Page 98 of Adoration: Isn't What It Seems (Love Isn't What It Seems 2)

He nodded seriously. “Nobody can take me away from you and Alexander,” he told me. “Alexander said so before he left.”

Except, Alexander could take him away from me, I thought to myself but would never say that to Brandon. I shoved that thought away. This was about settling Brandon’s fears, not mine. Besides, I was determined to give this marriage a real chance.

There was a driver waiting for us already and took us first to Brandon’s daycare where I walked him in.

“Congratulations on your marriage,” Mr. Johnson greeted us.

I swore I could feel both Brandon and I froze at the same moment, probably for a different reason.

“Thank you.” I hoped I sounded like a happy bride.

I kneeled down to lock eyes with Brandon.

“Good?” I didn’t have to say too many words. He knew exactly what I was asking.

He hugged me, smiling. “Yes.”

I watched him walk towards his classroom, one backwards glance with a wide smile and I knew he’d be okay. “See you later, Livy.”

I nodded, and as soon as he was out of my sight, I went to the driver still waiting for me.

When I got to Caldwell’s publishing house, Maxim and his grandfather were already there and we got straight to work. His grandfather didn’t hang out for long. He seemed to be determined to relinquish all the control. It seemed odd to me that he didn’t struggle to let go of something he built all his life.

Before I noticed, it was lunch time; my stomach rumbled letting me know I haven’t eaten all day. I glanced at the clock and it was almost one in the afternoon.

“Ugh, I’m hungry,” I told him. “Want to go grab lunch together?”

Maxim glanced at me and smiled. “I wish. I have to go to Caldwell Enterprise. Alexander wants me to help him with some property acquisition.”

At the mention of my husband’s name, the memory of last night flashed in my mind and I felt heat rush to my cheeks. It was stupid really, it wasn’t as if we couldn’t do those kind of things. We were married consenting adults, and we might as well enjoy the benefits.

“Livy, are you blushing?” Maxim teased.

“Of course not!” I answered too quickly but all he did was crackle back.

“Right… I don’t want to know what you are blushing about,” he retorted back teasingly. “We can walk out together and you go grab lunch. You probably need a lot of energy since marrying Alexander.”

And I promptly felt heat rush to my face. I pushed him lightly, not commenting back. There would be no way I would open that door. I waved to him as he drove off, and I went to one of the local shops, grabbed a seat outside, enjoying the sunshine, waiting for a waiter to make his way to me.

Thinking about Layla, I quickly sent her a message. I wanted her to know I was here for her if she needed me. Since I married Alexander, I didn’t give her enough of my time and I knew she needed support just as much as I did. She had her own things going on and I wanted her to know I was here for her no matter what.

“Liberty Caldwell,” the man's voice had me raising my head.

I met the eyes of Alexander’s father. I swore Alexander was his father's image, just taller and stronger. Staring at his father, I knew that’s how Alexander would look when we grew old.

“Mr. Caldwell,” I greeted him. I had a feeling he didn’t run into me by accident. “Hello, how are you?”

“I’m well,” he smiled, but it didn’t reach his eyes.

Broken man. That’s what he reminds me of, a broken man.

“May I sit with you?” he asked. “I wanted to grab lunch.”

I shifted uncomfortably. I didn’t want to seem rude but short of saying no, I couldn’t come up with a polite response.

“Yes, of course,” I answered instead.

“Thank you,” he answered as he sat himself opposite of me.

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