James and I spent the rest of the weekend at home, without stepping out even once. He did cater to some business calls once in a while but mostly we were too busy in each other. He kept his promise and showed me around the entire apartment, much more than showed.

"Yes, Amy, I need that file on my desk before I reach. There's a meeting at noon and I need to go through it before that." He speaks into the phone as I look at myself in the mirror.

I'm wearing a beige skirt with black blouse as my hairs are falling in their natural waves behind my back. I put on a thin liner before stepping into the heels. My offer letter came to me on Friday itself and I responded to it after breakfast on Saturday, accepting the intern position at Clark Enterprise and today's supposed to my first official day.

James is frowning on Monday morning as usual, trying to keep up with the work before even stepping a foot in that building. I try to stay out of his hair in order to not annoy him further as he barks more instructions in the phone, feeling a little sorry for Amy. I have no idea how she keeps up with his schedule.

When I step in the kitchen, leaving James to get ready in the bedroom, Mrs. Jones is making waffles and I smile at her, "Good Morning."

"Morning, Lillian. Breakfast?" She asks and I nod, taking a seat at the island as she offers me a plate.

I indulge right into it, not wanting to be late on the first day as I go through any mails on my phone but there isn't any other important information. James joins in the kitchen ten minutes later, buttoning his cufflinks as he slides on the stool next to me before pulling out his phone to type a text.

It annoys me a little that his work starts so early but then I try to understand the responsibilities he has. Mrs. George offers him toast and fruits as per his breakfast chart.

"Mrs. George, you don't have to make different food for us. Whatever you make for him is fine by me." I tell her for future reference and she nods in acknowledgment.

James eats his breakfast while continuing to type on his phone and I sigh, not realising how audible it was and he looks up at me.

"What?"

"Work-life balance." I remind him.

He scowls at me in response, "We aren't in bed."

I purse my lips, not responding to him because I don't want to spoil my mood after spending such a great weekend with him. I put my dishes in the sink, deciding to wash them after coming back as Mrs. George offers me a glass of milk before disappearing to probably indulge in other tasks.

"We'll stop by the clinic tomorrow for testing, is that okay?" James asks and I nod, finishing the contents of glass.

"Yeah, I don't want to be late on my first day anyway." I move to pick up the packed lunch. My stuff is already in the living room so I keep it in my bag before moving to pick the key to my new car.

James steps out of the kitchen and pulls onto his jacket lying on the couch as he finally pushes his phone in the pocket. "Come, Mrs. George will leave after she's done with the work. Reece is waiting downstairs."

"Reece?" I frown.

"The new driver." He comments like I'm supposed to know these things without him telling me.

"You have to keep me in loop more." He looks taken aback by my tone and words but doesn't argue, just nods. "Do we have to go together? I don't want to catch that much attention."

He sighs, running a hand through his hair as he looks at me. "Yes, I don't understand why you have to drive separately when we're going to the same place at the same time. We're married, it shouldn't be that big of a deal."

I process his words and there's a lot I want to say in return but bite my tongue. He's right, it's not like I'm hiding the fact that he's my husband because my name is enough proof and so are the rings on my finger. But I just don't want people to assume the worst about how I got the internship.

"You've got to be more confident about who you are, Lillian. You know how you got the internship, people are always going to say shit." He tells me and I offer him a small smile, knowing he's absolutely right.

I close the distance between us as I kiss him, my nerves calming immediately as his hand cups my cheek, kissing me again. I place a peck on the stubble on his jaw. "Thank you."

"Always, love. C'mon now." He takes my hand in his as we make our way out of the apartment.

When we reach the basement, James leads me to our parking space where there's a woman dressed in black suit as she stands by his Audi. Her expressions remain blank as we approach the car and James turns to her.

"Reece, this is my wife, Lillian." He introduces and the surprise hits me as I process the information.

"Mrs. Clark." She nods at me and I offer her a small smile.

Her dark hair are in a tight ponytail as she opens the door for me and I notice the dimples digging in her cheeks. I turn to James who walks by the other side and slides in the seat. I silently settle myself in the back.

"Clark Enterprise, Reece." James instructs and she nods before driving out of the parking space.

James's hand meets mine as he intertwines our fingers together and brings my hand up to place a peck on my knuckles. "Are you excited?"

I think about his question for a minute before shrugging, "More nervous. I don't want to screw this up."

"You won't." He tells me confidently and his trust in me just feels like another expectation that I have to keep up with.

I have been feeling the anxiety for my first day since the moment I woke up but I haven't tried to make it obvious. I sigh, looking in front to see Reece, still processing that James hired a woman. It actually makes me kind of happy, for some weird reason, to see that he isn't biased.

"I have a lunch meeting today otherwise we could've eaten together." He informs me and I offer him a small smile.

"That's alright, I'm not planning to get fired on first day."

"You tell me if someone gives you a hard time." I roll my eyes in response which makes him give me a look. "I'm serious, Lillian."

"Yes, okay!"

James has been super cautious about things ever since the entire Richard thing happened so I assure him. I know how restless he can get when it comes to my safety so I give him a small smile.

It takes us another ten minutes to reach and James gives me a quick rundown of his schedule for the day regarding his meetings that I try to keep up with. Reece parks the car in front of Clark Enterprise and opens my door. I quickly thank her to which she nods.

"You'll probably get free by five, you can leave if I'm not free by that time." James takes my hand in his as we step inside the building and the woman at front desk stands up to greet him and he nods in return.

We move to the elevator and Hale is already waiting there. He looks surprised to see me but then he must realise that I'm joining from today which makes him grin.

"Morning, Lil." He gives me a quick side hug which I return. His eyes linger on James, "I hope your wife doesn't keep you distracted now."

"Mm, my wife is joining today, who has been keeping you distracted these days?" James shoots back, making me snicker as Hale scowls at him. As we step in the elevator which is empty, he narrows his eyes at him. "Tell Alex I said hello."

"Alex? Weren't you just hitting on Nat couple of days ago?" I arch an eyebrow at Hale who rolls his eyes in return. "Nice choice, by the way."

"God, I forgot how annoying both of you together can be." Hale mumbles under his breath which earns him a glare from James and a very amused grin from me. "All the best for first day, by the way."

"Thanks, Hale."

More people join us in the elevator as we reach five floors but James and I stay in the front. When we reach tenth floor, I get out and James follows, making me give him a look.

"What are you doing?" I ask, not stepping inside the office premises.

"Just making sure you settle in alright." He tells me as if it's the most obvious thing in the world.

"James, please." I begin and his jaw immediately clenches as he glares at me. "You promised you wouldn't interfere. Would you walk any intern to their place of work on the first day?"

"Any intern wouldn't be the woman I'm married to, Lillian."

I sigh, tucking my hair behind my ear as I step a little closer to him, aware how people are passing around us, earning us looks but I bring our intertwined hands up and kiss the back of his hand, hoping to calm him down.

"You don't have to argue with me over everything when it comes to official things. I promise to tell you if I face any difficulty but till then, let me be on my own. I don't want unnecessary attention." I plead and he nods, sighing as he looks back at the doors leading to front desk. "And you won't make any phone calls to anyone."

"Alright." He loosens his grip on my hand and I let go. I know he isn't one for PDA so I don't comment anything as he starts to turn towards the elevator. "All the best, and let me know if you need anything."

"Thank you, Mr. Clark. Have a good day." I smile widely at him, glad that he understood and trying to resolve my nerves and he grins, shaking his head at me.

"Can't stay mad at you for long, can I? Good day, Mrs. Clark." He winks before stepping in the elevator.

I turn towards the doors and make my way inside. Warren immediately stands up to greet me, "Morning, Mrs. Clark."

God, this is why I didn't want people to know. I give him a small hesitant smile as I look around to make sure that no else heard him.

"Morning, Warren. Please call me Lillian, and I'm an intern so I'd really like to be treated the same way you would treat any other intern." I clarify it for him and he opens his mouth to say something but then shuts it up, nodding. "Can you please tell me where do I have to report?"

"Yes, please wait along with the other intern. Mrs. Fernandez should be here in a few minutes."

I nod, smiling as I look back to see the brown man with black hair who was in the waiting area for interview sitting by himself, he's wearing a dark gray suit. I don't approach him directly but take a seat, leaving few spaces between us, keeping my bag in the vacant seat next to me.

"Are you one of the interns too?" He asks, and I turn towards him, trying to recall his name in my head.

"Yeah. Warren mentioned that you are here for the internship as well." I try to interact, my nerves getting in the way.

"Yash." He extends his hand to shake and I smile, doing the same as we share a firm handshake.

"Lillian, nice to meet you." I notice how he has gray eyes, almost matching the colour of his clothes.

"Are you also a final year student?" He asks and I immediately nod, "Great, where do you go?"

"J. Mack Robinson, you?" I ask.

"GIT, I mean Georgia Institute of Technology."

I nod in response just then notice Elena entering the premises. She stops at the front desk and talks to Warren who looks back at us, making her turn back and give us both a small smile. I really want to speak to her in private before we get down to business because I'm sure by now the changes in my name have been made.

She approaches us and smiles, "Congratulations on the internship! Come, I'll direct you two to your desk."

Both Yash and I follow behind her to the right hallway and it leads to a huge space of different desks where people still seem to be arranging their work in the morning. I notice how there isn't cubicle system down here. She leads us to a two way desk in front of a office door and looks back at us.

"Both of you will be seated here, that's my office." She points at the door across, "Since the two of you will undergo a couple of weeks of training before the actual work, I will be supervising you. However, currently you'll operate under David Scott, he's the training in-charge and will be guiding you for the time-being. Questions?"

Yash shakes his head but I look at her a little hesitant, "Can I speak with you in private?" I ask and she must catch onto my tone because she nods.

"Come, we'll speak in my office."

She walks inside and I follow behind her, making sure to shut the door behind me. As she takes a seat, she motions for me to take the chair in front and I nod, sitting down.

"How can I help you, Mrs. Clark?"

There it is. I sigh, straightening my back as I look at her, "Please call me Lillian. Also, I'd really like if no unnecessary attention got to me just because of..."

She gives me a smile, nodding. "I completely understand, Lillian. You've got nothing to worry about, I don't indulge in office gossip, however it was mere luck that Steven and I didn't recognise you, mostly because you appeared under your maiden name but a lot of people would know you. My suggestion would be to just ignore them and don't let it hamper your work."

A huge wave of relief washes over me at her words as I smile back, nodding. "I'll try my best. Also, I know you probably aren't allowed to answer this, but this didn't play a role in me getting the position, right?"

I know how she's supposed to be my boss and I technically shouldn't be asking her all these question but she doesn't seem to mind. She grins, shaking her head.

"You only got it on the basis of your interview."

I smile at her, "Thank you."

She nods and I stand to leave her office. When I step out, Yash has pulled out his laptop and looks up at me, giving me a small smile, "All good?"

I nod, "Yes."

Just as I sit down, a man who must be in his early thirties approaches us wearing a navy blue suit. I assume he must be David Scott and stand to greet him, Yash following my actions.

"Good to see you both. I'm David Scott, I'll be training you for next couple of weeks. Ready to get a grip of groundwork?" He asks and both of us nod, "Great, grab your notepads and pen. We'll first go through the operations."

Both of us follow his instructions as we start walking around with him. He explains and introduces us to every staff member, indicating the kind of work they do, including the responsibilities which I note down along with their names in order to not forget as I also try to memories it mentally. I don't miss the way I get looks from half of the employees, making me a little uneasy but I try really hard to not let it get to me.

An hour later my feet start to give up, making me realise that I should've worn more comfortable footwear, but I don't dare complain. David goes through all the operations working under the finance and accounts department, asking us along the way if we have any questions.

I ask him my doubts wherever I feel necessary and he very patiently answers them. After what seems like the entire morning but only has been an hour and half, we return to our desks and David looks at us.

"I'm going to give you some very basic pointers and ask you to go through report of one of the departments, I will need you to carry out a benefit-cost analysis. Don't be afraid of making an error, this is just to see your approach so we can pick from there."

We nod at him, my nerves setting in at the first task but he explains everything briefly before disappearing and coming back with two files. He hands us each and then picks up the notepad at our desk and writes his email on it.

"After you're done, mail me the report. It shouldn't take more than an hour or maybe couple of hours? Go at your pace. You know my office, any trouble, knock in."

After giving us the instruction he disappears into his office that's three doors away from Elena's. Yash and I get to work, going through the investment files provided to us as I start the work.

I do get stuck a few times but manage to get most of it done within an hour and half, including typing the entire report and mailing it to David. Yash finishes about fifteen minutes after me and I crane my neck.

"You think you did it well?" He asks and I shrug.

"Not sure, honestly. I did what I basically followed in projects, they might have a different approach to it though."

He nods and then looks at his watch, "It's almost time for lunch, they did mention we get an hour off whenever we want, right?"

"Yes, I guess. Although I have a feeling that meant fixing an hour we'll be taking off on regular basis instead of when we want to."

"Mm, one sounds good to you?"

I internally debate whether it would be a good idea to fix lunch time together but then we do have to work together so I might as well get to know him so I nod in return.

David calls us in his office fifteen minutes later and introduces the company's format to us, which isn't that different but he points out the errors both Yash and I made on our parts.

"It's only your first day, but you have to understand that when you're doing things from academic purpose and in actual life, they are bound to be different." He explains, to which I absolutely agree.

He assigns more task to both of us after briefing of the type of reports he wants us to handle. From the date on the files, I know all of these are past projects and are being handed over just to get us on the basis of it, which I honestly appreciate because it provides room for error and to learn.

"Alright then, I believe you have enough to get through the day. Get back to me at the end and rest you know the drill for queries."

"Yes, thanks Mr. Scott." Yash smiles at him and he nods in return.

After we come to our desk, he looks up at me. "C'mon, we'll go to lounge area to eat."

I frown at him, "We have lounge area here?"

He chuckles, nodding, "It's a whole new world in here, Lillian. I think it's on twelfth floor? We'll find our way."

"I'm sure we'll be fine by the pantry too." I recommend, recalling seeing it when David gave the tour. "We'll explore lounge area some other time, cool?"

He seems hesitant but then nods nonetheless. I don't want to go to lounge area because I know the kind of eyes that will follow me around, and I don't want that at all, especially not on the first day so I'll avoid going there until I can.

"So, where are you from?" He asks once we settle down on one of the three tables, the only vacant one.

"Georgia, never really been anywhere else. You?" I ask, biting into the chicken sandwich Mrs. George prepared.

"Mom's from Australia, Dad's Indian, so I lived in India until I was ten, then we moved to Australia, afterwards I travelled to States for academics."

"Wow." I stare at him. "Do you like it here?"

He shrugs, "People are different? I mean, some have been really nice but then some immediately see a brown guy and judge. I thought I wouldn't get this internship but then I'm glad I did."

"I understand how stupid and judgemental people can be, I'm sorry about that. I'm glad you made it here, though."

He grins, nodding before we indulge in more talks to get to know each other. He notices the ring on my hand but I'm glad when he doesn't ask me any question, which is everyone's first instinct.

After lunch we make it back to our desks and get to the work assigned to us. By the time clock hits five, my mind is tired and my feet are killing me a little from the uncomfortable heels. I make a mental note to wear only two inches from tomorrow onwards. There's a lot to choose from back at home anyway.

"I'm headed out, you coming?" Yash asks as he packs his stuff and I shake my head, giving him a small smile.

"I just have to make a call before I leave, I'll see you tomorrow?"

"Yes, sure. Have a nice evening, Lillian."

"You too."

As soon as he leaves, I pull out my phone and notice that I have five text messages from James and a missed call. My nerves pick up as I swipe to check them.

"Hope you're settled in well. I meant when I asked you to contact me in case of any trouble."

"It's been two hours and you haven't replied. Are you pissed about this morning?"

"In retrospect, I would keep my phone away during breakfast or whenever we're eating."

That makes me smile, warming my heart a little because I was hurt about his response this morning but it's good to know that he realised it on his own. Before I read the next two messages from his side I notice that he called me just after this text.

"Why aren't you receiving your phone? I'm two minutes away from coming down there."

Shit! I'm so glad he didn't visit me, otherwise it would've led to a huge unnecessary argument. His last message is half an hour ago.

"Reece will drive you home."

He's pissed. I don't have to see him or have him say it to my face to know that he's pissed at me. I sigh, picking up my phone and rest of the stuff before leaving the office premises. I receive a few glances as I make my way out and Warren gives me a small smile which I return.

When I reach outside, Reece is standing outside the car and immediately opens the door for me. I thank her and slide inside, my head hitting the leather seat before she takes in the driver seat.

"Where to, Mrs. Clark?" She asks, looking at me from rearview mirror.

"Home, please."

She nods before driving away and I realise how I miss James's presence because I haven't talked to him since the morning. To distract myself, I try to look out of the window but sigh when it's useless.

"What made you interested in the job?" I ask Reece and she looks a little surprised that I'm speaking to her. "You don't have to answer if you don't want to."

"It pays well, ma'am."

I like how straightforward her answer is but she also looks uncomfortable so I don't push it. I know Mark is ex-military, James told me about him some time back and also mentioned that his driver is basically his security in disguise because sometimes the paparazzi gets to him whenever he pops up in the news. So I'm assuming that Reece also must have the similar experience.

After she parks the car, I make my way upstairs. I unlock the front door and keep my bag on the couch when my eyes move out the glass doors and I notice that James is standing in the balcony. I had no idea he'll be home.

Silently, I make my way out to him. This is the second time I'm coming out here and the wind hits me. It's absolutely breathtaking up here, the view of the river and the greenery of the town just adds to the peaceful aura. He must realise my presence because when I wrap my arms around him from behind, he doesn't even flinch.

He doesn't move for another couple of minutes until he sighs, his hand coming up to cover mine on his chest. I didn't even realise how much I missed his presence until I felt the warmth of his body against mine. He turns a little and moves me in front of him, his emerald eyes shining under the evening light.

"How long have you been home?" I ask, my finger tracing his cheek.

"An hour, went to see a site and directly came here." His tone is a little distant, making me frown.

"You're pissed."

"Damn right."

I sigh, stepping back a little and he doesn't make an effort to reach out. "It was my first day, I was busy. I didn't check the phone entire time."

"You spent the lunch hour with some random guy, so not that busy."

I rub my temples, immediately realising what's this about. But before actually deciding a peaceful path, I look at him, "Some random guy is my co-intern. How do you even know? I thought you had a meeting."

"It finished early so I made a random checking round, just so the attention wouldn't come to you but then I saw you with him."

"James." I start, leaning back a little and he scowls at me. "Do you trust me?"

"Yes." He immediately answers and I sigh, nodding.

"Then what's the problem? I'm your wife, it doesn't get more secure than that." I ask, trying to understand where exactly is our relationship lacking.

I'm so afraid of screwing up things between us because we spend two great days together only for it to lead to some issue. I'm aware relationships aren't supposed to be perfect but these are the issues we both can work on if only we're honest with each other.

"I don't know, Lillian. You know I don't exactly know how you feel, we do have a communication gap." He runs a hand through his hair, looking at the view in front of him as his eyes momentarily meet mine. "What are we doing? Are we pushing ourselves into something just because we're married?"

His words sting a little but I shake my head, understanding where he's coming from. "James, I've never in my life been with another human being the way I am with you, despite spending time with them. So no, for me, the way I feel for you it isn't because we're married. My heart aches for you because of how kind you are, how generous your actions are without even realising, how you have so much love in your heart even if you don't express it well.

"I'm sorry that I've never noticed how I've never expressed it to you before, but you make all this worth it, James. I'm twenty one, for fuck's sake, I'm not supposed to be married. But I wouldn't change a thing about this if it means losing you, that's how much you mean to me. Now, you tell me, are you pushing yourself into something because we're married? Because we do have spare rooms and we can go back to co-existing."

His eyes are set on me in intense gaze as he steps forward and shakes his head, wrapping his arms around me as he pulls me closer by my waist. The relief that washes over me in his embrace feels like a refreshing breath.

"It's scary." He breathes against my hair. "I've never felt this way for anyone before, so it scares the shit out of me. I do trust you, but I don't trust myself to not screw this up and there's no way in hell we're doing that separate room shit again."

Sometimes I wonder how much James tries to communicate and express himself to me even though he isn't great at it, and it only makes me admire him more. I nod along with him, because I really am in the same boat as him. But I know as long as we're both willing to try, we'll find our way to days that feel liberating without the responsibilities burdening us.

One thing I've realised is that with him, it's less falling in love and more growing in love. We both are learning things we both are new at, but we're both willing to understand even if it means admitting that we're wrong.