The Secret Contract Marriage

ing, I'm woke

ite. But

are perfect and smooth, and it takes me a moment to re

the ring on

gh

in the li

calls through the door. "

dro

, her short bob tucked behind one ear. She's flanked by

umble, still

shoot for eleven. We're doing photos and

knots. "Rec

ssional. "It's important the world bel

ted to match your tone-soft, neutral colors. Romantic but re

at her

is i

nk. "Welcome ba

warm sunlit greenhouse that is

st gives one final touch of gloss to my lips. I'm wearing a peach dress that f

and confident, like the

rse he

e looks the way the world expects- a

ees me, somet

then at the ring that

close, vo

lean u

latter me. It's your bra

ue. But the ca

few intimate shots. Stand behind her, Mr

es witho

sure. His chest brushes against my back.

ou shaking

d to this,"

e used to

tend

e th

htly. "What about you? Y

not pretend

throw

us. The flashbulb pops. The photogr

t catch a

g-and the echo of him standing so

wraps, Alex is gone.

guest house, my

riefings, publicity schedules, social media statements. A

n a chair settled by the window, wat

s and neat, every row care

ke J

again, light

house manager. Her expression is unrea

anted you t

xpecting mor

, it's

pping from fo

ing a hoodie, rus

o c

ws," I

on't think he knows.

, but I know it's me. One hand resting on m

d this co

nvesti

the folder. "And he h

t y

e, heart

need to ta

. "Do you think

softly. "But

Alex final

the folder laid out between us.

k at the phot

choice of bed

een watching me

have every right to figure out who I a

me then. You don

a. And you crashed yo

d a r

tell

th-but the wo

child he never asked for? A child who wo

," I say

cold. "Then we

ns to

he door, I say, "You on

sto

you, Alex. I left the version of u

ys no

tly, he w

I

out of time quick