Chapter 23 When he asked about my weekend plans with a hopeful gleam in his eye , I knew I needed to address the situation . I was a married woman . I was formulating a gentle rejection when my phone rang . Francesca's name flashed on the screen , and I seized the opportunity . " Excuse me . " I said , answering quickly . " Hello , darling . " There was a moment of confusion on the other end before Francesca caught on . " Playing the wife card , are we ? Who's making I laughed naturally , maintaining the charade . " Yes , I'm having lunch at Ritz Restaurant with a colleague . " " Ooh , Marco's restaurant ? " Francesca teased . " Want me to play the jealous husband ? " " That would be wonderful , thank you , " I replied warmly . g eyes at you ? " " Well then , she deepened her voice comically , " get home early to Casanova Residence tonight , baby . Your husband is waiting to warm your bed . " I blushed despite myself . " I'll see you tonight , then . " When I hung up , Antonio was studying me with new interest . " Husband ? I didn't realize you were married . " Before I could respond , my phone rang again . This time it was Marco . My heart jumped to my throat as I answered . " Hello ? " " I had Luca prepare lunch to be delivered to your office . Why aren't you there ? " His voice was controlled but with an undercurrent I couldn't quite identify . Caught off guard and still maintaining my charade for Antonio's benefit , I answered , " Oh , hello darling . I'm at Ritz Restaurant having lunch with a colleague . " The silence that followed was so long I thought the call had dropped . When Marco finally spoke , his voice was low and dangerous . " I see . " " We'll be heading back to the office soon . " I added quickly . I'll be in Altoria until Thursday , " he said after another pause . " Take care of yourself , Alia . Don't go out alone at night . " There was something in his tone - possessiveness , concern , or perhaps both . " I will . Goodbye … darling . " As I ended the call , I noticed Antonio's expression had changed completely . The flirtatious glint in his eyes was gone . " Are you really married ? " he asked , his voice suddenly strained . I nodded , feeling a strange satisfaction at his reaction . Antonio signaled for the check immediately , his earlier confidence evaporated . " We should get back to the office . " On our walk back , Antonio maintained a respectful distance . That day I worked very late , determined to make significant progress on the Phantom Game research report . By the time I got home , it was past midnight . Without Marco , the apartment felt empty After a quick shower , I collapsed into bed , pulling the covers up to my chin . The sheets still carried a faint trace of Marco's cologne , and I burying my face in his pillow before drifting off to sleep . I don't know how long I'd been asleep when a subtle shift in weight on the mattress jolted me awake . My eyes flew open , heart racing , only to find Marco sitting on the edge of the bed . Chapter 23 " You - you said you wouldn't be back until Thursday , " I stammered , pushing myself up against the headboard . " Is everything okay in Altoria ? " Marco looked tired , shadows beneath his eyes suggesting he hadn't slept . " Something came up that required my attention here . " " Oh . " I looked at him in the dim light , noticing he was still wearing yesterday's suit , though his tie was loosened and his collar unbuttoned . " Do you want to sleep for a while and rest ? " He shook his head . " Early morning flight . " I hesitated , then asked , " Have you eaten ? I can make you some pasta . " I offered , already sliding out of bed . " Cream and mushroom , my mother's recipe . It won't take long ." Marco's eyes followed me as I stood , dressed in just an oversized t - shirt that barely reached mid - thigh . For a moment , something flickered in his gaze that made my breath catch . " Okay . " His voice slightly rougher than usual .