How could she not, indeed!

How could such words escape his lips!

How could they divorce without those documents?!

“Well, kindly retrieve it and let us have a look at it."

Perplexed, Claudia directed her gaze toward him and inquired, “What do you mean?"

"Let us scrutinize the authenticity of our matrimonial pact."

Such a revelation Left her momentarily speechless.

“That was not my intent."

He then lifted his gaze, a subtle smile dancing in the depths of his ebony eyes, "Then, might you elucidate, Mrs. Dreskin, the true nature of your intentions?"

Claudia initially believed herself justified but, under his penetrating stare, a hint of unease crept in.

She gently bit her lip, striding resolutely to the wardrobe, where she knelt and retrieved the agreement, penned by both parties a mere two months prior. She then presented it to Bennett with a flourish, declaring, "We have mutually committed ourselves to this union!"

“Ah, are there any reservations?"

As he spoke, he retrieved the document and perused its contents, remarking, “Since we have consented to this marital contract, it implies an affection for one another."

Having concluded his examination, he shut the agreement and fixed his gaze upon her, remarking, "Or perhaps, Miss Marshall, you are going back on your word?"

Help!

Why must he address her as "Miss Marshall" once more?

Claudia, upon hearing the familiar address, felt a twinge of anxiety and retorted, “I did not intend to retract our agreement! But, we did."

“You have no intent to retract your words, you say? Yet, you kissed me and now disavow all responsibility, is that correct?"

Claudia's carefully crafted facade of composure crumbled before her very eyes. Her gaze met Bennett's and she faltered, her words quivering, “I... I didn't."

“Really?”

With a graceful motion, he extended his hand and, in an instant, enfolded her in his embrace.

"Does this imply that our matrimony remains a charade?"

“It's genuine! It's genuine!"

His warm breath caressed her neck, eliciting a subtle tingling sensation. Her breathing grew rapid and uneven, and she implored, “Kindly release me, if you would."