Sweetest Scars: a darker enemies-to-lovers mafia romance by Alexa Michaels & Alexa H. Michaels

Author:Alexa Michaels & Alexa H. Michaels [Michaels, Alexa & Michaels, Alexa H.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Chowen Publishing House LLC
Published: 2024-08-16T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 23 – Vivian

“As you can see here, the conditions required have been met,” I said, sliding the paper across the banker’s desk. “I am of age and newly married. Therefore, I am entitled to receive the designated portion from the trust my late father set up.”

“Felicitations, Miss Vivian.” Christine blinked at me through her chic, octagon glasses. Her dark skin was dewy and fresh, despite the stale air of the skyscraper office. “I’ll begin the paperwork, but I don’t see why you shouldn’t have immediate access to the monthly dividends by this afternoon.”

The tightness between my shoulders eased. This encounter had been surprisingly easy. Rising from my chair, I shook hands with the banker.

Christine’s hand lingered in mine. Her lips drew in a thin line. “You know I’m a straight shooter, Vivian. I don’t enjoy drama.”

“Which is one of the reasons we got along so well as undergrads,” I smiled.

Her lips twitched, but then the corners pulled down. “My senior manager told me a few months ago that you’d been sent away for your…health.”

Christine released my hand and tapped the side of her head.

Anger sparked in my chest, but I forced it to lay low. While I was a huge advocate for mental health, seeing firsthand what depression could do to someone once vibrant like my mother, I didn’t like the insinuation that I’d been squirreled away, unable to be seen, because of a medical condition.

“I’m all well and good. I spent some time down on the coast,” I explained, not wanting to give the whole truth, but also not wanting to lie.

The cloud on her face cleared and her brows relaxed. “That explains your tan. You’re practically glowing,” she beamed, giving me a playful tweak on my borrowed blouse.

Laurel was a few sizes bigger than me, but with some tweaks, it worked. Now that I had money to my name, I could do some much-needed shopping.

Christine ushered me from her office but stopped short in the hall. Her eyes widened as she took in the man relaxing on the chair. From the combat boots, jeans, and white tee, Luka looked every bit the bad boy. He rose, snagging his leather jacket and tossing it over his shoulder.

Something very close to pride flickered through me. There was no point being jealous, since this marriage was a sham. But it felt good to have another woman appreciate what I supposedly had.

What if it was real? What if Luka was mine? I let the idea roll around in my mind, indulging in it for just one moment. Despite the myriad of reasons not to, the concept held merit.

Where would I even begin going about making him see me as more than someone he rescued? Mulling over that, and still wondering if it was what I really wanted, I followed Luka into the elevator.

As the cart descended the dozens of floors, I felt the weight of his gaze playing over me. “Something on your mind?”

“I was just thinking that my wife needs a ring.

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