The Marriage Clause

a crystal goblet of champagne that felt out of place in her hand. Across from her, Lucas Bla

e silence, "about this whol

rp click. "Let's call it a mutually

at the opulent surroundings, a stark contrast to her cramped apartment. Maybe a little fake

e tomorrow," Lucas continued. "O

er champagne, a spray of bub

Perhaps we should review the contract again, Ms. Brooks

Families? Nowhere in the contract negotiations did the topic of families come up. She'd skimmed it, sure,

t open. "Section C, Paragraph Two: 'The contracting parties agree to pres

omplicated by the minute. And just how was she supposed to explain a billionaire

mile. "Don't worry, Ms. Brooks. My family is... ecocent

is family as a pack of socialite wolves, ready t

is fingers. "Think of it as performance art

my art involves more than pretendi

's face. "Perhaps this will be a new artistic challeng

of unexpected tension. Emma wasn't sure if it was an

deep breath. "Let's do this press conferen

challenge in his eyes. "That, Ms. Bro

, applying a layer of polish that felt foreign to her skin. Hair stylists coaxed her fiery curls into a sle

Sophia, Lucas's personal assistant, a woman whose sharp gaze see

his who she was playing? A glamorous trophy wife?

stickler for control, but he's not heartless. Just be yourself...wit

cably tailored in a dark suit. He scanned Emma, a flicker of something

, Ms.

oved in their faces, and a cacophony of questions drowned them out. Emma felt like a