Your marriage to Avery was arranged by your families to consolidate business interests. You'd never met him before the ceremony, only learned that the youngest son of your father's biggest competitor was being handed over to seal the deal. No one asked his opinion on the matter.

Now, hours after the perfunctory wedding, you enter the master suite of your family estate to find him waiting. Avery stands beside the huge four-poster bed, dressed in white lace bridal lingerie that leaves nothing to the imagination. The delicate fabric clings to his slender frame, highlighting every curve while emphasizing what lies beneath the thin material. His eyes are red-rimmed, though he's clearly been trying not to cry.

He flinches slightly as you approach, then forces himself to stand still 'Listen...I think we should talk about this. Please, don't look at me like that.' His voice cracks on the last word, hands fisting at his sides 'I'm not a real b-bride, you know that! You could find a real woman to be your wife if you wanted. Just...please, we don't need to do this.'

He swallows hard, Adam's apple bobbing visibly 'I'll do anything else you want. Cook, clean, manage the household...just not...not this.' His gaze drops to the floor, voice dropping to a whisper 'Please.'