pte

table,Allison's fingers hovered above it, her pu

was the length o

n name, public appearance

e stood out like a beaco

is designer suit, every inch the image of contro

e your mind," he said, voice

d slowly. "No. I said

present as a united couple in public. In private, we stay out of ea

e word but held her ground.

and no strings attached. Our child, if born, will be raised w

, thick with the weight of wha

ed for the pen. "Then

new life was drawn-not in romance or i

rriage built not on

tood and walked toward the bar in th

red, already pouri

remained seated, her gaze tracing the skyline beyond the floor-to-ceiling win

sit. Instead, he leaned against the edg

e said after a moment. "I know this isn

ne before it fully formed. "You're right

mily's legac

ce. "And for

n't make her feel any less l

, surprising herself with the question. "

glass down and looked at her-not th

anyone in years," he said, voice lower now. "No

evealing than she expected. More

er. "So... what do you want

away, then back. "Somethin

mask slipped-just enough to show a flicker of wea

ith each other," she said softly

his time, the nod he gave her felt l

. Allison stood, smoothing her hands over her jeans, feeling sudde

excuse herself wh

ing up his glass once more but not drinki

ned slowly.

ner tomorrow night. Just the f

sted made it clear t

t me to... p

expect," he said, meeting her eyes a

. "I don't do 'obedient

ent," he replied. "

w. "So, you want

t to get through it

small nod. "Fine. What should I wear to impr

. "There's a room at the end of the hall. Closet

ned slightly.

of the ar

t was. Ever

sed despite herself. "You rea

e the luxury

here, two people drawn into a c

said at last. "Let's

e than a bedroom. Cream walls, velvet drapes, and a wal

d by shelves of pristine heels, handbags, and jewelry under soft, flat

fashion. I

the fabric of a midnight-blue gown. It was delicate and

r name was written in elegant script. Ins

d make the rig

ry silk number that shimmered faintly under the lights. No

ment, then sighed. "Guess

ater strip away the last pieces of her old life. When she stepped ou

n. The woman in the mirror was pol

se were still he

way, Kyle was waiting. He look

his expression. A pause in the usua

eared his throat. "

. "High praise from the

eady to meet the people

hand into the crook of his elb

use above, toward judgment, performance, and the family legacy

of Kyle's space below. The walls were wrapped in warm ivory tones, adorned with modern art and tall wi

ushered them toward a grand dining room wher

of white wine in hand. She wore a pearl-colored sheath dress, her silver-blond ha

n her eyes turned to Allison, sharp as glass be

offering her hand. "Mrs.

d for the briefest moment. "Let's dispense wi

anding presence that filled the room. His salt-and-pepper hair was combed

Kyle sai

rning to Allison: "James Wilson. Welcome to

d. "Thank you

ss table. Servants moved silently, pouring wine, d

ith a linen napkin. "You've agreed to

mes said. "She knows w

Kyle, but he rema

eting James's eyes evenly. "I wouldn't have a

ely groomed brow. "

pped crystal-sharp and too lou

linch. "Yes. Inc

she'd passed a test she didn't know sh

eiled judgments, and the unshakable feeling that she

pped with gold leaf-Vivian finally leaned back and said, "W

on unreadable-but there was something in

ressed a kiss to Allison's cheek. Co

"Welcome to the f

ir act ended. But the g

t first, the weight of the evening

spoke. "The

a breath. "The

ly, that's th

n in his jaw. "They expect perfection. You've

into a dry smile.

you wanted something solid, predictable. But this?

y it. "Then w

ine. Let's give them a sh

one brow raised. "

said with a smirk. "But I

surprised. Then, for just a m

paparazzi already stationed outside the private building

ced at he

nto his, lifting her chin.

lation-two strangers in the spotlight, united by paper and sec