der figure. It wasn't extravagant-there were no crystals, lace, or veil. Just a plain white

tylist. Her lips painted a soft rose. Yet, when

her future away for t

d. A woman in a gray pencil skirt a

, "-soon-to-be Mrs. Blake, the groom

t like a war drum. Every step toward the private ceremonial r

retched from door to altar, and only a few witnesses stood around: Damien's ass

mien h

ays. But his eyes never met hers. He stood still, hands folded i

le. No

doing what

ands trembling slightly. Dam

athered here today for a civil union betwee

rred into bac

a contract. He's not your h

ality hit hard. A simple silver band, chosen f

bride," the officiant

y f

id D

h calculated grace, Damien leaned in

. Businessl

hat w

ses clappe

e that, Lily Morgan became Lily Blake, wife of o

disperse. "You'll move into my penthouse

nked. "T

pearances begin immediately. The

dded s

" he said befor

smile. Not even a

vening – Bla

reveal a breathtaking space-glass walls with a 360° view of the city, marb

wly, clutching her smal

mid-40s, dressed like she wa

with a cool smile. "I'm Carol, the housek

Lily," she re

ll. You'll be staying in the east wing. Mr. Blake is in the

politely.

e and gold décor, a walk-in closet, a vanity, and a balcony with

your l

y seated at the long dining table. He was

posite him

your satisfaction?" he

Than

ala on Saturday. It's our first pub

ed a smil

But we can't afford mistakes. No emotional entanglemen

ightened. "I

near silence. Every sound of clink

nded, Lily st

t firm. "Thank you... for doing

d back, s

real thing he h

e... he wasn't entirel