Page 34 of The Contract Marriage

“She was the talented one. She had this magical ability to make everything easy. When she was with me, learning to play the piano was a snap. I thought I could conquer the world.” I realize my fingers are moving over the piano, like I’m playing the opening of Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, and pull my hand away from the Steinway. I’m not quite ready to lose myself in the memories. A moment of distraction could cost me the entire endgame. And I wouldn’t be the only one hurt; now that we’re married, Liam would become collateral damage.

Suddenly the image of Liam lying at the bottom of a staircase pops into my mind. Air catches in my throat. I clench my teeth to stop them from chattering. Stop being so melodramatic. Deena and Brielle can’t do anything to make Liam fall down a flight of stairs. And I’m not an innocent ten-year-old child who didn’t know the kind of evil that exists in the world. I won’t lose him the way I did Mom.

Liam waits a beat, but when I don’t continue, takes the bouquet from my hand. “We can have these put in water. Are you hungry, by the way? It’s almost seven.”

“Yeah.” The response comes out too hoarsely; I clear my throat. “Starving.” I force a smile, glad for the change of topic.

A wiry man comes from the other side of the house. His hair is silver and impeccably slicked back, revealing a high forehead. He’s dressed all in white, from the starched jacket and shirt to slacks. Either he just changed or he’s very good at avoiding dirt—his clothes are spotless. His pale gray eyes warm as he takes me in. “Ah, you’re finally here. Splendid. I’m Frederich. Olivia Desmond, I presume?”

“Kingswood,” Liam corrects him before I can nod.

“Of course. Terribly rude of me to forget.” Frederich doesn’t sound sorry. “Then again, it is easy to forget that which one doesn’t experience first-hand. Such as a wedding ceremony.”

“Only one person was invited,” Liam grumbles.

“Is that so?” Frederich turns his steely gaze toward me.

“Actually…two,” I say in a small voice, feeling like a kid caught stealing a cookie. A sensation I haven’t felt in twenty years.

“Did you hear that, Liam? Your wife disagrees. Which of you is correct?”

Liam rolls his eyes. “Obviously my wife is correct. But do you have to sulk? Act your age, old man.”

Frederich turns to me. “Olivia, you are a vision in white. As for dinner, it’s just something simple, some grilled sea bream with French tarragon sauce. My secret recipe.” He leans forward slightly. “Not even Liam’s brother, Silas, has it.”

I laugh. “Thank you.”

“I’d rather drizzle it down the cliffs outside than feed it to this ungrateful child, but you’re here.” A glimmer of affection twinkles in his eyes.

Despite myself, I smile. “I’m sure the dinner will be delightful.”

Chapter Thirteen

Liam

I’m glad Frederich came in when he did. Olivia opened up for a moment, then almost immediately pulled back. I could feel it the moment she yanked her hand back from the piano. It was like she’d been burned.

I know she lost her mom early on, but never really knew what it meant to her. I can’t imagine how I’d feel if my own mother passed away. I’d be sad, obviously, but beyond that… Well, nothing comes to mind. My mom and I don’t have the kind of warm fuzzy relationship most might assume.

Frederich sets dinner on the terrace. In the center of the round table are a white tea candle and a centerpiece made with white and pink sweet peas from the garden. He wasn’t kidding about the sea bream with French tarragon sauce. He only makes it when he wants to show off because the sauce is to die for. He serves it with haricots verts, fingerling potatoes and a simple green salad with light lemon vinaigrette. A home-baked baguette with room-temperature Bordier butter on an elegant mini plate completes the menu. A chilled bottle of Meursault is already breathing on the table and the sound system plays soft jazz. With the balmy air and the sun now on the horizon and turning the sky a burnt orange, I couldn’t ask for a better setting for a first dinner with my wife.

Actually, it’s our first meal together, period. Himeko was nice, but it was more like an easy date, nothing serious, just me trying to cheer her up. We had pizza together a few times in college, but those were working meals because we met for group projects for financial modeling. Plus there were other students in our group. Now, she isn’t just in my home—she’s in my life, with a proper social status that nobody can overlook.

She says it’s only for some months, but there’s nothing in the contract saying we have to get divorced. I intend to give her a vision of the life we can have together and convince her to stay, starting now. I’m sure I can change her mind. Although my parents called me superfluous, I think I’m pretty likable.

Exhilaration uncoils inside me, spreading all the way to my heart. My head starts to feel light, like I’m already drunk, even though I haven’t had a drop of alcohol yet.

I pull out a chair for her. The sea breeze plays with her hair and caresses her radiant face. Her soft lips are curved into a smile as she gazes at the ocean and the elegant meal.

I take a seat and serve her some wine.

“Did you choose the wine?”

I shake my head. “Frederich did.” I let him handle tonight’s dinner. He’s never failed any of us.

“He must be a connoisseur,” she murmurs, looking at the label.

“He knows everything. And everyone. It’s his job. I mean, technically he’s our parents’ butler, but he’s been taking care of all the Kingswood properties and residences since before we were born.”