He Wants An Open Marriage? Done!

Outside the boardroom, Richard hastened his steps along the quiet corridor. The marble floor reflected the dim lighting as he closed the distance between them.

"Roxanne!" he called out, his hand reaching out to catch her forearm. "Please, wait for a second."

Roxanne stopped in her tracks, but she kept her head turned away. Her eyes were burning with unshed tears, her chest rising and falling in rapid breaths.

Richard stepped directly into her path, his dark brows creased with deep concern. "What is wrong, my love?" he asked, his deep voice dropping into a tender whisper that vibrated softly between them.

Roxanne shook her head, fighting to swallow the painful lump forming in her throat. Words failed her, so she simply shook her head again, letting out a faint breath.

Richard stepped closer, pulling her into a solid embrace. His large frame wrapped around her, providing a sanctuary against the chaos. "I know you hated every word spoken in that room, but trust me, this is not the time to hide your feelings," he murmured, pulling back just enough to look into her eyes.

His warm fingers rested against her cheek. "We are together in this. We need to act as a team. Remember, this company represents our child’s future, and we cannot allow anyone to take it away."

Roxanne looked up at him, finding steady comfort in his earnest gaze. She nodded slowly, feeling a fraction of the heavy weight lift from her shoulders. "How can you be so certain it is a boy?" she asked, a soft laugh escaping her lips even as a single tear escaped down her cheek.

Richard gave a slight shrug, a faint smirk playing on his lips. "A father just knows," he teased gently. He drew her back into his arms, holding her close against his broad chest. "I just want you to be fine."

Roxanne buried her face into the warmth of his chest, letting her tears soak into the cloth. "I just want all of this drama to end," she whispered, her voice muffled against his shoulder. "I just want us to enjoy what we have built."

Richard nodded, his grip tightening around her waist as he rested his chin against her hair. "I want that too, Roxanne. I want the exact same thing."

The quiet sound of footsteps echoing down the hallway broke the moment. They stepped apart slightly to see Henry walking toward them. The older man offered a small, reassuring smile as he paused beside them.

"I only have one piece of advice for you two," Henry said, his tone carrying the weight of experience. "Do not let outside forces ruin the bond you share. Protect your connection with everything you have."

He shifted his sharp gaze to Richard. "Save this enterprise, son. Show no mercy to our rivals."

Richard offered a firm nod. "That is the plan, Father."

Henry gave an approving nod, patted Richard’s shoulder, and continued down the corridor.

Roxanne watched him walk away before letting out a soft sigh. She looked up at Richard, her expression weary. "I really do not want to run into your mother right now. Can we please go inside your office?"

Richard nodded instantly, guiding her by the small of her back toward his executive suite. At the entrance, he paused beside Libby’s desk. "If my mother comes searching for me, inform her that I am unavailable," he instructed, his tone sharp and final.

Libby gave a quick nod of understanding.

Richard opened the door, following Roxanne inside and closing it firmly behind them. The office was quiet, insulated from the rest of the floor.

Roxanne walked over to the leather sofa and sank into the cushions. Richard sat down beside her, his long legs angled toward her.

"What are your thoughts regarding the chairman’s suggestion?" Richard asked cautiously, watching her face closely.

Roxanne looked back at him, releasing a slow breath as she shook her head. "I honestly do not know," she admitted softly.

Richard ran a hand through his thick hair, exhaling through his teeth. "It is something that has crossed my mind repeatedly, especially after learning about the baby," he revealed, his voice soft. "But I never wanted to make you feel like I’m backing you into a corner. I know how much pain you have carried from your past, and I know you fear history repeating itself."

Roxanne kept her eyes fixed on the coffee table ahead, remaining completely silent as his words washed over her.

"I do not want you to feel cornered by the board," Richard continued, taking her cool hand into his own warm palm. "However, I would cherish the opportunity to build a permanent home for our child. I want us to raise him together as husband and wife."

He paused, searching her expression. "Tell me what is going through your mind."

Roxanne remained still for a long moment, her mind racing through a maze of doubts. He was right about her anxiety; the fear of making another terrible mistake terrified her. She looked up, meeting his eyes. "I just do not know, Richard," she murmured, her voice barely audible.

Richard gave her hand a gentle squeeze. "I recognize that you are afraid, but I need you to understand that I am nothing like the man from your past. I promise to cherish you the way you deserve."

Tears welled up in Roxanne’s eyes once more. "I know you mean that, Richard. But I am simply not ready to take that step right now," she said, gently turning her face away to break the intense eye contact. "There is far too much instability right now."

Richard nodded, his hand remaining wrapped firmly around hers. "I hear you, and I will not force the issue."

Roxanne looked back at him, her heart thumping against her ribs. She cared for him deeply, and a part of her wanted to yield to his proposal, but the timing felt completely wrong. "I do not want to disappoint you, but our world is upside down. Your mother cannot even tolerate being in the same room with me."

"Her opinion does not govern my life," Richard said, his expression darkening with irritation.

"It matters to me," Roxanne countered gently. "I refuse to bring my child into a family environment that feels like an active war zone."

Richard opened his mouth to offer another argument, but seeing the resolve in her soft eyes, he closed it and nodded instead. He let out a quiet sigh. "I understand your point."

Roxanne looked toward the window, gathering her thoughts. "We need to focus our energy on dismantling Riggs Group first," she stated, her voice regaining its steady edge. "I would hate for us to enter a marriage simply because a board chairman demanded it for publicity."

Richard nodded in solid agreement. "You are right. I respect your boundary."

Roxanne stood up from the sofa, smoothing down her dress. "I am expecting an important phone call shortly, and I would prefer to handle it at my own desk," she said, stepping away.

Richard caught her hand, gently halting her movement. He stood up smoothly and leaned in to kiss her lips, but Roxanne turned her head slightly, letting his lips brush her cheek instead.

"I need to head back now, Richard," she said, her eyes stinging with fresh heat.

Richard held her gaze for a beat longer, his face filled with raw devotion before he slowly released her fingers. "I want you to be absolutely certain of one thing, Roxanne. I am choosing you, and nothing is going to change that."

Roxanne looked at him in silence, gave a subtle nod, and walked out of the office.

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