Chapter5 Marcus is jealous

Aliya POV

"Why is Nikolai here? Why are the two of you meeting alone?"Marcus looked at me with suspicion.

I straightened my shoulders and looked him in the eye. "I wanted to understand Nikolai's political positions better so I could support your campaign more effectively."

"Then why didn't you open the door for me?" Marcus's voice was skeptical.

"I was just about to open the door, but you came in first." I smoothed down my dress.

Marcus studied my face, searching for any sign I was lying.

"And Nikolai behaved appropriately?" he pressed.

"Completely. He was a perfect gentleman. We just talked politics, nothing more." I met his gaze steadily. "I would never do anything to hurt you or our marriage, Marcus."

Some of the tension left his shoulders. "Of course not. I'm sorry for questioning you. It's just that Nikolai has a reputation, and seeing you come out looking like that..."

"I understand. But you have nothing to worry about."

Marcus nodded slowly, apparently satisfied with my explanation. "Let's go home. We have a lot to prepare for the election events this week."

——

Back at our house, I made sure to walk past the adjoining suite on my way to the bedroom. The door was slightly open, and I could hear voices inside.

"We need to increase the dosage," Marcus was saying. "She's been acting differently lately. More assertive."

"Maybe the drugs are wearing off?" Sarah's voice drifted out. "The ones your father's doctor prescribed to keep her wolf dormant?"

I pressed closer to the wall, my heart pounding.

"Probably. I'll have the doctor adjust the formula." Marcus sounded frustrated. "We can't afford for her wolf to wake up now. Not when we're so close to everything we've worked for."

"Don't worry, baby," Sarah cooed. "Once you're Alpha King, we won't need her anymore. I'll be your Luna Queen, just like we planned."

"I know, sweetheart. Just a little longer and you'll have the position you deserve." His voice was tender in a way it never was with me. "Aliya is just a stepping stone. You're my fated mate."

I clenched my fists and took a deep breath.

Now wasn't the time to fall out with them.

I slipped away quietly, but not long after I returned to my bedroom, Marcus came in carrying some medicine.

"Your evening medication," he said gently. "The doctor said it's important to take it at the same time every day."

I took the cup, smiling at him. "You're so good to me, taking care of my health like this."

"Anything for my mate." He watched expectantly as I brought the cup to my lips.

I pretended to drink, using my tongue to block the liquid from going down my throat. "There. All done."

"Good girl." He kissed my forehead. "Get some rest. Tomorrow's going to be busy."

The moment he left the room, I spat all the medicine into the cup. Marcus, since you enjoy feeding me this so much, why don't you have a taste of it yourself?

My phone buzzed with a text message. Nikolai.

Still thinking about this afternoon. The way you responded to my touch... I can't wait for tomorrow's election event. I'll be watching you from across the room, remembering how you felt in my hands.

I stared at the message, my cheeks heating up despite everything.

Another message appeared.

After the election is over, I'm going to properly reward you for your cooperation. You won't be able to walk straight for a week when I'm done with you.

I quickly typed back: Be serious. This is business, not a hookup.

His response came immediately: Who says it can't be both?

I turned off my phone, not trusting myself to respond.

The next evening, I arrived at the downtown convention center for the election party. I'd chosen a conservative navy blue suit, wanting to look professional and serious.

As I was walking toward the entrance, I spotted Sarah near the parking area, looking stunning in a tight red dress that showed off every curve.

"Oh, Aliya," she called out as she approached me. "What an... interesting outfit choice."

I stopped and turned to face her. "Hello, Sarah."

"I mean, it's so practical. So business-like." She looked me up and down with obvious disdain. "Though I have to wonder if that's really the image you want to project at a social event like this."

A few other guests who were arriving started slowing down, clearly sensing drama.

"What do you mean?" I asked innocently.

Sarah's smile was sharp as a knife. "Well, men like Marcus appreciate women who know how to be feminine, you know? This whole corporate executive look is so... masculine. So unappealing."

She gestured at my suit with barely disguised contempt. "I mean, when was the last time you saw a man get excited about a woman dressed like she's going to a board meeting?"

A few people chuckled, and I could see others nodding in agreement.

"Fashion should complement a woman's natural beauty," Sarah continued, warming to her topic. "It should make men want to look at you, desire you. This..." She waved at my outfit dismissively. "This just makes you blend into the wallpaper."

A small crowd was gathering now as more guests arrived and noticed our conversation.

"Maybe that's why Marcus seems so distracted lately," one of Sarah's friends chimed in. "A man needs a woman who knows how to dress for him, not for herself."

Sarah nodded sagely. "Exactly. When a wife stops putting effort into her appearance, stops trying to attract her husband... well, can you really blame him for looking elsewhere?"

The implication was crystal clear. Several people looked between Sarah and me, clearly understanding what she was suggesting.

"I mean, look at us standing here together," Sarah continued, doing a little turn to show off her figure-hugging dress. "Which one of us looks like we understand what men actually want?"

She was building to her finale now, her voice getting louder and more confident.

"Some women just don't have that natural feminine charm. They try to compensate by being all serious and professional, but men see right through that." She tilted her head, feigning sympathy. "It's really not their fault they can't compete with women who actually know how to be alluring."

The crowd was listening intently now, clearly enjoying the drama.

"Marcus is such a sophisticated, powerful man," Sarah went on. "He needs a woman who can match his energy, his charisma. Someone who knows how to work a room, how to make connections." She looked at me pityingly. "Some people just don't have that kind of social grace. They're too awkward, too out of place in these kinds of settings."

She paused for effect, making sure everyone was hanging on her words.

"I suppose when a man like Marcus realizes his wife can't give him what he needs, can't even dress appropriately for public events..." She shrugged elegantly. "Well, it's only natural that he'd start looking for someone who actually understands how to be a proper partner."