Page 74 of Married to a Frozen Duke

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"Tomorrow will be better. You'll have proper clothes."

"And we can pretend everything is normal."

"Nothing about this is normal."

"No, but we can pretend."

"Is that what you want? To pretend?"

"I don't know what I want. This is all too strange to want anything specific."

"That's honest."

"Would you prefer dishonesty?"

"No. I've had enough of that."

"From whom?"

"Everyone. Society. Myself."

"You lie to yourself?"

"Constantly. Don't you?"

"Probably. Though I try not to."

"And do you succeed?"

"I married you, so not well."

He did smile then, just slightly. "Fair point."

"I should go to bed," she said.

"Of course," he replied.

Neither moved once again.

"This is ridiculous," she said.

"Which part?"

"Standing here like we're afraid of our own chambers."

"Aren't we?"

She laughed softly. "Goodnight, Alexander."

"Goodnight, Ophelia."

She climbed the stairs, aware of him watching. At the top, she turned back. He was still standing there, looking oddly lost in his own home.

"Alexander?"

"Yes?"

"Thank you. For today. For trying."

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