Page 103 of The Contract Marriage

“Are you developing feelings for your husband?”

I look up and meet his eyes. “What do you mean?”

“You’re…different now. I can’t quite put my finger on it, but you seem softer. Smile more, too, even when you’re sitting at your desk and I know you aren’t looking at the profits from last quarter.”

It’s not an accusation, but a warning to be cautious.

I look down at the Rubedo. “I’m still the same.” I choose my words with care. I’m not drunk, or grieving. But I’m not sure if I’m fundamentally different now. Or is he confusing my determination with something sweeter?

I harden my jaw. I’m so, so close to getting justice for Mom. I can’t let myself get distracted and screw up. “Feelings aren’t part of the plan.” It’s more a reminder to myself than an explanation for Simon. The unexpectedly powerful surge of protectiveness I feel for the baby is already as much as I can handle.

“Plans can change. Feelings can evolve,” Simon says.

The jar of crystallized ginger catches my eye. I run my index finger over the smooth lid, then tap it with each statement. “Not my plan. Not my feelings.”

“But…” He stares into my eyes. Something sharp glints in the dark depths of his gaze. “You must love him by now. You’re having his baby.”

I pause. Is what I’m feeling love? It’s hard to say. I’d be lying if I said I felt absolutely nothing, but love isn’t something I can afford. Not now, maybe not ever. And I don’t want Simon to do anything rash to ensure I succeed in my plan. He can be a bit overzealous. I roll the pavé ring around my finger with my thumb, like a prayer bead.

“I’ve seen you with him in the morning—”

“Simon, you don’t know what’s going through my head.” My voice is flat and firm. I hate it that he continues to question me and make me doubt my actions. It’s too late for second thoughts. Time to end this. “I need the baby to get rid of Hugh. You have no idea how long I’ve waited for this moment. Don’t put too much meaning behind what I do. If Liam hadn’t been available, it would’ve been somebody else. There are plenty of eligible bachelors.”

He nods, but it’s clear he’s not done. “Sure. LA’s full of guys. But…you didn’t ask me.” The softness of his tone can’t hide the rebuke underneath.

“What?”

“I could’ve helped. I’d never betray you.”

I take a moment to process this new angle. If I tell him he was never an option, he’ll feel hurt. Even if he were the only man in the world, it would’ve been tough. I’ve just never seen him that way, and I don’t think anybody would believe we were married.

Still, this obviously needs to be handled diplomatically. No need to lose a highly capable assistant over something like this. I soften my tone. “Simon, you aren’t a pawn to be discarded. You’re my partner, the only person who’s been by my side all these years. You’ve even managed to grow on me.”

He laughs softly. “I understand. I guess I’ll take what I can get.” He waits a moment, then nods to himself. “Well, anyway. Let me get back to work.”

I raise an eyebrow, watching him leave and close the door. What an uncomfortable interaction. And what’s up with rolling over so fast after pushing me like he did?

I frown and consider for a moment, but can’t make any real sense of the interaction. Well, whatever. Men can be weird.

Since I feel weird about asking Simon to stop by Target to get something for Liam, I tell him I’m leaving extra early and order a car service instead. I head to Target and pick up a cute blue card that says CONGRATULATIONS! YOU’RE GOING TO BE A FATHER! Then in the car, I write:

Liam,

Thank you for being in my life and for this miracle growing in my belly. The doctor says we should be able to hear the baby’s heartbeat for the first time this upcoming Tuesday at three. Can you join me? Sharing the moment with you would make it unforgettable.

Your wife, Olivia

I add a tiny heart and a star after my name and tap the card against my mouth. Maybe this will do the trick and put a smile back on his face. I want to see it again—and I want to be the one who put it there.

For the rest of the way home, I hum along to Axelrod’s latest hit, feeling like I’m winning at life.

Chapter Forty-Three

Liam

It’s 6:30 in the evening. I sit despondently in my car, a box of homemade ginger saltines—courtesy of Frederich—on the passenger seat beside me.

My phone has been vibrating almost nonstop since mid-afternoon. All the texts are from Emmie, who wants to know where I’ve disappeared to.