---- Chapter 13: The Ceremony The car rolled along smoothly, breaking the tense silence, Aaron finally asked, "Where's Leo?" Clara didn't bother looking up. "Aunt Paige took him grocery shopping today." Aaron said, "Hey, don't stress. I'm not here to cause trouble. We have the same goal: to be there for Leo and make sure he grows up happy. Tll do my best not to interrupt your life. How you lived before? That stays the same." Clara nodded. Truth be told, she'd already steeled herself before leaving the house. This whole marriage thing wasn't as hard to swallow as she thought. After all, that face-almost an eight-point match with Leo's-was definitely easy on the eyes. Setting everything else aside, a handsome guy around didn't hurt. Still, he was basically a stranger she'd met only a ---- handful of times-serious, and carrying that high-and-mighty vibe. Clara just couldn't relax and chat like they were old friends. Thank goodness they pulled up at the marriage registration office quickly. First step: photo time. Their outfits worked-a classic black-and-white combo. But that stiff, poker-face expression? The photographer was honestly at a loss. That guy looked like a walking masterpiece-so why no smile? "Sir, try a smile. Yeah, yeah! Tilt your head toward the bride's side. Perfect! Now lean ina bit more, yes, just a bit... Miss, rest your head on his shoulder. That's it! Hey, relax, don't be so tense! Smile for me..." The poor photographer was practically losing his mind. Thankfully, the pictures came out pretty great. Holding the fresh prints, the photographer finally cracked a smile. ---- "Wow, these shots turned out amazing-could be in a celeb magazine." With looks like that-flawless from every angle-and my killer camera skills, no wonder! The photographer beamed with pride. "Mind if I print another copy to keep as a template?" he asked, hopeful. "Nope." Aaron snatched the photo and turned on his heel. The photographer's heart sank. Handsome guys-never easy. Since they had an appointment, there was no waiting in line. The whole registration took just a few minutes-felt easier than signing up for kindergarten. Clara wondered if those couples who married for love might feel let down. The whole process was just too simple. Back in the car, Aaron said, "I've got a business trip to Silverton this afternoon. Then I'm flying straight to L.A. Won't be back for a month." ---- Clara quietly felt relieved. So he hadn't been lying-marrying him really was no different than being single! Aaron introduced, "This is Matt Storm. Swap numbers with him-he'll help you move." "Move?" Clara blinked. Wait, weren't we supposed to keep our lives separate? Aaron explained, "Your place is too small. Move in with me. That way I can spend more time with Leo." Clara protested, "But I just signed Leo up for kindergarten at Riverbend Villas yesterday. It's super close to here!" Riverbend Villas? Aaron thought for a moment. Not bad. UrbanHaven Development's new community, decent environment. "Alright then! Riverbend Villas it is. I've got a place there. It doesn't have a kids' room yet, but Matt will get that sorted and let you know when to move," Aaron said, making the final call. ---- Clara felt like she'd walked right into a trap. "I thought we agreed not to interfere with each other's lives?" Aaron shot her a sharp look. "Isn't it easier for Leo to go to school there?" He asked like it was a question-but really, it wasn't open for debate. She had to admit, he had a point. Clara stopped resisting. She was already planning to find a better place and move anyway. Aaron added, "That card I gave you last time? No spending limits. Buy whatever you need for the new place." So that was the deal-husband barely around, but the cash was hers to burn! Clara glanced down at the marriage certificate in her hand. Somehow, it didn't look so bad anymore. She exchanged WhatsApp contacts with Matt, then hurried off to the hospital, swapping afternoon shifts with a colleague, and scrambling to get ready.