CHAPTER 63

MILES

"Renee has started asking questions."

Jay froze mid-motion, the glass of whiskey hovering just inches from his lips. His eyes narrowed, skeptical and probing. "I don't get it," he said finally, his voice edged with confusion. "Your relationship with Renee—none of it makes sense to me. I thought this whole thing was supposed to be a straightforward contract marriage. But the way you've been acting around her lately… it doesn't add up. What's really going on?"

I crossed my legs. "I've had feelings for Renee for a long time," I admitted. "Ever since she was Axelle. And yes, I acted on those feelings. The thing is, she felt the same way. She reciprocated."

Jay let out a sharp, disbelieving scoff and leaned back, studying me as though I'd just revealed some earth-shattering secret. "So, what? You're saying this isn't just a contract anymore? You're telling me you're in a real marriage now?"