under soft lighting, and the walls were adorned with priceless art that she couldn't even begin to apprecia

r, his sharp gaze following her every move as th

s voice devoid of warmth as he nodded toward the g

te smile. "I'm sur

nearby with an unreadable expression. "Brad will handle the det

quite meet Lucy's. There was something guard

softly, feeling out of p

rd, finally offering her a brief glance. "If you'd

in the mood for pleasantries. "I think I

n nodded. "Very well. If you nee

s was her life now-a marriage bound by necessity, surrounded

-

peeking into rooms that looked more like they belonged in a museum than in a home. Everything w

t the far end with the door slightly ajar. Curiosity got

ceiling. A massive desk sat in the center of the room, cluttered

inside, a voice behi

re you

tanding in the doorway. His eyes were narrowed in suspicion

," Lucy said quickly, st

htly. "This is William's personal space. I w

," Lucy assured him, feeling a bi

still an edge to his voice. "I'm sure yo

at she had overstepped. "Of c

turning and walking away, leaving Lu

-

across from William. The table was so large that they might as well

touched it. She wasn't hungry. The tension in the air was too thic

y unfazed. He ate in silence, his expression

ilence any longer, Lucy spoke.

look up. "Wha

this marriage is an arrangement, but we're still going

ought he might actually respond with something meaningfu

ng to be," he said si

had known that this marriage wouldn't be easy, but sh

y me?" Lucy asked, her voi

r, but his expression didn't cha

sisted. "I'm your wife now,

not my wife. You're my business t

her composure. She had expected William to be distant, bu

trembling slightly. "I didn't ask for this ei

wing. "You're here because your family needs me.

s marriage was about survival, not love. But t

said quietly. "I'm no

into a bitter smile. "

-

er door. She groggily pulled herself out of bed and opened

ooth as silk. "William has asked me to e

n surprise. "A

tant business event. You'll

l me himself?" Lucy ask

ng guarded in his eyes. "William is a busy man. He

nothing more than an obligation to William-someone

aid softly. "I

called after him. "Brad, do yo

not sure anyone knows why William does what he

go, feeling more

-

William at the entrance to the dinner party. The lights from the ballroo

heir way inside. He nodded politely to the other guests, but Lucy coul

but notice the whispers. People were talking about them-about

rs. Ashcroft? She's n

iam marry her?

he had known that stepping into Isabel's place wouldn't be easy,

et to you," a voi

, his eyes scanning the room. "People lov

Lucy lied, though her stomac

or a long moment bef

and on her shoulder. She turned to find Isab

pping with sarcasm. "Look at you, Lucy. All dr

he sight of her stepsister.

said, batting her eyelashes innoc

nything, William appeared beside her, his

olly. "I didn't expe

regained her composure. "I couldn't miss a chanc

rowed slightly, bu

e than to escape from Isabel's presence. But she knew that running

ice low. "You don't belong here, Lucy.