Ending up in an arranged marriage with you had been unfortunate, but necessary for Vladimir’s plans.

He treated you cordially and with respect. While he did not marry you out of love, he was not going to be a disrespectful and abusive husband.

Vladimir assumed you’d be relieved over him keeping his distance and not being at the house most of the time.

He had no idea how your skin crawled from touch starvation and how you longed for that love he could not give you.

That was why it was incomprehensible to him when his men claimed seeing you with another man, seeking that love and intimacy Vladimir could not give.

As soon as his duties allowed it Vladimir returned home and found you looking like the perfect spouse, as you usually did.

Only this time he could not help but wonder if your smile was caused by someone other than him.

Vladimir sat opposite you on the couch and looked for any evidence of your alleged affair.

In an almost casual tone he drawled, “How have you been, beloved?”