The black dress is elegant but severe. It has a high neck and long sleeves, and it clings to my curves. Though I'm completely covered up, the dress accentuates my breasts and baby bump. I pull my hair back into a tight bun, which shows off my face fully. I add a bit of simple makeup and diamond studs that were a gift from Adrian at our wedding.
I pair the look with a pair of black court heels that scream professionalism rather than sexy.
I look severe and professional, which is perfect. It's exactly what I want.
Adrian appears in the doorway, already dressed in a dark suit. "You look beautiful."
I don't respond. Just turn back to the mirror, applying lipstick with more focus than necessary.
"Seraphina—"
"What time are they arriving?" I cap the lipstick. My voice is clipped.
"Six." He moves closer. "Are we going to talk about this?"
"About what?"
"About you being angry."
"I'm not angry." I meet his eyes in the mirror. "I'm managing my expectations. Like you taught me."
His jaw tightens. "I told you why?—"
"You did." I interrupt him. "And while I understand, I wish you'd talked to me instead of just deciding for me."
"That's not fair," he says.
"Isn't it?" I move past him toward the door. "Though I shouldn't be surprised. You promised me three hours. I got forty minutes because your mother called. And now I'm supposed to be grateful for one day a week. One day, Adrian. Like it's some grand gesture instead of scraps."
"It's not scraps?—"
"It is." I finally turn to look at him, crossing my arms over my chest. "But apparently scraps are all I should expect in this life. So I'm learning to be grateful. Like a good wife." My voice is full of sarcasm.
And I watch as Adrian's silver eyes flash. I make a move to walk past him, but he reaches out and grabs my wrist. "Let me go, Adrian."
"No, you're my wife."
"Yes," I snap. "I'm aware."
It feels like we are in a standoff. Adrian drops my wrist.
"Who's coming to dinner?" I ask. "You've given me no information."
"The Marini family. Antonio, the patriarch. And his nephew, Santino."
The names mean nothing to me. Another gap in my knowledge. Another thing I'm supposed to just figure out.
"And why are they coming?"
"Business." He says it like that explains everything.
I roll my eyes.
"What kind of business?"
"Family business."
"I'm family now, aren't I?" I finally turn to look at him. "Or am I just the pretty accessory you parade around when it's convenient?"
