Chapter 88

Isabella froze, her words catching in her throat. The situation felt awkward but not entirely unfamiliar.

They were married, after all. Over the years, they'd shared intimate moments like any other couple. Though she secretly wished Alexander would fall for her, she'd never resorted to overt seduction.

Not because the thought hadn't crossed her mind. She simply knew such tactics wouldn't work on him.

That's why she always wore modest two-piece pajama sets at home. The oversized top she currently wore fell mid-thigh, perfectly decent even without the matching bottoms.

"I forgot my pants," she explained quickly, wanting to avoid any misunderstanding.

The loose cotton shirt should have been innocent enough. But Isabella underestimated how the fabric draped over her curves. The high-low hemline accentuated her legs while certain movements hinted at more than intended.

Fresh from her shower, her skin glowed with natural radiance. The effect was unintentionally alluring - more provocative than any lingerie could be.

Alexander glanced at her twice before looking away. "Okay," he said flatly.

Relieved he didn't seem affected, Isabella turned toward the walk-in closet without another word.

When she returned properly dressed, Alexander remained in the bedroom. Seeing no reason for conversation, she moved past him to her vanity.

Alexander gathered his clothes and disappeared into the bathroom. The sound of running water filled the silence.

Isabella completed her nighttime routine and slipped between the sheets. Unlike their first night sharing this bed, sleep didn't come easily tonight. His earlier promise weighed on her mind.

She lay awake for what felt like hours before Alexander emerged from the bathroom. The lights clicked off, and the mattress dipped as he settled on his side.

The space between them felt vast despite the king-sized bed. Neither spoke as darkness enveloped the room.

Eventually, exhaustion claimed her.

Morning light revealed Alexander's empty side of the bed. Isabella dressed quickly and descended to find Eleanor already in the kitchen.

Before Eleanor could speak, the front door opened. Alexander strode in, his gray workout clothes clinging to his damp skin. "Morning," he greeted his grandmother.

Eleanor's expression darkened. "You're both up early."

Isabella frowned at the odd comment. Wasn't waking early a good thing?

Alexander answered before she could. "I studied pharmacology, Grandmother. That soup you gave us last night? Doesn't work on me."

He disappeared upstairs without another word.

Isabella's breath hitched. It took her two full seconds to comprehend his meaning - Eleanor had tried to drug them.