Page 38 of The Temporary Bride

She snorts, not looking up at me. “Sterile? This is a four-million-dollar wedding. It’s going to be flawless.”

“Flawless, sure. But don’t you think it could be a bit less… boring?”

“My dress cost a hundred grand,” she snips in reply. “The floral arrangements are being handled by the same designer who did the royal wedding a few years ago. So, no. I don’t think it’ll be boring.”

“You could stand to loosen up a little.”

Finally, she looks up from her phone, her eyes flashing. “Loosen up?” she repeats. “Listen, Tristan. I get that you’re just joking, but⁠—”

“I’m not joking.”

“Surprise elements are disasters waiting to happen. Let’s keep this on the rails, shall we?”

“Always in control. Sometimes you need to let go,” I say, perhaps a bit more pointedly than I intended.

Her gaze sharpens, and I detect a flicker of something beneath the composed exterior. “Control ensures things go smoothly. And in the business world and weddings, smooth is good.”

Before I can press further, my phone buzzes, interrupting the conversation. I check the caller ID. Elysium Art Sales.

Interesting. I haven’t ordered a piece from them in at least three years. I hold up a finger to pause my conversation with Chloe, taking the call.

“Hello?”

“Mr. Thorne,” the man says. “It’s Gerald Lasota from Elysium. I just wanted to confirm the acquisition of that exquisite piece by Reynard. It’s an extraordinary investment.”

“Reynard?” I repeat, bemused.

“Yes, sir. Your fiancée was in the gallery yesterday to reserve it. I wanted to be sure you were aware. A million dollars is not an insignificant sum. We appreciate your patronage, but wanted to be certain this purchase was… intentional.”

I glance at Chloe, raising an eyebrow at the revelation. She maintains an almost serene expression, although her gray eyes betray a hint of smug amusement. Instead of expressing surprise or frustration, I lean back in my chair, pursing my lips.

“I appreciate your diligence, Gerald. And yes, it’s entirely intentional. My fiancée is doing a bit of decorating.”

“Ah. Glad to hear it, sir. It’s truly a remarkable piece.”

Chloe’s eyebrows jerk upward a little, surprise flickering in her gaze. I’m not sure how much she can hear of what Gerald is saying, but she’s definitely figured out what this call is about, and I know my response has caught her off guard.

“Thank you,” I say into the phone. Then a sudden impulse strikes me, and I add, “By the way, I’ve had a change of heart. I want every piece by Reynard in your collection, not just the one my future wife selected.”

At that, Chloe’s mouth drops open. Satisfaction curls in my chest—there’s the reaction I was looking for.

There’s a momentary pause on the other end, and I can almost sense Gerald scrambling to process the request. “Well, that’s a substantial commitment, Mr. Thorne.”

“Of course,” I respond smoothly. I meet Chloe’s gaze. “Only the best for my wife.”

“We… we’re used to large orders, sir, but… you ought to know that I have five Reynards in my collection at the moment.” Gerald’s voice wavers, as he’s bracing himself for me to change my mind.

“Wonderful.” I grin. “I’ll take them all. I’d like to have them sent to my home as soon as possible. Do you have my address on file?”

On the other end of the line, I can hear the sound of a keyboard clacking as Gerald scrambles through his records. I hold Chloe’s gaze all the while. She looks back at me defiantly, her chin held high and her arms folded over her chest.

“Yes, sir.” He lists off the address, and once I confirm that it’s correct, he tells me, “We’ll begin shipping arrangements as soon as possible. I’ll call you later today with an update.”

“Thank you, Gerald.”

“No, no, thank you, sir.”

I hang up the phone. Chloe is still watching me as I cross the room to close the blinds between us and the rest of the office, shielding us from view. The conference room is a fishbowl, and I don’t want any too-curious eyes on us.