One of the men in the group smiled at me, a little too much appreciation in his eyes. “I like that,” he said, clapping me on the back. “I think we should organize a meeting, maybe tomorrow, to discuss investing in some of your dealings.”
I forced a smile, trying to seem engaged. It wasn’t hard, this was one of the benefits of being married to Lale. People loved the optics of our relationship, how we looked like the perfect power couple. I played the part well, the stoic, successful husband. Lale, the poised and charming wife. But we both knew the truth. What they saw was a lie, carefully crafted and maintained.
I nodded, though my mind was a thousand miles away. “That’s a good idea,” I said smoothly. “I’ll have it organized immediately.”
They nodded in agreement, but my mind wasn’t on t
