His Awesome Ex Is Now Uncle's Lady (Alicia and Austin) novel Chapter 46

Chapter 46 A Marriage in Motion

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But we’re legally married now, so that doesn’t count as a crime, right?And honestly… It’s kind of sweet.

Austin tossed her a deep crimson fitted dress. “Wear this. Perfect for the occasion.”

Only then did Alicia notice that his tie was the exact same shade-a matte wine-red silk with the same subtle sheen as the dress. The fabric was exquisite, and when she slipped it on, it hugged her body perfectly as if tailored just for her.

She was about to twist her hair up when she saw him step behind her in the mirror. “Let me.”

“You know how?” she asked, skeptical. Even plenty of women struggled with hair buns, let alone a man.

He picked up the white jade hairpin he’d given her before, one hand gathering her hair, the other deftly securing it in place.

Alicia was stunned. “You used to do this for other women?”

Austin flicked her forehead lightly. “You’re the only one, my dear.”

Then he turned and walked out, leaving Alicia sitting before the vanity, her cheeks burning red-perhaps too much blush, or maybe not.

When he reached the doorway, sunlight spilled over him, gilding his tall frame in soft gold. He looked back at her, eyes faintly amused. “What are you waiting for?”

Alicia quickly followed. When she reached his side, he naturally took her hand.

The summer sun poured down in gentle stripes across the steps. She had to half-jog to match his long stride until, sensing her pace, he slowed down so they walked side by side through the golden light.

“Where do you want the new place?” Austin suddenly asked. “We’ll need a house after the wedding.”

Alicia froze. “What?”

Seeing her blank expression, he chuckled and gently brushed the bridge of her nose. “Silly girl. When you were targeting me as a potential client, didn’t you make a plan for that?”

Her face turned crimson. He’d seen her notes. “You were… a difficult client. I didn’t get that far yet.”

“Difficult?” he repeated, amused.

They reached the last few steps, and since she stood two steps above, she finally got to look down at him. Austin stood straight, his expression calm but his smile playful. “I’m actually very easy to please.”

He tugged lightly at her hand, and with a small gasp, Alicia fell into his arms. For a moment, she thought there was more to that statement than he was letting on

Pressed against his chest, she realized that this man-and this marriage-were both unpredictable and dangerous. But she hadn’t had a choice then, and now, it was far too late to back out.

Under his intense, probing gaze, she felt as if every secret thought of hers was laid bare, stripped to the soul.

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11:37 Mon, Jan 5

Chapter 46 A Marriage in Motion

“So,” he murmured, “where do you want our home to be?”

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His stare was so direct and heated that she couldn’t meet his eyes. “Anywhere’s fine,” she answered softly. “I don’t really mind.”

Back abroad, she’d lived alone in a studio apartment. She’d never cared much about space or luxury.

“Alicia,” he said quietly, “marriage isn’t a one-time deal. You’re my wife. Making demands of me is your right, not a favor. In my world, there’s no such thing as ‘whatever’s fine’ or ‘good enough.”

At that, she thought for a moment and said, “Let’s stay here then. I’ll just add some furniture.”

“Good.”

He led her to the car, but she soon noticed they weren’t heading toward the Gibson Estate.

“Wait-weren’t we supposed to see my grandfather first?”

“I already invited Old Mr. Gibson to my family’s,” Austin said smoothly. “It’s better if both families meet together, don’t you think?”

Alicia’s eyes widened. “When did you-”

“While you were showering last night.”

For the first time, she realized that everything she’d thought she controlled had quietly fallen into his hands.

At the Burton Residence, Richard, dressed in a formal suit, sat drinking with Steven.

When he saw Alicia, his stern face softened into rare warmth. “Alicia, you’re here.”

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