#Chapter 10: Dress

Albert POV The truth was Mia's constant reminders of our agreement grated on me more than I cared to admit. It felt… sterile, devoid of any genuine connection. Perhaps this was the way to nudge her out of that mindset, a playful reminder that the line between acting and reality could sometimes blur. Mia's blush deepened a shade, and she stammered out a reply, her voice barely above a whisper. "But, Albert," she began, "this is a… contract. A marriage of convenience. The contract said pretty clearly that marital duties aren't part of the agreement." The flustered look on her face was almost comical, and a genuine smile tugged at the corner of my lips. "Relax, sweetheart," I chuckled. "That wasn't exactly what I had in mind." Though, the image that flashed through my head did little to quell the sudden heat in my gut. "Good." I tried not to feel rejected at that as I continued. "But the contract does stipulate that we maintain a facade of… marital bliss. In public, at