Chapter 18

‘Oh, you have got to be kidding me,’ I thought disbelievingly.

I don’t know why part of me seriously thought that James was joking when he told me about this supposed schedule he’d created for me. I should have known right off the bat that he wasn’t the sort of man to make jokes—especially when it came to organization.

When we returned to the library, he’d proudly presented me with a well-put-together, horrifically meticulous schedule. It covered everything from daily routines to personal appointments.

I truly didn’t know what to make of it. When the hell did he even have the time to make a schedule like this?

“Jesus Christ, James...Did you happen to work any free time in here for me to breathe?” I muttered.

James sat back in his chair and folded his hands over his knee. “I’ve developed the perfect plan. I already spoke with Dr. Harold on some basic medical advice, essential for the healthy growth and development of our child.”

Our child...?

My heart skipped numerous beats while my eyes widened. It was the first time James had openly spoken about my baby in the shared tense. I suppose in a way...that this baby became ours the moment I signed the damn marriage agreement in his office.

It caused a pocket of warmth to spread inside of my chest. I found it sweet and endearing—even if he didn’t fully realize what he’d said.

On the other hand, it made me feel strange and needed a bit of distance. This was all so new to me.

I glanced down at this professionally designed schedule and was discouraged to find not a single break of time I could use for myself. However, what I did notice was that besides the usual necessities of life, the schedule also included beauty treatments, massages, skincare routines, and fashion coordination, all of which consumed a significant amount of time.

It looked almost impossible to follow. A heavy weight settled in my stomach, telling me that there was no room for possible mistakes.

I was not happy. In fact, I was greatly peeved.

I slowly shook my head in doubt. “James, there’s no way I can make this entire schedule work,” I told him. “I mean, seriously, how am I supposed to follow this when I still have work to finish at the office?”

James appeared indifferent to my growing anxiety and frustration. He merely shrugged his shoulders back. “Your immediate priority was to adapt to your new role as my wife before the Alpha gathering,” he said firmly.

My brows drew together in contemplation. I should have really listened to Chris when he’d earlier referred to James as a ‘control freak’. Yes, I knew that man had a particular way of doing things, but I never would have imagined that he would go as far as to do something like this.

It made me hesitant as far as I was concerned.

‘But surely a schedule like this isn’t going to last forever,’ I thought.

Reluctantly, I agreed to live by the insane schedule for the time being.

And, my God, was it intense...

Every day, I was dealing with a different specialized team that either focused on my health or some kind of skincare or massage service. I wasn’t going to lie, at times it was heavenly having someone else work through the tension in my muscles and know just what products that would make my skin glow.

Having always been dependent on myself and my own welfare, I never had the time nor the financial freedom to allow such luxurious attention.

I was relaxed, yet somehow I was still deeply bothered by all that’s been going on around me. Yet, I remained quiet in this state of indifference.

Right as I finished up my latest appointment, Lily found me sitting out by the courtyard. She strolled up beside me with her usual chipper behavior. She was utterly marveled at how kind and generous James was with me.

“I swear, dear, nearly every group that’s come to work with you is of some powerful influence,” she explained. “Even with money, it would take several months to book their services, yet they’re now coming from all over, specifically to serve you.”

That didn’t exactly make me feel any better. On the contrary, it made me feel worse than I already did...

All this care and attention James kept throwing at me didn’t make me feel special—but burdened!

Why couldn’t he understand that I would much rather invest my time where it actually mattered? Like my work, for instance. That, at least, required real effort as opposed to being constantly dotted on by others. I knew I should have been grateful for the attention. And I was!

But mainly when it came to anything directly concerning my pregnancy. Whereas, everything else seemed so superficial and super unnecessary.

I was dressed up and made up with makeup to where I hardly looked like myself.

It made me feel like nothing but some kind of doll being made up to be put on display.

Buzz. Buzz...Buzz. Buzz.

Glancing down at my phone, I saw that it was my best friend, Emily. I quickly answered the call and took in the momentary sense of familiarity.

“Hey! Mia, how are you?” Emily gushed.

I let out a fluttering laugh. “Well, it’s been a bit crazy lately. But...I suppose I'm doing okay. How about you? How’s the modeling shoot been?”

“Actually, we’re just about to finish through on this project,” she informed me.

“That’s great!”

“I’m due to return back at the end of the week. I think Saturday is what I have marked down in my calendar,” she said cheerfully.

“How about I pick you up at the airport then?” I asked her.

We agreed on time and ended the call. I was so excited and hoped that she and I could finally have some much-needed time to catch up with one another.

Later that night, I found James coming out of his private study. “Hey, whatever is played for this upcoming Saturday, I need to be rearranged,” I told him. ‘My best friend is finally flying back and I’ve agreed to meet her.”

“No,” he said swiftly. My whole body froze. “That day clashes with our press conference.”

I was greatly puzzled. "What press conference?"

"Our wedding press conference. I’ve scheduled it for next Sunday. It’s already been arranged."

My heart quaked in my chest as I glared at James in simmering anger.

‘How could I have not known about this?’