Marrying My Rival, Finding Forever

ehind a lingering scent of champagne and perfume. I loosened my tie, feeling the exhau

by the window, looking out at the city lights. She had changed o

," I said, my voice sounding ro

told you. I have a very good assistant. And an e

room? T

ssion with details." She walked towards me, her movements f

on. "Can't this wait until

from me. The scent of sandalwood and bergamot from the room

hand through my hair

ll necessary family and corporate functions

ree

ity. This is a business arrangement, but my reputati

sidering the circum

ng to be a problem for you, Ethan? Are y

y than I intended. "That's o

r one year, we can announce an amicable separation. A clean bre

. "I was thinking mo

ugh to be convincing. It will look like what it is

one she used in boardrooms when s

conceded.

for the living

my ribs. "Right. About t

be ridiculous, Ethan. You're six-fo

the bed. I ne

oice suddenly cool. "Are you saying you can't bear to

y face heat up. "It's just... this is all a bit much. It

ried couple, Ethan. My new in-laws are going to be calling tomorrow morning.

nt. She alway

process everything," I a

n unreadable. "Fine," she said, surprising me.

h of relief.

month to 'process.' After that, our arrangement includes sharin

ed to bargain. "Ca

offer. And if you try to put a pillow wall betwe

atched her, a strange mix of frustration and grudging admira

pillow and a blanket and curled up on the ridiculo

doing?" I as

ng you space," she said without open

the bed. That lounge i

make my new husband uncomfortable on our wedd

s stupid. Just

ke wife on a fake wedding night. It would go against your precious code of honor. So if I take the bed, you'll insist on taking the couch, and we've already

argue, but no words c

gain, "my mother might call. I should pr

in defeat

irl. I tried to negotiate again, a last-ditc

one, started buzzing on th

umber I had blocked, but

iv