"I trust you understand that tonight changes nothing between us," Ethan said as he closed the door to Sophia's suite behind them, his voice cold and businesslike despite the intimacy of the moment.
The wedding reception had finally ended an hour ago, and now they were alone for the first time as husband and wife. Sophia stood near the window in her wedding dress, still wearing the family pearls that felt like a collar around her throat. Her hands shook as she reached up to remove the veil, desperate to shed at least one symbol of this sham marriage.
"I understand perfectly," she said, her back to him as she carefully set the delicate fabric aside. "This is a business arrangement. You've made that abundantly clear."
"Good." She heard him moving around the room, probably loosening his tie
