Chapter 42

I was about to say no, thanks, we’re not that kind of married, but his voice had that corporate don’t-argue undertone. I got in the car. ‘Thanks. Appreciate it.’ He just hummed, barely a sound, already turning the key. We made it to the next block before he added, like it was some offhand comment, ‘It’s no trouble.’ I glanced over. That chiselled, unreadable side profile gave nothing away. Same as before. From the moment we walked out with that marriage certificate, he hadn’t shown a single flicker. No awkward laughs, no nervous tics. Just the same ice-cold poise he probably used to fire underperforming staff. It weirdly helped. The more he treated this marriage like a business transaction, the easier it was to breathe. No romantic pressure. No messy feelings. Just… clean lines and clear boundaries. Then he said, still eyes on the road, ‘We’re married. Driving my wife isn’t exactly going above and beyond. And you don’t need to call me Mr Laurent anymore. Just use my name.’ ‘Alright… As