Chapter 18

Latham was surprisingly patient. He sent two people to help Dorothea pack up her things and move out of her apartment. That apartment had been a gift from her grandmother. When the old family house was sold, Dorothea chipped in some extra money to buy this new place for herself.

Pauline had always said, “If you ever get married and things don’t work out, or even f you get divorced, at least you’ll have somewhere to go p>

if

Every time Dorothea thought about Pauline, her heart softened. In the whole world, Pauline was the only one who truly cared about her.

Dorothea put her three suitcases in the guest room.

Linda, the Stephens family’s housekeeper, had been assigned specifically to look after Latham. He wasn’t really used to having someone fuss over him, so he arranged for Linda to have her own apartment right next door. A lot of housekeepers envied her for having such a considerate boss. Linda, for her part, took her job seriously.

“Dorothea, the master bedroom is next door. Did you put your things in the wrong room?” Linda asked.

Dorothea felt a little awkward. “No, I didn’t get it wrong. I’m staying in here p>

Latham liked men, or so everyone said, and this was a marriage on paper. For Dorothea, separate bedrooms were as far as she was willing to go.

Linda cast a look at Latham, who was busy in his study, and let out a silent sigh. She went back to her own place and pulled out her phone to text Ladd. “Ladd, Dorothea has moved in with Latham, but they’re in separate rooms p>

Ladd wasn’t surprised. “Alright. Thanks, Linda. Try to help them get closer if you can p>

He didn’t know what else to do. Latham liked men, and there was nothing he could change about that. All he could do was try to nudge things along, but he still felt guilty toward Dorothea. Marrying Latham was a tough ask for her.

The next morning, Dorothea woke up early. She did a yoga routine in her room before taking a shower and coming out. Linda had already set out a full colorful breakfastron the dining table.

As Dorothea walked out, she nearly bumped into Latham, who’d just finished working out. He wore a that clung to his

plain black tank to lines of his

chest showing off off the

abs. Sweat beaded along his sharp jaw, slid down his neck, and

disappeared under his shirt. His dark eyes were deep and unreadable as he glanced at Dorothea.

“Morning p>

Just a normal greeting.

Dorothea gave a small nod. “Morning p>

When they passed each other, she could feel the heat coming off his shoulder. Her

ears grew warm and she hurried to the table, taking a seat.

The breakfast spread was impressive.

“Dorothea, I just made a few things. I hope you like it,” Linda said.

Dorothea smiled. “Thank you. Could I have a cup of coffee tomorrow morning p>

Linda nodded, making a mental note.

Latham came out later, this time in a

bathrobe, his hair still damp and

carrying a clean scent. was

It his

no

shampoo, she realized. That was where the fresh smell came from.

Watching Dorothea quietly sip her coffee at the table, Latham couldn’t help but smile.