All Chapters of The wife they never expected : Chapter 51 - Chapter 60

Xavier’s POV---Four O’ClockI should not be distracted.There are still unresolved media issues. Three pending investor calls. A legal review waiting for approval.And yet—I have reread the same document twice because all I can think about is Anna blushing in the conference room.---ProblematicVery problematic.---My ThoughtsShe looked at me like she was remembering last night again.And the fact that I noticed immediately says concerning things about my current level of self-control.---WorseThe fact that I enjoyed it says worse things.---The OfficeThe executive floor remains busy around me.Phones ringing. Assistants moving quickly. Meetings continuing.Normal corporate chaos.But my attention keeps shifting toward the clock anyway.---Clara NoticesUnfortunately.---Clara“You’re staring at time now.”---My Eyes LiftInteresting.“When did you become observant?”---Clara’s Expression Stays Flat“You told legal ‘good morning’ twice.”A pause.“You’re distracted.”---

Anna's POVPeaceThe strange thing about peace is that you don't realise how much you've needed it until it finally arrives.For weeks, my life has felt like a battlefield.Contracts.Board meetings.Rumours.Madison.Secrets.Pressure.Fear.But tonight—For the first time in what feels like forever—Everything is quiet.---The TerraceThe city stretches endlessly beneath us.Thousands of lights glowing against the darkness.The air is cool.Comfortable.Soft enough to make me forget every headline and scandal for a few precious minutes.---Xavier Beside MeHe stands beside the railing with one hand in his pocket.The other resting lightly against my lower back.A touch so natural now that neither of us questions it anymore.---The DifferenceThree months ago, Xavier touched me only when necessary.For appearances.For strategy.For cameras.Now—He reaches for me without thinking.And somehow that means more.---My ThoughtsIt's the small things that changed first.Not the kisse

Anna's POVSilenceThe message glows on the screen.Three simple words.Three terrifying words.> I know it wasn't an accident.---My Heart StopsFor a moment, I can't breathe.Can't think.Can't move.---Beside MeXavier is completely still.The kind of stillness that feels dangerous.Not calm.Controlled.---The DifferenceI've learned something important about Xavier.The quieter he becomes—The more serious the situation is.---Right NowHe's silent.Which terrifies me.---Xavier Takes A Slow BreathThen another.---His Eyes Never Leave The Screen"Inside."---My PulseThe word isn't a suggestion.---It's an order.---The MansionThe warmth of the terrace disappears behind us.The comfortable peace from earlier feels like a distant memory.---The StudyXavier leads me directly to his private study.The room I've only entered a handful of times.Dark wood.Floor-to-ceiling bookshelves.Heavy silence.---The Door ClosesAnd immediately the atmosphere changes.---XavierN

Anna's POV---ImpossibleNobody speaks.Nobody moves.Nobody breathes.---The StudyThe silence inside the room becomes unbearable.Heavy.Sharp.Wrong.---XavierIs staring at the photograph like the world just tilted beneath his feet.---My HeartI've never seen him look like this before.Not during the contract leak.Not during the boardroom scandal.Not even when Madison tried to destroy us.---This Is DifferentThis isn't anger.This isn't frustration.---This is fear.---Real Fear.---My Voice"Xavier."Soft.Careful.---He Doesn't RespondNot immediately.---His Eyes Remain Locked On The ImageAs if looking away might somehow make it disappear.---My PulseRacing.---SlowlyI move closer.Close enough to see the photo clearly.---The FigureA man.Standing near the road.Watching the mansion.---Smiling.---My Blood Runs ColdBecause Xavier is right.The smile feels intentional.---Like a message.---Like a warning.---My Voice"You know him."---SilenceThe

Anna's POV---The DoorNobody moves.Nobody breathes.Nobody speaks.---The HallwayThe old wooden door at the end of the corridor slowly swings inward.By itself.---My HeartBeats so hard it actually hurts.---Beside MeXavier's arm tightens around my waist instantly.Pulling me slightly behind him.---My ThoughtsProtective husband mode activated.Again.---Xavier"Stay behind me."---My Eyes NarrowImmediately.---My Voice"No."---SilenceHe turns his head slowly.---Xavier"No?"---My Voice"If somebody breaks into your house, I'm not hiding behind you while you investigate horror-movie noises."---The Look He Gives MeSuggests he's reconsidering every life choice that brought us here.---Xavier"Anna."---My Response"No."---Xavier"You're impossible."---My Smile"That's rich coming from you."---Dominic's VoiceCrackles through the phone.---Dominic"Can you both argue after we identify the potential threat?"---Silence---My ThoughtsFair.---Xavier Beg