Chapter 325

Madison

The office felt colder without Alexander’s attention. For a week after ending our arrangement, I’d seen him exactly twice, both times in passing, with barely a nod of acknowledgment. The professional distance I’d requested now stretched between us like an arctic wasteland.

I drummed my fingers on my desk, staring at his closed office door. He was in there, on a call. I could hear the low rumble of his voice through the walls, but couldn’t make out the words.

I missed his voice. Missed the way it would drop to that dangerous, seductive octave when we were alone. Missed how he’d call me “Maddie” in private moments, the nickname rolling off his tongue like a caress.

Now it was all “Ms. Harper” and curt nods in the hallway.

I got exactly what I asked for. Professional distance. No more arrangement. No more confusion.

So why did it feel like I’d lost something precious?

My computer pinged with a new email. I clicked it open, expect