Chapter 10

Lily glanced quietly at Alexander, only to find his gaze already upon her. She blushed, caught off guard.

"Do you have other plans tonight?" Alexander asked, his proximity sending butterflies fluttering in her stomach.

Lily's stubbornness prevented her from backing down. Meeting his obsidian eyes, she strove to maintain a calm expression. "If you recall, tonight is our wedding night. What other arrangements would I have, Mr. Russell?"

She pretended to be relaxed, but her hands, clenched tightly on her knees, betrayed her inner unease.

Alexander's brows and lips twitched. "Very good." He straightened, easing Lily's tension, though not completely.

The car soon arrived, and Lily expected to be taken to his private residence. Instead, they stopped at a spa club, its orange-yellow signage creating a peaceful atmosphere.

However, noticing her suspicious gaze, Alexander seemed to anticipate her thoughts. "It's too sudden to make extensive preparations today."

"It doesn't matter to me," Lily said softly. She knew their marriage was purely beneficial; extravagant ceremonies were unnecessary. Yet, the sight of the rose-decorated restaurant genuinely touched her.

They were alone in the vast restaurant. The staff had meticulously arranged the dishes, maintaining a respectful distance. Clearly, Alexander had reserved the entire establishment. He possessed the influence, but the speed of his arrangements was astonishing.

"We have plenty of privacy here, so don't worry about this leaking to the news," Alexander said calmly, gracefully cutting into his steak.

"T-Thank you, Alex," Lily stammered, momentarily speechless.

Alexander paused, raising an eyebrow and staring intently. "Thank you for what?"

"Thank you for keeping your promise to work with me and for all your arrangements today," Lily replied. Despite her impulsive marriage, she had no regrets. Alexander chuckled discreetly, clearly pleased. He then placed a piece of his steak on Lily's plate, withdrawing his fork and adding thoughtfully, "There might be more for you to thank me for."

After a warm, romantic candlelit dinner, they entered a spacious suite Alexander had pre-arranged, complete with a private hot tub whose gentle sounds were deeply soothing.

Lily hesitated, wondering whether to suggest sharing the hot tub. Flushed and tense, she quickly looked away and went to the kitchen for water.

Noticing her nervousness, Alexander removed his blazer, then fetched a bottle of red wine and two glasses. "Are you interested in a glass of wine?"

"N-No" Lily began, then changed her mind. "Y-Yes." Alcohol, she hoped, would bolster her courage. She wasn't a coward, but courage seemed to have been depleted by her earlier interaction with Alexander.

After pouring the wine, Alexander raised his glass. Lily stared at the red liquid, gritted her teeth, and clinked glasses with him. She then drained her glass in one gulp, choking and coughing violently.

Alexander laughed, gently patting her back. "I'll go for a soak. You take your time." He gave her ample time to prepare—or to retreat. Then he headed for the hot tub.

Puzzled, Lily poured herself another glass and downed it. After nearly half a bottle, the wine took effect, and she felt pleasantly tipsy. She could vaguely make out Alexander in the hot tub.

He sat with his arms outstretched, his back to her, revealing only his broad shoulders and the glistening water droplets on his prominent muscles.

Her throat dry, Lily approached, stopping at the edge of the hot tub. Alexander heard her but didn't turn. He was patient, allowing her to compose herself.

Without overthinking, Lily removed her outerwear and entered the hot tub, sitting beside him. The water's heat made her sweat slightly.

The alcohol's effects seemed to dissipate with the steam, and her newfound courage evaporated. She awkwardly crossed her arms. She had never undressed in front of a man before; her previous relationship with Nathaniel had been limited to hand-holding and kissing.

"Phew" She breathed deeply. Their bodies, close together, were warmer than the water.

Alexander grasped her waist with one hand, cupping her chin with the other, forcing her to meet his gaze. "I'll give you one last chance." He paused, a faint fire in his eyes. "If you're not ready, we can"

Before he could finish, Lily clung to him, her teeth meeting his lips in a sudden, forceful kiss. A faint taste of blood lingered as she closed her eyes, her determination expressed solely through her actions.

There were no unearned rewards in this world; only equivalent exchanges—pain and gain.

Lily's warmth and softness melted into Alexander's embrace, leaving him no reason to refuse. Their emotions overwhelmed them.

Noticing Lily's distress, Alexander lifted her from the tub. Her wet hair clung to her face, her eyes closed, long lashes trembling. She was breathtakingly beautiful.