Three years. That's how long it had been since Lucian Velmore last saw his wife.
Not that he missed her.
The wedding had been political—just a handshake with a kiss. A deal between two empires. He played the role of the cold groom in a perfectly tailored suit, she played the role of the smiling bride in a pearl-studded gown. Then, after the photos, champagne, and the awkward "I dos," she disappeared.
Europe, he'd heard. Paris maybe. Or Greece. Somewhere pretty and far.
Good for her.
Lucian tossed his phone on the leather seat beside him as the town car pulled into the Velmore estate. He wasn't in the mood for this meeting. When his assistant said his grandmother was calling a family gathering, he knew it couldn't be good. And when the Winslows were included?
It was definitely bad.
He stepped out of the car, buttoning his coat, and walked up the stairs of the mansion. The grand double doors opened before he even reached them.
"Mr. Velmore," the butler nodded.
Lucian gave a slight nod back, his mind already racing through possible reasons they'd summon both him and Caliste.
She was probably already inside.
Great.
---
Inside the drawing room, a long, polished table sat between two families that looked more like board members than relatives. His grandmother, Victoria Velmore, sat at the head of the table, her spine straight, her eyes sharp as ever.
Across from her sat Gregory Winslow, Caliste's father. A thick, bearded man with tired eyes and the kind of presence that filled a room.
Lucian barely glanced at them. His eyes landed on her.
Caliste Winslow.
Sitting like she hadn't been missing for three years. Dressed in a cream blouse and tight black slacks, hair in soft waves, smile just barely there.
She looked good.
Annoyingly good.
Lucian pulled out a chair and sat without a word.
"Lucian," Victoria began, folding her hands. "Glad you could join us."
"I was told this was urgent," he said flatly. "Is someone dying?"
Caliste snorted. "Always a pleasure, husband."
He glanced at her. "Still dramatic, I see."
"And you're still cold as a fridge," she shot back, crossing her legs.
Victoria cleared her throat. "Enough. We don't have time for your banter. You two are married—whether you like it or not."
Caliste gave a tired sigh. "Technically."
"You are married," Victoria repeated sharply. "And your marriage contract had one very specific clause."
Lucian frowned. "The heir clause?"
Gregory Winslow leaned forward. "Yes. It's year three, Lucian. That clause states that before the fourth year, an heir must be produced. No child means the marriage dissolves—and both our families lose everything we've built."
Caliste raised an eyebrow. "Lose everything? Isn't that a little dramatic?"
Her father glared. "It's not a joke, Caliste. The Velmores and Winslows joined for global control of trade and investment. If this marriage falls apart, dozens of partnerships collapse."
Lucian leaned back in his chair. "So what? You want us to just... have a baby? Now?"
Victoria looked him dead in the eye. "Yes."
Caliste coughed. "Excuse me?"
"We gave you space," Gregory said. "You had your fun, your distance. Now it's time to do your part."
Caliste stood up. "So you want me to what? Come home, hop into bed with this man who hasn't called me in three years, and get pregnant?"
Lucian raised a brow. "You left, sweetheart. Let's not rewrite history."
"I left because you were screwing your secretary two days after the wedding!"
"You made it very clear you didn't care what I did."
"I didn't think you'd take it as an invitation!"
Victoria slammed her hand on the table. "Enough!"
Both of them fell silent.
"I don't care what you did in the past. I care about the future. You have six months. Either you produce an heir, or this marriage is over—and so is everything tied to it."
Lucian's jaw tensed. "And if we agree?"
"You'll cohabitate," Victoria said simply. "Live together until conception. Appear in public, play the role. And yes, share a bed."
Caliste scoffed. "This is insane."
Her father's voice was softer now. "You were born into power, Caliste. This is what it means to be a Winslow. We sacrifice for the family."
She looked down. Bit her lip. Then looked up at Lucian.
"And what do you say, darling husband? Up for playing house?"
Lucian's lips curved slightly. "Only if I get the bigger closet."
---
Later that night, Caliste stood on the balcony of her hotel, wine in hand, staring at the glittering skyline. It didn't feel real.
Three years.
Three years of freedom, of traveling, of not having to see his arrogant face. And now, suddenly, she was expected to move into his penthouse and have his child?
The wine wasn't strong enough.
She heard her phone buzz and glanced at the screen.
Lucian Velmore: We need ground rules. Dinner tomorrow. 8 PM. Wear something decent.
She rolled her eyes.
Caliste: Can I bring a knife?
He replied instantly.
Lucian: Only if it's for butter.
She smiled despite herself.
---
The next night, she arrived at Lucian's penthouse.
It was exactly as she remembered—sleek, cold, expensive. Like a luxury showroom with no soul.
Lucian was waiting by the window, glass of whiskey in hand, suit perfect as always. He turned when she walked in.
"Still overdressed for a dinner at home," she said.
"You said knife. I came prepared."
She laughed lightly and walked past him into the dining area. A private chef was just finishing plating two elegant meals.
"So," she said, sitting. "Ground rules?"
Lucian sat across from her. "Rule one: no drama. If we're doing this, we do it like adults."
"Fine. Rule two: I'm not your property. I come and go as I please."
"Agreed. Rule three: if we're sharing a bed, it's for the purpose of—"
"God, don't say 'procreation,'" she groaned. "Makes it sound like we're livestock."
He smirked. "What word do you prefer?"
"Sex. We'll have sex. But only if I want to."
"I don't force anyone," he said, voice suddenly serious.
Their eyes locked. For a second, the air felt heavier. Like something unspoken passed between them.
She looked away first.
"Rule four," she muttered. "No falling in love."
He blinked. "That won't be a problem."
"Good."
But deep down, something about that rule made her chest tighten.
---
A week later, Caliste moved in.
With four suitcases, a sassy little dog named Monty, and way too many throw pillows.
Lucian watched her fluffing them on his minimalist couch and sighed.
"This place was peaceful before you."
"Now it has taste."
"You're a hurricane."
She winked. "Better than being a glacier."
Living together was awkward at first.
They bumped into each other in the kitchen at night. Shared coffee silently in the mornings. Avoided eye contact after heated arguments—or near-kisses.
One night, she walked out of the bathroom in a silk robe, and he nearly choked on his whiskey.
Another night, he came back from the gym shirtless, and she almost tripped over Monty.
But they never said anything.
They were just playing a role.
Pretending.
Right?
---
Until one night, after a long charity gala, they came home tipsy, tired, and too close.
Lucian pulled off his tie. "You were beautiful tonight."
Caliste blinked. "What did you just say?"
"I said," he walked toward her, voice low, "you looked beautiful."
She stared at him. "You're drunk."
"Nope."
She swallowed hard as he reached up and brushed a strand of hair behind her ear.
Her breath caught.
"This is a bad idea," she whispered.
"I know."
Then he kissed her.
And the world fell apart.