Clerk's office smelled like

staring blankly at the digital number display. Grace stood near the wall, clutching her purse to her c

solid wall of heat against her back. He effectively blocked the cro

the automate

ic stated, his vo

k, a woman with tired eyes and chippe

nse. Alaric produced his. Grace gla

he murmured. "

high hopes," Al

form toward them. "

he tip hovered over the paper, making small ink dots. Sh

's fingers were long and smooth-manicur

aid, his voice low near her ear. "It

y breath and si

n two minutes. No rings. No flowers. Just a quick recit

e said, her

said, his voice

of dizziness. She leaned against the counter, closing her ey

he embossed seal. It was a flimsy pie

across her face. She pushed it back, turning to Alaric. The "wife" mode v

the agreement. We are roommates. We sleep in separate rooms.

in Clause 7, but I appreciate your diligence. I

hed her face, looking for ju

"I have to go to my apartment. I need to pa

t-" but stopped himself. "My driver will take you. I ne

purse and pulled out a single, crisp hundr

wn at the money.

he said firmly. "And yo

e entire building. But looking at Grace's earnest face, seeing the genuine pride in her eyes,

he said. An

hispered. She turned and walked toward the wait

e changed. The slouch vanished. His shoulders squared. He turned and walk

rcus was in the passenger seat, looking p

oring the offered sanitizing wipes. "I

ncing at the crisp bill in Alaric's

ill neatly, creasing the edges, and tucked it into th

This is my seed capi

e and dialed his grand

e lawyer answered. "You'll h

ass. "Remember, Alaric. If this is a sham, if you slip u

at the Manhattan skyline passing b

voicemail from her father. She didn't listen to it. Instead, she took a picture of the marriage certif

it to Ric

e lawsuit is yo

against the cold leather seat. The car glided through tra