Uproar in Worcester

Raven led her to the glass garden, a short distance from the main building. Siren followed, taking in the scenery. The expansive glass structure was engulfed in dense foliage, showcasing an array of vibrant flowers.

The garden's ceiling was entirely of glass panels, supported by sturdy wooden railings. At its centre stood a sizable fountain, capturing Siren's attention immediately. It depicted a bronze statue of a man and a woman, both naked

A large yellow snake coiled around the man's body, its tail encircling his neck and slithering through his thighs, veiling his intimate areas down to his ankle. The man's expression was erotic, his left hand gracefully pointing skyward while his right hand's fingers rested inside the woman's mouth.

Seated beneath his leg, the woman leaned forward to delicately lick the man's fingers, her hands flat on the ground, accentuating her alluring curves. Her gaze appeared trance-like, as if under a spell.

Siren furrowed her brow, unsettled by the sight before her. She had never encountered anything quite like it, struggling to comprehend the mindset of its creator.

"Do you like it?" Raven inquired, noticing her prolonged observation of the statue.

"It's... rather explicit," Siren responded.

Raven chuckled. "It was custom-made by Mr. Baldwin. You've heard of him, haven't you?"

Siren nodded. Baldwin, an elderly and renowned sculptor, was famed for his provocative works. His sculptures and figurines fetched high prices at auctions, earning him devoted followers.

She recalled accompanying Alex to galleries where Baldwin's pieces were showcased. Compared to his other works, this sculpture seemed relatively modest. At least here, the snake saved the modesty of the man.

Siren wandered through the garden, admiring the exotic flowers that adorned its pathways, some of which were rarely seen elsewhere. Among the rare exotic flowers, a bright yellow tiger lily in a corner caught her attention. Encircled by thick bushes, she extended her hand to pluck the flower.

Abruptly, a pair of hands wrapped around her waist, lifting her into the air and away from the bushes. Siren's eyes slightly widened in shock as her feet touched the ground she turned to find Raven looking at her with a serious expression.

"Stay away," he said softly, then knelt in front of the bushes. Delicately, he reached inside and retrieved something—a golden-scaled snake coiled tightly around his muscular hands.

"Naughty boy," Raven chided softly, patting the snake's head with his free hand. 

He then turned to smile at Siren. "It's an inland taipan. The deadliest and most venomous snake. One bite has enough lethality to kill over a hundred people."

"Why are there snakes in the flower garden?" Siren inquired, puzzled.

Raven arched an eyebrow. "When did I say it's a flower garden? This is a sanctuary for snakes, where they roam freely. Taipans are fierce, venomous, and difficult to tame. Rather than confining them in glass boxes, I prefer them in their natural habitat."

"You shouldn't harm her," Raven instructed the snake, as if expecting compliance. He gently released the serpent, which promptly slithered away in the opposite direction, disappearing into the bushes.

Getting up from the ground he guided her out of the garden. At the same time Aiden stepped out with Dr. Shaun. The trio bid their byes to Dr. Shaun and left the place. When they reached the city it was already five in the evening.

Raven suggested that he would drop her at her home. Siren didn't have any work at the shed today so she didn't refuse his offer either. When they reached her home, Raven got down first and opened the door for her once again showing his gentleman side.

Aiden was already fast asleep in the back seat of the car. Siren stroked his hair gently not wanting to disturb his sleep. 

"Pack your things. My people will help you move tomorrow," Raven instructed.

"Why?" Siren questioned.

"Because we're married. You're not planning to stay here, are you?" Raven frowned.

Though Siren had contemplated kidnapping Aiden and continuing to live there, Raven's insistence left her feeling there was no escape from their arrangement, especially considering she had initiated the marriage proposal.

"Fine," she acquiesced, turning to enter her house.

Raven watched her until she disappeared inside the door. He sighed and ruffled his hair before driving towards his own mansion.

The following day, Worcester city was abuzz with excitement. Headlines and TV broadcasts were dominated by news of Raven Grey's sudden marriage.

"New Addition to the Grey's family: Richest Business Magnate Ties the Knot"

"The Heir of Grey Enterprises Marries Top-Ranked Racer"

The coverage was overwhelmingly positive, with any potential criticisms swiftly quashed by Raven's influential associates before they could gain traction. 

No one dared to speak ill of his choices, well aware of his formidable power. Moreover, the fact that the bride was a renowned racer added to the intrigue and fascination surrounding the union.

Speculation ran rife, with many believing it to be a case of love at first sight. Some articles even recounted Raven's visit to Alcaraz Lane with his son, depicting the father-son duo's apparent admiration for Siren and their swift bonding. Young master Aiden, in particular, seemed delighted and attached to his new mother.

Accompanying the articles were photographs capturing the trio in various settings, in front of the civil affairs bureau, dining at upscale restaurants, and even a candid shot of the couple on a date in the outskirts of the city. The images served to solidify the narrative of a happy and harmonious family union, further fueling public fascination with the unexpected marriage.