Chapter 24 Alia POV I woke up to the sound of steady breathing beside me . Careful not to wake him , I slipped out of bed and pulled on my oversized cardigan . After last night's impromptu pasta dinner , where Marco had devoured my mediocre cooking like it was a five - star meal . After eating , he fell asleep almost instantly . I tiptoed to the kitchen , mentally inventorying our refrigerator contents . I was whisking eggs when I heard Marco's footsteps behind me . He appeared in the doorway , hair slightly mussed , wearing just his dress , and a white undershirt . " Good morning , " I said , " I thought you'd sleep longer . " Marco leaned against the doorframe , I smelled food . " " I'm making breakfast . Your flight isn't for a couple hours , right ? " He nodded , then did something unexpected - he walked over and peered into the mixing bowl . " What are you making ? " " Italian vegetable frittata . " I gestured to the vegetables on the cutting board . " You could help wash those if you want . " Marco raised an eyebrow , as if the suggestion was novel , but then rolled up his sleeves . " Show me . " pants I bit back a smile as I demonstrated how to wash the bell peppers and zucchini . There was something endearing about watching this powerful man - who probably commanded thousands of employees - meticulously cleaning vegetables at my direction . " You're good at this , " I commented as he handed me perfectly cleaned mushrooms . " I follow instructions well , " he replied , the hint of a smile playing at his lips . When the frittata was finally ready , I served it with a side of toasted bread and fresh fruit . I watched nervously as Marco took his first bite , irrationally anxious about his opinion of my cooking . He chewed thoughtfully , his expression unreadable . Then he nodded . " It's good . Tastes like home . " Something warm bloomed in my chest . I knew my cooking was average at best - Francesca had once diplomatically called my culinary skills ' charmingly unpretentious " -but hearing Marco say it tasted like home felt like the highest compliment . After breakfast , while Marco showered , I packed him some food for his trip . I prepared small Italian pastries and a handmade sandwich , carefully arranging them in a thermal container . I want to be a good wife , even if this marriage came out of nowhere . When Marco emerged from the bedroom , dressed impeccably in a fresh suit , he looked surprised to see the packed lunch waiting on the counter . " For your trip , " I explained , suddenly feeling self - conscious . ' In case the airplane food is terrible . " Thank you , " he said , taking the container . Then , with a gentle motion that caught me completely off guard , he reached out and ruffled my hair . " Hey ! " I protested , ducking away . " I'm not a puppy . " Marcos eyes crinkled at the corners , amusement evident . Then , before I could react, he pulled me into an embrace , pressing a kiss to my forehead . " Better ? " he asked , his voice low . My face burned , and I pushed against his chest halfheartedly . " That's not - I didn't mean- Chapter 24 But Marco only tightened his hold , his chin resting atop my head . I could feel his heartbeat against my cheek steady and trong b " I have to go . " he said softly . " Be careful alone in the apartment . Don't open the door for anyone . " The sudden shift in topic made me blink , but I nodded against his chest . At the front door of our Casanova Residence apartment , I said . " Text me when you land ? * Marco looked down at me , something unreadable flickering in his eyes . " Okay . " The office was buzzing when I arrived at Cortese Tech . I'd barely settled at my desk when Tina leaned over the partition , her eyes gleaming with gossip . " Did you hear about Camila ? " she whispered . I shook my head , still organizing my notes for the Phantom Game project . " She's been fired . Effective immediately . " Tina's voice dropped even lower . " Apparently she tried something with Mr. Vittorio . The CEO himself ordered her termination . " My hands stilled over the keyboard . Camila - the woman who'd been so openly hostile toward me . " What exactly did she do ? " I asked , trying to sound merely curious rather than personally invested . Tina shrugged . " Nobody knows for sure . But she was escorted out by security this morning . She'd been with the company for three years ! " I returned to my work , mind racing . Had Marco fired Camila because of what happened in his office ? Was he protecting me ? The thought brought mixed feelings . On one hand , I felt a rush of warmth knowing Marco would defend me . On the other , I didn't want special treatment because of our relationship . ' I don't really care whether Camila stays or goes , " I told Tina , deliberately changing the subject . I'm more concerned about the Phantom Game market report that's due tomorrow . " Tina took the hint and retreated , but not before giving me a curious look . I had just immersed myself back in work when Berti appeared at my desk . ' Alia , there's been a change of plans , " he said , looking stressed . " We need the Phantom Game analysis today . " " Today ? " I echoed , checking my calendar . " But it's not due until tomorrow afternoon . " Berti ran a hand through his thinning hair . " Roberto from Red Scorpione Group is flying to Monterano tonight . If he doesn't see your analysis before he leaves , we lose our chance at this project . " My heart sank . Phantom Game was a major project with a total investment of 10 million dollars , so it was normal to be strict about it . " What time does he need it by ? " I asked , mentally calculating how much work remained . ' Seven PM , latest , " Berti replied . " I'll have Tina help with the market projection charts so you can focus on the core analysis . " I nodded , determination replacing my initial panic . " I'll get it done . " As Berti walked away , I rolled up my sleeves and dove back into the data . There's no job that can't be finished with enough effort . This could be my chance to prove myself - not as Marco's wife , but as a valuable team member . Mr. Roberto from the Scorpione Group specifically assigned me to be responsible for this project , which made me value this opportunity even more . I opened a new document and began typing