All Chapters of SECRETLY MARRIED TO HER BILLIONAIRE BOSS: Chapter 31 - Chapter 40

When Mr. Hale invited me to his birthday dinner, I didn't think it was necessary to go as my mood had been nothing but numb. But Mr. Hale had been my greatest supporter since I came to Vilmorre's enterprise. He deserved the honor.At work today, I had drained myself with work so that flimsy thoughts of a selfish boss would not cross my mind. I had also started to apply for other jobs, knowing full well that Mr. Vilmorre's attitude had been shady lately.The moment I stepped into the restaurant, I found half of Vilmorre's staff already occupying two long tables. There was a cake and a band singing birthday songs.Fortunately, I had thought of getting him a gift, so I approached him with my best smile of the day. "Happy Birthday, Mr. Hale""I thought you wouldn't come" he stood up and shook my hands and somehow had reserved a seat for me beside him."It's you, Mr. Hale. I'll surely show up." I responded and somehow, that made his cheeks red. I extended my greetings to other coworkers at

"I'd like to attend grandmother's burial" I muttered."That wasn't the answer to my question" he responded.He caught me avoiding his question deliberately."We can only move on from there after the appropriate rites are done for her. And I am certain it's a way of earning her blessings too" I said. He raised his brows, as if it were a crime to be concerned. But he wouldn't understand, after all he was out of the city when grandmother and I met.The little moment I had with her, was a turning point in my life. And for once, someone saw how profound my kindness was.He leaned back against his seat. "You're welcome to attend, but…I think my grandmother would also be upset that we spent our first meeting talking about her"I let out a small laugh. You're probably right."He smiled. "I genuinely want to get to know you"Something about the way he said it made my heart flutter. He let it out with a sincerity I had never seen any man show to me. There was no pressure in his voice. Just genu

Before Lance and I parted ways that night, we had exchanged numbers again. He noted that he didn't want us texting anymore and sticking to calls and physical meetings was his love language.I felt the same way too. Texting Lance felt like standing in a queue. I could not really predict the response he would throw at me.I picked some of Elise's dresses and tried them on, staring at the mirror for a hundredth time.Usually, I hated dates. I hated the idea of sitting across from a stranger and asking questions about their personal life. I hated the awkward silence if no interest was shown from both sides.But this was different. I could not turn Lance down. He was my husband. Which was exactly why I was nervous.The moment I climbed into his car, he laughed. "Klaire, are you okay?"I rolled my eyes. "I hate the trouble of looking for what to wear. It's exhausting.""Well, it's a date. And I am satisfied with anything you choose."The date ended up being far more fun than I expected. Lan

Four days.That was how long I had before returning to Moscow. And my plans hadn't changed. I had thought the marriage would hold me back and maybe getting to know Elise would encourage me to stay. But I was wrong.There was no spark. And I was tired of lying to myself. Four days before dealing with the reality of a marriage that was clearly not becoming what it was supposed to become.I sat behind my desk, and across from me sat Elise. I had spent weeks trying, convincing myself that perhaps the marriage deserved a chance. Weeks of attempting conversations, walks, dinners, and patience.Yet every time I visualized my future, I couldn't see it.Not with her."Elise.""Yes?" She looked up. "Aleksander?""I think we should keep things professional." I told her, with no intention of adding the 'for now' statement."What do you mean?" She folded her hands on the desk."I mean that, I respect you. But I don't think I'm capable of giving you what you're looking for."The marriage she soug

“Klaire?” Immediately the elevator stopped, Elise’s voice resounded through the quiet hallway. My eyes widened. But before I could react, Mr. Vilmorre moved.Very fast.One second I was standing in the hallway, The next I was pulled into a corner beside the office wall. My back hit the surface softly and he clicked the light above us off, allowing darkness swallowing the whole space.I barely had time to process anything before his hand covered my mouth and my heart jumped.The footsteps grew closer. “Klaire?” Elise said again.As we watched her walk towards the office, with the hallway outside remaining bright, we stayed still in our dark hiding place.Then the footsteps stopped. At first, I thought she’d find us. But, the footstep began to move away, slowly, until it disappeared entirely.The silence that followed was definitely deafening, I could almost hear a ring in my ears.Elise was gone, but neither of us moved immediately.Aleksander slowly lowered his tight hand from my mou