The Moment I Froze His Black Card Was More Satisfying Than Our Wedding Night - Chapter 12: Chapter 12

The next evening was Grandfather Sterling's birthday gala.
As Alexander's wife, I had to show up.
Right on schedule, Alexander pulled up to our place at seven sharp.
The second I got in the car, it felt like there was this invisible wall between us.
Alexander let out this heavy sigh, put up the partition, and slid over to my side.
"Victoria," he broke the silence, "you're the only Mrs. Sterling."
When I felt the warmth of his hand covering mine, I almost lost it for a second.
I knew this was his version of a peace offering.
The city lights streaming through the window hit his sharp features just right, and for a moment, those deep eyes only reflected me.
After we got out, Alexander kept my hand in his the whole way.
It made me feel somewhat dazed.
But this daze was quickly shattered.
"Alexander," Chloe appeared in a sleek cocktail dress, playing hostess like she owned the place, greeting guests left and right.
She smoothly took the birthday gift from his hands before putting on this fake surprised act. "Victoria... Oh I mean, Mrs. Sterling."
I frowned but maintained perfect composure despite the crowd around us, just gave Alexander this look that said 'explain yourself.'
"She's Emma's mother. Grandfather wanted to see his great-granddaughter for his birthday." Alexander's tone was matter-of-fact, like this was totally normal.
The tiny spark of hope I'd just gotten back died instantly.
"She's parading around like she belongs here. Where does that leave me?"
Alexander actually looked surprised, like he hadn't thought of that.
I pulled my hand away, the warmth quickly replaced by cold reality.
William Sterling - the perfect heir who had fought his way out of the cutthroat battles within a wealthy family.
How could he not understand Chloe's intentions?
He simply chose not to intervene.
He was just indulging her.
With all these curious guests watching us, I buried the hurt and slipped back into my role as the perfect arranged-marriage wife.
The lights and champagne were making my head spin, thoughts all tangled up.
Before I knew it, I'd wandered out to the garden pavilion to clear my head.
This was actually where Alexander and I first met.
We started in fall, got married in summer, and now in the dead of winter... we were falling apart.
"The great Victoria Whitmore just gonna let someone get in her face like that? That's not like you." A smooth, teasing voice came from behind me.
I glanced back—Kevin Cooper, head of the Cooper family empire.
"Definitely not your style." He draped his pine-scented jacket over my shoulders, cutting through the chill. "Just say the word and I'll make her disappear."
I wasn't even fazed.
When you're born into this world, you either learn to play dirty or you get eaten alive.
"No need. She's not worth the effort."
Kevin stepped closer, his cool presence surrounding me completely.
"Then why are you here drowning your sorrows?" His hands found my shoulders. "Look, I know I screwed up five years ago—couldn't get my family on board fast enough when you needed an arranged marriage partner. But things are different now... what do you say we give this a shot?"
Kevin's usually this cocky playboy around me, but seeing him this serious made me realize the boy I grew up with had become a man.
"I'm still married to Alexander, you know."
Kevin shrugged like it was nothing. Kevin looked completely unbothered. "I'd be your side piece in a heartbeat if it meant having you."
I laughed and playfully hit his chest, about to say something when—
Strong arms yanked me backwards.
Alexander's face was thunderous as he stared down Kevin.
Two alpha males locked in a standoff, the temperature around us dropping by degrees.
"We're going home." After what felt like forever, Alexander finally spoke.