His Intoxicating Proximity

“How the hell did this happen?” Matteo was annoyed at the news his secretary had just given him, regretting the moment he left the woman of his dreams to take this call.

He hadn’t gone home last night because he wanted to be with Emily, and now, in the span of a single night, everything had spiraled out of control.

“Boss, the news of your marriage is all over every tabloid and news channel,” his secretary informed him.

“Motherfucker,” Matteo cursed under his breath, immediately knowing who was behind this-Lia Vassallo.

“Get my PR team on it. I want every source to retract that story, and send them all a legal notice for broadcasting such news without my consent,” he barked, running a frantic hand through his hair. Ending the call, Matteo turned, expecting to find Emily where he had left her. But she was already up, gathering their things from the night before.

“Mon amour, what’s wrong?” Matteo asked, hurrying to her side and gently grabbing her hand as she reached for the empty glasses. She glared at him, her silence sharp and unsettling. What just happened in a matter of minutes? He was puzzled, unable to understand. Just moments ago, she was enjoying his company, but now she looked like she wanted him gone.