Chapter 19
We’re married… legally, at least, Moira thought, trying to steady herself.
She
hesitated for a moment but finally swiped to answer.
Before she could say anything. Virgil’s calm, low voice filled the line. “Ms. Elliott, are you free this afternoon”
Moira’s first thought was that it had to be Paige treating them to dinner. It Virgil wasn’t directly involved, he wouldn’t have called her himself.
A mix of irritation and disappointment flickered through her, but she kept it in check and replied with a simple, “Mm–hmm.”
“Let’s have dinner together Vargil said.
Moira bit her lip. “I get off work at five. Just text me the address, and 11 take a cab
TI pick you up.
Moira paused for a moment, the words on the tip of her tongue, wanting to say no. But then, she remembered they were married. She couldn’t keeps dodging him forever. If he wasn’t fecking weird about it, why should shr
“Alright” she said finally
After ending the call. of yourself, okay?]
quickly shot her mom a text. Mom, I’m having dinner with Virgil tonight, so I won’t make it to the hospital. Take care
Jane’s reply came almost instantly Don’t worry about me, sweetheart. Enjoy your dinner and have fun!)
Moira smiled faintly before switching back to WhatsApp. Her earlier post in the group chat had been buried under a flood of ne she posted it again.
This time, she attached a few photos of past projects she’d worked on and then uploaded them in her Instagram as well.
er messages, NET
The rest of the day passed in a blur. She kept herself busy registering on various social media platforms and setting up profiles for potential chents to find her. The steady rhythm of work helped drown out the nagging, complicated thoughts swirling in her head
At exactly 5 PM. Moira’s phone buzzes with Virgil’s call. She quickly started gathering.
Just then, Baldwin knocked on her office door and stepped inside, flashing his usual easy smile. “Calling it a day?”
Caught in the act of packing up right on the dot, Moira felt a twinge of awkwardness. Leaving on time always seemed to carry a hint of guilt when the boss was around “Uh, yes. Is there something you need?”
“Nah,” Baldwin chuckled. I’m not here to put you on overtime. I was actually wondering if you wanted to leave together?”
Moira stiffened slightly. She could feel the underlying tone in his offer. Keeping her voice polite but firm, she replied. “Thanks, but I’ve already got plans. My boyfriend’s picking me up for damer.”
Baldwin’s smile faltered, and he blinked, clearly caught off guard. “Boyfriend I thought you and Austin were done. Are you two parching things up
Moira cut him off smoothly, her tone calm but firm. “Nope. My boyfriend now isn’t Austin”
Baldwin’s brows lifted, clearly not expecting that answer. Still, he recovered quickly, masking his surprise with a casual shrug. Moira was stunning, aljer all -women like her never stayed single for long
And hey, dating wasn’t marriage. It wasn’t like he was out of the running yet.
“Well, I was just thinking of taking you out to welcome you to the team.” he said with a laugh that sounded just a bit forced. “But if you’ve got plans,
we can do it some other time
“Thanks, I appreciate that. Moira said with a polne nod before stepping past him toward the elevator. She could feel his eyes on her back as she walked away, but she didn’t look back
Outside the building. Moira spotted the familiar Audi parked across the street. She recognized in instantly–it was the same car Virgil had driven the last time he picked her upju.
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Chapter 19
she crossed the street. Virgil was already standing outside the car, waiting by the passenger side.
By the time she reached him, he opened the door for her with a smooth gesture, and Moira slid into the seat. He shut the door with a quiet click, then walked around to the driver’s side.
Moira couldn’t help but feel a little less irritated at his gentlemanly behavior.
When the engine purred to life and they started in
moving.
- ng. Moira noticed something that made her heart race. It was just the two of them in the car.
Her chest tightened as she replayed the events of the previous night, heat creeping up her cheeks. She quickly rolled down the window, hoping the cool breeze would steady her nerves
The ride began in silence, the air thick with unspoken tension. Moira stared out the window, trying to distract herself from the awkwardness of being alone with him.
But when the car sailed past the intersection where she thought he’d turn, she glanced at him, her brow furrowing. “Aren’t you going to pick up your mom?” she asked, breaking the silence.
Virgil shot her a puzzled look. T’m having dinner with you. Why would I go pick her up?
Moira blinked, her bra scrambling to catch up. So it wasn’t Page who’d invited her–at was Virgil. The realization left her more unsettled than she
wanted to adm
Virgil did
– didn’t seem to notice her sudden discomfort. Keeping his eyes on the road, he asked. “Anywhere in particular you feel like eating?”
Moira pushed her hair back, only to freeze when she remembered what that hand had been up to the night before. Feeling self–conscious, she quickly dropped it back down. “You decide,” she said, keeping her voice casual. Im good with whatever”
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