One Year, One Lie

Chapter Four: The Rule of Us

Dinner felt more like a meeting than a meal.

Ava noticed that immediately.

Everything was timed.

Placed.

Expected.

Even the silence.

She sat across from Ethan, watching him for a moment before picking up her glass.

So, she said. This is where we define how this works.

Ethan nodded once.

Yes.

Good, she said. “Because I have questions.

I expected that.

I’m sure you did.

Ava leaned back slightly.

Let’s start simple. What exactly do you expect from me?

Ethan set his glass down.

In public, we are a married couple. That means no distance, no hesitation, no visible tension.

And in private?

You maintain discretion.

That’s vague.

It’s intentional.

Ava almost laughed.

That seems to be your thing.

Ethan didn’t respond.

She picked up the smaller document he slid toward her.

Summarized rules.

Cleaner.

Simpler.

Still controlled.

Her eyes moved across the page until something caught.

No relationships outside this marriage, she read aloud.

She looked up.

That applies to you too?

Ethan held her gaze.

I don’t complicate my life.

That’s not an answer.

It’s enough of one.

Ava studied him.

Then nodded slowly.

Okay.

A pause.

Then,

My turn.

That got his attention.

You don’t get to control everything I do, she said.

I don’t

You try to, she cut in gently.

A moment passed.

Then,

Noted, he said.

That surprised her.

You don’t use my situation against me, she continued.

I won’t.

You could.

I won’t.

Again no hesitation.

Ava wasn’t sure if that made it better or worse.

And you don’t lie to me, she added.

That one lingered.

Ethan didn’t respond immediately.

Ava noticed.

Right, she said quietly. Selective truth, then.

Ethan leaned back.

You’re adjusting a contract you’ve already signed.

I’m making it livable.

Another pause.

Then,

Fine, he said.

Just like that.

Ava blinked.

That was easier than expected.

You’re reasonable.

She almost smiled.

You’ll regret saying that.

Unlikely.

Ava looked at him for a moment longer.

Then,

How long have you been planning this? she asked.

Ethan’s expression didn’t change.

Long enough.

Not an answer.

But closer than before.

And somehow

That made it worse.