Unexpected Romance, Contract marriage
The smell of stale coffee and the faint odor of sweat lingered in the air, mingling with the low hum of conversation and the occasional ring of a phone.
I noticed a woman, likely close to Rachel’s age, sitting in a corner, her shoulders trembling as she wept. Rachel’s secretary was there too, his face pale and drawn.
“Oh, Mr. Leonardo Lugard, come in and take a seat. You are most highly welcome,” an officer said, his voice oozing false sincerity. I recognized his type instantly—one of those eager to curry favor when things are good but the first to disown you when something goes wrong.
I imagined Rachel was at the stage of experiencing just that.