When I exit my room, a guard trails behind me, and I make my way to the front of the house. I find Carlos standing in the entryway when I come down the stairs, and I force a smile onto my face.
“Carlos,” I say by way of a greeting.
“Phoenix.” He pulls me in and kisses me on my cheek. “You look lovely as always.”
It’s a fight not to reach up and wipe my cheek where he left his kiss. “Thank you. Would you care for some coffee or tea?”
“Coffee sounds good.” He gives me a small smile.
Carlos is handsome, and he’s always been nice too. I think he will make someone a good husband one day, but it won’t be me. There’s no spark or passion between us, and that’s what I truly want. Reaching up, I touch my necklace, thinking of the love my parents had for each other as he follows me into the kitc
