Page 32 of Lost in the Fog

He frowned and looked at the ring. “You woke up.”

She laughed. “I did. I contributed to your company and got my father’s back on track. So, Zorat Motorsports is now socially acceptable on most continents, and you can shmooze for sponsors at the parties in the city with ease, if you want to.” Gia grinned. “It was nice meeting you, and you can have your lawyer call mine, and we will slowly dissolve our union. I am not interested in anything loud or flashy, but I have recovered and want to get on with my life.”

He frowned. “Wait. You want to divorce me?”

“Or annul the union since we haven’t ever consummated the contract. You helped my father out of a tough spot brought on by my condition. So, thank you for that, but I don’t want to be tied to anyone who doesn’t want me, or worse, wants me only for my business skills. I have run into that before.”

She shrugged. “So, when do you think we can get this dissolution started?”

He extended his arm, and the door flicked shut.

Gia blinked. “Oh, you are one of those alphas.”

He cocked his head. “You know of them?”

“Yeah. That’s... yeah. Mine chose someone else, hence the coma.”

Zorat stared. “Mate rejection?”

“Yeah. Say it louder. It makes me feel so pretty.”

“I... I am sorry.”

“It wasn’t you. Wait. Was it?”

He sighed and stared down at the ring. “No, it wasn’t. Your original mates are dead. They didn’t choose someone else; they were killed in the Stronghold.”

“How do you know?”

“There was only one set that died matching the timing of your seizure and coma.”

“So, you knew the whole time?”

“No. I genuinely needed a society link to fit in here. When I ran into your father, it just felt like the right thing to do. I didn’t know why, but it was what was needed. Sure enough, within six months of the proxy marriage, my business picked up and expanded.”

“Don’t you have another buddy to lean on?”

“No, I am one of a few singles. My skill set does not play well with others.”

“Ah. So, it makes it harder to network.”

“Correct. The duos usually have one that is more socially able. That is not my skill.”

“So, you wanted social links.”

“Yes, and instinct drew me to talk with your father. He mentioned his difficulties, and I wished to help him, but I could not make a deal without a bargaining chip on his part.”

“Which was me.”

“Yes.”

Gia smiled and nodded, ignoring the feeling of being lightheaded. “Well, you now have your freedom to do whatever and whomever you like. Have a great evening.”

He looked at her. “Are you all right?”

“Fine.” She met his gaze and swayed a little. “Must have been one too many cocktails.”

“I don’t think that was it.” He stepped toward her and took the ring, sliding it onto her finger again.

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