The Secret Contract Marriage

is

ut through

in her hair, turning it to look almost golden. She walks slowly, her heels tickling against the flo

zed her i

lle

's former

iness heiress.

is a declar

few feet away. "It is you. I

long look, cool

ace," she says. "Showing up

be here," I say, ke

e you didn't. Sweetheart "this place

unhurried and smooth, her red dress bru

ly with no warmth in it. "Or in hiding. B

I say carefully. "I'

nch. "Private chef? Darling, no one

ask him why he put i

nd fake sweet. "But really, tell me-you think you c

t in the eyes. "I'

ession f

why he liked you, I suppose. You were the wild ca

ere for hi

r head. "Then why

osed I feel, like she sees right throug

r him to erase you. To stop checking the damn news for your name. You think your lit

ng. "And now you're back. Whic

d walks away-every step feels final,

found the contra

rinted. H

cky note on t

my study.

behind his desk

led to his elbows. A whiskey glass wa

look up w

ielle paid y

e d

always did have a f

t invite

gaze. "Did you tell

No. Because I don't

ooks controlled, like he's use

e you needed money. T

no

ve that's the whol

claimed

signed the contract without hesitation. You moved into the house withou

d. "Isn't that w

hes from

closure. Not a ghost from my past movin

re me,"

ess. "Oh, no. You don't

touch-but to point at

aroline d

from the

this take

't rem

ia

yes. "Why do

the look in your eyes. And because I know that was t

rn a

sh, but firm. "Who were y

on

le

ing. "It's none

were still my wife. And it sure as hell is my b

ull my hand away a

like that," I say,

at's exactly how you disappeared

ead. "You ha

louder now. "Tell me why

y chest hurts. My ha

g," I say, and my voic

a word. Just

f I say it, nothing will be t

't keep carrying on l

p breath slowly

my

he study d

Car

for Mr. Grey," she says

for a second, t

't done,"

closes behind him,