te'

unds absurd. No, scratch t

She doesn't flinch, doesn't even blink. Her calmness is infuriating, and the det

, leaning forward. Her makeup-thi

the first place. Now I'm stuck here, staring at the woman

use some genius decided I should marry you. And the last time I checked, you can't stand me, and I can't stan

ike a punch to the gut. Fore

d. "What's the matter? Fall

Not in thi

gn the damn contract, and we'll

? We're adults. We can get divorced when this

in this mess to begin with. Our parents are puppeteers, and we're their litt

point. Not that I'

You're enjoying t

"The sooner you agree, the sooner we can move on. Unless..." She pauses, pretending to

startling the waiter across

t time, I see her passion-misguided, sure, but intense. "Do I look like someone who bows do

amily's partnership with hers is riding on this marriage

above all this, why are you going alo

efore rolling her eyes. "I don't

s. She's hiding some

ress. "Your boyfrie

Him? No. But he might as well ha

Revenge. That's w

says simply, as if it's the m

need me f

'm killing two bir

hat. It's almost refreshing-

ons. A contract marriage could w

I say finally. "Fine.

s smile. She stretches out her hand

her outstretched hand. "I'l

hear her laugh

dy regr