Chapter 74

Alexander paused at her words. The memory of that day—Vivienne confronting him with red-rimmed eyes—flashed in his mind. Vivienne had said: "You must be deeply in love with her, even using our anniversary to remember her." Vivienne had said: "If you love her so much, why didn’t you just wait for her? Why marry me? I’m not the one you need. Why do you have to demean me like this?" "I had something that day. You can choose another day, either earlier or later," Alexander had said calmly, loosening his collar. Isabella’s heart sank. Something that day? What could that have been? The answer was all too clear. She forced a smile, draping her arm around his and teasingly asking, "What was it? Couldn’t you push it back? It’s been so long since you celebrated my birthday." "Sorry." "Alexander, this is my first birthday back in the country. It’s rare for us to be together…" "Behave," Alexander said in a