Boundaries
Ava's room was bigger than her entire apartment.
She ran her fingers over the soft bedding, still trying to process everything.
Lucas stood by the door.
"There are a few things you should understand," he said.
She turned. "Here come the rules again."
"I'm serious."
"So am I."
He ignored the tone.
"We maintain appearances outside. Inside, we keep our distance."
"Got it. Fake marriage outside, strangers inside."
"Yes."
Ava tilted her head. "And what if that changes?"
"It won't."
His certainty irritated her.
"You don't know that."
"I do."
She crossed her arms. "You're very confident for someone who's never been in love."
For the first time, Lucas looked slightly… unsettled.
But it vanished quickly.
"Get settled," he said, and left.
Ava exhaled.
This was going to be harder than she thought.
Dinner was awkward.
The table was too long.
Too formal.
Too quiet.
Ava poked at her food. "Do you always eat like this?"
"Yes."
"No TV? No music? No talking?"
"I talk when necessary."
She stared at him.
"You married me," she said. "Talking is necessary now."
Lucas paused.
Then, surprisingly, he asked, "How is your bookstore?"
Ava blinked. That… wasn't what she expected.
"It's struggling," she admitted. "But I love it."
"Why?"
"Because it's real," she said simply. "It matters to people."
Lucas didn't respond immediately.
But he didn't dismiss it either.
The gala was overwhelming.
Lights. Cameras. Wealth everywhere.
Ava stood beside Lucas, her hand lightly resting on his arm.
"Smile," he murmured.
"I am smiling."
"More convincingly."
She forced a brighter smile.
"Better," he said.
People approached constantly.
"Lucas! You got married?"
"Who is she?"
"Why the secrecy?"
Ava stayed composed, playing her role perfectly.
But then—
A woman appeared.
Elegant. Confident. Sharp.
"Lucas," she said smoothly.
Ava felt his arm tense.
"And you are?" the woman asked, eyeing Ava.
Lucas didn't hesitate.
"My wife."
The woman's expression flickered.
"Interesting."
Ava leaned slightly closer to Lucas.
"Who is she?" she whispered.
"Someone I used to know."
The way he said it made her chest tighten.