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Chapter 7

Lily froze as Alexander Kane’s imposing frame approached, his expression unreadable and his movements precise. He stopped a mere step away, the tension between them palpable.

"I came to give you this," she said, her voice steadier than she felt, extending the signed contract toward him.

Alexander’s sharp gaze flickered to the document. He didn’t move to take it. "I instructed you to hand it to Clara," he said, his voice cold, laced with quiet authority.

"She might be busy," Lily replied, summoning her courage. "So I decided to bring it myself."

A flicker of something—amusement, perhaps—passed across his face before his demeanor hardened again. He stepped closer, invading her space. Lily's pulse quickened.

"Did you bring it yourself intentionally?" he asked, his tone low and probing, his eyes locked onto hers as if searching for something hidden beneath her calm façade.

"Huh?" Lily blinked, her confusion genuine.

Alexander studied her for a moment longer, the tension between them stretching taut. Then, without warning, he snatched the contract from her hand, his touch igniting a shiver that raced down her spine.

"You can leave now," he said flatly. He turned abruptly, disappearing into his study, the door closing behind him with a decisive click.

Lily exhaled slowly, the weight of his cold dismissal pressing on her chest. She turned and walked away, the sound of her heels echoing in the silent corridor.

The evening passed in solitude, the grand dining room feeling cavernous as Lily ate alone. Alexander had requested his meal be brought to his study, leaving her with nothing but the company of her thoughts and the suffocating weight of their arrangement.

By morning, Lily had resolved to reclaim some semblance of normalcy. She dressed for work, her modest outfit reflecting her practical mindset. The coffee shop she managed had been closed for two days, and she was eager to immerse herself in something familiar.

As she descended the stairs, skipping breakfast in her rush, she was startled to find Alexander seated in the living room, a newspaper in hand.

He glanced up, his dark eyes unreadable. "You’ll never understand why," he said suddenly, his voice cutting through the quiet like a blade.

Lily froze. Had she spoken her thoughts aloud?

Alexander lowered the newspaper deliberately, his gaze sweeping over her with unsettling intensity. He stood, his movements measured.

"Let’s go," he commanded, his tone leaving no room for negotiation.

"You mean us?" she asked, her confusion evident.

"Is there someone else here, Miss Evans?" His voice was clipped, his impatience clear.

"I… Where are we going?" she stammered.

"No questions," he snapped, stepping toward her.

"But I have to—"

"Did you forget the terms of the contract?" His voice was sharper now, each word cutting like ice. He loomed over her, his presence suffocating. "One thing I detest is repeating myself. Don’t make me do it again."

Lily swallowed hard, forcing herself to meet his piercing gaze. Her defiance flickered, but his intensity smothered it.

"You are coming with me," he declared, his grip firm as he seized her wrist and pulled her toward the door.

She stumbled slightly but quickly steadied herself, biting her lip to suppress her frustration. He released her only when they reached the waiting car.

"Get in," he ordered, his tone brooking no argument.

Lily obeyed, sliding into the car. She winced at the faint ache in her wrist, her fingers brushing against the faint bruise. Her gaze flickered to Alexander, who was already engrossed in his laptop, his focus unyielding. She turned her attention to the window, the city blurring past as they drove in silence.

The car finally pulled into the sprawling grounds of an upscale hospital. The sleek, modern building loomed before them, its reputation for catering to the wealthy and powerful unmistakable.

Lily followed Alexander into the building, her unease growing with each step. They ascended to the 14th floor, the air growing heavier with unspoken tension. Her breath hitched as they entered the gynecology department.

Her heart sank. She had known the marriage’s purpose—to produce an heir—but the cold efficiency with which Alexander moved left her shaken.

"Mr. Kane," a middle-aged man greeted warmly, extending a hand.

"Dr. Williams," Alexander replied curtly, shaking his hand with a firm grip.

Dr. Williams glanced at Lily, his curiosity apparent. "And this must be—"

"Lily Evans," Alexander interrupted.

"Nice to meet you, Miss Evans," the doctor said with a friendly smile.

Lily nodded politely, forcing a small smile.

"Let’s get straight to it," Alexander said, his impatience evident.

Dr. Williams raised an eyebrow but led them to his office. Alexander’s commanding presence filled the room as he settled into a chair, while Lily perched nervously on the edge of hers.

The doctor listened as Alexander laid out his request, his expression shifting from surprise to amusement.

"IVF?" Dr. Williams asked finally, a faint chuckle escaping him. "That’s your plan? I’d recommend something… simpler."

Alexander’s cold glare silenced him instantly. "We’re proceeding with IVF," he said firmly.

The doctor sighed, leaning back in his chair. "It’s a time-intensive process. Are you sure it aligns with your… timeline?"

Alexander’s jaw tightened. "I freed my morning for this. Don’t waste my time."

Dr. Williams nodded reluctantly. "Very well. We’ll begin preliminary tests today." He turned to Lily. "Miss Evans, if you’ll come with me."

Lily hesitated but stood, glancing at Alexander. His expression remained impassive, his attention already back on his phone.

The tests were invasive and clinical, each step stripping away more of Lily’s autonomy. By the time they returned to the office, she felt drained.

"Everything is in motion," Dr. Williams said, addressing Alexander.

Alexander stood, his presence as overbearing as ever. "Good. Keep me updated."

As they left the hospital, the tension in the air was suffocating. In the car, Lily finally dared to glance at Alexander.

"Prepare yourself," he said without looking at her, his voice low and ominous. "This is just the beginning."

Lily turned back to the window, her chest tightening. Whatever lay ahead, it promised to be anything but simple.

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