Imperfect Match (Elixir Bachelor Billionaires #1)

Dad’s eyes crinkle with suppressed laughter. “You take care of him tonight, Doodles. I’m sure he’s going to regret it in the morning.”

“I will.” Pulling Charles back and settling him against the wall, I hug my dad. “Happy birthday, Daddy. I’m already looking forward to next year.”

“Me too, kiddo.”

“Me three,” Charles slurs.

Charles is almost asleep as I guide him to his bed. Leaning him against the headboard, I remove his shoes and gently place his feet on the bed.

“Help me a little, Charles,” I groan, struggling with the task of removing his jacket.

“Are you trying to take advantage of me, my dear wife?” he mumbles, eyes closed, a grin playing on his face that can only be described as cute.

I’ve always loved it when he called me those three words, my dear wife.

I belong to him. I’m dear to him.

After I untie his tie, my hands move to his collar, and I unbutton it. His eyes open, and our gazes meet, his blue irises locking with my browns. The nerve endings at the back of my neck tingle.

I break the contact first, putting an end to the growing sense of longing that consumes me the longer I spend in this room.

“This week was horrible. I fucking missed you, butterfly. I lo…” Charles’ voice trails off as my eyes flutter open to find his head hanging low.

Oh, Charles.

Gently, I help him lie down and cover him with the comforter. As he begins to breathe deeply, my gaze drifts from his calm face to the other nightstand, exactly as I left it a week ago. The entire room feels unchanged—my purple towel still hangs on the vanity chair, and my makeup and skincare that I left behind in my rush are neatly arranged on the table alongside Charles’ cologne and accessories. Why hasn’t he thrown my things out yet?

Something heavy clogs in my throat, giving me false hope. I look away and pour him a glass of water, placing a pack of Advil next to it.

I know I should go, but my legs won’t move. My brain continuously screams at me that I’m being foolish to leave Charles and this place that has started to feel like mine.

“Take care.” Leaning in, I plant a kiss on his forehead. I turn around again, ready to take a determined step away from the man who’s completely stolen my heart, but he snags my hand.

“Stay, butterfly,” he whispers, his eyes closed, yet his grip on my hand is tight. “I wish I was enough for you.” His words linger in the air.

“Charles,” I whisper back, my voice breaking. “Please don’t do this.” A hiccup escapes me as his eyes slowly open.

“Do you know how much I fucking love you?”

It’s the second time he’s said those words, and a tear spills from my eyes at the raw vulnerability on his face.

“Does that not count for anything?”

“It means everything to me and so much more, Charles.” I get down on my knees, our faces merely inches apart. Leaning in, I whisper against his lips, “I love you too. I love you so much it hurts sometimes.” My lips touch his, causing him to inhale sharply.

“I missed you.”

“Me too. But our situation still hasn’t changed, or has it?” I keep the annoying hope that starts to build away from my voice.

For the first time tonight, it’s Charles who makes the first move to pull away. He rests his head against the pillow.

“I can’t do this, Daisy.” There’s sheer pain in his voice, as if something inside him is tearing him apart.

“Why? Is it all because of your mom?” I blurt, not expecting a response, but he opens the nightstand drawer and takes out a metal box. He hands it to me before closing his eyes.

“Good night, Daisy.”

I step into the living room with the box tucked under my arm to find Mrs. K sitting at the dining table.