The opulent vehicle glided through the bustling city, its polished exterior reflecting the kaleidoscope of neon lights that danced across the night. Inside, the atmosphere was thick with anticipation as she and her companion sat on opposite sides of the plush leather seat, a palpable tension hanging in the air. A knot of nerves twisted in her stomach as the reality of meeting his parents loomed closer. She felt a swirl of uncertainty; she had no idea what to expect from such an important occasion. This meeting was pivotal for their contract marriage, and the promise of a substantial reward weighed heavily on her mind.
As she gazed out the window, the sights of the city whirled past, each flickering light a reminder of the stark contrast between their worlds. She came from humble beginnings, born into a lower peasant class, while he was the epitome of wealth and charm—refined, strikingly handsome, the very image of privilege. A lingering question gnawed at her, echoing in her thoughts, "Why me?"
Meanwhile, his mind was rife with calculations, contemplating how the evening might unfold. He subtly shifted his gaze toward her, hesitating for a moment before gently resting his hands atop hers—a gesture he hoped would offer solace, even as the extravagant diamond ring he purchased for her sparkled with artificial affection. He noticed the troubled expression that still clouded her features, her eyes darting nervously outside at the streaks of lights and passing buildings.
"Miss Kaelynnee," he said softly, his voice steady despite the palpable tension, "trust the process. I promise everything will go according to plan, so try to relax a bit." However, his words had the opposite effect, only intensifying her anxiety. All she could think about was how she wished for the night to end—she just wanted to escape the weight of expectation pressing down on her.
The opulent vehicle glided to a smooth stop, the soft hum of the engine fading into silence as the door swung open. She raised her head, a swirl of nervous anticipation fluttering in her chest. Expecting to be greeted by the familiar figure of the chauffeur, her eyes widened in surprise at the sight of the man who had been seated beside her in the plush backseat. Lost in her own tumultuous thoughts, she hadn't even noticed he had shifted, his presence now suddenly very real and captivating just inches away.
When did h-he?
"What! Did you just fall for me?" he inquired playfully, extending his hand toward her.
"Not in a million years! I'm only after your money," she exclaimed, her voice dripping with sarcasm as she rolled her eyes dramatically. With a slow, deliberate movement, she extended her hand, her fingers wrapping around his with a firm grip. Standing up from the vehicle, she maintained a confident posture, unbothered by the tension in the air.
How laughable!
"Now, lock your arm with mine," he instructed, his tone both firm and reassuring. As she hesitantly intertwined her arm with his, he offered gentle guidance. "Like this?" she asked, uncertainty flickering in her eyes. He adjusted her posture, moving her arm just a fraction more into the right position. "Exactly like that. Now, take a deep breath and try to walk steadily in those heels. I know they hurt your feet, but just bear with it for a little while, okay?"
As he observed her eagerness to improve, he noticed the slight nod of determination she offered in response. Encouraged by her effort, he smiled and continued, "Let's get going then. Just follow my lead." With that, he began to walk, their linked arms steadying her as they ventured onward together.
The mansion sprawled majestically before her, exuding an air of opulence and grandeur that was almost overwhelming. She took a moment to steady herself, inhaling deeply to quell the flutter of nerves that danced in her stomach, just as they had practiced together. A burst of vibrant flowers adorned the entrance, their colors a vivid contrast against the pristine facade, while a spacious parking lot subtly indicated the wealth of its guests.
Wow! This place is amazing
As she marveled at the breathtaking surroundings, the massive front door swung open with a quiet creak, revealing a line of twenty elegantly attired servants—each stationed gracefully to form a welcoming path for their entrance. "Welcome back, young master," they chorused in unison, their voices harmonious yet formal. Clutching his hand tightly, she felt a mix of awe and intimidation; she had always known he hailed from a privileged background, but nothing could have prepared her for the sheer spectacle before her.
Stepping inside, she was enveloped by an even more extraordinary scene. The floors gleamed like polished glass, reflecting her astonished expression as she took in the vast space. The first floor boasted three exquisitely appointed bedrooms, each with its own lavish bathroom, alongside a beautifully styled living room and a cozy family room. The furniture was luxurious, adorned with intricate detailing, while countless chandeliers hung from the ceilings, their crystal pendants twinkling like stars in the soft, ambient light.
Her gaze was drawn to the grand staircase that spiraled elegantly to the second floor, a realm shrouded in mystery and, she soon learned, strictly off-limits. The allure of the upper level added an air of intrigue to the already mesmerizing mansion, leaving her both enchanted and apprehensive in this world of wealth and privilege.
"Young Master has arrived, accompanied by a guest," the butler announced to the esteemed family.
"A guest? Don't you mean his fiancée of ten years, Amelia?" The question echoed through the room, a ripple of confusion spreading among the family members. Their brows furrowed, their eyes darted to one another as they tried to make sense of the butler's words. They couldn't grasp why he had chosen to address her so formally, as if she were merely a visitor and not the woman they believed had been part of their lives for the better part of two decades. Unbeknownst to them, this was a woman they had never truly met, and soon they would be in for a revelation that would turn their understanding upside down.
After what felt like an eternity—though in reality it had only been a few minutes—the two stepped into the bustling diner. A wave of astonishment washed over the faces of the patrons as they processed the sight before them: the woman their son had brought home was not his fiancée, but a strikingly younger lady.
He couldn't help but find amusement in the expressions of disbelief and surprise that swept across the room, finding the moment quite humorous. With a playful grin, he pulled her closer, wrapping his arm around her waist, his grip firm yet affectionate. "This is my legal wife, Kaelynnee Marie Anderson-Nakamaru," he announced with pride, his voice ringing out above the hushed murmurs.
As he spoke, the whispers began to ripple through the family seated at the table, their shock evident as they exchanged incredulous glances, struggling to comprehend the unexpected revelation