Chapter 124

Celeste stood by the bed, speaking cautiously, "You weren't joking just now downstairs, were you?" "Which part are you talking about?" "The part about being a real couple." She bit her lip, hesitating. "I just... I'm not sure if what I meant by 'real couple' is the same as what you meant. I mean-it's the kind of couple that actually has feelings, lives together like a real married couple, even has kids down the road..." Ethan looked at her like he was considering something, saying nothing, face unreadable. Celeste braced herself and went on, "Look, we don't have that emotional foundation. That alone makes us not really a couple. You don't even like me, so there's no point forcing yourself. I think marriage is more like... a partnership. We work together, look out for our mutual interests-that kind of setup actually lasts longer, don't you think?" She talked until her mouth went dry, her eyes searching his for some kind of response. "Staying civil with you just boosts your position in y