Court hearing

“Are you not done?” Damian called. She could hear his voice from downstairs, reaching all the way to her room. She quickly took one last look at herself before running out of her room.

“I’m here,” she said, gasping as soon as her eyes landed on Damian. He looked so handsome. Too hot. Ever since the time of her kidnapping and how Damian had handled the case, taking such good care of her, she’d started seeing him in a new light. Her coldness toward him was melting away. She wanted more. More than just being his contracted wife. She had feelings for him but chose to stay silent. She feared rejection—sometimes he could be so kind, but other times, he turned cold, as if he didn’t care.

“You look beautiful,” he complimented. She blushed. Before, she might have thought he was lying.

“Thank you,” she muttered. “You don’t look bad either.”

Damian chuckled, though it felt forced. She stared at him, wondering what he might look like if he ever gave a real smile.

“Shall we go?” he asked, holding