5

The moment Jeremy disappeared from my office, I let out a slow breath, my hands gripped the file as if my body was only just catching up to the weight of what had happened.

I pulled my seat closer to access a few documents, trying to refocus, to pretend that today was just another normal day. But the truth was, nothing about my life was normal anymore.

Then my phone chimed. I almost ignored it, but something—some instinct—made me glance at the screen and I Saw a message from Derek Callahan pop on my screen, my heart skipped as soon as i saw his message, i quickly unlocked my phone to read his messages

Derek Sinclair:

'What time will you be ready tonight? The driver will pick you up. You're moving in.'

I stared at the words with as I read the texts, then immediately Another message followed.

"We're visiting my parents tomorrow. Don't be late."

For a moment, I just sat there, reading and rereading those cold, clinical texts.

I had expected this. No, I had walked up to a random stranger in a fit of annoyance, barely thinking, and asked him to be my groom..

What were the odds?

I let my phone fall onto the desk as I stared at the ceiling, processing every single details

I had married him.

It had happened so fast that my mind was still catching up.

I had done it to prove a.....point—to Jeremy, to myself and my family especially, to everyone who thought I needed to wait for love, for the right man, for some perfect moment that would never come. I shook my head. No time for doubts. No time for overthinking.

I had played my cards. Now, I had to follow through. I picked up my phone and typed back.

"7 PM."

It was Short, Direct, and left No room for emotions.

I set the phone down, exhaled, and leaned back.

I had chosen this path.

Now, I had to walk it.

But then, I quickly focused on the matter at hand, Work. Ella's work.

I straightened in my chair as I tapped into my system.....

First, I accessed the system, checking the confirmed reservations for the VIP lounge. It took only a few clicks to see which guests were expected and who had priority seating. A quick adjustment here, a minor reshuffle there, and suddenly, the most demanding, high-profile guests were either double-booked or conveniently left without proper reservations.

Then, I moved to the catering. A few messages later, the chef was under the impression that Ella had requested a last-minute change—one that completely disregarded the dietary preferences of some of the most influential guests.

I smiled. This was too easy.

I made the final touch, A simple email to the event coordinator, subtly changing Ella's arrival time. She'd walked in late, completely unaware that chaos was about to unfold around her.

I shut the file and leaned back in my chair with a smirk, Tomorrow, Ella's reputation would take a hit. And this was only the beginning.

Soon, It was 6:30pm, I had just enough time to stop by my apartment before heading to Derek's mansion.

I grabbed my purse and made my way out of the office, keeping my head high and my expression neutral. No one needed to know the storm brewing inside me—the mix of nerves, excitement, and sheer disbelief at what I had gotten myself into.

By the time I pulled up to my place, the sky had darkened slightly and the evening carried a cool breeze. I stepped inside and shut the door behind me, leaning against it for a second. This might be the last time I'd be in this space, at least for a while.

I moved quickly, grabbing only my essentials—a few outfits, my skincare products, my laptop, and some personal documents. There was no point in packing too much. Derek's assistant had already mentioned that everything I needed would be provided at the mansion.

Just as I zipped up my small suitcase, my phone buzzed again from Derek Callahan

"The driver is outside."

I immediately glanced at the time. 6:55 PM. Right on time.

I took one last look around my apartment before exhaling sharply. Whatever happened next, there was no turning back.

Grabbing my bag, I stepped out, locking the door behind me.

As I reached the car, I blinked in surprise at the person I saw in person.....Derek, he had came himself. He was standing outside and leaning close to the car, one hand in his pocket, the other holding his phone. The streetlights cast a soft glow on his sharp features, making him look even more intimidating than usual.

I slowed my steps, my fingers tightening around my suitcase handle. "You came yourself."

He looked up from his phone, his gaze meeting mine with that unreadable expression he always wore. "You sound surprised."

"I am," I admitted. "I thought you'd just send a driver."

Derek exhaled through his nose, like my surprise was unnecessary. "I was in the area."

I narrowed my eyes. "My area? And how did you know I was there?"

Derek didn't even blink. "I have my ways."

That answer did not sit right with me. I shifted in my seat, turning fully to face him. "That's not an answer."

He sighed, tilting his head slightly, as if deciding whether I was worth an explanation. "You're my wife now, Bianca. It's my job to know where you are."

I let out a sharp laugh, crossing my arms. "Your job?

He stepped closer, just enough that I caught the faint scent of his dark, expensive, intoxicating Cologne, "Call it whatever you want." He said quietly "Now, get in the car."

For a second, I didn't move. My pulse thrummed, not from fear—but from something I refused to name.

Then, I exhaling as I slid into the seat. Derek shut the door with a firm click before rounding the car. I stared ahead as my fingers gripped my lap.

This was happening. I was really moving in with him tonight.