My Boss’s Hidden Heir (Elara and Marcus) novel Chapter 184

Chapter 184

Elara’s POV

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The private dining room Marcus had reserved overlooked the city, floor-to-ceiling windows framing Manhattan like a postcard. Elara sat across from her husband, candlelight catching on her wine glass, and felt something she hadn’t experienced in months.

Peace.

Complete, uncomplicated peace.

“You’re smiling,” Marcus said, reaching across the table to take her hand.

“I’m happy. Is that allowed?”

“It’s mandatory. I went through a lot of trouble planning tonight.”

Elara squeezed his fingers. “The vow renewal was perfect. Emeka’s face when you kissed me was worth the price of admission alone.”

“He did look personally offended by our romance.”

“That’s just how Emeka expresses love. Through sarcasm and judgment.”

They’d sent the twins home with Elara’s mother an hour ago, both babies sleepy and content after being passed around by every guest at the vow renewal. Catherine had fallen asleep on Richard’s shoulder while Alexander had charmed Mimi into letting him grab her hair repeatedly.

It felt strange being out without them. Elara kept reaching for her phone to check if they were okay, to see if her mother needed anything, to make sure the world hadn’t fallen apart in the thirty minutes since she’d last verified everyone’s safety.

“Stop,” Marcus said gently.

“Stop what?”

“Worrying. Your mom has handled babies before. She raised you, remember? Alexander and Catherine are fine.”

“I know. I just can’t help it. They’re so small and the world is so big and dangerous.”

“They’re home in the most secure building in Manhattan with their grandmother who loves them. Nothing bad is going to happen in the two hours we’re having dinner.”

Elara forced herself to relax. Marcus was right. Her mother was capable and the penthouse security was insane. She needed to let herself have this moment without catastrophizing every possible disaster.

The waiter brought their entrees and Elara focused on the food, the conversation, the way Marcus looked at her like she was the only person in the room. They talked about the boutique opening, about the orders

17:11 Mon, May 11 M

Chapter 184

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already coming in, about the fashion editor who’d asked if Elara would be interested in showing at New York Fashion Week.

“That’s insane,” Elara said. “I’ve been open for six hours.”

“You’re talented and people recognize that. You should do it.”

“Fashion Week is in seven months. I’d need an entire collection ready.”

“So start designing. You’ve already proven you can create beautiful things under pressure.”

Elara thought about it. A full runway show with models and lighting and her designs being seen by every important person in fashion. Six months ago the idea would have been a distant fantasy. Now it felt almost possible.

“I’ll think about it,” she said.

“That’s my girl. Dream big.”

Marcus ordered wine and they sat there talking about nothing and everything. About Mimi and Dante’s honeymoon plans. About Richard selling his shares and what that meant for the company’s future. About Emeka’s dramatic complaints about Lagos traffic and his mother’s matchmaking attempts.

Normal couple conversation. The kind Elara had never thought she’d have when she’d signed that contract six months ago.

“Thank you,” she said suddenly.

“For what?”

“For tonight. For the vow renewal and the boutique and believing in me when I didn’t believe in myself. For making this weird contract marriage into something real.”

Marcus lifted her hand and kissed her knuckles. “You made it real. I just had the good sense to fall in love with you.”

“We’re disgusting. Emeka was right.”

“Completely disgusting. I love it.”

They ordered dessert even though Elara was already full. Some chocolate creation that came with gold leaf and unnecessary architectural elements. Marcus took one bite and made a face.

“That’s way too rich.”

“You ordered it.”

“I was trying to be romantic. I failed.”

Elara laughed and stole his fork, taking her own bite. He was right, it was absurdly sweet, but she ate it anyway just to watch him watch her.

17:11 Mon, May 11 M

Chapter 184

Her phone buzzed on the table. She glanced at the screen and saw her mother’s name.

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