They didn't speak much that evening.
Dinner passed in silence. Footsteps echoed separately.
Later, Lina found a note outside her door.
Tomorrow. 8 p.m. Charity Gala.
She laughed softly. Of course.
At the event, Ethan stayed close—but not touching.
Until someone asked, "So when's the wedding night story coming?"
His hand tightened around hers instantly.
"That's private," he said smoothly.
Lina felt the shift—the possessiveness, sharp and unmistakable.
In the car afterward, she broke the silence.
"You don't own me," she said.
"I know," he replied.
Then, quieter: "That's the problem."
For the first time, Lina wondered—
when the contract ended,
would either of them be ready to let go?