luggage as if it could provide answers. Her phone buzzed. What did you bring when you moved into your unintentional husba

s if you are seeing t

e during her job interview. Underwear that was undoubtedly intended only for her eyes. She reached

holding her pitiful suitcase on the sidewalk. Another vehicle. Same motorist. H

r's face remained the same. Naturally, ma'am. "It seemed strange to drive through Manhattan. Th

hops that she had only perused from the window, and a lifestyle

il

d garage. The highest point. Starting at fifteen million dollars, luxury condos are available

te elevator that required a key card. He swiped hi

as a warning or just basic information, the doors closed. The elevator asce

cessible from the elevator. When Aria went outside, she lost her breath. Three sides of the r

below. White marble floors, contemporary furniture in grey and black tones, and artwork that

earlier suit, but with his sleeves rolled up and his tie loosened, Leon stood in the doorway of what appeared to be t

nty minutes. I was

toward the windows. "Down that hallway is your room. On the right, the third door. Th

There is food in the kitchen. Give yourself anything you desire. Tuesdays and Fridays are when my

like a normal person." Leon's eyes cut to her. "You're not a normal pers

other rules? Curfews? Off-limits areas?" "Don't touch anything in my office. Don't answer the door without che

ke a tiny cut. Aria silently took them in, just as she had learned to take in her sister's casual cruelty an

and turned back

. Before reaching her designated bedroom, she passed a home gym, an office with more books than her

white linens that most likely cost more than her rent each month. Views of Central Park were provide

king tub. It was flawless. It was isolating. Aria unzipped her suitcase after placing it on the bed. Spread acr

of duct tape held her three

t she didn't give a damn about things, money, or status. However, Aria felt the distance between her world and Leo

he believed she w

eon was standing there with an unreadable expression. "I'm placing a dinner order. In response, Aria's stomach gro

aw clenched. I am having sushi masa. The cost o

ing unreasonable. I'm being realistic. Four hundred dollars' worth of sushi is beyond my means. You do

you'll need to adjust to this. You'll eat what I eat, dress appropriately for someone in

y. "Your public persona is influenced by your private identity. He moved away from the doorframe. "My assis

othes." "Y

se it, it disappeared. "You'll need something suitable. "I am not your dress-up doll. "No. You are my wife. Additionally,

ed herself with unpacking. "I'll dress in what I own. Perhaps you shouldn't invite me to your fancy parti

ed right b

ly had a pretentious name like "Midnight in the Alps" or something equally absurd. "Lo

less sharp. "Look at m

trying to insult you," Leon stated. "I'm attempting to get you ready for what you're about

ressed in designer gowns? That's a sign of weakness. "I should therefore act like someone I'm not. "You ought to

ed." "Guided,"

"You're stubborn." "You're arrogant." "I'm realistic." "You're impossible." A smile touched his lips. Just a flicker, gone s

wanted accident you're stuck with?" The smile vanished completely. "Like my wife." He le

a clean sweater and her finest jeans after taking a shower. Her hair hung in waves

ikely cost more than her entire closet, along with dark slacks. His hair remained wet as well. To get ready for this weird, forced domesticity,

gh to talk

-looking fish. She was at a loss for what to do. Leon noticed her hesitation. "Hav

your way up to the richer flavours, starting with the lighter fish, like this. He gave a

he white tablecloth. Aria's face burned. "Sorry. I'll clean-"Leave it." Leon's voice was firm but not harsh. "Try

e sushi, feeling like a savage. However, as soon as she bit into it, a buttery, fresh

than a sandwich?" she asked, glaring at him. Don't be arrogant. "I'm not being smug. I'm telling the truth. There's a difference. "Aria's mou

ha

ted to explain, I ought to have paid attention. I took it out on you because I was rushing and upset about the entire arrangement. Halfway to h

lso made mistakes. "The apology wasn't flawle

g that. Leon gave a single nod before returning to his meal. For a few minutes, they ate in silen

there was something almost serene about eating with them. Aria put down her chopsticks and said, "Can I ask you something?" "I

Her father's company needed capi

ever heard anything so unromantic." Romance is reserved for

yone is like her," Aria said softly. "No. Some people are worse." Leon's eyes found hers. "They pretend to be in

d regain my life. Leon reclined in his chair and asked, "What life?" "The one where you run errands for a s

previous insults, this one struck her more forcefully. Because there was

small. Safe

bank account to be happy." "No. However, everyone has the right to be more than a doormat. She

eliver wedding documents for a sister who didn't bother to show up. I know you have one suitcase of belongings. I know you apologize for existing." He le

understand things she'd spent years trying to hide?" "Because perhaps they would love me at l

n you're small. They just take up more space." Aria blinked back tears she refused to let fall. "Then what do you suggest?" "Take up space

espite everything, including the terrible day and the tears that were welling up in her eyes. Unexpected and some

counseling over four-hundred-dollar sushi in a penthouse that costs more than my hometown. It's ab

Keep it from getting to your head. "When they were done eating, Leon didn't make her feel bad about using her fingers, or choosing the incorrect pieces

nner. It was..

sign tomorrow morning. Confidentiality

lieve that this is true. Leon's face flickered with something. It has nothing to do with that.

rength is required for that. It was the closest thing to a compliment he had offered her. Like a lifeline, Aria clung to it

for just a moment at dinner, he'd been