Chapter 21
Did she hear him right? Did he just ask her not to leave? Lilly blinked in confusion, staring at him. “What did you say?” She needed to be sure she heard correctly.
“Have you been to the hospital?”
“No.”
“Put that luggage down. You’re not leaving this room until a doctor confirms to me that you’re pregnant,” Alexander commanded, his tone leaving no room for argument. With that, he walked out, leaving her standing there, stunned.
Lilly stood in place, speechless. Was he implying she didn’t know her own body? Or was this just an excuse to keep her in the room? The whirlwind of emotions swirling within her left her too baffled to respond.
The next morning, Lilly awoke feeling a sense of determination. She prepared for work, choosing a gray fitted shirt dress that she felt confident in. It was a bit shorter than what she usually wore, stopping above her knees, but it was elegant and professional. She paired it with small heels, completing her look.
She headed downstairs for breakfast, expecting the usual routine. To her surprise, Alexander was already there, sipping coffee and reading documents, while James stood nearby, looking terrified. The atmosphere was tense, and when she saw Alexander’s furious expression, she understood why.
Not wanting to provoke his wrath, she decided to turn back and eat at work instead.
“Sit down,” his cold voice commanded.
Lilly halted, surprised he noticed her presence amid his intense focus. Reluctantly, she turned back and took a seat opposite him at the round breakfast table. The maids served her eggs, toast, and juice, her usual breakfast. Ten minutes passed without him acknowledging her.
Lilly glanced at James, who seemed to hold his breath every time Alexander turned a page. The poor man looked like he was standing on hot coals.
“Breathe,” Lilly whispered to him. He nodded and tried to comply, his face pale with fear.
“You better eat your breakfast and mind your own business. Once you’re done, go upstairs and change into something more appropriate,” Alexander said without looking up from his documents.
Lilly glanced at her outfit—a gray fitted shirt dress that stopped above her knees and small heels. She couldn’t see what was wrong with it, especially since it was one of the expensive clothes Alexander had bought for her. It was stylish and professional, not at all inappropriate.
“Mr. Kane, there’s nothing wrong with my outfit. It’s one of the clothes you bought for me,” she stated, trying to keep her voice calm.
Instead of directing his anger at her, Alexander glared at James, who visibly trembled. “Why were such clothes included in the purchase?”
“Sir, you instructed me to take a female employee with a similar body type to shop for Ms. Evans’ clothes. She selected everything. I only carried the items,” James explained nervously, his voice barely above a whisper.
“Fire the female employee,” Alexander ordered, his tone icy.
“But sir—”
“Immediately,” Alexander’s look silenced James.
Lilly felt bewildered and sorry for the employee about to lose her job. The dress might be short, but it was still decent. Why did he hate short dresses so much? It made no sense to her.
Alexander slammed the documents on the table, making her jump, while James began to sweat. “Take these away and ensure they are redone from scratch. I want them on my desk by the time I get to the office,” Alexander demanded.
James hurriedly grabbed the papers and rushed out of the room, eager to escape the oppressive atmosphere.
“Didn’t I tell you to change that dress?” Alexander’s gaze was now fixed on her, his eyes cold and unyielding.
“But Mr. Kane, there’s nothing wrong with this dress. And you don’t have to fire someone who was just following orders,” Lilly said quickly, her frustration bubbling to the surface.
“As long as you’re in my house and carrying my child, you won’t wear whatever you please,” Alexander replied, his voice hard.
“Didn’t you say you need to confirm if I’m pregnant before believing it?” she retorted, challenging him.
“Yes, which is why we’re going to the hospital as soon as you change that dress,” Alexander shot back, his tone leaving no room for argument.
“It’s not as if anyone knows I’m your wife or that I’m carrying your child. Why are you so bothered by what I wear?” Lilly fired back, noticing his anger rising.
Alexander leaned back in his chair, his eyes scanning her from head to toe. His gaze felt like it was burning her. She could feel the heat of his stare, like a fire burning deep within her, making her pulse quicken.
“Go up and change,” he warned, his voice laced with a chilling edge.
Lilly met his gaze, refusing to back down. She couldn’t understand his obsession with her clothing. It wasn’t as if she was dressed inappropriately. She felt a surge of anger and defiance rise within her. Why did he get to dictate every aspect of her life, down to what she wore? It was infuriating.
“Mr. Kane, I don’t see why my clothing is such an issue for you. This dress is perfectly decent and professional. There’s nothing wrong with it,” she argued, her voice steady despite her rising anger.
Alexander’s eyes narrowed. “As long as you are in my house and carrying my child, you will follow my rules. Now go upstairs and change.”
Lilly felt her frustration boiling over. She stood up abruptly, her chair scraping against the floor. “Fine,” she snapped. “I’ll change. But this is ridiculous.”
She turned on her heel and stormed out of the room, her anger propelling her up the stairs. She couldn’t believe how controlling he was. It was as if he saw her as nothing more than a vessel for his child, with no autonomy or freedom of her own.
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