The Inspection

Leon's face was inches from Aria's when she awoke.

With a yelp, she sprang back and almost fell off the bed. "What are you doing?"

"Watching you sleep." She probably had drool drying on her chin, while he looked maddeningly perfect—fresh-pressed white shirt, dark tailored pants, not a single hair out of place.

"You snore."

"I do not!"

"You absolutely do. It's cute." He sat on the edge of her bed like he'd done it a hundred times before. "My mother will be here in two hours. We need to talk strategy."

Aria rubbed her eyes, her brain still foggy. "Strategy? For meeting your mother?"

"My mother is not a person. She is a tactical operation."

Leon gave her a cup of coffee, brewed to her exact preferences. When had he learned that? "With just one chat, Catherine Mercer has ruined three of my past relationships. She is cold and cunning, and she will take advantage of every weakness you have."

"You are really selling this meeting."

"I am preparing you for what is to come." His hands found hers on the comforter, thumb brushing over her knuckles. The casual intimacy of it made her chest tighten. "She is going to ask about your family, your education, and your job. She will make subShe will make subtle digs at your clothes, background, and worth.et in your head."

"What if I am not strong enough?"

Leon's eyes met hers, fierce and certain. "You stood up to me. You survived my grandmother. You are more than strong enough." He leaned in and kissed her forehead. "Besides, I will be right there. If she crosses a line, I will handle it."

The promise in his voice sent a sudden flush of warmth through Aria, replacing a knot of anxiety with tentative reassurance. "You would defend me? Against your own mother?"

"You are my wife. That means something. She needs to understand that."

Before Aria could respond, Elena's voice carried from the living room. "Leon! Stop corrupting your bride and come help me with this coffee machine. Damn thing is possessed!"

Leon smiled, a real smile that transformed his whole face. "Welcome to my family. We are all insane."

"I am starting to notice."

He stood, and he released her hand reluctantly. "Wear something that makes you feel powerful. My mother respects armor."

"I do not own an armor."

"Yes, you do. That emerald dress Sophia bought you. The one that made you look like you could own the world." His eyes held hers. "Wear that."

"For breakfast with your mother? That's excessive."

"With Catherine Mercer, nothing is excessive. It's all warfare." He moved toward the door. "And Aria?"

"Yeah?"

"Last night. The kiss and what I said, I meant everything." His voice went soft. "I want this to be real."

He left before she could respond, leaving her alone with racing thoughts and the ghost of his lips on her forehead.

Aria chose the emerald dress.

She spent forty minutes on makeup, something she rarely bothered with. Sophia had left some high-end products behind, and Aria used them all—foundation, concealer, the winged eyeliner she had learned from YouTube tutorials. Her hair fell in soft waves past her shoulders.

When she looked in the mirror, she barely recognized herself.

She looked like she belonged in Leon's world—and the terrifying part was, she was starting to feel it too.

The terrifying part? She was starting to feel like it, too.

When she came out, the penthouse was strangely silent. Elena, dressed elegantly in a cream pantsuit, sat at the dining table with a newspaper and her coffee. Every muscle in Leon's body was tense as he stood at the window.

The sound of her shoes clicking on the marble made him turn.

Halfway to his mouth, his coffee cup came to a standstill. His gaze moved from her face to the emerald silk, pausing on the way it embraced her curves before returning to her face.

"Is it too much?"

Aria asked, suddenly self-conscious.

"No." His voice came out rough. "It's perfect. You are perfect."

Elena looked up from her paper and smiled. "Well. Catherine is going to hate you on sight. Excellent."

"That is the goal?" Aria asked weakly.

"If Catherine likes you, it means you are weak enough to manipulate. If she hates you, it means you are a threat."

Elena neatly and precisely folded her newspaper. "Always be the threat, darling."

The elevator chimed before Aria could take in that advise.

Leon's whole body stiffened. "She arrived early. Of course, she is early.

The doors of the elevator opened.

A figure who appeared to have been carved out of ice and disapproval emerged.

Although she might have passed for forty, Catherine Mercer was likely in her mid-fifties. Her blonde hair was scalped into a severe chignon. She wore a blinding white Dior suit, crisp and unyielding, likely costing more than Aria's tuition. Huge, glacial diamonds exploded with cold fire at her throat and ears.

Her eyes swept the penthouse, cataloging everything, before landing on Aria.

"So." Catherine's voice was cultured, sharp, dismissive. "You are the girl who trapped my son into marriage."

Not a question. An accusation.

Aria felt Leon move closer to her side, a silent show of support.

"I am Aria."

Her voice remained steady as she held out her hand. "It is nice to meet you, Mrs. Mercer."

Catherine examined Aria's hand as if it were diseased. "I have no doubt that it is. Meeting me gives you access to resources and prestige that you could never obtain on your own."

The insult hit like a slap.

"Mother." Leon's voice fell silent.

"Aria is my wife. You will treat her with respect."

"Respect is earned, not granted through a clerical error." Catherine moved past them both toward the windows.

"Elena, where are you? She's probably here, causing havoc as usual.

"I am right here, Catherine." Elena, looking every bit the matriarch, rose from the table. "I'm not causing any trouble either. I'm making an effort to stop it. This girl needed to be met by someone before you ruined her with your poison."

Catherine had a knife-sharp smile. "Always so dramatic, Mother."

"I'm not your mom. I am Leon's grandmother.

You lost the right to claim me as family when you abandoned your twelve-years-old son."

The room went silent, tension snapping through the air as shock and old pain surfaced between the three.

Catherine's composure cracked for just a second before snapping back into place. "That is ancient history."

"To you, perhaps. To Leon, it's Tuesday." Elena moved to stand beside Aria. "Now. Shall we have breakfast like civilized people? Or shall we continue throwing daggers in the living room?"

"I didn't come for breakfast." Catherine's eyes fixed on Aria like a predator spotting prey. "I came to understand what kind of woman manages to marry my son by accident.”

"The kind who was doing a favor for her sister and got caught in a bureaucratic nightmare," Aria said, finding her voice. "But I am guessing you already knew that. You have probably had me investigated, too."

Catherine's eyebrow arched. "Smart. Not just a pretty face."

"Thank you. I think?"

"It wasn't a compliment." Catherine circled Aria slowly, assessing. "You are younger than I expected. Less polished. That dress is trying too hard."

Aria felt her confidence waver. Leon's hand found the small of her back, steadying her.

"The dress is perfect," Leon said. "And this interrogation is over."

"I am just getting started." Aria could smell Catherine's perfume, which was pricey and chilly, as she came to a stop in front of her. "Tell me about your family. The Hales. As I understand it, old money has seen better days.

"My family is complicated."

"All families are complicated. That's not an answer." Catherine's eyes narrowed. "Where were you educated?"

"Columbia. Marketing degree."

"How... practical." The word dripped with disdain. "And your current employment?"

"I work at a small marketing firm."

"Doing what, exactly?"

Creating campaigns. Managing accounts. Saving companies from bankruptcy." Aria lifted her chin. "Nothing as impressive as whatever you do, I'm sure."

Catherine's lips twitched. Almost a smile. "I run Mercer Holdings' charitable foundation. We donate millions each year to worthy causes." She paused. "Are you a worthy cause, Aria?"

The question was designed to humiliate.

"I am not a cause at all," Aria said quietly. "I am a person, your son's wife. And whether you like it or not, I am part of this family now."

"For six months," Catherine countered. "Leon told me about your arrangement. A temporary marriage to avoid scandal. Very tidy."

Aria's heart sank as a wave of betrayal and doubt swept over her. Had Leon told his mother about their agreement? About the prenup? About how this was all supposed to end?

She looked at Leon, betrayed.

There was thunder on his face. "I told you that in confidence."

"And I am using that information to protect you." Catherine's tone became more acerbic. Leon, this girl is a liability. She has no background. She is worthless to our family and has no ties or breeding.

Your reputation suffers more the longer you maintain this façade.

"My reputation survived Vanessa. It can withstand everything. Aria felt Leon's hand on her back tighten, drawing her nearer to him. Furthermore, Aria is not a risk. She is the best thing that has happened to me in a long time.

The admission lingered palpably, mixing awkwardness with a glimmer of hope.

Catherine's eyes grew slightly wider. "You cannot be serious."

"I'm completely serious."

Leon looked at Aria, his expression soft in a way she'd never seen before. "This started as an accident. But I'm choosing to make it real. So whatever you came here to say, whatever poisonous speech you prepared—save it. Nothing you say will change my mind."

Aria's throat closed with emotion, gratitude, and disbelief flooding in as she registered that he was defending her. Publicly. Against his own mother.

Catherine's composure was finally shattered. "She is using you, Leon! Can't you see that? She is going to take everything she can get and leave you broken, just like—"

"Just like you did?" The words came from Elena, cutting and precise. "Do not project your failures onto this girl, Catherine. You are the one who taught Leon that love is transactional. That family is conditional. That people leave."

"How dare you—"

"I dare because someone needs to tell you the truth." Elena moved in front of Aria and Leon, a tiny shield against a tall threat. "You abandoned your son. You chose your own comfort over his well-being. And now you have the audacity to question his choices? To insult his wife? You have no right."

Catherine's face went pale, then red. "I came here out of concern—"

"You came here out of guilt. And you are trying to assuage that guilt by finding fault in Aria. But she has done nothing wrong except marry your son and make him smile for the first time in five years." Elena's voice went steel-hard. "You want to protect Leon? Then leave. Now. Before you do more damage than you already have."

The silence was deafening.

Catherine looked at Leon, something like pain flashing across her face. "Is that what you want? For me to leave?"

Leon's jaw worked. "I want you to apologize to Aria. To treat her like family instead of an enemy. Can you do that?"

Catherine's hands fisted at her sides. For a moment, Aria thought she might actually apologize.

Then her expression shuttered. "No. I cannot watch you make the same mistakes I did."

She turned and proceeded towards the elevator. Without saying anything else, the doors shut behind her.

When the smoke cleared, the penthouse felt like a battleground.

Aria was still grounded by Leon's touch on her back. Elena exhaled deeply.

"Well," Elena said into the silence. "That went better than expected."

"Better?" Aria's voice broke. "She hated me."

"She fears you. There is a difference. Even though it was ten in the morning, Elena went to the bar cart and poured herself a drink. "As a woman who married into this family without considering the consequences, Catherine sees herself in you. She is attempting to spare you from her destiny.

She is just doing it badly."

"She has a terrible way of showing concern," Leon said, his voice tight with anger.

"She always has. It is why I raised you instead of her." Elena downed her drink in one swallow. "But you, my dear grandson, were magnificent. Defending your wife like that? Your grandfather would be proud."

Leon threaded their fingers together as his hand moved from Aria's back to her hand. "I meant every word."

Aria raised her gaze to him. "You really think I am the best thing that has happened to you in years?"

"I know you are." He raised her hand to his mouth and planted a kiss on her knuckles. "I apologize for her attempt to undermine you. She does that. Because she doesn't know how to be happy, she destroys anything that appears to be pleasant.

"I feel sorry for her," Aria said.

Leon's gaze grew softer.

"You would. That is who you are. Kind, even to people who do not deserve it."

"Should we cancel the gala?" Elena asked. "Catherine will absolutely cause a scene."

"No." Leon's voice was firm. "We go. We show everyone that Aria is my wife, and anyone who has a problem with that can deal with me."

"Leon—"

"I'm done hiding, Aria. Done pretending this is temporary or fake or anything other than what it is."

He cupped her face with both hands as he turned her to face him. "I'm in love with you. Since you signed those documents and treated me as if I were the problem rather than you, perhaps I have been falling. I'm not sure. However, I am aware that I am sick of fighting it.

Elena made a pleased sound. "Finally. Some honesty in this family."

"Grandmother—"

"Don't 'grandmother' me. I am going to my room. You two clearly need to talk. Or kiss. Or both. I do not care which, just do it somewhere I don't have to watch." She paused in the hallway. "And Leon? The emerald necklace. Give it to her before the gala. It's time."

She disappeared, leaving them alone.

Leon's hands remained on Aria's face, caressing her cheekbones with his thumbs. "She is correct. Regarding the necklace. It is a family heirloom.

Given to the Mercer wives for five generations. I want you to wear it."

"Leon, that's too much—"

"It's not enough. Nothing I have is enough for what you've given me." His voice went raw. "You made me feel again, Aria. Made me want again. Made me believe that maybe I could have something real instead of just profitable."

Tears burned behind Aria's eyes. "I am scared."

"Me too." His forehead touched hers. "But I am more scared of losing you than I am of trying."

"What if your mother is right? What if I am not enough for your world?"

"You are more than enough. You are everything.”

Leon gave her a gentle kiss. "And my world is better with you in it."

The kiss became more intense and desperate. He was drawn in by Aria's fisted hands in his shirt. She was lifted slightly off the ground as Leon's arms encircled her waist.

Leon's eyes were black with need as they pulled apart, both of them breathing heavily.

He murmured, "We should stop," but he didn't let go of her.

"Probably," Aria said, tracing his shirt collar with her fingers.

"The gala will take place in two days.

We have things to do. Preparations to make."

"Very important things."

"Critical things."

Neither of them moved.

Leon's phone buzzed in his pocket. He ignored it.

It buzzed again. And again.

Reluctantly, "You should get that," Aria said.

With a scowl, Leon took out his phone. As he read the screen, his countenance shifted. "Its Marcus.

He says it's urgent."

"Then answer it.

Leon hit the call button, putting it on speaker. "This better be life or death, Marcus."

"Close. Vanessa just posted on social media." Marcus's voice was grim. "About you. And Aria. And she's claiming she has proof the marriage was planned."

Aria's blood went cold. "What kind of proof?"

"Screenshots of text messages. Between Aria and someone named 'A.H.' Discussing Leon's schedule, his preferences, and the marriage bureau timing." Marcus paused. "Aria, do you know anyone with those initials?"

"Ariana," Aria whispered. "My sister. Ariana Hale."

Leon's face went hard. "She set you up."

"No. That's impossible. Why would she?" But even as Aria said it, pieces began to click into place. emergency. The timing. The way she had known exactly when Leon would be at the bureau.

"She planned this," Leon said, his voice deadly quiet. "She planned for you to marry me instead of her. The question is why."

Aria's phone buzzed. A text from an unknown number.

Unknown: Hi, little sister. Surprised? Don't worry. I'll explain everything at the gala. Can't wait to see you in your pretty dress. - A

Aria's hands shook as she showed the message to Leon.

His jaw clenched so hard she heard his teeth grind. "She is going to be at the gala."

"How? She was not invited."

"She doesn't need an invitation. She probably bought a ticket under a fake name. Or she's coming as someone's plus-one." Leon's eyes were ice. "She wants a public confrontation."

"Then we give her one." Aria's voice surprised her with its steadiness. "We go to that gala. We face her. And we prove that whatever she planned, it didn't work."

"Aria"

"No." Aria gripped his arms. "I am done running from my sister. Done letting her manipulate situations and people.

It's okay if she wants to publicly ruin me. However, she will have to do it while I stand beside my husband. the one I've decided to fight for."

Leon's countenance changed from one of rage to one of amazement. "You are terrifying when you are fierce."

"I learned from the best." She got up on her tiptoes and gave him a kiss. "At this point. Show me this necklace made of emerald. I want to appear like a queen if I'm going to fight."

Leon grinned slowly and menacingly. "A queen. I like that.

For the first time, she followed him into his bedroom. It was enormous, with windows facing Central Park and a design of manly lines and dark wood.

He moved to a painting on the wall, pressed something, and it swung open.

A safe. Of course, he had a safe hidden behind art.

Leon took out a velvet box after entering a code. Aria gasped when he opened it.

It was a gorgeous emerald necklace. Five antique gold stones with diamond accents, each the size of her thumbnail. It had a museum-like appearance.

Like something queens actually wore.

"Leon, I can't." "You can and you will." With caution, he removed it from the box. "Turn around."

Aria turned. Leon tightened the clasp, his fingers grazing her neck. The emeralds felt chilly and weighty against her skin.

She glanced at herself in the mirror over his dresser.

The girl staring back looked powerful. Elegant. Like she belonged to the Mercer family.

Like she belonged to Leon.

Leon whispered, "Perfect," as he stood behind her. He put his hands on her shoulders. "You look perfect."

In the mirror, their gazes locked.

"We are really doing this?"

Aria asked. "Going to war with my sister? With Vanessa? With everyone who wants us to fail?"

"We are really doing this." Leon turned her to face him. "Together."

"Together," Aria echoed.

He kissed her again, and this time Aria let herself believe it.

Let herself believe in them.

even if they were going to be torn apart by the entire world.

Since they had decided to go slowly, Aria lay in her own bed that night and gazed at the ceiling.

Another SMS appeared on her phone.

Ariana: I never intended for you to genuinely like him, just so you know. The plan did not include that. But little sister, don't worry.

I will fix everything at the gala. Promise.

Aria's stomach twisted.

What plan?

What had Ariana done?

And why did Aria have the terrible feeling that the worst was yet to come?

She looked at the emerald necklace sitting in its box on her nightstand. A symbol of family. Of belonging.

Of everything Ariana had tried to steal, Aria had accidentally won.

The gala was in forty-eight hours.

And Aria had a sinking feeling it would change everything.