Page 17 of Arranged with Twins
“I need to know when something is performance and when it’s real. When there’s actual danger versus when we’re just putting on a show.” I pause, then continue more boldly. “Maybe we could have a signal. Something subtle that lets us communicate without anyone else knowing.”
He looks intrigued. “What kind of signal?”
“A hand squeeze. Once if it’s all for show, and twice for real situations where I need to trust your judgment completely.” I’m aware there will likely be times like that. Nadia’s information about his family’s background and possible ties to illegal activities have been on my mind. There’s real, physical risk involved with marrying him, and I don’t want to panic about that.
He reaches across the small table and takes my hand. He squeezes once, then looks at me questioningly.
“Act,” I confirm, then squeeze his hand twice. “Real.”
“Real,” he repeats, squeezing twice in return.
The simple communication feels like a small victory, the first time in this entire arrangement that I’ve had any real say in how we interact. Leo is still holding my hand, and the charged silence feels like it could turn into something more intimate.
I think he might lean closer, and part of me wants him to. The thought surprises me with its intensity.
Then the door opens and Mother appears, backlit by the emergency lighting in the hallway. “There you are. We were wondering where you’d gone.” Her tone is carefully neutral, but I catch the sharp look she gives me. “The power should be restored shortly.”
The moment is broken, and whatever connection might have developed between Leo and me disappears into careful public politeness.
“Of course,” Leo says smoothly. “We were just finding somewhere quieter to wait.”
“Very sensible.” Mother’s smile doesn’t reach her eyes. “Sienna, perhaps you could help me gather our things?”
I follow her back down the hallway, leaving Leo alone in the smaller room.
“I hope you remember what we discussed in the car,” Mother says quietly as we walk. “This is too important to treat carelessly. Your role is optics, not intimacy. Whatever you think you’re feeling, it’s just the pressure of the situation making you confused. When you wise up, you don’t want to make it harder to get along with him.”
I glare at her. “I’m not confused.”
“Good, because this marriage is business, and if you start believing otherwise, you’ll jeopardize everything your father and I have worked to build. Romance is a luxury we can’t afford right now.”
I’m stunned at her words, and the callous disregard for my needs or feelings, but I’m not really surprised. I’m a tool to be used when needed, not a cherished daughter who can expect loveand support. I’ve known that for years, but they still find awful, terrible ways to remind me sometimes.
The lights flicker back on, ending our conversation before I can respond, but as we return to the main conference room and I take my place beside Leo again, he takes my hand and squeezes once under the table. I squeeze back, letting him know our private communication system is working even if I have to pretend everything is a show. My mother’s words stay with me, fueling my anger, but even as I entertain the idea of running away, I’m unsettled to realize I don’t want to.
It’s not that I want to protect my parents from consequences of their actions. Rather, I want to see where things are going with Leo. Knowing I’m choosing this marriage for myself makes it all easier to bear.
6
Leo
The package sits on Sienna’s kitchen counter when I arrive at her penthouse. She’s glaring at the express delivery from Katherine Cooper, according to the label, and from Sienna’s expression, whatever’s inside has already ruined her evening.
“Let me guess,” I say, setting down my briefcase and noting the torn wrapping paper scattered across the marble surface. “Your mother has opinions about something.”
Sienna holds up a small velvet box with careful control that suggests she’s fighting the urge to hurl it across the room. “She sent me a replacement ring. A ‘proper’ engagement ring that won’t embarrass the family.”
Inside the box sits a conservative solitaire diamond, exactly what Katherine would consider appropriate. Tasteful, expensive, and completely devoid of personality. It’s eerily similar to the one I almost gave her, except for color, and I hate the sight of it.
“There’s also this.” Sienna waves a piece of Katherine’s monogrammed stationery. “A note explaining that she’s already submitted photos of the ‘corrected’ ring to the society pages, along with a revised engagement story that makes us sound appropriately romantic.”
I take the note and scan Katherine’s precise handwriting:“Darling, I’ve taken care of the ring situation. The orange monstrosity would have been embarrassing for our family’s reputation. This Tiffany solitaire is much more suitable, and I’ve ensured the press has proper photos. Please don’t wear that gaudy thing in public anymore. The narrative I’ve provided emphasizes Leo’s traditional values and your appreciation for classic elegance.—Mother.”
“She changed our engagement photos without asking either of us,” I say, my own anger beginning to simmer.
“She does that.” She huffs. “She makes decisions and then presents them as accomplished facts so no one can argue.” Sienna closes the ring box with a sharp snap. “I’ve been wearing a ring that was specifically chosen for me, that I actually love, and she’s decided it’s inappropriate.”
The fury in her voice matches my own growing irritation. Katherine’s manipulation goes beyond simple wedding planning control. She’s actively undermining the choices Sienna and I make together, substituting her judgment for ours without consultation. “You’re not wearing her ring,” I say firmly.
