Page 10 of Carnal Wagers

Is your plan for us to never meet again?

(Last message not delivered)

Email from: Alizé De Villier

Email to: Cillian O’Leary

Subject: Six-monthiversary

It’s me, your supposed wife. Reaching out…again.

Just message me back. We don’t have to be lovers or even good friends, but it’d be in both our families’ best interests if we at least got along.

Dearest husband,

Common courtesy dictates you should have sent your condolences on my father’s passing to me, not my brother, but considering the length of that stick up your ass, your boorish attitude is not surprising.

As detailed in the contract signed between our families, your presence is required at all important family functions, including my father’s funeral. The attached obituary notice is your formal invitation.

This is not a request. Trust me, at this point, I’d rather not extend you this courtesy, but at least if you don’t show, our contract will be void. No contact means an easy annulment, and therefore no more need for me to be proactive and send out pointless communications you won’t respond to.

Sincerely,

Alizé De Villier

Dear Mrs. De Villier,

Attached you will find photographs of Mr. Cillian O’Leary in attendance at your father’s funeral as mandated. It is our understanding that these will prove satisfactory in demonstrating his compliance with the contract terms. Per Mr. O’Leary’s request, we ask that you please send any further crucial correspondence through our office in order for him to maintain the strict abidance of the terms and conditions of your contract.

Sincerely,

John Hanklin, Esq

Law Offices of Duke & Doley

Email from: Alizé De Villier – CEO of Maison DV Parfums

Email to: Cillian O’Leary

CC: Law Offices of Duke & Doley

Subject: Visit to Boston

I’ll be in Boston in August through the first week of September to visit a friend. In case you weren’t aware, our first anniversary is coming up at the end of my trip. Since I’m perfectly aware people in our types of families and businesses don’t get divorces—however foolish that may be—I want us to clear the air and set terms. You want little to do with me, fine. I’m not too fond of you either, but I want to give you the courtesy of discussing an open marriage since we are obviously not happening. I’ll stop by your lawyer’s office on the 1st of September at two in the afternoon. Please let me know if this time does not work for you.

Email from: Alizé De Villier – CEO of Maison DV Parfums

Email to: Cillian O’Leary

Subject: In Office

Where are you? Our meeting should have started twenty minutes ago, but the receptionist has kept me waiting in the lobby with no information. I told you I was coming. You and your lawyers had more than enough time to notify me you needed to cancel. I am warning you, right now. You either come over here this instant, or I swear you’re not going to like what happens.

Email from: Law Offices of Duke & Doley

Email to: Alizé De Villier

CC: Cillian O’Leary