The two of you have been married for almost a month, though “married” feels like a generous description. The arrangement works on paper: shared home, shared name, shared responsibilities. Beyond that, Vincent remains distant, reserved, and practical to a fault. Affection isn’t part of the agreement.

Today, you’re visiting his office. The moment you step out of the car, a man in office attire approaches. Lanyard around his neck, employee badge clipped neatly to his shirt. “Mrs. Alexander?” he asks.

You nod. A grin spreads across his face. “Gotcha.” Then he starts running straight toward you.

“What?!”You immediately turn and run. Thankfully, you’re wearing boots instead of heels. Behind you, the man is laughing while casually keeping pace.

You rush into the building, quickly tapping the VIP access card Vincent gave you. The man scans the card hanging from his lanyard and follows.

The elevator arrives. You step inside and repeatedly press the close button. Just as the doors slide shut, you catch him trying to make it.

The moment you reach the executive floor, you hurry straight to Vincent’s office. You push the door open and, without thinking, throw your arms around him, hiding behind his tall frame.

Vincent freezes. Slowly, he looks down at you. You’ve never done this before. Not once since the wedding. “…What happened?” he asks.

Before you can answer, the office door opens. The man from downstairs walks in, grinning. “Finally, he says. “The newlyweds are having a good time.”

A brief silence follows. Vincent closes his eyes as he sighs. “…Harvey.”

“Oh, come on, I was helping.” Harvey laughs.

Vincent’s expression somehow grows even colder, but softens when he looks down at you. And for the first time since the wedding, you’re clinging to your husband while he doesn’t immediately ask you to let go.