Chapter 6

Louise wasn't the kind to get all sentimental. After all, they were married on paper now-calling each other Mr. Ellis or Miss Bennett would just feel weird. "Alright, Dominic." Her face flushed the second the name slipped out. For someone who thought she could handle any curve life threw at her, just saying his name made her feel like a teen with a crush. Honestly, this was only their second time meeting. They hadn't even spent two hours together in total. "Silvergate Residences. You familiar with it?" Her expression froze for a beat. She'd lived there for years-how could she not know? So he'd done his homework, huh? Was this him poking around on purpose? Her gaze swept over his face subtly. Even if he knew, so what? It wasn't like she planned on hiding anything. But still, deep down, a little voice kept whispering that she really didn't want Dominic finding out about the messier parts of her past. Pushing those thoughts aside, she managed a smile. "Yeah, I know it." "Here, take this." His tone lifted a little, and he placed a key on the table. "What's this?" "Bought us a new place. I'll text you the address." He said it so casually, but Louise was caught off guard. "A new place? Like... for us?" She frowned slightly. "Dominic, didn't we sign a prenup?" "It's my place," he replied calmly. "But we're married now. Aren't married couples supposed to live together?" Louise's cheeks heated again. She hadn't even thought that far. Her whole focus had been on getting that marriage certificate so she could lock in control of the company. But with that certificate came another role-Dominic's wife. "Right..." She quietly slipped the key into her bag. Dominic seemed pleased by her response. When the food arrived, he was the first to reach for a dish-but instead of serving himself, he gently turned the plate toward her. "Looking forward to working together." His voice was low and steady, but there was a seriousness in how he said it that hit her like a bolt-didn't hurt, but left her heart kind of fuzzy and weird. She gave a small smile, repeating his words, "Yeah... let's do our best." That simple exchange carried weight-tying two strangers together for who knows how long. But Louise wasn't the kind to back away from life. She knew the second she said yes to that certificate, she was stepping into something new. A husband. A shared home. A life with someone else. After dinner, they headed out of the private room. Just as she reached the doorway, her phone lit up with a message from Ian-the client from Arakora had already left. Dominic went to handle the bill while Louise waited outside. Suddenly, she felt someone staring. She turned her head, and instantly her body tensed. Not far away stood Edgar. His face was still flawless-just as she remembered. Those sharp eyes of his were as cold and distant as ever, like they could cut straight through her. Since getting out of prison, Edgar had been making things difficult for her on the business front. But this was the first time in years she'd actually seen him in person. Four years, and he hadn't changed a bit. Still distant, still perfect, and still hated her just as much. Edgar crossed the distance between them with long strides. Louise was stuck near the entrance and had nowhere to hide-the closer he got, the more her heartbeat raced. She was just about to step aside when a familiar deep voice came from right above her. "Louise. It's been a while."