f forgotten and unachieved dreams. It wasn't just a gallery... it was a legacy he left behind for her and it was dying. So Lena pulled herself

ke of wealth and grandeur. She didn't even look at the wide-eyed receptionist before stepping into the elevator and riding it up, she watched her reflection fractu

r gown before knocking and stepping inside. Ethan stood behind a massive black marble desk, he wor

ed without smiling. "Pu

he came forward, "no one'

nt, or maybe disdain and then gest

it

s some diso

e difficult and to pass a subtle message that he didn't own

l," Ethan said, watching her like a cat wa

hin. "I'm not do

gallery," he said smoothl

wer and withdrew a thick folder

cont

y?" she asked, c

ike being prepared," he re

he muttered, flipp

even blink.

um, mandatory appearances at corporate events, a confidentiality clause that made her stomach turn. A

brutal,"

busi

er do anything that's not like i

ion. "Emotion is a weakness a

tive in his own frigid way. With a flourish, Lena signed

k the doc

" he said in his icy cold voic

so excited,

d retort, the

rash something fun," a new

r than Ethan. Tousled blond hair, a dazzling grin, and a casual confidence that seemed t

ight almost have sounded like

harmed, Miss Carter. Or should I

etting ahead of yo

said coolly. "Hugo w

g up. "Wait. You're really doing it

ike he was confirmin

oday," he added smoothly. "The wed

nked. "E

rag this out, did you?" he asked,

months planning a w

han said. "And this isn't a

pretend it's roman

," he said. "And remember

nsion between them like exposed wires. "Man

ing orders to someone on the other end. "Set up the press

er feet. "You'

om of remorse on his face. "Get used to it. You're

e paraded like some da

ur gallery," Ethan said i

r. "If it helps, you're definitely a t

don't need your a

, no offense taken. I like he

d. The faintest crack

meras and murmuring reporters. Ethan's hand rested lightly but possessively on her back... a move for the cameras, but still h

cold voice hushing every side murmur. "Today, I have an important

s leaned in,

raced

han continued smoothly, "

e room and he turned slightly, fixin

" he finished, h

urled like stones. and Lena, standing stiffly by his side, r