internet’
‘From goddess to homewrecker, fans turn on Kylie Brown overnight’
‘Caught and cancelled, Kylie Brown’s career hanging by a thread’
‘Kylie Brown accused of breaking multiple marriages, fans furious’
‘Exclusive footage surfaces, Kylie Brown seen arguing with a popular actor’s wife’
‘Public demands apology, Kylie Brown disappears from spotlight’
Mia sat quietly on the couch, nestled between Alexander’s legs. His arm was wrapped firmly around her waist, anchoring her to him. She could feel the steady rise and fall of his chest against her back, his warmth seeping into her skin. The faint glow of the screen danced across their faces.
It was long past dinner, and Mia was in his room.
Even though she still had her own bedroom, she didn’t truly use it anymore.
Ever since they’d gotten married, Alexander hadn’t allowed her to leave his room.
Her bedroom had become nothing more than a closet for her clothes—her life had quietly shifted into his space.
Alexander’s hand trailed lazily up her side, his fingers brushing the edge of her jaw before gripping her chin. He tilted her face toward him. “Look at me,” he murmured.
Mia turned her head slightly, her eyes lifting to meet his. The intensity in his gaze made her pulse quicken. He leaned down, his lips brushing over hers in a slow, lingering kiss. When he finally pulled back, his voice dropped low, deep enough to vibrate against her skin. “Are you happy now?”
Her lips curved into a soft, satisfied smile. She glanced toward the television, where Kylie’s tear-streaked face filled the screen. “She always tried to humiliate me,” Mia said quietly, her tone calm but laced with quiet triumph. “Now she knows what it feels like.”
A faint smirk tugged at Alexander’s lips. His fingers slid up, tracing her throat before resting over her heart. “Good,” he murmured, his voice dark with approval.
He reached for the remote, turned off the TV, and pulled her tighter into his arms. The room fell into silence—just the sound of her breath mixing with his. He leaned close, his lips brushing her ear. Then, without another word, he lifted her easily into his arms and carried her to bed.
***
Alexander clasped Mia’s hand firmly as they stepped out of the house.
The cool evening air brushed against their skin, carrying the faint scent of pine and freshly cut grass.
The driveway lights glowed softly, reflecting off the sleek black Mercedes parked at the curb.
Allen stood waiting beside it, posture straight, his usual composed expression fixed as he stepped forward and opened the back door.
Alexander’s grip didn’t loosen as they approached the car, the soft click of his shoes echoing against the marble steps.
“My mother wants us to stay the night,” he said as they neared the car. “So we’ll be spending the evening at the Graves mansion. Do you need to grab anything else?”
Mia shook her head quickly, clutching her small handbag closer. “I already have everything I need, Mr. Graves.”
Alexander stopped beside the open car door, his brow twitching as he turned his head toward her. “You’re still calling me Mr. Graves?” he asked, his tone cool.
She blinked, confused. “What’s wrong with that?”
There was a pause—thick and silent. Alexander’s jaw tightened, a muscle flexing near his temple. His expression shifted, darkening, irritation flashing across his face before he turned abruptly and slid into the car without another word.
Mia stood frozen for a second, startled by his sudden mood change. She hesitated, then sighed softly and climbed in after him, closing the door quietly behind her.
As the car rolled forward, the night lights flickered past the windows.
Mia sat by the far end of the seat, her shoulder almost pressed to the door, the distance between them wide enough to be noticeable.
She turned her face toward the window, pretending to watch the passing streets, though her heart thudded fast in her chest.
Alexander’s gaze flicked toward her. His eyes lingered on the gap between them before he spoke. “Why are you sitting so far away from me?” he asked, raising a brow. “Are you afraid of me?”
Mia’s cheeks warmed instantly. “I’m not afraid of you,” she muttered, shifting slightly closer, though her movements were hesitant—like she was approaching a flame.
Before she could move another inch, Alexander reached out and wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her sharply against him. The sudden closeness stole her breath. Her hip brushed against his, their bodies fitting perfectly, his warmth surrounding her.
Her heart fluttered wildly. She tried to pull back, but his grip was firm. His gaze dropped to her lips, lingering there before returning to her eyes.
Without warning, he leaned closer. The space between them vanished, their breaths mingling. Allen’s eyes flicked to the rearview mirror, catching sight of them and a faint, knowing smile curved his lips.
He pressed down on the gas pedal, the car jerking forward suddenly.
Mia gasped, losing her balance as her body lurched straight into Alexander’s chest. His arm tightened around her instinctively, and before she could process it, her lips collided with his.
The kiss was brief—but charged, electricity sparking in that fleeting second. Her eyes widened as she quickly pulled back, her face burning.
Alexander leaned back against the seat, his expression serious but his eyes gleaming with amusement. “We might be married,” he said calmly, “but that doesn’t mean you can take advantage of me whenever you like, Mia.”
Her mouth fell open. “I—what?!” she sputtered, completely flustered, her pulse racing as she caught the faint smirk playing at his lips. He was clearly enjoying her reaction.
His tone softened, though his gaze remained steady. “Remember,” he said slowly, “to my mother, we have to act like we’ve been in love for years. She has to believe that our marriage is real.”
Mia bit her lip, glancing down, her hands tightening around the edge of her dress. “I’m still not sure we should be meeting your family like this,” she murmured. “Lying to them feels wrong, Mr. Graves.”
She looked up at him hopefully. “Why don’t you find someone else to marry? I think that’s a great idea. How about we get divorced right now? I don’t have any problem with that!”
Alexander’s jaw tightened. The muscle in his cheek twitched as he turned his face toward the window, the faint reflection of the passing city lights glinting off his cold, composed expression.
For a moment, silence stretched inside the car, heavy and suffocating.
Then he finally turned to her, his voice calm but laced with warning.
“We can’t do that now,” he said quietly. “I’ve already sent your photograph to my mother. She knows who you are. She’s seen your face.”
Mia’s eyes widened. “Wait—what? How did you get my picture?”
He met her gaze without hesitation, his lips curving into a faint, unapologetic smirk. “I clicked it this morning while you were sleeping in my bed.”
Her eyes went wide with horror, and she quickly crossed her arms over her chest. “I was naked in your bed this morning!”
Alexander’s gaze lingered on her, his eyes darkening with teasing amusement. He looked away, his voice low and careless as he muttered, “I clicked all kinds of pictures I should—and shouldn’t—have taken of you.”
Then he turned his head back toward her, a slow smile curving his lips.
Mia glared at him, her cheeks burning crimson. “You’re unbelievable!”
His smirk deepened.
The car rolled to a stop, and Mia exhaled shakily. But when she stepped out, the sight before her stole her breath.
The Graves mansion rose ahead like a fortress—vast, elegant, and imposing. Massive stone pillars framed the grand entrance, while men in tailored black suits stood stationed at every corner. Some had discreet earpieces; others carried visible firearms.
Mia swallowed hard, suddenly feeling small and out of place. The night air was cool, but her palms were damp with nervous sweat. She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and whispered, “Maybe we should meet your mom another day, Mr. Graves.”
She turned on her heel, ready to retreat to the safety of the car, but Alexander’s hand shot out, wrapping around her arm. The contact sent a shiver down her spine. He turned her back toward the mansion.
“We’re already married. It’s not appropriate to keep my mother waiting. I already told her we were coming.”
He leaned in close, his breath brushing her ear, his voice dropping to a dangerous whisper that sent a chill through her. “Mia,” he murmured, “if you don’t perform well in front of my mom tonight, it’ll make me look bad. You don’t want that, do you?”
At Alexander’s words, Mia blinked, then slid her hand into his. She took his arm with both hands and drew closer, smiling. “We shouldn’t keep your mother waiting. Let’s go,” she said, voice quick and eager.
Alexander’s lips curved faintly, the edge of a smile ghosting across his face.
His grip on her hand tightened as he guided her forward.
The chill of the night air faded as they climbed the wide stone steps.
The grand double doors of the Graves Manor loomed ahead, tall and weighty, gleaming under the golden lights that spilled from within.
He pushed one open effortlessly, his hand warm at the small of her back as they stepped inside.