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10

Callum

It’sday

It’s nothing like I pictured, but then, I never spentmarried I expected it to happen eventually, but I never really gave a shit about it

I’ve dated plenty of women—when it was convenient I’ve always had oals Any woman had to fit in with that, or I’d cut her loose the minute she became more trouble than she orth

In fact, I was dating so with the Gallos Charlotte Harper and I had been together about three ed,” I called her to break it off And I feltnothing I didn’t really care if I saw Charlotte again or not There’s nothing wrong with her—she’s pretty, accomplished, well-connected But when I break up with a woman, I feel the same as when I throay an old pair of shoes I know I’ll find a new one soon enough

This time the new one is Aida Gallo And I’m supposed to love, cherish, and protect her until the end of her days I’s, except maybe keep her safe

Here’s one thing I do know: I’ nonsense once we’re married It’s liketo have some wild, disobedient wife She will learn to obey rind her down to powder under my feet

I s about her “spa day” yesterday The point of that, obviously, was to get her ready for tonight I’ soamuffin in flip flops and jean shorts I expect her to be properly groomed, from head to toe

I love the idea of her being primped and cleaned and waxed to my specifications Like a little doll, built just the way I like it

I’ve already showered and shaved, so now it’s time to put on my tux But when I check the hook in the closet where I expect it to be hung, there’s nothing there

I call down to Marta, one of our house staff

“Where’s my tux?”

“I’m sorry, Mr Griffin,” she says nervously “I went to the shop to pick it up like you said, but they told me the order had been cancelled A box was shipped here instead, from Ms Gallo”

“A box?”