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"That's fair. Though, we will need to discuss public appearances for various family gatherings. There is going to come a time where we will have to act like we are getting along and growing closer. A hug here and there, holding hands, acting like we like each other around family."
Her coldness is a drastic contradiction compared to how she was that night six weeks ago.
I miss who that woman was, and I want to see her again.
I want to look across this table and see Diana sitting there.
It is going to take a long time, but I am willing to put the work in if it means I can see her again. Even if I have to settle for being friends.
"And when I have to play along, I will. Do you have any terms?"
I did before, but now that I know it is Diana that I am being forced into marriage with, I don't have any.
Hell, I am hoping she has fewer, but I have to let her control this marriage and the pace we grow.
"Just one, be yourself. You work and live your life however you wish. Never change who you are. If you can do that, then I agree with all of your terms."
"You don't want me to conform to your family's beliefs?" She asks, completely taken by surprise.
"No, I don't. I want you to keep being you. Live your life however you'd like. I know you said you work with charities. I can set up an account with funds in it that you can use to help various charities with their fundraising. What impressed me the most about you was how you care about other people. Especially now that I know you come from money and don't need to work or try to help people. It's an important part of you, and I don't want you to change anything about yourself."
I know it is coming out of left field for her, but I mean every word that I say.
She isn't like all the other socialites.
She cares about this world and the people within it.
I never want her to change that or feel like she has to change in order to survive.
She is perfect exactly the way she is.
"I have to admit that I'm surprised you feel this way. But I would be lying if I said I wasn't relieved to hear it. I think if we both follow the rules laid before us, then we will manage to get through this, for however long this last."
I can't help the slight chuckle to that.
"Sorry, I just never imagined that I would be getting married to someone I don't even love. Or know really. I have to imagine it's harder on you. I know most girls grow up planning their dream wedding."
"I don't know if I really planned one growing up, nothing ever serious anyways. I did the traditional unicorns and rainbow theme with the poofy princess dress, of course."
"Of course," I easily agree, though my mind can't help but wonder what her wedding dress is going to look like tomorrow.
It doesn't matter; she is going to be breathtaking in everything she wears.
"A shotgun wedding was not in the vision book. Though, I guess with your family, it's more like an AK-47 wedding," she says with a small smirk. It isn't much, but I'll take it.
"You're not wrong." I down the rest of my drink before I continue.
"Come on, we might as well look like we are trying to have a good time."
I hold my hand out for her as I stand, and after a moment of hesitation, she places her hand within my own.
Instantly, a shock of electricity shoots through my arm, and my body starts to wake up with that single touch.
Even after all of these weeks, my body still craves her, and now that I am finally getting a taste of it, I know the cravings are going to intensify.
I have no idea how I am going to get through tomorrow with just a simple kiss.
I guide her out onto the dance floor as a slow song comes on.
