eat ten, but Asher and Elara sat at opposite ends-silent,

er phone buzzed with an email notification.

PR Dep

pearance Brief -

ith a soft clink. "So..

tablet. "Yes. The 'Married B

let me guess-no

e press will be there. Investors. Politicians. If we cancel, i

h we

er eyes with a small smirk. "Then

EQ Head

nsultant, not as a guest, but as "Mrs. Lemaire." The security guard greeted her with

e clung to her shoulde

ssistant, when she guided Elara into a sleek waiting ro

"Does he always work

ng transparent while being i

espite herself.

ting chart, conversation points, and wardrobe guidelines. Don't worry,

" Elara

Talia said with a wink.

y Gala - T

arm linked with Asher's. Photographers shouted, bulbs flashed like

ss with crystal-beaded sleeves. Her hair was swe

leaned in as they posed. "Ready

ut turning. "You

Remind me not to und

rt m

raped tables. Names from politics, finance, and entertainment mingled like ch

ching us," s

ys will,"

..

inutes before a glossy brunett

A moment for

sed to this world of polis

-just for show, she thought, unt

," he said

recorder ready. "Ho

hey were following the cov

"At a private fundraiser in Pa

laughed. "Tha

it. I borrowed it because you wouldn'

learly worked out. And how is

aid quickly. "Lots

er added. "But I'm lucky. I marrie

part of the script, but the sincer

.

freshen up. As she stepped out of the restroom,

l

e," Cleo purred. "Lo

lite smile. "Cleo

her tone knife-sharp. "How long i

sor

show. Don't take it personally

ou seem very invested in

y. "More like... m

hould have a

're smart. But this world

," Elara replied befo

..

in the car, Elara was quiet, star

the press w

ded. "A

. "You ran

ite the opi

e said. "She th

ced you're still

leo's in love

"Are there more exes

"Do you want the short

ed. "I'm

's ever lived here with me. You'r

sion surp

tional fulfillment,"

o you d

cape. Someti

im differently no

voice softer

thouse terrace, arms folded against the

he said, offe

with a qui

, alive and distant. For a

ne this before

ha

anted to scream. Wore

t easy,"

do it s

had pr

f this is going to work-this cha

d her. "L

pect. Maybe

can give you that. But

s believes in

ed. "Fai

enemies or actors, but as two

lo

ite fr

onger st