Page 47 of Misconducts & Temptation

“I've been betrayed by a bitch once,” I said, my voice tight with bitterness. “I won't tolerate it from my wife.”

“But you can—” she started.

“I never said this was going to be fair,” I interrupted, cutting her off.

“I just don't want you to make me a fool,” she said quietly.

I closed my mouth, taken aback by the raw honesty in her voice. “What do you mean?”

“This marriage is already like a business deal,” she explained, her eyes meeting mine with a fierce determination. “Which I understand. But I don't want people whispering about me and feeling sorry for me because you can't keep your dalliances private. Like we all have to pretend it's not happening. I-I won't accept that.” She clenched her teeth, her hands balling into fists at her sides. “Even if it means marrying…” She trailed off, struggling to find the words.

Her gaze pierced through me, and for a moment, I couldn’t breathe. There was a strength in her that demanded respect.

I nodded slowly, understanding what she was asking for. “Fine,” I said finally, my voice softer but still firm. “I’ll keep it private.”

Elodie’s shoulders relaxed slightly, and she gave me a small nod in return. I could tell she didn't like it, but… but if she wasn't going to have sex with me, she had to understand.

"Okay," I said, crossing my arms. "So we're on the same page… I'll pay off your stepfamily's debt in order to marry you. I'll provide you with everything—a house, food, clothes, all of it."

"And school," she added.

"What?" I asked, taken aback.

"I don't want to give up the academy," she clarified.

I frowned, trying to process her words. "I wouldn't make you," I said firmly.

She nodded, her shoulders relaxing a bit.

"And you'll be loyal," I continued. "The perfect wife. And you understand after we get married, we'll?—"

"Consummate the marriage," she interrupted, her voice tinged with nervousness. "Make it official."

I nodded, appreciating her bluntness despite the awkwardness of the topic.

"Is there anything else?" I asked, eager to finalize our agreement.

"What about your hockey career?" she asked, catching me off guard again.

I jerked back slightly. "What?"

"You're a hockey player, right?" she pressed. "I don't know much about hockey, but aren't you eligible for… isn't there a draft? What if you get drafted?"

Uncomfortable now, I shifted my weight from one foot to the other. "Don't worry about that?—"

"You play well," she said earnestly. "I've watched you."

"Look, shut up about hockey," I snapped, my frustration bubbling over. "Is there anything else?"

Elodie blinked at my outburst but didn't push further. The tension in the room thickened as we stood there in silence.

"How long?" she asked.

"How long what?" I replied flatly.

"Do we stay married? Is this a forever thing?"

I smirked, trying to lighten the tension. "Already trying to get rid of me, babes?"

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