The Temporary Wife: Luca and Valentina's Story (The Windsors)

we should normalize walking away from toxic situations,

“You pompous entitled ass,” I tell him, my anger overflowing. “The fact that you think you stand a chance at getting this job when I’m your opponent means you don’t know me at all. I don’t need you to walk away because you pose no real threat to me, you self-righteous, condescending asshole.”

He smirks. “I can’t be kind to you when I fuck you, baby.” His eyes darken, and I look away, my heart racing.

“The Herald got one little detail wrong, though. I didn’t go there for an engagement ring. I went to buy wedding rings.”

He opens the box, and my eyes widen when I see the huge diamond ring and the plain gold band beside it. “Three diamonds,” he says, picking up the ring. “One for each year you promised me. I know I fucked up in the past, and I haven’t always treated you right, but let me rectify my mistakes, baby. I truly am a terrible boss, but I’ll do everything in my power to be a good husband for you.”

“Do I look like I give a fuck?”

“I suppose it’s only right for your wife to stand by you, isn’t it? I’ll help you, Luca.”

“My grandmother will have several rules we’ll have to abide by. I suspect they’ll be the same ones she laid down for Ares and Raven. Our marriage must last for three years, and throughout that time, we cannot be apart for more than three consecutive days at a time.”

I want Valentina as my wife.

“Darling,” she says, drawing out the word. “You’ve been ignoring my text messages, so I had no choice but to come here myself.”

“Luca,” she repeats, her tone different. She looks back at me, and my stomach drops. I’ve never seen her look at me that way before. Regret and pain mix in those gorgeous hazel eyes of hers, nearly bringing me to my knees. “I quit.”