Rachael clutched the contract tightly behind her back, her face tense as she swiftly devised a plan.
Xander took a step closer, suspicion flickering in his eyes.
"Have I not told you to stay out of my study unless invited? What were you up to?"
"I left a gift for you," Rachael said with a sudden smile, though her eyes remained chilly. "In seven days, we'll mark our fifth dating anniversary. You can look for it then."
Xander was focused on his phone and didn't press her about it. He simply raised an eyebrow, showing he understood.
It was clear Rachael was attempting to make amends.
"Now that you've reconsidered, try not to lose your cool again," he said lightly.
The anniversary gift she spoke of barely registered in his mind.
Just then, Xander's phone buzzed with a fresh message. He glanced down, a charming smile spreading across his face.
It was evident who had sent it.
A chill deepened within Rachael.
If he cared at all about their life together, he'd know that their anniversary was today, not a week later.
Still, she did have a significant surprise planned for him in seven days.
With a cold nod, she turned away to leave.
Xander wrapped up his reply and finally remembered Rachael. He looked up, ready to speak, but she was already gone.
A frown crept onto his face.
She hadn't pressed him with questions? That was unusual.
An odd unease settled over him, though he chose not to focus on it.
Hours passed in the study without Rachael bringing him his usual coffee and snacks, and Xander grew restless, struggling to concentrate on his screen.
Frustrated, he rose and made his way to the master bedroom.
Rachael had just stepped out of the shower and was now seated at the vanity, carefully going through her skincare routine.
Her damp hair fell freely over her shoulders, and she had changed from her usual modest white cotton pajamas into a delicate, lavender silk slip nightgown.
The smooth fabric highlighted her flawless skin, while her slender waist was petite enough to encircle with a single hand.
A soft night breeze drifted in from the balcony, lifting the gown's hem as it fluttered around her thighs, radiating subtle, alluring grace.
Standing at the doorway, Xander was mesmerized, his feet moving forward almost involuntarily, drawn in by the faint, intoxicating fragrance of gardenias in the air.
"Rachael," he called softly.
Gently, he wrapped his arms around her waist from behind, his cool cheek resting lightly against her neck.
However, her body tensed immediately, eyes sharp and cold as she caught his fervent reflection in the mirror.
"Weren't you supposed to be sleeping in the guest room tonight?" she asked.
Throughout their two years of marriage, they had never once slept in the same bed.
Initially, Xander frequently stayed late at work, occasionally arriving home intoxicated, and eventually, he moved out of the master bedroom and retreated to the guest room, claiming he didn't want to disturb her sleep.
Later on, they'd tried a few more time, but whenever things seemed to get close, Milly's calls would pop up and totally kill the mood.
Rachael complained and even gave him the silent treatment for weeks one time. But somehow, she always ended up backing down.
All Xander had to do was furrow his brow, appearing tired and worn out, and say, "Rachael, I'm too tired. Please understand."
And just like that, she'd give in.
But tonight, when his cool lips brushed her ear, his breath felt hot and tempting. "I'm staying with you tonight."
Kisses that once stirred pleasure now only filled her with a rising sense of disgust.
The lotion bottle creaked under her tight grasp as she fought the impulse to throw it at him. Yet she understood well that this wasn't the moment to confront him.
"Honey..."
She jumped up fast, trying to back away, but her hand snagged his tie.
Xander's breath got heavier, and he reached up to loosen his tie.
Worried, Rachael said, "Haven't you been asking Milly for favors lately? She mentioned once she hated my perfume. If we're together tonight and she smells my perfume on you tomorrow, won't she get mad? If she refuses to help anymore, then the whole Spencer Group is in trouble..."
The fire in Xander's eyes instantly went out.
He stopped, pulling his tie free from her hand.
"You're right. Get some rest. There's still plenty of time ahead."
With that, he turned and walked away.
Almost right away, the sound of running water came from the guest bathroom.
Rachael tugged at her lips in bitter self-mockery.
He'd rather numb himself with a cold shower than be with her in bed.
Such devotion, indeed!
She grabbed some makeup wipes and scrubbed fiercely where he had touched her.
The sticky feeling made her want to throw up.
The rest of the night passed without anything happening.
The next morning, right after Xander left, Rachael called to have all her packed clothes donated to charity.
She threw all the couple-themed decorations she had put up straight into the trash.
After taking the trash out, her phone dinged with a new email, and she opened it eagerly to see what it was.
