49

CARLY

I arrived back home. My work was waiting for me.

I was still worried that I might be making my biggest life mistake. I loved Rome with all my heart, and I couldn’t drag and tie him over a sham marriage. At the same time, I was also selfish, thinking about my own happiness and maybe, one day, he’d learn to trust and love me again.

When I looked at Rome, all I could see was the cold and brooding man I first met wrapped in the hard shell of his expensive suit. I knew he had a good heart, but that good heart had gone cold because of me. But I had hope.

“You’re back.” My brother rushed in my direction, pulling me into a hug. “Tell me some good news.”

“I missed you too. How’s my baby prince, and how’s Kennedy?”

When he pulled away, he furrowed his brows. “They’re great. How about you?”

I went to the sofa and sat there. “I don’t know if I made the right decision. We kinda made a deal.”

“What deal?” He joined me.

I told him everything— well, except the contract—the deal I made