The villa was breathtaking. Roses and lilies draped along the walls, their fragrance mingling with the crisp evening air. The long banquet tables glittered with silverware and dishes piled high with delicacies. A towering white cake stood proudly at the center, its layers adorned with golden ribbons and delicate sugar roses. Guests filled the hall—family members, close relatives, and long-time friends of both the Coles and the Lancestors.
Soft piano notes drifted through the air as the wedding march began. All eyes turned toward the aisle where Adrian stood tall at the altar, his expression calm but his heartbeat quickening. He glanced once at the guests, then straightened his tie, waiting.
The pastor's voice echoed, "Please rise for the bride."
Adrian's head turned instinctively. His breath caught.
There she was.
Olivea, radiant in a flowing ivory gown, walked slowly toward him, each step measured and elegant despite her trembling knees. Her blonde curls framed her face, and under the veil, her nervous eyes shimmered with something that made Adrian's chest tighten.
Damn… so pretty, he thought, his lips curving into a faint, almost boyish smile.
Olivea's gaze darted toward him briefly, her heart hammering. Why is he staring at me like that? She forced herself to focus on her steps, praying she wouldn't stumble in her heels.
At last, she reached his side. Adrian extended his hand. She hesitated, then placed her trembling fingers into his palm. His touch was warm, steady, grounding.
The ceremony began. Words were exchanged, vows were spoken, and time seemed to blur until the pastor finally smiled.
"By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."
Both Olivea and Adrian froze. Their eyes widened, darting to each other awkwardly.
"A… a kiss?" Olivea whispered, her voice barely audible, her lips trembling.
Adrian leaned closer, smirking. "Well… you're my wife now."
Before she could protest, his hand slipped around her waist, pulling her closer. Olivea's breath caught in her throat. His lips pressed against hers—firm, unhesitant.
Her eyes widened in shock. What the hell—did he just grab me and kiss me?! she screamed inwardly. But then, against her will, her eyelids fluttered shut. Never mind… his lips are so soft.
Applause erupted around them. The guests cheered, cameras flashed, and the world spun. When he finally released her, Olivea's face burned crimson. Adrian, of course, only smirked with smug satisfaction.
---
The celebration ended with laughter, gifts, and warm farewells. As the night deepened, Olivea found her parents preparing to leave for the airport.
"Mom, Dad… are you really leaving already?" she asked, her voice wavering as she held her mother's hand.
Her mother cupped her cheek gently. "Yes, dear. But don't worry. We will always be on your side. And remember—our home will always welcome you and your husband."
Olivea hugged them tightly, reluctant to let go. Her father gave Adrian a firm look, though his lips curved in a faint smile.
"Adrian… protect our daughter. She's in your hands now."
Adrian nodded confidently. "Yes, Father-in-law. You can count on me."
After her parents departed, Olivea sighed and turned toward the stairs. "Well… I'll just go to my room and—"
"Eh? Where do you think you're going?" Adrian's voice stopped her.
She blinked, confused. "To my room? Isn't that obvious?"
Adrian chuckled, shaking his head. "No, no, Olivea. We're leaving."
"Leaving? Isn't this where we're supposed to live?" she asked, frowning.
He stepped closer, lowering his voice. "Of course not. This is my parents' villa. I have my own house. Come on, it's getting late."
Reluctantly, Olivea followed. They said their goodbyes to Adrian's parents and climbed into his car. The drive stretched on, the city lights glowing brighter as they reached downtown. Olivea pressed her face to the window, her eyes wide.
"Woah… so many lights," she whispered, half in awe, half trying to distract herself from the silence between them.
Finally, a massive villa loomed ahead, its gates lined with glowing lamps. A sign by the driveway read: Adrian Cole Property.
Olivea's jaw dropped. She turned to him but found no words.
Adrian smirked at her stunned silence. "Here we are. Home." He stepped out, circling to open the car door for her. "Come on, let's unpack your things."
She hesitated, clutching her luggage. "Um… do I have my own room?" she asked awkwardly.
For a moment, Adrian froze. Then, with deliberate slowness, he walked toward her, closing the distance until she could feel the warmth radiating from him. His eyes locked onto hers, his voice dropping into a low, teasing drawl.
"No, Olivea. You're going to sleep in the same bed as me."
Her breath hitched, her cheeks flaming red. "W-what?!"
He smirked, leaning just a fraction closer. "That's what husbands and wives do, isn't it?"
Flustered, Olivea grabbed her suitcase and hurried inside. "I-I'll carry this myself, thank you!"
Adrian watched her scamper toward the villa, his tongue grazing his lower lip as he bit back a grin. His eyes glimmered with something mischievous.
"Huh… this is going to be fun," he muttered under his breath, following her inside.