QUITE THE CATCH

MARIANNE

"Why do you want to marry me?" Troy's voice was low, but the intensity in his gaze cut through the air.

I tried to ease the tension with a warm smile, though I could sense the gravity behind his question. "Don't get worked up, Troy. It’s only temporary. Once my revenge is complete, we’ll divorce."

His expression darkened, frustration flaring up. “The nerve of you,” he snapped, his voice rougher than I expected. “You come up with a ridiculous arrangement like this without even asking me? Without so much as a conversation? What do you take me for, Marianne?”

His anger, though justified, stung. I took a deep breath, keeping my voice calm. "You have every right to be upset. Believe me, I’m shaken too by the absurdity of it all. But Troy... if I had brought it up at home, I would’ve gotten cold feet. I’d convince myself there was another way, but there isn’t."

I paused, trying to meet his eyes, but he looked away. "This is a marriage of convenience. No strings, no obliga