Capture Her Heart After Marriage

Chapter 35 Buy You a Dinner

When Joseph saw Alexia, a surprised smile spread across his face. "Why, hello again!"

Alexia smiled back. "I didn't expect to see you here. This is a pleasant surprise."

"This is a nice surprise. And the Lancaster Group sent you?" Joseph asked, walking toward her.

"Yes." Alexia nodded when she realized something that made her even more surprised. "Mr. Swift, are you the president of the Swift Group?"

Joseph’s smiled grew even bigger. "I want to hear what you think."

"Seeing as I have a meeting with the president and you’re the one who’s here, I believe you are." Alexia smiled awkwardly as a blush rose to her cheeks.

There actually was no need to guess. Joseph's last name was Swift, and she was at the Swift Group. Unless someone was a fool, anyone could guess he was the president of this company based on having the same name.

"Bingo! I’m sorry to say, but I don’t have a prize for you." Joseph laughed at his own joke, reaching out a hand. "Let me officially introduce myself. I am the president of the Swift Group, Joseph Swift."

Alexia was worried that her hand would be sweaty, so she casually brushed her hand on her dress as she moved to return Joseph’s handshake. "Nice to meet you, Mr. Swift. I am Alexia White, the secretary to the president of the Lancaster Group."

Noticing that Alexia was nervous, Joseph gave her another warm smile. "Just relax. I don't bite! Plus, this isn’t our first time meeting, remember? That means there’s no awkwardness and we can act like old friends meeting up."

"No, that was different," Alexia said, shaking her head.

Joseph raised an eyebrow. "How so?"

"I didn’t know who you were then! Now that I know you’re the president of a company as large as the Swift Group, I am required to treat you with far more respect. Mr. Swift, you are superior to me, and I am here representing the Lancaster Group to seek a partnership. In order to guarantee the success of this meeting, I need to take this seriously," Alexia said as she straightened her back.

Alexia’s seriousness toward the whole situation amused Joseph, and he couldn’t help but smile. A warmth grew in his chest, but he ignored it for the moment.

"Alright, let’s take this seriously then. Please, have a seat, Ms. White."

"Thank you, Mr. Swift," Alexia said, taking the seat opposite him.

Joseph stared at her with his large, warm eyes, making Alexia shift uncomfortably in her seat.

"Mr. Swift, is there something on my face?"

"No. Nothing."

"Then why are you—"

"I’m sorry. You are so adorable, I couldn’t help but watch you."

Joseph’s comment surprised Alexia so much she didn’t know what to do and stuttered, "ador… adorable?"

‘Is he really flirting with me?’

"Yes! Don't you think you’re adorable, Ms. White?" Joseph smiled.

Alexia almost choked on her saliva. "I don't pay attention to my appearance."

She never considered herself adorable, and no one ever praised her for her appearance before, aside from the occasional comments from friends or kind ladies in the shops. Joseph was the first one to compliment her like that.

"Trust me, Ms. White, you are indeed adorable," Joseph said as he crossed his legs.

Alexia coughed, wanting to change the subject. "Mr. Swift, we are here to be discussing matters of business." She pulled out the flash drive from her purse and put it on the table between them. "Mr. Lancaster asked me to bring this to you. He mentioned having made a few amendments to the original document. He would like you to look it over and if you find them reasonable, you can visit us tomorrow at the Lancaster Group and discuss signing the contract."

"Hold on." Joseph glanced at the flash disk, but instead of taking it, he leaned closer to Alexia while rubbing his chin. "May I ask you a question?"

He was so close to Alexia she had to lean back to regain her personal space. "What is it, Mr. Swift?"

"Mr. Lancaster, of the Lancaster Group, is your husband, right? I met him last time at the police station?"

"Yes, he is."

There was no shame in admitting it. After all, it was Chaim who revealed their marriage to Joseph when they were at the police station.

Joseph stared at Alexia, trying to understand her relationship. "If Mr. Lancaster is your husband, why wasn’t the wedding announced?"

"Well…" Alexia bit her lip, not knowing how to answer the question.

Joseph squinted. "Is it hard to answer? If so, you don't need to answer it. I’m only asking out of personal curiosity."

"It’s not a difficult question for me to answer." Alexia smiled nonchalantly. "The reason they did not announce our wedding is that our marriage is complicated. The Lancasters want to keep our relationship a secret and they invited only a few close family members to the wedding."

"I see." Joseph got up and poured himself a cup of coffee. "The Lancasters are known for being mysterious."

Alexia agreed with him. "Exactly. I’ve been married now for three years, but I barely know any of the Lancasters very well."

"Really?" Joseph asked in astonishment. "You’re kidding, right? You’re married to him, so you should know them."

Alexia shook her head.

"You’re not doing well with…" Joseph trailed off and focused on drinking his coffee.

Alexia stared at Joseph for a few moments, and it seemed like he wanted to ask her a significant question, but she had no proof.

Not wanting to get into any more personal topics, Alexia spoke up. "Mr. Swift, why don't you look at the files? I do still have more work to do back at the Lancaster Group today."

“Okay, I’ll have a look. Follow me to my office." Joseph stood and grabbed the flash drive from the table.

"Of course." Alexia stood and followed him.

Joseph's office was enormous. It was far different from Chaim's simple and formal office. Joseph's office was extravagant and well-decorated, making it quite obvious the owner was well off.

The elaborateness of the office was unsettling to Alexia, so after a quick look around, she sat on the sofa and played some games on her phone.

Half an hour later, Joseph finished looking at the files and ejected the flash drive. "Ms. White, I’ve finished."

Alexia stood and walked over to him. "So, Mr. Swift, what do you think about it?"

"Mr. Lancaster is good at what he does, and I am satisfied with his amendments to the contract. I agree with his terms," Joseph said, giving the flash drive back to her.

Alexia put the flash drive in her purse. "Good. I will let Mr. Lancaster know."

"Hold on." Joseph reached out and gently grabbed her arm.

Alexia frowned and freed calmly herself. "Is there something else you need, Mr. Swift?"

"It’s lunchtime. How about we get something to eat before you head back?" Joseph suggested. Property of Nô)(velDr(a)ma.Org.

Alexia thought it best to decline, but she remembered their conversation from when they first met.

"Okay, but it will be my treat." Alexia agreed.

"You want to pay the bill?" Joseph smiled.

Alexia smiled back. "Yes. You helped me when we first met and I said I would buy you a meal. Now, here’s my chance to make good on my promise."

"You still remember that!"

"Of course. Unfortunately, I’ve been too busy to contact you," Alexia said as she rubbed her neck.

"Okay. But I request we go somewhere fancy."

Joseph gazed into her eyes and Alexia couldn’t help but feel drawn to him. Alexia stared at him for a few seconds before realizing she was staring and turned away, blushing. "That’s fine. I can pay."

‘I can’t believe I did that! I just stared lustfully at a man who isn’t my husband…'

Alexia had to admit to herself that Joseph was indeed the most beautiful man she had ever seen. However, she preferred strict and impassiveness Chaim exuded. It was more manly.

"Where would you like to eat?" Joseph asked as he put on a coat.

Alexia thought for a moment. "Is seafood alright for you?"

"Since you’re paying, you get to decide!" Joseph smiled at her.

Being so attracted to his handsome appearance, Alexia turned away. "Let's have seafood then."

They left the Swift Group, and Joseph took them to a high-end seafood restaurant.

During the lunch, Alexia got to know Joseph better. Not only did he continue to flirt with her, Joseph displayed perfect manners to the waitstaff. He was also very knowledgeable and they had an amazing conversation while enjoying lunch.

Then, mid conversation, Alexia’s phone rang.