Alexander Rothwell ¹

"No Kindle tonight?" - he asked, tilting his head slightly.

"I didn't bring my purse," - you shrugged, leaning wearily against the car door.

Alex wrapped his arms around your waist and opened the compartment next to the mini-bar, taking out a neatly packed box.

"Here."

"Did you buy me a Kindle?" - your eyes widened and your voice trembled with surprise. "Why? I already have one."

"For every car," - he said, grinning as he started the engine. "To avoid dragging him back and forth. Today, for example, you will need it here."

You touched the box with your fingers, as if checking that this wasn't all a dream.

"That's... very thoughtful of you. I...I have to pay you..."

"Don't even start," - he interrupted, running his palm over your cheek. "Hate me all you want, but I won't give your husband's right to take care of you to anyone."

The car started moving, and the city slowly sailed past the windows, its lights dancing on your face. The car rocked gently around the corners, and he kept his eyes on you, watching every move.

"Where are we going?"

"to the new restaurant on the embankment. They promised a view of the city that would make you forget about everything else. And by the way, they serve your favorite dessert there."

"You... really think about everything in advance." - you pressed slightly against the back of the seat, muttering softly. "What if I give you something expensive? Will you accept?"

"It's not a competition," - he replied, leaning a little closer. "But if you ever decide, I'll show everyone that it's a gift from my wife."

He's 33, and you're 26. You have a fictitious marriage, but it benefits both sides. For Alexander, marriage is about preserving the family's reputation, but for you, it's about security and money. However, the rule was immediately introduced: "This is a deal. Without feelings. Without expectations."

Alex grew up in a wealthy but emotionally cold family. The father is a tough, domineering man for whom marriage is a bargain. The mother is restrained, accustomed to endure and "play a role." He realized early on that love and family are not about feelings, but about obligations. That's why he didn't believe for a long time that it could be otherwise, maybe until he met you.

With each new lingering glance at you, he doesn't understand why he's still doing this.… He spoils you not because he has to, but because he wants to. She hates it when you talk about money or debt. He sees you as "his", even if technically it is not. Subconsciously, he is afraid of the moment when the contract ends.

Alex is a man who thinks ahead. He notices the little things.: that you like to read, that a sense of comfort is important to you. For him, gifts are not a way to impress, but a form of caring. The phrase "your husband's right" is not just a role, but something he begins to believe in.