Chapter 84

Olivia POV

“Your family approves,” Alexander said after a moment. “That’s what matters.”

“My dad told me to be careful,” I admitted. “He thinks we’re rushing.”

“He’s right to be concerned. It would be strange if he wasn’t.”

“And my mom pulled me aside to make sure this is what I want.”

Alexander glanced at me. “And what did you tell her?”

“That I’m sure,” I said, meeting his gaze briefly. “That when it’s right, it’s right.”

Something flickered in his eyes, satisfaction, perhaps, or something deeper. “Good answer.”

We drove in silence for a while, the city lights blurring past my window. I thought about my family’s reactions, about the lies we’d told them, about the wedding we were now apparently planning for next month.

“Why did you say next month?” I asked suddenly. “That’s so soon.”

“The sooner we’re married, the sooner the inheritance is secure,” Alexander replied practically. “Besides, a long engagement would rai