Page 14 of Arranged with Twins

“Good morning,” he says politely, stepping into my apartment. “I hope this time works for your schedule.”

“It’s fine,” I lie, because pointing out that he didn’t actually ask about my schedule would probably start another argument. I haven’t ruled out that happening yet, but I’d prefer to avoid it if we can.

Nadia rises from her seat at the kitchen island and gathers her purse. “I should get going. I have a fitting this morning.”

She hugs me goodbye and whispers in my ear, “Don’t let him dismiss what happened. You deserve better than that.”

Leo waits until she leaves before settling into the chair across from where I’m standing. The distance between us feels carefully calculated and professional rather than personal.

“I wanted to discuss what happened last night,” he says, his voice carrying the same disinterested tone he might use for a board meeting.

“All right.” I remain standing, using the kitchen island as a barrier between us.

“What happened between us was impulsive and shouldn’t distract from the agreement between our families. We both have responsibilities that extend beyond personal preferences, and it would be a mistake to let emotions complicate this arrangement.”

The clinical way he discusses our night together makes my chest ache. “I see.”

“I think it would be best if we kept business and pleasure separate going forward. Last night was the result of heightened emotions and stress from the situation with your mother’s interference. We should both be able to move past it.” He doesn’t even blink as he says it all so aloofly.

“Of course.” I force my voice to remain level, even though his dismissal cuts deeper than I’d braced for when I accepted he was probably coming here today to negate last night. “You’re probably right. The pressure of this whole situation got to both of us.”

“Exactly.” He seems relieved that I’m agreeing with him. “We can return to the professional relationship that serves both our interests.”

Professional relationship. I barely hold back a snort.

As if what happened between us was nothing more than a momentary lapse in judgment, easily corrected and forgotten.

To him, apparently, it was exactly that.

To me, it was the first time since this engagement began that something felt genuine and honest. I just can’t allow myself to feel it again, or this merger will break my heart.

I decide right then I’ll never call it a marriage.

It will help me keep my distance. I hope.

“Is that all you wanted to discuss?” I ask, proud of how composed I sound.

“Actually, no. We still need to address the contracts and security arrangements we discussed yesterday. I’ve made some revisions based on your feedback.

” He produces a folder from his briefcase and spreads new documents across my kitchen island after standing up to join me, remaining on the opposite side.

The papers look identical to what he brought yesterday, though I suppose there might be subtle changes in the language.

“I’ve clarified the security protocols to give you more input into how protection is implemented. You’ll meet with the head of the team to discuss options and preferences.”

“That’s considerate.” I scan the first page without really reading it, too focused on maintaining my composure to process legal language. Somehow, I keep the sarcasm out of my tone, but it’s a struggle. “This is very interesting.”

“The business integration documents remain largely the same, though I’ve added clauses that protect your personal assets from any complications that might arise from your father’s financial situation.”

That makes me look at him directly, temporarily distracting me from my attempt to maintain my pride. “What kind of complications?”

Leo hesitates, and for a moment, his professional mask slips. “Your father has made some choices that could affect the family’s financial stability. These contracts ensure your inheritance and trust funds remain protected regardless of what happens with his debts.”

My stomach clenches. “How bad is it?”

“Bad enough that protection is necessary. The details aren’t important right now, but you should know that this marriage provides you with legal safeguards you wouldn’t have otherwise.”

I want to ask more questions, to understand exactly what Father has done and how much trouble our family is really in, but Leo’s distant demeanor makes it clear this isn’t a conversation between partners.

This is a briefing between a businessman and a client.

I can’t pretend he doesn’t hold the balance of power here, and I can’t demand anything.

“I’ll need time to review these,” I say, closing the folder without reading further.

“Of course. There’s no immediate rush, though it would be helpful to have everything finalized within the next week or two.”

I nod impassively. “I understand.”

We stand in silence for a moment, and he’s clearly preparing to leave. The meeting he scheduled to discuss our relationship has lasted less than fifteen minutes, most of which was spent on business matters. “Leo?” I say as he gathers his papers.

“Yes?”

“Last night...” I pause, trying to find words that won’t make me sound desperate or pathetic. “Did it mean anything to you?”

Something flickers across his expression, but it’s too quick for me to interpret. “It meant we both needed to release some tension. It was nothing more than that.”

The words hurt even though I should have expected them. I’ve been dismissed by men before, but never after sharing something that felt so intense and genuine. “Right. Of course.” I walk him to the door, maintaining what I hope is a dignified expression. “Thank you for clarifying the situation.”

“Sienna...” He pauses at the threshold, and I think he might say something that acknowledges what really happened between us, but he doesn’t seem to have the right words.

“It’s fine,” I say quickly, not wanting to hear whatever polite dismissal he’s preparing. “I understand completely. Business is business.”

“Exactly.” He nods once, then leaves without looking back.

I close the door behind him and lean against it, finally allowing myself to feel the full impact of his rejection.

Last night, when he touched me, made love to me, and whispered my name like it was something precious, I thought we were building something real.

This morning, he’s made it clear that I was reading far too much into what was just physical release for him.

I slide the orange diamond ring off my finger and examine it in the morning light, noting all the intricate details Nadia pointed out.

The hidden halo, the careful metalwork, and the way the stones are arranged to catch and reflect light from every angle are genuinely impressive.

Either Leo is a much better actor than I gave him credit for, or there’s more to his retreat this morning than simple regret over a momentary lapse in judgment.

The problem is, I don’t know which possibility scares me more.

If he’s acting, then I’ve completely misread his character and his intentions.

If he’s retreating because he’s scared of what’s developing between us, I have to decide whether I’m brave enough to fight for something he’s determined to deny.

I slip the ring back onto my finger and pick up the contracts he left behind.

I need to understand what I’m actually agreeing to for this merger before I sign anything.

The documents are dense with legal language, but I force myself to read through each clause carefully.

If I’m going to be bound by these agreements, I should at least know what they say.

I doubt anything I say could affect any changes in them beyond the token ones he’s made, but I should know the terms of my sacrifice before being led to slaughter.