William then stood, quietly pulling a chair for her. The gesture caught her off guard. She hesitated, then sat beside him.
"Thank you," she murmured.
Martha served her a plate of scrambled eggs, toast, and a small bowl of fruit. It smelled good, too good.
They ate quietly for a while, but halfway through breakfast, Bri finally spoke, her voice a little timid. "The clothes and shoes.. I've seen them this morning." she said softly. "They're all so pretty. Thank you."
William looked up briefly, meeting her eyes. He had long noticed she wore one of the dresses he picked for her, and, she looks so beautiful in it, just as he imagined she would "You're welcome," he said simply.
Bri nodded, glancing down at her plate again.
Then, as he finished his breakfast, William stood and adjusted his suit jacket.
"I'll see you later this evening," he said. "Should I pick you up from the set?"
Bri hesitated. "About that… maybe don't come directly to the set? I don't want to draw attention. You know how people talk."
He was a little hurt she didn't want to be seen with him, but he still gave her a small nod. "Understood. Where should I pick you up then?"
"There's a cafe just down the block from the set, we can meet you there. 6 P.M.?"
"Six works," he said simply.
He handed her his phone. "Give me your number. It'll be easier to coordinate."
Bri hesitated for a moment before taking the phone. She typed in her number quickly, her fingers brushing the edge of his hand as she handed the phone back.
William glanced down at the new contact and saved it, then immediately sent her a text. Her phone vibrated on the table.
Unknown Number: William.
"See you later, Brianna," he said, turning toward the door.
"See you," she replied quietly.
Once he was out the door, Bri sat staring at her phone. He was her husband, technically, but theirs was an arranged marriage built on duty, not love. There was no reason to save his number with a sweet or personal name. After a few seconds of hesitation, she simply typed his name William and hit save.