The Wedding
The wedding was small.
Too small for someone like Lucas Carter.
Just a handful of people—his lawyer, a couple of business associates, and one older woman who Ava later learned was his aunt.
No friends.
No laughter.
No warmth.
Ava stood in a simple white dress she had bought the day before, her hands slightly trembling as she faced the man who was about to become her husband.
Lucas looked exactly as he always did—composed, controlled, unreadable.
As if this meant nothing.
"Are you sure about this?" she whispered before the ceremony started.
Lucas glanced at her.
"Yes."
She nodded, even though her stomach was in knots.
The officiant began.
Vows were exchanged—short, formal, almost mechanical.
When it came time for the rings, Lucas slid the band onto her finger with steady hands.
Ava did the same.
"And now," the officiant said, smiling, "you may kiss your bride."
Ava froze.
They hadn't talked about this part.
Lucas hesitated for a fraction of a second—then stepped closer.
His hand lightly touched her waist.
And then he kissed her.
It wasn't passionate.
It wasn't romantic.
It was brief. Controlled.
But it was enough to send a strange, unexpected shiver through her.
When he pulled away, their eyes met.
For the first time, something flickered in his expression.
Something unfamiliar.
Ava's heart skipped.
Maybe this wasn't going to be as simple as they thought.Ava had never been anywhere like Lucas's home.
The penthouse overlooked the entire city—glass walls, marble floors, everything sleek and cold. It didn't feel like a home.
It felt like a statement.
"You live here… alone?" she asked, setting her small suitcase near the entrance.
"Yes."
She nodded slowly. "It's… quiet."
"I prefer it that way."
Of course he did.
A woman in a uniform approached. "Good evening, Mr. Carter."
Lucas nodded. "This is Ava. My wife."
The word felt strange in the air.
"Mrs. Carter," the woman said warmly.
Ava blinked. Mrs. Carter.
That was her now.
"Maria will assist you with anything you need," Lucas added.
"Thank you," Ava said softly.
Lucas turned toward the hallway. "I'll show you your room."
Your room.
Not our room.
The agreement was already in effect.