Both their words had the taste of gunpowder in them, and the atmosphere in the living room instantly became deep and dark, as if a layer of dark clouds were hanging over it.

Serena took a deep breath, "And what else? To trust you with my future? Have you forgotten that our contract is only for two years, and after that we'll be divorced, and at best you'll be a guest in my long life, and I'll just be a breeze in your ear, so we don't have to make a scene, and there are some things you just can't force."

"I'm inclined to force it."

The man's eyes twinkled,...