My thumb slides across the screen.
"Yes." My voice comes out rough. Harder than I intended.
Silence on the other end.
Then: "You said we need to talk."
Her voice is steady. Controlled. No tremor. No hesitation.
I wasn't expecting that.
"I did."
"So talk."
"We need to establish some rules," I say. "To make this easier. For both of us."
"Mhm."
One sound. That's all she gives me.
But something about the way she says it makes my grip tighten on the phone.
I lose my train of thought.
What was I saying? Rules. Right. Rules.
"This arrangement doesn't have to be complicated," I continue. "We stay out of each other's way. You have your space. I have mine."
"Mhm."
There it is again.
Her voice curls through the phone like smoke. Warm. Unhurried.
I like her voice.
What the fuck?
I shift in my chair. Clear my throat. Focus.
"Tomorrow night," I say, forcing the words out. "There will be people coming to the compound. Family friends. Business associates. They'll want to congratulate us."
"On our wedding."
"Yes."
"The wedding where you refused to kiss me."
Her tone doesn't change. Still steady. Still controlled.
But the words land like a slap.
I clench my jaw. "They don't know the details of the ceremony. They only know we're married. Tomorrow, we need to appear like a couple."
Silence.
Then: "You want me to pretend."