Imperfect Match (Elixir Bachelor Billionaires #1)

Kai: Don’t worry. I have it under control.

Me: Thank you so much. You’re a godsend.

“Can I take my breakfast to the bedroom?” I ask Mrs. Kowalski as she gently places a plate of pancakes next to my coffee mug.

“This is your home, Daisy. You don’t need anyone’s permission here. Definitely not mine.” She gives me that warm smile once again.

“Does Charles ever eat in his room?”

“I think you know Mr. Hawthorne better than anyone.”

This time I match her grin with my own.

“So that’s a big fat no. Then I’d like to show his room some change.”

Your bedroom is no longer a breakfast spot virgin, my dear husband.

Mrs. Kowalski arranges my plate and coffee mug along with cutlery and a napkin on a wooden tray.

“In all the years of me working in this house, today is the first time Mr. Hawthorne acted out of his routine. He needed someone just like you in his life. I’m so happy to see you here, Daisy.”

Guilt slithers inside me, but I keep my smile in place. “Thank you.”

Once back in my room, I check my cellphone and there’s a missed call from Charles. I take a deep breath before pressing the green call sign on the screen.

“Wife.” His voice is cool like a breeze, and goose bumps litter my skin in its wake.

“If you are in the limo and the privacy screen is up, there’s no need for pretensions, Charles.”

He chuckles, and for some absurd reason I like the sound of it.

“Every second, you continue to prove that my decision about this marriage was absolutely perfect.”

“Your ego will someday kill you.” I bite my bottom lip to hide my smile.

“My darling wife wanting me dead the day after our wedding? I must be a really cruel husband.”

Gosh! Who the heck is this man?

I need some extra preparation to win against this version of Charles.

“What do you want, boss?”

“I want you to check that everything is okay for Vincent’s project. There’s an email about issues with the construction material. See what’s going on there. Vincent is one of our biggest clients. His project takes priority over everything else.”

“On it.” I put the phone on speaker and open the email app.

“Also, there’s a board meeting late this afternoon.”

“But it wasn’t on the schedule.” I pause and jump into the calendar app while Charles hums in agreement.

“It appears that after seeing us yesterday, no one has any more doubts. I once again have you to thank for everything, my dear wife.”

“I’d prefer a raise.”

“Let’s talk about that later.”

Charles’ chuckle ringing in my ear is so foreign. In this moment, I also realize he’s rarely called me in the past, always preferring text to calls.