My CEO HUSBAND sign the divorce novel Chapter 333

Chapter 333: Rumors into facts

Alicia’s POV

As we ate, Alexander would occasionally add food to my plate or Aimy’s. Most of the time, I caught Raphael glancing at us with a soft smile on his face.

Among Alexander’s circle of friends, Raphael had always been the most mature. He and Alexander were usually serious whenever they were together, so seeing them this relaxed today made me realize just how much both their personalities and friendship had changed over the past two years.

After dinner, Raphael brought out the gifts he’d bought for Aimy.

There were dolls, toys, storybooks, and many other things.

Aimy’s eyes immediately lit up with excitement, and before long she had already grown attached to him.

When it was finally her bedtime, she obediently said goodbye to Uncle Raphael before Alexander carried her upstairs.

I remained in the living room with Raphael.

After a brief silence, he finally spoke.

"It’s really nice to see you again, Alicia."

I looked up at him.

"You know..." he began quietly, "Alexander was so devastated during the past two years that, for a moment, I honestly thought he wouldn’t survive it."

He paused before continuing.

"Even though I couldn’t bring myself to blame you, I still believed there could’ve been another way."

His gaze shifted toward the staircase where Alexander had disappeared moments earlier.

"But seeing you today..."

"I can’t help but agree that what you did was the best decision."

He smiled faintly.

"Because even before you left... what haunted Alexander the most wasn’t the thought of losing you."

"It was the lifeless look in your eyes."

I lowered my gaze.

"I guess..." I said softly, "...we both found the healing we needed."

Raphael nodded.

"I think so too."

He smiled warmly.

"Aimy is a wonderful little girl."

"You’ve done an amazing job raising her."

I smiled.

"I wasn’t alone."

Raphael understood immediately.

"I hope this happiness lasts forever."

"Thank you, Raphael."

Just then, footsteps echoed from the staircase.

Alexander walked back into the living room and looked between the two of us.

"What are you two talking about?"

"Nothing much," I replied as I stood up.

Then I turned back to Raphael.

"Thank you for coming today."

"And thank you for the gifts."

"I hope you’ll visit again."

"I definitely will," Raphael replied with a smile.

"And thank you for dinner."

I nodded before turning toward the staircase.

"I’ll head upstairs now."

"Goodnight."

I had barely taken a step when Alexander gently caught my wrist.

Leaning closer, he lowered his voice.

"Raphael and I still have a few things to discuss about work."

"You don’t have to wait for me."

"I know you’re tired."

"Just go to bed."

I nodded.

"But don’t stay up too late."

"I won’t."

He smiled before placing a gentle kiss on my forehead.

For a brief moment...

It felt as though we were the only two people in the room.

Then I suddenly remembered Raphael was still standing there.

Heat rushed to my cheeks.

Without giving either of them the chance to notice my embarrassment, I quickly hurried upstairs.

After changing into my pajamas, I climbed onto the bed with my laptop.

My new position came with greater responsibilities, and there was still plenty of work I needed to review.

Time slipped by without me noticing.

When I finally glanced at my phone, it was already 10:30 p.m.

Alexander still hadn’t returned.

I couldn’t help wondering what he and Raphael were discussing.

They worked in completely different industries.

Whatever it was...

It had to be something important to keep Raphael here this late.

Letting out a quiet sigh, I closed my laptop and settled properly beneath the blankets.

I tried to sleep.

But it didn’t come easily.

I turned over several times before finally hearing the bedroom door open.

Alexander had returned.

A few moments later, I heard the bathroom door open and close.

Soon after, the mattress dipped slightly beside me.

Strong arms wrapped gently around my waist.

"Are you asleep?" he asked softly.

"No."

"I’m sorry."

"Raphael and I were discussing something important about the company."

I turned slightly to face him.

"What company?"

"Aurelius Technology."

"I see."

"Did something happen?"

He shook his head.

"No."

"We were discussing a few improvements the company is making..."

"And preparations for the eighth anniversary."

I blinked.

"Since when did you know so much about technology?"

He smiled.

"Actually..."

"There’s more to it than that."

I raised an eyebrow.

"More?"

He nodded.

"Aurelius Technology is connected to me too."

I frowned.

"You’re a shareholder?"

He chuckled.

"Kind of."

"We’re more like partners."

"We founded the company together and own almost equal shares."

"Raphael manages the company because that’s the field he studied."

I stared at him in surprise.

"So..."

"The company belongs to both of you?"

"Yes."

"We built it from scratch together."

"But when it came time for university, I chose a different path for the sake of Blackwood Dominion."

"So now, Raphael runs the company while I remain one of the shareholders."

I couldn’t hide my surprise.

We’d been married for four years...

Lived together for two...

Yet I had never known this.

"How come I never knew?"

He smiled gently.

"There’s still a lot we’re discovering about each other."

"Don’t you think?"

I couldn’t help smiling.

As soon as I settled into my office, a knock sounded on the door.

"Come in."

The door opened, and Vicky walked in carrying several files.

"Good morning, ma’am," she greeted with a warm smile. "Welcome back."

"Thank you, Vicky."

"How have you been?" I asked, returning her smile.

"I’ve been doing well, ma’am."

She chuckled softly.

"I really missed you."

"Well, now I’m back."

"You can see me all you want."

The smile remained on her face, but I could clearly see the surprise in her eyes.

I understood why.

I had never been this cheerful before.

Back then, Vicky and I had always maintained a polite, professional relationship.

Now...

Even my tone had changed.

"And I’m very happy about that," she said sincerely before placing the files on my desk.

"These are from the CEO’s office."

"He asked that you review them."

"They contain the proposed product launches and brand development plans for the coming quarter."

I nodded.

"Alright."

"Thank you."

"If there’s nothing else, I’ll return to my desk."

"If I need anything, I’ll call you."

"Yes, ma’am."

She smiled before quietly leaving the office.

I buried myself in work for the rest of the morning.

Before I knew it, several hours had passed.

My phone suddenly vibrated.

It was a message from Sophie.

Sophie: Ariana is finally back from her trip. Are you busy?

I smiled before replying.

Alicia: Sorry, I’m at work. Maybe next time.

A reply came almost immediately.

Sophie: You’ve resumed work at Blackwood Dominion?

Alicia: Yes. Just yesterday.

Sophie: Oh! Congratulations!

Alicia: Thank you, Sophie.

A few seconds later another message appeared.

Sophie: What time do you get off work?

Alicia: Around 3:00 p.m. I still need to shop for a dress for an event.

Her reply came almost instantly.

Sophie: The Aurelius Technology anniversary?

I blinked.

Alicia: Yes. How did you know?

Sophie: Everyone’s talking about it.

There are rumors that Chairman Blackwood is one of Aurelius Technology’s founders.

I couldn’t help laughing.

People really did have a talent for turning rumors into facts.

Another message appeared.

Sophie: You’re his wife... so is it true?

Smiling, I typed my reply.

Alicia: Not exactly.

But I guess we’ll all find out at the anniversary, won’t we?

A few moments later, Sophie’s final message appeared.

Sophie: Then this will be your first major public appearance together since you got back together.

Everyone in your social circle will be there...

Are you ready for that?.....