Page 6 of Surrendering to the Obsession

Camila smiled brightly. “Alexander, take Mia to the office with you from now on. She can accompany you.”

Mia blinked, eyes darting between Camila and Alexander. “What would I… do there?”

Camila patted Mia’s hand gently. “She’s already graduated. And it’ll be good for her to have something to do,” she said, eyes soft but firm. “She should learn the business and grow beside you as your partner.”

Alexander nodded without a question. He reached out, fingers about to lace with Mia’s but Mia stepped back and looked at Camila instead.

“Mrs. Graves… can we not let everyone at the office know that I’m… associated with Mr. Graves?” she asked quietly, voice low and tense. “I don’t like attention. If people know I’m his wife, the gossip will never end. I don’t want to be part of rumors.”

Camila raised a brow, then shifted her gaze toward Alexander.

His jaw tightened instantly. Darkness flickered across his features.

“You’re going to be working with me,” he said, frowning. “I’ll take care of you. What attention are you worried about?”

Mia shook her head, her expression small and uneasy.

“That’s the problem,” she admitted. “People will approach me, pretend to be friendly… I won’t know who’s genuine and who just wants something. It’ll be overwhelming. I just… want to settle in first. Quietly.”

Alexander’s brows drew together, a storm flickering in his eyes.

Without a word, he grabbed her hand and tugged her closer, closing the space between them. His other hand rose, fingers brushing warm against her jaw as he tilted her face up toward his.

“I will settle you in,” he said, voice intense. “Do you think I’d ever let anyone walk all over you?”

His eyes said he wasn’t letting this go.

Mia’s breath stilled.

“Tsk…” Camila’s sharp click of the tongue finally broke the tension.

“Alexander, stop it. Let the poor girl breathe,” she scolded. “If she wants space, give her space. Listen to her. She is your wife, not an employee. Don’t just overpower her because youcan.”

Alexander’s jaw ticked. He clearly didn’t like Mia’s decision.

But he stepped back, the fire in his eyes dimming just enough.

“…We’ll do as you want,” he muttered quietly.

Mia exhaled, relief washing over her, and offered a small, grateful smile.

Not long after, they both left for the office—but in separate cars because Mia refused to ride with him. Alexander didn’t argue, but the muscle in his jaw twitched the entire time.

Chapter 2 The Empire Group

At the office, they stepped into the elevator. Alexander entered first. A few employees followed, and Mia slipped in last. Alexander, who had been standing in the corner, subtly shifted—his movements calm and unhurried—as he closed the space between him and Mia. He positioned himself behind her, close enough that the warmth of his chest loomed just a breath away from her back.

Mia stood straight, pretending not to notice, her fingers wrapped around her phone. A soft, familiar scent drifted up from her. Alexander lowered his head slightly, inhaling without thinking.

‘Why does she always smell so good?’ His eyes softened.

Just as the elevator doors began to close, hurried footsteps echoed. The elevator stopped and opened again.

Janet hurriedly stepped inside.

The moment she saw Alexander, her body stiffened. Her eyes widened before she quickly looked away, retreating into the farthest corner of the elevator as if trying to disappear. She held the files in her hands tighter, her knuckles turning white.

‘He’s following me? What is wrong with him?’ she thought, panic flickering behind her lashes.