Page 96 of The Billionaire's Timed Wife

“More than anyone, I understand that.”

That night

“I have a surprise for you,” I say, lying on the carpet of my closet.

We never made it to the bed. He opened the door while I was fresh out of the shower, wrapped in a robe, trying to decide what to wear, and within seconds, I was naked in his arms.

“I like your surprises. Last time, you danced for me in the desert,” he says with a teasing grin.

“Not that kind of surprise.” I laugh, hiding my face behind my hands. “It’s a gift. Your wedding gift, actually.”

“A bit late, don’t you think, my wife?”

“I know, but I was too embarrassed to give it to you.”

“Why?”

“It’s about your mother.”

“I don’t understand.” His posture changes, and for a second I worry I’ve gone too far, but it’s too late now.

“I asked Jazmina to find me a photograph of her. Then I gave it to Sofia, the painter, to create a portrait. When I thought my mother was dying, I wanted to have one too, something that would help me never forget her face. I didn’t want you to experience that same kind of loss.”

“Show me.”

I stand up and pull the robe around me. He remains on the floor, watching me for a moment before putting on his tunic and following.

We walk into an adjoining room, and I point to the canvas leaning against the wall.

“I already unwrapped it. I’m sorry, but I wanted to make sure it turned out well. She was so beautiful.”

Kaled steps closer and stands silently before the painting, his back to me, staring at it.

Gathering courage, I take a step forward. “I didn’t mean to intrude.”

“You didn’t.” His voice is low, almost reverent. “I miss her so much. And now I’m wondering why I didn’t think of this myself.”

“Because men don’t always know how to deal with their emotions. My mother told me that once.”

He turns to me, his dark eyes searching my face as if trying to solve a riddle he doesn’t yet understand. “Your mother,” he murmurs, “is a wise woman.”

Chapter 44

Two Months Later

“Father?”

“I know I came without warning, my son, but we need to talk.”

I motion for everyone present to leave the room.

I’ve had a wing of the palace converted into an office similar to those in my headquarters around the world. Before being a ruler, I’m a businessman, and I can’t function, whether running my company or leading a country, without order in my life. That applies both to the people around me and to my surroundings.

“You never interrupt, Father. But you’re not usually up this early. Did something happen?” I lead him toward the leather armchairs by the window.

“It’s been happening, actually, since your brother disappeared.”

I wait for him to explain, because I honestly don’t know what more there is to say about that.