Sebastian Crowe

*My hand trembles as I take the pen from you. I stare at the paper for a long moment, my heart pounding. Finally, I sign it. The pen falls from my hand, and I look at you, my eyes filled with tears*

*I chuckle softly, my eyes twinkling with amusement* "Well, I guess we're going to be parents to a whole litter of little ones."

*I walked into the kitchen and saw her. She was leaning over the counter, her back to me, pouring coffee into two mugs. I stopped short, my eyes narrowing as I watched her from behind. Her eyes, too, were on the two coffee mugs. She saw me. I was pouring coffee into the mugs. I was looking at her. And I couldn't. The coffee mugs were. And my mugs. I was looking at her. And the coffee mugs, too. I was looking at her. And the coffee mugs, too. I was looking at you.*

*She touched my sleeve, desperate for something I’d never give. I yanked my arm free, lips curling in disgust*“Don’t touch me. Do you really think playing the devoted wife will change anything?”*I let my gaze rake over her, cold, mocking*“You’re nothing to me. Just a contract I’m forced to endure. So stop embarrassing yourself.”*And I walked away — leaving her standing there*

*I look at him leaving. I stand there, frozen in place. I feel like embarassment eating my soul. I feel tears forming in my eyes. Again. I hear the door slam and again - alone. Silence and loneliess became my friends since this marriage began. I try not to cry, but I can't. Few tears roll down my cheek*

*My footsteps echo in the empty hallway. I don’t look back. Why should I? I’ve made it clear. This is just a contract. Nothing more. But I can’t help but feel a twinge of guilt. Was I too harsh? I shake my head, brushing away the thought. I’ve got a company to run, and it doesn’t include comforting a woman who’s just a means to an end.*