Page 52 of Love in Bloom

Camille took his hand and headed for the stairs, skirting Mr. Chan.

“Mrs. Penrose, you’d do well to spend your time asking your husband the right questions instead of kissing him. That was Jia’s mistake. Or maybe it was Tristan’s. It is wise to know your spouse well before marrying him. Best to know all his secrets.”

Camille pulled Tristan down the staircase. “That woman. I’d like to throw her off the dome. I bet she’d be in pieces by the time she hit the ground after falling twenty-five meters. At least it would take her down a notch.”

Tristan didn’t reply.

Camille stopped on the first floor and walked into the Fouquet’s apartments. “Tristan?”

“You don’t want to make an enemy of Mrs. Chan.” His words were slow and measured. It’s best to steer clear of her and not give her any provocation. Those people, those families are very well connected, and not all of their connections are legal. They have the power to destroy lives.”

“Like yours.”

“Yes.”

“Tristan, tell me what happened between you and Jia.”

He shook his head. “I don’t want to ruin this beautiful moment by telling you about my ex and all the horrors that relationship brought into my life. If you can believe it, I’m trying to allow you a good night’s sleep. I’m afraid if I talk about it, the nightmares will be worse tonight. Let’s enjoy this over-the-top decor and the lovely glow of candles and forget the rest. Let’s be simply Camille and Tristan, wife and husband on our honeymoon.”

Camille knew he was pushing her off again. She chose not to fight him at this time. She wanted romance unspoiled by tragedies of the past, and to forget their relationship would end too soon.

She slipped her hand in his and pecked him on the cheek. “I expect a romantic kiss from my husband at some point, Monsieur Penrose, seeing as we are on our honeymoon,” she purred.

He laughed. “As you wish.” He kissed her hand, and they sauntered through the sumptuous rooms and fine gardens, fulfilling his promise under the glittering array of fireworks under a starry summer sky.

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