9. First Kiss

Gerald had stopped pretending to be sick. He sat on the bed, supporting his body by placing his hands on either side of him. His legs crossed each other. His eyes looked at Ariana, scanning her from top to bottom. "You're beautiful," the man said.

"No need to remind me. I already knew that. You're not the first person to say that," Ariana answered casually. She was now sitting with her back to the mirror. Her hips leaned against the dressing table, while her arms were folded in front of her chest, making her ample bosom look even puffier. "Besides, if 'she' is ugly, how would a man like you marry her?" The sentence referred to his identical twin sister, Karenina.

"A man like me?" Gerald raised an eyebrow.

"Yes, men like you. And people like you. People who prioritize reputation above all else. Respect seekers," Ariana mocked. Gerald smiled and nodded in agreement.

"Yes, I think you're right," he said later. "But my wife," Gerald rose again from his seat and slowly approached. Aria