Substitute marriage

h like Aaron himself. As she glanced around, taking in the expensive art and modern decor, she felt a pang of regret. What had she gotten herself into? Aaron entered the ro

a business transaction, as sterile and unfeeling as the room they were in. "We stay married for one year," Aaron explained, his arms crossed as he s

dly still hurt. "I understand," she said quietly, picking up the pen. But before she s

his tone remained firm. "Then we renegotiate

e contract away, tucking it into a leather folder with a sharp snap. "We'll make the announcement tomorrow," he sa

omeone else-for Catherine, for their family. The bed felt too big, too cold, and she pulled the covers around herself, wondering how she would survive a year in this hollow arrangement. As she tossed and turned, her thoughts kept returning to Aaron. Ben