Imperfect Match (Elixir Bachelor Billionaires #1)

I can’t give up until she’s back where she belongs.

In my home. In my heart.

“Charles.” Willow opens the door.

There’s no surprise on her face, as if she was expecting me all along. Instead of inviting me in, she grabs her coat from the coat hanger and steps out, forcing me to retreat.

“Daisy will be right back. You can take a seat on the couch.” She motions her head to the side but doesn’t make a move to let me pass.

I’m about to walk around her and finally cross the wooden door that’s keeping me away from my wife, when Willow grabs my arm.

“Don’t break my friend’s heart, Charles. You might be the prince of Cherrywood, but she’s a very important person in my life. I’ll come after you with everything I’ve got.”

I raise an eyebrow, looking between her and where she’s holding me. I’ve ruined people for much less. And if our interests weren’t so aligned in this moment, I might have shown her what it means to threaten Charles Hawthorne.

“Believe me, that’s not why I’m here.” I pluck her fingers off my suit one at a time and step around her, walking inside.

My gaze scans the empty room, landing on Daisy’s still-unpacked duffel bag in the corner.

Good. We can leave as soon as I share what I need to say.

I hear the water running in the bathroom, and a second later, she stands at the doorway.

“Charles! What—what are you doing here?” Daisy’s shock is apparent in those wide eyes.

You can fucking do this, Hawthorne.

“There’s something I have to say.” The air suddenly thins, making it harder to breathe, as if a weight is pressed against my chest. “Hear me out before you make a decision, Daisy.”

“Charles, don’t do this. Please.” Her eyes fall shut as her fingers tightly clutch the sides of her skirt.

How can she look so haggard within just a few hours?

Ignoring her plea, I approach.

“My room, my home—it doesn’t feel the same without you, my dear wife. Come home. I want you there.”

A gasp escapes her lips as my fingers trace a gentle path from her forehead down to her cheeks.

“But you and I—”

I place a finger over her lips, halting her words.

“How about we compromise? Work with me, Daisy. Please.” I lean in, pressing my forehead against hers. I feel her shaky breath on my skin, tickling my five o’clock shadow. “Help me find a middle ground.”

She removes my finger from her mouth and takes a step back. I immediately miss the contact.

“How can we compromise on something like this, Charles? This isn’t a business deal you can negotiate.”

“I know that.” I run a hand over my hair. “I wouldn’t be feeling so scared if it were a business deal. I know how to handle those. But this”—I wave my hand at the space between us—“this is so new and damn difficult. Despite that, I know I don’t want to live without you.” My voice softens. “I want us to be together, Daisy. I’m happiest with you. And looking at you right now, I think you’re happiest with me too.” My fists clench tight. “Correct me if I’m just being delusional and selfish. Am I not enough?”

Her jaw drops at my outburst.

You’ve never sounded more pathetic in your life, Hawthorne.

But then she takes a step forward. Hope surges like a helium balloon in my chest when Daisy places her hand over my cheek.

“The time I’ve spent with you in your home has been the best part of my life. I know I’ll never experience such happiness again.”