Page 91 of The Boss and the Wedding Mess

"Yes, but he doesn’t care. He just wants to bury himself in work. Please... if you stay, if he doesn’t get the position, then... then we still have a chance. I think our marriage is already doomed!"

"Take it easy. I think Marc just phrased things poorly. Of course it will take time for him to prepare for the position, but he’ll always take care of you. He loves you. I know that. One hundred percent."

"I need you here in London," she whispers, choked with tears.

"I can’t promise that, Stephanie." I need to think about myself and my future. "You’re married, expecting a child. He doesn’t want this career just for himself, but for you too. Marc told me very clearly he wants to impress you with it."

"I can’t make it here without you, Alex."

I can barely understand her anymore.

"Please calm down first, okay? I haven’t decided anything yet." If she gets too upset, it could be bad for her. "It was just an idea, nothing more."

"Please stay. Promise me!"

"I’ll stay for now. Promise. Nothing’s in writing yet. It will certainly take a few months until we've agreed on everything and finish planning.

"When will we see each other again?" she asks.

"Soon. There’s a lot going on right now. But I’ll come to your place next weekend. Marc wanted to fire up the grill. Doesn’t that sound good?"

Maybe that will cheer her up.

"I could come by for a visit? Last time we had lunch together was really nice, wasn’t it?"

Yep, those are hormones. Definitely.

"I always have time for you."

"Then I’ll come by on Monday." Just like that, her tears dry.

"Okay. Then Monday. 12:30?"

"Yeah, I’m looking forward to it!"

Everything's fine again.

"I’m home now. See you Monday."

"Great! See you Monday!"

There’s no trace of crying in her voice now.

That’s settled. But I should talk to Marc. Why on earth would he want to leave Stephanie alone during her pregnancy? This isn’t like him at all. I hope the prospect of the new position isn't going to his head. That's not what I want, and not what my father would approve of either. After all, it will take quite a bit of persuasion from both of us to convince my father that Marc is a worthy successor.

After the driver drops me off, I call Marc again while I prepare myself a cup of tea since I can't go to sleep just yet.

"Hey, forget something?" he says.

"Yes, actually. Where are you right now?"

"Still out."

"Stephanie just called me. Should I offer congratulations?"

"Yes, of course..."

A father-to-be should sound more excited than this. The two of them are clearly fighting. Let’s see if I can help, even if I probably shouldn’t.