Flash Marriage to a Stunning CEO (Alistair and Richard) novel Chapter 13

Chapter 13 Like a Stranger

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After dropping Eloise off at preschool, Caroline headed to work while Alistair took a taxi to Everett Villa.

The Everetts had prepared all sorts of ingredients, with several household staff ready to help with the prep work. They handled everything from sorting and washing vegetables to chopping and mincing. Alistair only needed to do the actual cooking.

He’d never received this kind of treatment when he was with

Rebecca.

Whenever Alistair joined Rebecca for dinner with her family, he never got to sit at the table and enjoy a leisurely meal with everyone else.

The kitchen was his domain. It was perfectly normal for him to prepare 15 or 20 dishes all by himself.

By the time he finished cooking, everyone had nearly finished eating, chatting happily and playing with the kids. He would quietly sit at the edge of the table, picking at whatever leftovers remained.

This had been his life for years.

Alistair couldn’t say he was used to it–he just didn’t have the right to protest.

Chapter 13 Like a Stranger

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Two million dollars might be nothing more than a replaceable sports car to wealthy girls like Rebecca, but for a powerless nobody like Alistair, it was a crushing mountain, suffocating his freedom and self–respect.

Thankfully, that was all in the past now.

Alistair prepared the meal with ease, even finding time to chat with Vivienne when she popped into the kitchen to say hello.

Vivienne’s eyes lit up when she saw how vibrant Alistair looked.

It was like finding a diamond in the rough–something that had been there all along, just waiting for someone to polish off the dirt and let it shine again.

What a spirited, talented young man.

It was completely unrecognizable from the quiet, withdrawn Alistair she remembered.

For a split second, the years melted away, and Vivienne could see clearly the spirited young man he’d been in high school.

Back then, even though Alistair was poor, his eyes had sparkled with dreams of the future.

When he dropped out of school to become the father of Rebecca’s child, that light in his eyes disappeared.

It was such a mess.

Chapter 13 Like a Stranger

Vivienne couldn’t help but sigh.

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Yes, the situation was unfair to Alistair, but whatever had happened between them was their choice. It wasn’t her place to interfere in their relationship.

The most she could do was stand up for him when Rebeccal belittled him in front of everyone, even if it meant risking Rebecca’s anger.

Seeing that faint, long–absent sparkle return to Alistair’s eyes filled Vivienne with genuine happiness for him.

“Thank you so much. My mother had a wonderful time today,” she said, reaching for her phone. “Let me send your payment.”

Alistair shook his head. “That’s not necessary. I’m glad your mother likes it. I don’t need payment.”

Vivienne could tell he wasn’t just being polite, which made her anxious. “That won’t work! I can’t let you do all this for nothing. Is the amount too low? We could-

“It’s not that,” he interrupted. “I’ve actually been wanting to thank you.”

Vivienne understood what he meant and felt a twinge of regret. “I haven’t done anything special. At least let me buy you a dinner next time?”

Alistair just smiled politely without saying a word.

Chapter 13 Like a Stranger

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Vivienne knew exactly what was happening. It was what she’d expected, and she didn’t feel rejected or embarrassed.

Yes, she was attracted to Alistair, but unlike some of the rich

girls in her social circle, she wasn’t looking for casual thrills or a quick fling.

She was too rational to entertain impossible fantasies.

Alistair had nothing against Vivienne personally. In fact, he was grateful to her.

Despite coming from money, Vivienne was gentle and good–natured without a trace of entitlement.

He thought highly of her, but that was where it ended.

She belonged to Rebecca’s social circle, and he preferred to keep his distance from that world.

Vivienne smoothly changed the subject. “You’ll laugh, but ever since my mom tried the chicken noodle soup Rebecca brought over, she hasn’t stopped talking about it.”

Midway through, she noticed that while Alistair’s expression remained neutral, his eyes had grown distant. She stopped herself, realizing she’d accidentally mentioned Rebecca.

Vivienne sighed inwardly.

She and Rebecca had grown up together, so she knew Rebecca’s temperament all too well–spoiled, willful, and determined to do

Chapter 13 Like a Stranger

She figured Alistair must have suffered quite a bit working for Rebecca, leaving him with some emotional scars.

“Go for a spa day? I’m sorry, Rebecca, but I can’t make it. I’ve got things to do today.”

“That’s ridiculous.” Vivienne rolled her eyes at whatever Rebecca said next. “I seriously can’t get away. Don’t start with that nonsense, okay?”

By the time she hung up, Alistair had already walked out the front door. He gave her a quick wave without looking back

Chapter 13 Like a Stranger before disappearing.

She’d got this feeling that Rebecca was going to regret this big

Being obsessed with love is bad enough. Even worse is the moment she realizes her feelings have shifted from her ideal man to that loser she always dismissed. Wonder how she’ll handle that reality check?

Rebecca talked trash about Alistair non–stop, but Vivienne could tell she secretly had feelings for him.