Novel Palace
32
Los Angeles, Mia
The car ride to Sebastian’s house was shrouded in a heavy silence, as if the weight of our impromptu marriage hung in the air. I had entered his parents’ home as an unmarried woman, and now I was leaving as a wife. It was a surreal transformation that neither of us had anticipated.
Sebastian and I sat in the car, lost in our own thoughts. How could this have happened? The circumstances that had led us to this impulsive decision were far from ideal, and the reality of it all was slowly sinking in.
Sebastian had explained to me that if we didn’t go through with the wedding, the company would fall into the hands of Gavin, my conniving ex-husband. The thought of Gavin being in control of the company that Sebastian had worked so hard for was unbearable. Gavin didn’t deserve any part of it; if there was one thing he deserved, it was a one-way ticket to hell.
As we exchanged our hastily spoken “I do’s,” I couldn’t help but let out a sigh of resignation. My life had taken an unexpected turn, and I was struggling to come to terms with it. I wanted to scream, to cry, to express the whirlwind of emotions coursing through me, but no words or tears came.
Our car eventually came to a stop in front of an imposing mansion, a sprawling estate that bore the name “The Thornton Residence” in elegant, gold-embossed letters at the entrance. The mansion was a sight to behold.
The Thornton Residence was a majestic structure, with a grandeur that could only be described as awe-inspiring. Its architecture was a harmonious blend of classic and contemporary styles, boasting a white facade adorned with intricate details and columns that reached toward the sky. Tall, arched windows graced the front of the house, allowing glimpses of the opulence within.
A meticulously landscaped garden framed the mansion, with lush greenery and vibrant flowers in full bloom. Stone pathways meandered through the garden, leading to various nooks and crannies where one could find peace and solitude amidst the natural beauty.
The driveway was a pristine stretch of cobblestone, flanked by well-manicured hedges and illuminated by elegant lampposts. It led to a massive wooden door that appeared to guard the entrance to this grand abode.
As I stepped out of the car and gazed up at the mansion, I couldn’t help but feel overwhelmed by its splendor.
The maids were waiting in the hallway as Sebastian and I entered the grand house. Sebastian helped me take off my coat, his touch gentle and reassuring. I still felt overwhelmed by the turn of events, but I appreciated his presence beside me.
As we walked through the hallway, Sebastian led me upstairs toward the bedroom. The house was a blend of opulence and elegance, every corner exuding a sense of luxury that was foreign to me. It was clear that no expense had been spared in creating this haven.
Upon entering the bedroom, I was greeted by a sight of breathtaking beauty. A massive chandelier adorned the ceiling, casting a warm and inviting glow throughout the room. The centerpiece was an enormous bed, plush and inviting, with soft sheets and a canopy that added to its regal charm. A beautiful vanity table stood against one of the walls, adorned with fine cosmetics and perfumes.
I took a seat on the edge of the bed, sinking into the softness of its comfort. Sebastian joined me, sitting down beside me, his eyes filled with concern.
“Are you alright?” he asked, his voice soft and comforting.
I looked around the room, taking in the lavish surroundings. “I’m just trying to process it all,” I admitted. “It’s so much to take in.”
Sebastian nodded understandingly. “I know you didn’t want this, and honestly, neither did I,” he confessed. “But I did what I had to do, not just for the company but for us.”
I met his gaze and gave him a reassuring smile. “I understand why you had to do it, and you shouldn’t feel guilty about it. If I were in your shoes, I wouldn’t want Gavin to take over the company you’ve worked so hard for either.”
He sighed, and we both acknowledged the gravity of the situation we found ourselves in. There was so much going on in our lives at the moment-a stalker, a burglar, a shooter. It was a never-ending wave of chaos and danger.
“What if they’re all the same person?” I mused, voicing a troubling thought that had been nagging at me.
Sebastian furrowed his brows in contemplation. “If they’re all connected, then we need to find out who’s behind it,” he said with determination.
I nodded in agreement. “We can’t let fear control us. We need to take charge of our lives and protect our family.”
Sebastian placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder, a silent promise that he would do everything in his power to keep us safe. “We’ll get through this together, Mia.”
I smiled at him, grateful for his unwavering support. “I know we will, Sebastian.”
“You’re my husband now.”
He laughed. “And you’re my wife.”
“Crazy, right?” I chuckled.
Sebastian’s hand remained intertwined with mine as he asked, “Are you okay, though? I mean, you and the baby?”
I gave a reassuring nod. “Pregnancy feels great for now. I don’t look like an elephant yet,” I joked, trying to keep things light. The thought of gaining weight did make me a little anxious, but I knew it was all part of the beautiful journey ahead, and I was ready to embrace it.
Sebastian chuckled at my remark. “You’re the cutest elephant ever,” he teased, his words making me blush.
He then suggested getting something to eat or drink, perhaps dessert since we hadn’t had any at his parents’ house. The idea of dessert, especially ice cream, sounded delightful. “I would love ice cream,” I replied, my taste buds tingling at the thought. “Vanilla.”
Sebastian’s face lit up with a smile. “That’s my favorite too,” he admitted.
“No way, everyone tells me it’s so basic.” I laughed,
“There’s nothing wrong with being basic,” he assured me.
Just as we were about to discuss our ice cream plans, my phone rang, and I saw that it was Bella calling. I picked up the phone, greeted her, and then there was an unexpected burst of excitement on the other end.
“HOLY SHIT, YOU ARE MARRIED TO !” Bella’s voice nearly blew out my eardrum.RêAd lat𝙚St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only
My heart raced, and I exchanged a puzzled look with Sebastian. How did Bella find out about our impromptu wedding? There was no way the paparazzi could have captured that intimate moment in his parents’ living room.
Sebastian, clearly annoyed by Bella’s outburst, turned on the television. To our shock, the first thing we saw was a news segment featuring none other than Sebastian and me getting married in the living room, filmed by none other than the notorious Gavin Bonehead Campbell.