Aries Wilson set down his coffee cup, casting a sidelong glance at Lainey Fisher with a faint smile that never quite reached his eyes.

"What's up? Want some coffee too?" he asked, his gaze shifting from the mug to meet hers.

Lainey shook her head. "No, thanks."

Aries stood and moved to sit beside her. "What are you doing?" she asked, startled as he closed in, nearly sliding off the single chair before he caught her.

"Easy. I'm not gonna do anything to you," Aries said with a smile that sent an icy shiver straight down her spine. "Besides, you're my wife. Even if I did, it wouldn't be exactly out of line, now would it?"

Lainey gently nudged him away. "I'd like to go upstairs now."

"Alright, let's go," Aries murmured, wrapping an arm around her waist as they left the dining room.

"I can walk on my own," Lainey said softly, lifting her gaze to his.

Aries paid no attention, turning to Uncle Langston instead. "Uncle Langston, you can head back now," he instructed, watching as the older man halted mid-step. "Yes, sir," Uncle Langston replied.

Aries guided Lainey down the long hallway, stopping at the elevator. Once inside, he let her go, and she stepped back, avoiding him. The silence settled between them like a thick fog, heavy and suffocating.

When the elevator chimed at the top floor, Lainey shot Aries a quick look before stepping out first.

He followed at a distance, veering off into his study and shutting the door just as Lainey's lips parted to speak. Left with no choice, she retreated to the bedroom.

Aries sank into his desk chair, his laptop just booting up when his phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen—"When are you coming back? I'll pick you up." A small smirk tugged at his lips as he dialed the number.

"Miss me already?" he said, his tone light. "Can't come back just yet. Gotta wrap up things at the branch office, then I'll be home."

"Oh, okay. It's so late already—aren't you resting yet?" The voice on the other end was soft and soothing.

Aries's face softened into a rare, genuine smile. "You take care of yourself too. I'll be back soon." After hanging up, he threw himself into work, not stopping until dawn streaked the sky.

As Aries stepped out of the study, he found Lainey emerging from the bedroom, her hair slightly tousled and her expression bleary with sleep. She froze at the sight of him. "Oh—um, morning."

"Why are you up so early?" Aries asked. His own face showed signs of weariness, but his voice remained cool and detached.

"Just getting some water," Lainey replied, holding up her glass.

Aries gave a curt nod. "If you're bored staying here, let me know. I can have someone take you out."

Lainey shook her head. "No, it's fine. I'm staying in." Even if she went out, the last thing she wanted was one of his people tagging along, stripping away any shred of freedom.

After a brief, unreadable look at her, Aries headed for the bedroom.

Is he heading out again? Lainey checked the time—just seven o'clock. She poured herself some water, took a sip, and returned to find Aries already sprawled on the bed, fast asleep.

What is his deal? Lainey frowned, stepping closer.

Abruptly, Aries's eyes snapped open. "Wake me at nine." He flipped over and instantly shut his eyes again.

After a moment's hesitation, Lainey mumbled an agreement, then curled up on the sofa, cradling her water glass, lost in thought. Eventually, she grabbed a throw cushion, hugging it as she lay down.

Aries opened his eyes, checking his watch—nearly nine. He glanced over at Lainey, who had dozed off, the light fabric of her pink silk nightdress riding up dangerously close to revealing too much.

He rose carefully, and Lainey jerked awake. "What time is it?" she asked groggily, sitting up and realizing she was still in her nightdress. She yanked the hem down, clutching a cushion to her chest.

"Relax, nothing's showing," Aries assured, already heading to the bathroom. The sound of running water followed soon after.

Lainey scrambled to the wardrobe, tugging on a light jacket.

Aries emerged freshly dressed in a crisp suit, snatching his phone off the sofa. "Uncle Langston, I'm heading out. Come to my room."

Uncle Langston soon appeared at the door. Aries opened it. "Hand me the car keys. I'm going alone today."

"But sir…" Uncle Langston hesitated.

"Today, you'll be accompanying my wife. Wherever she wants to go, you'll make sure she gets there," Aries instructed, his gaze flicking to Lainey, who stood off to the side.

Reluctantly, Uncle Langston passed him the keys. Aries took them, then turned back to Lainey, pulling her into a firm embrace and pressing a kiss to her forehead. "Be good. Wait for me," he said, before striding out.

Lainey blinked, already missing the warmth of his presence.

Uncle Langston nodded to her. "Madam, if you need anything at all, just let me know. I'll be right outside." With that, he slipped out, gently closing the door behind him.

Lainey surveyed the vast, empty room and felt her spirits deflate. How many more days would they be stuck in America?

She chose not to go out, spending the day sprawled in the room watching mindless TV shows and flipping through magazines. It was late afternoon when Aries returned. "Lainey didn't go out?" he asked Uncle Langston, who was still stationed by the door.

"No, sir. Madam didn't leave today, except for lunch at the restaurant," Uncle Langston reported dutifully.

"Alright. Have dinner sent up to the room," Aries commanded before entering.

Lainey was lying on the sofa, absorbed in a sheet of music, a faint smile playing on her lips as her fingers absentmindedly tapped the edge of the couch.

"You seem in a good mood," Aries remarked, tossing his suit jacket onto a chair.

Lainey sat up, smoothing her dress and running a hand through her hair. "You're back."

Aries nodded, loosening his tie as he headed into the bedroom.

"I smiled because I saw you, so why do you look so serious?" Lainey muttered under her breath, sinking back onto the sofa.

When Aries reappeared in a white robe, he wandered into the living room. "Is there something you want to say to me?" he asked, intrigued by her sudden bright demeanor.

Lainey sat at her vanity, staring at her reflection—tired, pale, with dark circles under her eyes. Was it worth it, sacrificing so much for him, only to end up with this washed-out complexion?

She touched her face, already imagining Mya Aguilar's inevitable questions about her exhausted appearance. She remained still, sinking into numbness, until her stomach growled in protest.

Lainey sighed, feeling the dull ache twist in her belly. She wandered to the kitchen and found the spiced honey cake she had painstakingly made for him still sitting warm on the counter. Tears slid down her cheeks as she slumped against the cabinet, releasing her pent-up frustration in silent sobs.

Suddenly, a wet nose nudged her foot. Lainey looked down to find Snowball, the family dog, resting beside her. She scooped him up, cradling him against her chest. "At least you're loyal, Snowball," she whispered. The dog nestled into her, offering the comfort she so desperately needed.

Lainey settled onto the sofa with Snowball, sunlight streaming through the floral curtains and casting a gentle glow over them.

Meanwhile, Aries sat in his office, his head cradled in his hands as a throbbing headache pounded through him. The fever he thought he'd shaken had come roaring back, and only one strong cup of coffee after another eased the relentless hammering in his temples.

AlBraydenna Barnes entered his office. "Aries, you okay?" she asked, noticing his hand pressed against his forehead.

Aries looked up. "I'm fine."

"You sure? You look seriously pale," AlBraydenna noted, reaching out to touch his forehead. The heat beneath her fingertips made her flinch. "Aries, you're burning up."

"It's nothing," he dismissed with a wave of his hand.

But AlBraydenna wasn't buying it. "No way. This is bad. Let me get you some medicine."

Aries stopped her. "No need. I'll be fine after a bit of rest."

"But you…" AlBraydenna's worry etched her face. In her memory, Aries had always been the picture of health, rarely ever falling ill.

"No buts," Aries replied with a weary smile. "Go get ready. We'll head out soon."

AlBraydenna nodded reluctantly. "If you feel really awful, we can leave early."

He had to put in an appearance at the event, at least. Their company was aiming to secure the Lin project, and this was an opportunity he couldn't afford to miss.

"Okay, I'll listen to you," Aries agreed, though he couldn't shake the inexplicable pull drawing him there, urging him to go.

Assured by his nod, AlBraydenna went to handle the necessary arrangements.

Later, Lainey carefully groomed herself, touching up her makeup just enough to mask the pallor. Seeing her reflection smile back gave her enough courage to face the evening.

She gathered her things, not forgetting the gift she'd prepared, resting on the coffee table.

Snowball sensed her leaving and trotted at her heels, giving her a pleading look. "Be a good boy, Joel. I have to go out for a bit, so I can't take you today," she consoled, giving his head a soft pat before slipping out of the apartment.

Lainey hailed a cab to the Lin family villa, where preparations for the upcoming event were in full swing. Though nearly everything was set, the staff still obsessively rechecked every detail to ensure nothing went amiss.

Mya Aguilar stood anxiously at the entrance. "Where's Lainey? She still isn't here," she fretted.

"Honey," a warm voice called from behind her.

"Grandpa, why aren't you resting inside?" Mya turned to see her grandfather and immediately went to his side.

"You're waiting for Lainey, aren't you?" Gabriel Wilson asked with a gentle smile.

Mya nodded. "Yes, Grandpa. You know how she hates these events. I'm worried she'll bail."

"Why would she? She promised you she'd come, didn't she?" Gabriel remarked, his eyes crinkled with fondness for his granddaughter.

"Grandpa, aren't you worried you won't get to see her today?" Mya teased as they settled back into the living room.

Gabriel nodded. "It's true, I've missed her."

"I'll call her to check if she's on her way," Mya decided, pulling out her phone just as the housekeeper arrived. "Miss Aguilar, Miss Fisher is here."

Lainey followed the housekeeper into the hall. "Mya, I'm here."

"Finally! I was just about to call you," Mya exclaimed, pulling her inside.

"Hello, Grandpa," Lainey greeted Gabriel with a warm smile.

Gabriel gestured beside him. "Come, sit."

Lainey and Mya sat on either side of Gabriel. "Lainey, it feels like ages since you visited me," Gabriel said, his voice full of affection.

"Sorry about that, Grandpa. I'll make more time to visit you," Lainey promised. She genuinely wanted to, but her schedule had been swamped with studying and work.

Gabriel patted her hand gently. "I didn't mean it that way. I've just missed having you around."

"Grandpa, you're so biased," Mya teased, feigning irritation. "You always favor Lainey over me."

"You're jealous of Lainey?" Gabriel chuckled. "She doesn't visit nearly as often as you do, you know."

Mya relented. "Alright, I get it. You love us both the same."

As they laughed together, a middle-aged couple descended the stairs. "What's all this laughing about? We could hear you all the way upstairs."

Time seemed to freeze as Aries held Lainey in his arms. After a long, charged moment, he scooped her up and carried her to the bedroom.

Lainey lay on the soft bed, pinned by the intensity in Aries's gaze. Before she could protest, his strong body covered hers.

"No, please—we can't," Lainey insisted, the doctor's warning echoing in her mind. In her condition, she was supposed to be resting, not exerting herself.

"Why not? Give me a reason," Aries demanded, catching the firm refusal in her eyes for the first time. Was she hiding something?

"I'm not feeling well," Lainey whispered, unable to force herself to reveal the pregnancy.

Aries's fingers brushed her cheek, sending shivers cascading down her spine. "Because I didn't come back? Is that why you're upset?" His voice was silky, a dangerous temptation.

"No," Lainey shook her head, knowing she was utterly defenseless against him. One look from him and she had no strength left to resist.

"Or maybe it's that time of the month?" His hand slid lower, and before he could go further, Lainey grasped his wrist.

"Yes," she lied, but her eyes betrayed her discomfort.

"I'll check," Aries said, a smirk curling his lips. He knew she was lying.

Lainey froze. Check?

"I'm giving you a chance, Lainey. Whatever you want to say, say it now. Any request, any condition—I'll do my best to make it happen."

Did he think she was playing hard to get? Lainey wasn't that cunning.

"Do you really think I'm asking something of you?" Lainey's smile was tinged with bitterness. In their relationship, there had never been any real emotion—only transactions.

In the lavish presidential suite of New York City's esteemed Kelly Hotel, Lainey Fisher looked stunning in her sleeveless crimson evening gown, standing by the floor-to-ceiling window. She cracked it open, hoping the brisk breeze would clear her foggy mind. Today was supposed to be the happiest day of her life—she'd finally admitted that much to herself—but she felt far from content. Her fingers fiddled with the heart-shaped pendant dangling at her throat, her thoughts drifting to him. Why hadn't she heard from him in a whole year?

A bitter smile tugged at her lips. She was another man's wife now. Was there even a point in pining for him anymore? She reached to take off the necklace, but then her eyes landed on the lineup of fruit wines on the table. She sank into the sofa and downed a glass in one go, savoring the sweet lick followed by a sharp bite. It was her first real taste of alcohol, and she finally got its intoxicating pull.

They always said booze helped you escape, and God, she craved that—to drown in a place where his absence and her marriage were nothing but illusions. Glass after glass vanished. Her cheeks flushed hot, and she melted deeper into the sofa.

Lainey lost all sense of time until the door swung open. Aries Wilson strode in, his tall frame throwing a shadow across the room. He tossed his white tux aside and approached just as she stirred, her eyes fluttering open.

"You... you..." she slurred, struggling to make sense of his presence.

Aries smirked. So his bride had chosen to drink alone rather than wait for him. "Looks like you couldn't wait to tumble into my arms," he teased.

"I'm sorry," she murmured, but her drink-heavy limbs refused to cooperate.

"You're drunk, wife," Aries said, gently steadying her.

"No, I'm not," she protested, her voice dissolving into giggles as she weakly pushed against him.

"Oh, really?" he challenged. "Do you even know who I am right now?"

Lainey blinked up at him. "You? Got no clue. So, who are you? And why are you in my room?"

Aries chuckled, scooping her up effortlessly. "This is our room, our honeymoon suite," he reminded her, carrying her into the bedroom where the deep burgundy tones made everything feel impossibly intimate.

Lainey just mumbled as she snuggled into the plush bed, "So sleepy..."

As he watched her, Aries thought back to her nerves at the ceremony—her clammy hands, the way she'd almost pulled back from their kiss. He hadn't expected to see this side of her. Maybe she was just scared, or maybe something else was weighing on her mind.

Leaving her to rest, he poured himself a whiskey and stood by the window, sinking into his own thoughts.

"Mmm... Willis." Lainey's soft murmur caught his ear, snapping him back. His drink forgotten, he returned to her side.

He gently cupped her chin. "Lainey Fisher!"

Her eyes fluttered open and she winced. "It hurts," she whispered.

"Now do you remember who I am?" Aries's deep voice cut through her fog, his gaze locked on hers.

She flinched and pushed his hand away. "I remember," she said, scooting to the edge of the bed.

His laughter filled the room. "Good. Remember this—I'm your husband, now and forever," he declared, leaning in to kiss her, his hands starting to roam.

"No! Don't touch me!" Lainey cried out, her voice cracking.

Aries paused, taking in her vulnerability. "You want me to stop?" he whispered, his lips just inches from her ear.

"You're shameless!" she spat, shocked that even now, when they were legally bound, he'd act like this.

"Curious what that means?" he asked, his fingers finding the hidden zipper of her dress.

But as she resisted, Aries paused when his fingers brushed the necklace she wore—a simple little thing, nothing like the extravagant diamonds he'd given her. "You're wearing this trinket instead of mine? Does it really mean that much to you?" He let it drop to the floor, dismissive.

"My necklace!" she cried, reaching for it, but he pulled her back.

"You're married to me now. Some things are no longer necessary," he said, holding her still.

"But the baby..." Her voice barely rose above a whisper, the confession slipping out before she could stop it.

Aries froze. His grip loosened as he met her eyes, and something flickered there. "What did you say?" The room went dead silent.

Lainey pulled back, guarding her secret. "Nothing," she murmured, tears welling in her eyes.

Aries sighed and let her go completely. "Just rest. It's late," he said, turning away and leaving the room in a thick, shadowed silence.

Wrapped in darkness, Lainey lay awake, turning over the delicate balance of her truth. Did she dare speak it, or was silence the only refuge she had in this gilded prison?

Lainey Fisher skidded to a halt, spinning around to face Aries Wilson, her eyes practically sparkling with excitement. "So does this mean we’re heading home?"

Aries gave a short nod.

"Oh, thank God!" she practically squealed, the dark cloud that had been hanging over her vanishing in an instant. She threw her arms around him, hugging him tight. "Thank you, thank you!"

Uncle Langston appeared beside them just then. "Sir, ma’am—are you both all right?"

Lainey pulled back, still beaming. "I’m perfectly fine, Uncle Langston. Sorry if I caused any fuss."

"No need to apologize, ma’am. I should’ve been right there with you outside—Mr. Wilson was worried sick," Uncle Langston said, visibly relieved she was safe.

Aries slid an arm around Lainey’s waist, tugging her closer. "Let’s get moving. Don’t wanna miss the flight."

"Oh, right! Got it!" Lainey chirped, darting into the open elevator.

Aries shot Uncle Langston a pointed look. "Uncle Langston, you’re quite the chatterbox, you know that? Get the car ready—we’re heading to the airport shortly." He strode into the elevator after her.

Back in the suite, Lainey tossed her clothes into a small carry-on in record time. She glanced over at Aries, who hadn’t budged from the sofa. "I’m all set. Need a hand with your stuff?"

"No need. I’ve got it covered," Aries said, effortlessly scooping up her tiny bag.

Confused but too excited to dwell on it, Lainey let it slide. The sheer thought of going home had flooded her with so much joy that the earlier jitters from the street were long forgotten.

Despite the mad rush, they made the plane. Inside the swanky first-class cabin, Lainey deliberately chose a seat a million miles away from Aries. He didn’t seem to care, just crossed his legs and leaned back, totally relaxed.

The buzz of going home kept Lainey wide-eyed all night long; she only managed to crash and fall asleep as the first hint of dawn crept in.

After more than ten hours, the plane kissed the tarmac at JFK. Aries glanced over at Lainey, still totally out, and reached over to tap her shoulder gently.

Lainey’s eyes fluttered open, and she rubbed them sleepily, squinting up at him. "We here?"

"Yeah," Aries said.

She scrambled to stand, but her legs had fallen dead asleep from sitting so long. Unsteady, she stumbled right into Aries’s arms. He caught her, one hand pressing against the small of her back to steady her.

Uncle Langston stepped into the cabin and froze at the sight of the cozy little scene. "Sir, ma’am, you can disembark now," he announced.

Once she’d found her footing, Aries tightened his grip around her waist. "You okay to walk?" His voice came out low, almost tender, and it threw her off for a second.

Then, without a word of warning, Aries scooped her up into his arms and started walking out.

Lainey let out a startled squeal. "Put me down!"

"I’m not deaf, you know. No need to scream," Aries teased, but he didn’t set her down, just kept moving.

"Everyone’s staring!" Lainey hissed into his ear.

He finally placed her back on her feet but kept a possessive arm around her as they exited the terminal, Uncle Langston trailing behind with their luggage.

A sharply dressed woman in a crisp white business suit stood waiting by a sleek car. "Mr. Wilson, Mrs. Wilson," she greeted, her smile perfectly polished.

"What are you doing here?" Aries asked, his tone even, but Lainey caught a flicker of something different underneath.

AlBraydenna Barnes smiled, her voice all business. "There’s a meeting this afternoon that requires your presence."

Lainey shot a quick look at Aries. "I didn’t know you had work stuff. It’s cool, I can get myself home," she said, already stepping away. She knew this city like the back of her hand and could navigate it blindfolded.

Aries was at her side in two strides. "Go back to the villa with Uncle Langston. I’ll head home once the meeting’s over."

She nodded. "Okay."

"Uncle Langston, drive Lainey back," Aries instructed the older man.

"Sir, Mr. and Mrs. Wilson are expecting you both," Uncle Langston reminded him.

Aries fixed his gaze on him. "I’ll deal with that later. You go on ahead." He turned and pulled AlBraydenna into an embrace.

AlBraydenna melted against his chest. "Aries, I missed you. When you texted last night that you were coming back, I rushed over the second my shift ended. I haven’t eaten a thing yet."

"Alright, lemme treat you then," Aries said, steering her toward the car.

Once inside, Aries leaned over and brushed a kiss to AlBraydenna’s lips. "Isn’t the company slammed?" he asked.

She laughed. "It is, but surely you’re not gonna deny me a lunch break, Mr. Boss?"

Aries chuckled. "Where do you wanna eat?"

"Anywhere works. But aren’t you supposed to be resting?" AlBraydenna’s fingers ghosted over his tired face.

"I’m good. Lunch with you, then the meeting, and I’ll jet back to the villa," Aries answered, pulling the car into the city, AlBraydenna offering zero complaints.

In the other car, Lainey stared out the window, the silence stretching. Finally, she spoke up. "Uncle Langston."

"Yes, ma’am?" he replied, eyes on the road.

"Never mind," she muttered, unable to give voice to what was rattling around her head. It wasn’t her place to worry about Aries’s business anyway.

The car rolled on for over an hour before it finally pulled into a sprawling, ridiculously lavish suburban estate and eased up to a classic two-story villa.

"We’ve arrived, ma’am," Uncle Langston announced, parking in the garage and hurrying around to open her door. Lainey stepped out, freezing for a heartbeat at the sheer grandeur in front of her.

She followed Uncle Langston across a wide lawn along a stone path and up the steps to the entrance.

Just then, a woman in an elegant VictorBrayden-style dress dripping with intricate floral embroidery swept out the door. "Lainey, you’re here."

Lainey paused, the face clicking into place from the wedding. "Hi—Mom."

"Come in, come in, quickly," Mrs. Wilson said, stepping down a few steps to take Lainey’s hand and draw her inside.

Uncle Langston trailed behind with the luggage. Mrs. Wilson settled Lainey onto a sumptuous brown leather sofa in the lounge—the whole room was decked out in rich leather furniture.

"Susan, bring a coffee for the lady," Mrs. Wilson instructed a housekeeper, then spotted the bags. "And have the luggage taken up to the second-floor room."

Lainey turned to her. "Mom, really, there’s no need. The bags aren’t heavy—I can carry them myself."

Rooted to the spot, Lainey couldn’t shake the feeling she was totally out of her element. If it weren’t for the gentle grip on her hand, she probably would’ve bolted to some corner of the villa where Aries couldn’t find her.