Imperfect Match (Elixir Bachelor Billionaires #1)

“How do you have such strong feelings about something you haven’t experienced?” His calm voice is judgment-free as if we’re talking about the weather and not my marriage, which is on the verge of failing.

“She says the same thing, but I don’t have to eat poison to know I’ll hate dying.”

“Please tell me you didn’t compare having kids to eating poison in front of her?” Ray glares at me, my words finally breaking his poise.

“I didn’t. Not because I feel differently, but because she’s barely spoken to me in days.” I tug on my tie, the knot feeling too tight. “I think she’s planning something.”

“What do you mean?”

My mouth dries up, voicing my biggest worry. “Once I become the CEO, she can ask for a divorce. We’ll pretend to be married in public for a few more months, but unofficially, we won’t necessarily have to live in the same house, the same room.”

Ray’s brows rise. “And that’s in the contract?”

I nod. “It is.”

He’s quiet for several beats as he grabs the wrought-iron railing. “When you both want different things in life, isn’t it better this way, to split up soon? Or are you having a change of heart?”

Am I? No fucking way.

“Not on this matter. But I don’t like that she’s drifting away like this. Life was good until now.”

“For whom? You or her? You can’t have it all, brother. You can’t choose to enjoy the rain but also not want to get wet. If you don’t want the life she does, you have to let her go. That’s the only fair thing.”

A weird scratchiness settles in my throat, making it hard to swallow as I imagine my home without her. Life will once again become bland, save for the occasional burst of color she brings into my office. And like dried leaves yearning for the first gentle touch of an autumn breeze, I’ll wait for those moments.

But what if she no longer wants to work for me?

She’s receiving enough money in return for the marriage, and didn’t I offer to buy her a house in any city she desires?

Fuck, what was I thinking?

No, Daisy won’t leave her dad. She’ll stay for him, if not for me.

“Let’s go. We’ve been away for too long. Plus, I need a few minutes with the mayor before she leaves.” Ray pulls away, breaking the silence.

As we reenter the ballroom, the atmosphere has shifted. There’s more chatter, the music pulses louder, and there’s a noticeable increase in servers darting around with empty glasses.

“Are we in the right room?” Ray scans the area, but my focus is fixed on one person—Daisy.

“Absolutely.”

The worry lines on her face have melted away, replaced by a soft rosy glow that paints her cheeks, making her look stunning.

“Great. I just spotted the mayor.” Ray pats on my arm. “You keep in mind what I said, Charlie.”

I only half listen to his words as I make my way toward my wife.

“Thank goodness you’re here, Charles. Can you please take Daisy home? She’s had a bit too much to drink.” Willow guides a tipsy Daisy to my side.

“What happened here?” I draw Daisy closer, her hand clinging to mine around her waist.

“Mayor Coggeshall happened.” Willow tightens her bun as a few red strands spill out. “She was convinced Daisy was pregnant because, apparently, old women have X-ray vision and all.” Her words hit me like a sledgehammer.

“And?” I force the words out, hiding my rising panic as best I can.

“And what?” Willow looks at me like I’m insane.

Doesn’t she realize the bombshell she’s just dropped on me?