Page 37 of Lucas

She’s here.

Wearing nothing more and nothing less than a robe.

What’s under that robe? God, I hope she’s dressed underneath, and this is about the first time I’ve hoped a woman would be dressed.

“I’d like two soft-boiled eggs,” she says to Hugo with a smile.

Hugo smiles back at her. “Of course, ma’am.”

“No need to call me ma’am. Ava will suffice.”

His smile widens. “Alright then, Mrs. Ava.”

She laughs.

Fuck. They’ve known each other for five minutes and they’re already laughing together?

I stride over to the table, pulling out the chair opposite her with perhaps a bit more force than necessary. “Good morning.”

Ava turns to me, and just like that, the laughter dies on her lips, her expression shuttering closed.

“Good morning,” she replies, her tone a far cry from the warmth of a moment ago.

My stomach twists.

“The usual, Hugo, thank you,” I say, and he leaves the room.

“Did you sleep well?” I ask, more out of a need to fill the awkward quiet than any genuine interest.

“Yes, thank you.” She nods. “Do you have plans for today?”

“Yes.” I clear my throat, eager to change the subject. “I need to head into the office. I’m already late.”

Her head snaps up, eyes wide. “The office? Lucas, it’s the day after our wedding. You can’t be serious.”

“I’m always serious when it comes to work.” I frown, not understanding her reaction. “What’s the problem?”

“The problem,” she says slowly, as if explaining to a child, “is that newlyweds don’t typically rush off to work the day after their wedding. They go on a honeymoon, spend time together, bask in marital bliss. Any of this ringing a bell?”

I resist the urge to roll my eyes. “We’re not exactly typical newlyweds, in case you forgot. This is a business arrangement, not a love match.”

“I’m well aware.” Her smile is brittle, her tone icy. “But the rest of the world isn’t. If you go into the office today acting as if nothing has changed, it will only fuel the rumors that our marriage is a sham.”

I pause, considering her words. As much as I hate to admit it, she has a point. The media scrutiny leading up to the wedding was intense, rife with speculation about my sudden decision to settle down. If I don’t at least keep up appearances in these early days, it could undermine the whole charade.

“Fuck.” I tilt my head back and gaze at the trees reflected through the tinted windows. “How long do you think we need to keep up this charade?”

She twists her mouth. “I don’t know, a week?”

“A week? I can’t be absent from the office for a week.” I blow out a frustrated breath, running a hand through my hair. “Fine. I’ll work from home this week. Happy?”

She leans back. “Ecstatic.”

“Don’t you have anything clever to say?”

“Nope.” She opens her phone and starts scrolling, ignoring me.

Is she angry about the dress yesterday? It really was for both our benefit that she left my room last night. Especially when I was tipsy from all the celebrations and not in control of myself. Not that I would have done anything to her, but it wasn’t appropriate.