Fredric’s POV

“Baby!”

Paula’s embrace calmed my restless heart. Still, I couldn’t shake the feeling that defending Mathilda had been wrong — even though, logically, it was the right thing to do, stopping my family’s cruel words.

“What’s wrong? You’re so quiet, darling.”

I looked at Paula. She seemed puzzled as she loosened her arms from around my neck, folding them across her chest. “Okay, clearly this has to do with your little moment with Mathilda. What happened? Don’t tell me you’re in love with her now?”

“Paula, what did I tell you? Didn’t we agree not to joke about our relationship? You were the one who asked me to go through with this marriage. You know what? Maybe I shouldn’t have come here tonight — I’m leaving.”

Frustration burned in my chest as I stood to go. The thought of locking myself in the office until morning actually sounded peaceful.

“Don’t go, come on,” she said quickly, tugging at my hand. “You’re so sensitive!”

Her pouty expression made me pause. Against my bette