The Gold I Married

Chapter Six

She sank into a chair by the window, her posture still regal but noticeably more relaxed. She ordered a drink and sat back, staring absently at the passersby. From his vantage point, Alexandra could see her confidence slip away. The commanding presence she exuded earlier seemed to dissolve into something quieter, more vulnerable.

“Does she even know what she’s doing coming out her with only a driver?” Alexandra said aloud, more to himself than anyone else.

“Does it matter?” Richard replied.

Alexandra frowned. His friends’ words didn’t sit right with him, but he couldn’t articulate why. He leaned against the railing, still watching her.

And then he saw it.

Her hand trembled slightly as she adjusted her sunglasses. Her shoulders rose and fell in slow, uneven jerks. She was crying, not loudly, not dramatically, but in a way that was almost painfully elegant. Her sunglasses remained in place, masking most of her face, but he could tell.

She wiped at her cheek with the back of her hand, just once, before pulling herself together. Her movements were quick and practiced, as if she’d learned long ago how to cry without being noticed.

“Why is she crying?” Alexandra asked, his voice quieter now.

Richard rolled his eyes. “Alex, come on. Women cry all the time. It’s nothing.”

“No,” Alexandra said firmly. “She doesn’t cry. Not like this. I could say the most hurtful things to her, and she wouldn’t even flinch. But now…?” His voice trailed off as his brows furrowed.

James clapped him on the shoulder. “Look, man, you can psychoanalyze her later. We’ve got things to do. Let’s move.”

For a moment, Alexandra didn’t move. He remained rooted to the spot, staring down at her as she straightened her posture, adjusted her sunglasses, and took another sip of her drink. The vulnerability he’d just seen seemed to vanish, replaced by a composed exterior.

Finally, he sighed and pushed himself away from the railing. “Fine,” he muttered. “Let’s go.”

As they walked away, Alexandra cast one last glance over his shoulder. Something about the image of her sitting alone in that café, surrounded by bags and luxuries yet still so achingly alone, stayed with him.

And it bothered him more than he wanted to admit.

~

The evening sun painted the mansion in hues of gold and amber as Anna returned home. She made her way to the grand hall, where the head of staff, Mrs. Cora, awaited instructions.

Anna set the shopping bags down with a sigh, a gesture both weary and resolute. “Mrs. Cora,” she said, removing her sunglasses and rubbing her temples lightly, “I want the staff to receive something from what I bought today.”

Mrs. Cora looked at her in surprise but nodded quickly. “Yes, madam. Of course.”

Anna pulled out one particular box, a sleek, black package with a golden crest embossed on the lid. “And this,” she added, holding the box carefully, “this is for Victor.”

Mrs. Cora took the box with both hands and bowed slightly. “I’ll see that it’s delivered to him.”

But as Anna turned to leave, she hesitated. Something flickered across her face. “No,” she said after a moment, taking the box back. “I’ll give it to him myself.”

Mrs. Cora offered a polite smile. “As you wish, madam.”

Anna carried the box upstairs, her pace slowing as she approached Victor’s room. She knocked, but there was no answer. She waited a few seconds before rapping sharply on the door.

“Victor,” she called, her voice steady but soft. “Open the door.”

The response was immediate. The door swung open, revealing Victor’s tall frame. His expression was neutral, unreadable, but his eyes flickered with curiosity when he saw her standing there.

Anna held the box out to him. “Here,” she said simply. “Take it.”

Victor stared at the box for a moment before taking it from her hands. He opened it slowly, the lid revealing an elegant watch, sleek, timeless, and undeniably expensive. His eyes widened in shock, and for a brief moment, his guard slipped.

But he recovered quickly, straightening his expression into one of cautious indifference. “Why are you giving me this?” he asked, his tone cool, almost suspicious.

Anna crossed her arms, leaning slightly against the doorframe. “I went shopping today,” she said casually, though her voice carried a hint of something deeper. “I just thought about getting you something.”

She turned to leave, but before she could take a step, Victor reached out and grabbed her wrist gently. “Wait,” he said, his voice quieter now, almost unsure. “Are you… are you dying?”

Anna blinked, startled. “What? No!”

“Then are you leaving?” he pressed, his grip tightening slightly. “Why are you suddenly being… kind to me?”