CHAPTER 40
Arianna’s POV
Derek’s house is not in his family estate, not the grand intimidating mansion that carries the weight of the Sullivan name. I stand at the entrance for a moment, realizing that indeed I am now a wife.
The air smells faintly of coffee and the furnitures are arranged with precision. He sets his keys down on a small marble table near the door and loosens the collar of his suit, exhaling slowly as if he has been holding his breath since the vows.
I watch him from the corner of my eye, unsure of what comes next. Wedding nights are supposed to be filled with anticipation, nervous laughter, whispered promises, or at least that is what the stories always claim. This night feels like standing at the edge of a conversation both of us have been avoiding for weeks.
“Make
