Chapter 11 His Wife
Mia’s brows knitted in confusion, but she muttered softly, “Really? Okay… sure.”
He immediately took her hand in his, fingers locking around hers, and they walked to the car in a synchronized stride.
Allen drove them through the city streets, the engine humming beneath them, until finally, after an hour, they arrived at a high-end restaurant bathed in the bright Manhattan sun.
It stood tall at the corner, its glass walls gleaming like mirrors beneath the light. Gold-trimmed doors opened into a spacious interior washed in soft, warm tones.
Alexander stepped out first, quickly circling the car to open Mia’s door.
She slipped out gracefully, adjusting her sundress, hair half-up with a delicate clutch holding her long locks in place, the sunlight catching the strands to make her appear radiant.
Her hair, half pulled up with a clutch and parted neatly in the middle, framed her face beautifully.
Alexander slid his hand into hers once more. Leaning in, his eyes flickered down to hers with curiosity. “Did you pick this place? Do you like it?”
‘I’ll bring her here more often if she loves this place.’ He glanced at Allen, ready to order him to buy the restaurant.
“No. Deven chose it,” she replied casually.
Alexander’s face soured immediately. ‘That bastard is trying to impress her with his money?’ The jealousy coiled tightly in his chest.
“Let’s go,” Mia said, freeing her hand to adjust her dress and moving toward the entrance.
Alexander drew a deep breath, forcing himself to temper the frustration and burning jealousy. He followed her inside, stride quick and confident, keeping close.
Inside, the restaurant buzzed with quiet conversations and the clink of cutlery.
Crystal chandeliers hung low, their reflections dancing over the polished marble floor.
A faint scent of roses and wine lingered in the air while a piano played softly in the background.
Waiters moved in quiet precision, their steps soundless, the entire place exuding elegance.
Mia spotted Deven sitting at a table near the window and waved, her smile bright and genuine. He stood, returning the gesture with a polite curve of his lips.
‘He hasn’t changed much,’ Mia thought, studying him carefully. ‘Just a little older… a bit more rugged, but the same long face and playful look I remember.’
Deven looked to be in his early twenties, his hair tied back in a low ponytail, a rough stubble shadowing his jaw. He wasn’t strikingly handsome, but there was something quietly appealing about him—a laid-back charm that drew people in without trying.
Just as Mia neared the table, Alexander stepped forward, his long strides placing him squarely at her side.
His gaze swept over Deven from head to toe with a cold, measured intensity.
Behind them, Allen entered the restaurant quietly, positioning himself in a corner, hands clasped behind his back, observing silently.
Deven glanced at Alexander and, with a smile, asked Mia, “Who is he?”
“This is Alexander,” Mia said with a smile, extending her hand. “How are you, Deven?”
Deven reached to shake her hand, but Alexander slid his own between them, gripping Deven’s hand firmly and shaking it with calculated strength. His smile was tight, almost possessive, and his gaze pierced Deven’s like a blade.
Mia lowered her hand, awkwardness flickering across her face. Deven returned her glance with a nervous smile, momentarily disarmed under the weight of Alexander’s intimidating presence.
“Did you bring the documents?” Mia’s voice broke the tension.
“Of course,” Deven replied, regaining composure. “Let’s sit and discuss.”
He then signaled a waiter to approach.
As Deven moved to his seat, Alexander walked with Mia, pulling out her chair with careful attentiveness and waiting until she was comfortably seated before removing his hands. His eyes then shifted to Deven, a smug, taunting gleam flashing across his gaze. ‘This is how I treat her, fucker.’
He then lowered himself into his own seat, maintaining a quiet but unmistakable aura of control.
The waiter arrived, placing menus before them. Deven ordered a black coffee. Alexander glanced at Mia.
“What will you have?” he asked.
Mia considered for a moment. “A caramel latte, please.”
“I’ll have the same,” Alexander added smoothly, signaling the waiter. “Two caramel lattes.”
Behind them, Allen nearly choked on his own breath, as if he’d just had a brain aneurysm.
His eyes went wide, disbelief flooding his face.
‘Did I just hear that right?’ he blinked hard.
‘Mr. Graves… drinking a latte? What kind of power does Ms. Bennet have over him? The man who’d sooner chew glass than touch sugar is now sipping caramel foam? This has to be witchcraft.’
Meanwhile, the waiter brought over the drinks and placed them neatly on the table.
At the table, Deven slid a stack of files toward Mia. “Here are your documents for the donations,” he said, his tone professional but friendly. “Every item you donate will be distributed to underprivileged children who need them most.”
Alexander’s gaze shifted toward Mia, curiosity flickering behind his composed exterior. “What are you donating?”
Mia’s lips curved in a smile. “Since you have so many items in your mall that go unused, I thought—why not maximize their use? You told me to buy and use fifty new things every day, but I can’t possibly use all that.
” She grinned, eyes gleaming. “So, wouldn’t it be smarter if I helped you by using them wisely?
I can’t wear fifty dresses and shoes a day.
So, I decided to donate some of them to people in orphanages and underprivileged homes.
At least they’ll enjoy them. That way, the items still serve a purpose, and you get your publicity too. ”
Alexander’s hand lifted, fingers brushing through the back of her hair in a tender, affectionate motion. “You’re such a smart girl.”
Allen nearly lost his balance. His jaw dropped so low it could’ve hit the floor.
‘Smart girl? Sir, she’s giving away luxury clothes that cost more than most people’s yearly salary!
’ He pressed a hand to his temple, trying not to gasp.
‘Miss Bennet, do you even understand how money works—or has Mr. Graves gone too blind in love to see how freely you’re giving away his fortune.
You’re spending his money like it’s air!
Deven slid another stack of papers toward her. “Sign here, and it’ll all be finalized.”
Mia took the papers, signed them neatly, then recapped her pen and looked up with a bright smile. “I can’t believe you’re managing so many orphanages now, Deven. Remember how stupid you were when we first met?” She giggled.
Deven flinched, scratching the back of his neck awkwardly before laughing along. “I was a troublemaker when I was young. But I’ve changed now. Got my act together.”
“You’ve done really well,” Mia said warmly. “You even started your own event management company! I wouldn’t have known if I hadn’t seen your posts on social media. You’re so talented, Deven.”
Alexander’s jaw tightened. His fingers curled around his cup, knuckles turning pale. ‘Talented? Really? What’s next, she’s going to call him charming too?’ His eyes darkened with jealousy, the muscle in his cheek twitching as he tried to keep a neutral expression.
Deven chuckled and replied, “You’re one to talk. You’ve become even more beautiful since I last saw you. Look at you now.”
Alexander’s entire body stiffened. He sat up straighter, his expression calm but his body language screaming irritation.
He grabbed the cup in front of him and slid it toward Mia.
“Here’s your drink, Mrs. Graves,” he said, his tone deceptively calm, but his eyes flicked toward Deven with a possessive sharpness.
Deven, who had been sipping his coffee, froze mid-sip. He blinked rapidly, glancing between them. “Wait—Mrs. Graves? What’s going on? You’re his wife?”
Mia nodded. “Yes, we’re going to get married soon.”
“Oh,” Deven said, his eyes widening. “That’s wonderful! Congratulations!” He chuckled lightly. “Although… I thought you were already married. I remember seeing something on your social media years ago—a guy named James or something?”
Mia’s fingers tightened around her cup. She took a small sip before answering quietly, “Yes, I was. But we divorced.”
Deven’s expression softened into a warm smile. Then he turned to Alexander and said with easy cheer, “Congratulations, Mr. Graves. You two make a beautiful couple.”
Alexander gave him a curt nod, though his expression softened slightly when his gaze shifted back to Mia.
Deven leaned forward a bit, smiling at Mia. “Honestly, I think he’s way more handsome than your ex-husband—and he definitely looks richer, too.”
Mia flushed, a shy smile tugging at her lips as she ducked her head slightly, embarrassed.
Alexander’s jealousy, which had been simmering under the surface, finally began to cool. Sensing that Deven wasn’t a competition, he leaned back in his chair, the tension leaving his shoulders as a smug but satisfied smile appeared on his lips.
Trying to sound casual, Alexander cleared his throat and he lifted his cup, “I’ll donate a million dollars as well.”
Deven’s eyes widened, his excitement overflowing as he reached across the table and shook Alexander’s hand frantically. “Thank you, Mr. Graves! You’re incredibly generous. I’m really glad Mia has chosen someone like you.”
Then he turned to Mia with a grin. “You’re very lucky to have him.”
Alexander hid his growing grin behind his fist, pretending to cough to cover it. But the pride was clear in his eyes, glowing with satisfaction.
***
James’s body was rigid on the bed, his muscles stiff as stone. His breaths came uneven and harsh, chest rising and falling like he’d been running for miles. A tremor ran through him as he tried to steady himself, trapped between dream and reality.