Separate Weddings, Separate Lives novel Chapter 29

Louisa knew she couldn't escape what was coming, so she had prepared herself. Despite the frantic drumming in her chest, she forced herself to stay calm.

Elijah had married her, fulfilling Flora's greatest wish and restoring her dignity. For that alone, there was nothing she wouldn't do for this man.

She used to believe that friendship and loyalty were everything, but people would always find a way to take advantage of her kindness.

Thaddeus had taught her to never believe in a man's love.

Now, she had no friends and no lover. She only had the present. For her, getting through each minute was enough. The accident seven years ago had helped her realize that nobody would ever know if tomorrow might even come.

She refused to waste energy guessing people's intentions toward her or worrying about the future. If Elijah wanted her, she would give herself to him. It was as simple as that.

When Elijah stepped out of the bathroom, Louisa had just finished the last of the pasta. She even finished the sauce.

"Hungry on your first day as a Holten? I must not be doing a very good job as a husband."

Elijah's hair was still damp and dripping wet. He wore a black silk robe that contrasted sharply with his pale skin. The contrast, even in a simple robe, made him look like a lead actor from a romance. He was handsome, wild, and had an incredibly intimidating presence.

The room was decorated in bright celebratory colors, yet he stood there in solid black. He looked entirely out of place yet completely in command.

Louisa suddenly felt the air in the room grow thin. It wasn't just anticipation of what was to come. It was a deep, inexplicable sense of dread.

For a fleeting second, Elijah didn't feel like her new husband—he felt like someone who had come to claim her soul.

She didn't dare look him in the eye, but even though she was shaken, she forced herself to play along. "Then you'll just have to do better from now on."

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