Lena stared at him, her lips parting slightly, disbelief flickering across her face. "You don't mean that," she breathed.
"This is just a plan," Roman said, running a hand through his hair as he searched for the right words. "She keeps the ring because my father insists we stay married or—" He stopped himself, exhaling sharply, shaking his head like the rest didn't matter.
"Listen," he continued, stepping closer, his voice lowering. "Estelle agreed that you and I could still be together. The ring was the condition." He held Lena's gaze, steady, convincing. "To the world, we play husband and wife," he said. "But behind closed doors, you're the only one that matters."
Lena frowned, studying him carefully, her eyes searching his face like she was trying to peel back the truth beneath his words. "And she is fine with that?" she asked slowly, tilting her head. "You're sure?"
