“Good morning, princess.”
Sophia laughed instantly, her eyes lighting up as she leaned back into the seat. “Good morning, my love.”
She shook her head, amused, buckling her seatbelt.
Emma grinned, starting the engine with an easy flick of her wrist. “Today’s auction is at that famous hotel you love.”
“At Spring Seasons?” Sophia asked, straightening slightly, excitement creeping into her voice.
“Yes.” Emma nodded, easing the car onto the road. “It’s going to be an amazing day. First, we handle the auction in the hotel hall, and once all the work is done, I’m treating you to dinner.”
Sophia turned toward her, smile widening. “You’re the best. Thank you, boss.”
Emma smiled back, eyes briefly flicking to Sophia before returning to the road, the corners of her lips still curved as the car picked up speed.
“So,” Emma drawled a moment later, glancing sideways at her over the rim of her sunglasses, “how was your night at your mother-in-law’s house?”
Sophia rolled her eyes, though a reluctant smile tugged at her mouth. She reached for the coffee cup resting in the holder between them and shoved it toward Emma, nudging it against her arm.
“Shut up and drink your coffee. Why are you so nosy?”
Emma ignored the cup entirely, leaning back in her seat, eyes sparkling with mischief. “Come on. You didn’t tell me anything! Tell me—how was it? Did you and Magnus sleep in each other’s arms? Did you kids do naughty things? Who was more aggressive?” She grinned wider. “You, right? You must be taking out all that anger on the poor man—”
“Emma!” Sophia hissed, leaning closer instinctively. She glanced toward the open window on Emma’s side and whispered. “Lower your voice. Your window is open. Everyone outside can hear you very clearly.”
Emma smirked but leaned back, one hand lifting in mock surrender.
Sophia exhaled, rubbing her temple before speaking quietly. “Nothing happened. I promise. We didn’t do anything. Yes, we slept in the same bed, but we do that every day anyway.” Her fingers tightened around the strap of her bag. “He’s not interested in me at all.”
She paused, gaze drifting toward the windshield as her voice dropped even further.
“And nothing is ever going to happen between us. We’re not from the same world. It’s just a marriage bound by a contract.” She swallowed softly. “And it’ll be over soon.”
The car continued down the road, the hum of the engine filling the space between them.
***
A few minutes after Sophia left the house, Magnus shifted in bed.
The sudden cold made him frown.
His arm moved instinctively, sweeping across the mattress, searching for warmth—for her—but his hand met only cold sheets.
His eyes opened.
He stared at the space beside him, then turned his head sharply toward the bathroom. Empty.
‘That damn woman.’ His lips pressed into a thin, displeased line. ‘Couldn’t she sleep a little longer? She runs off the moment she wakes up. Doesn’t sleep with me. Doesn’t wake up with me. What does she even want?’
Annoyance surged through him.
He slammed his hand down onto the empty pillow beside him, the dull thud echoing his irritation as something tight and uncomfortable settled in his chest.
Sleep was gone for good.
Magnus swung his legs off the bed and stood, movements sharp and restless. He headed into the bathroom and dressed quickly, fingers tugging impatiently at his clothes.
When he came out, he went downstairs and into the living room, his movements unhurried, almost casual. His gaze drifted around the space, sweeping over the furniture, the open doors, the quiet corners—expectant, searching.
