Chapter 3 Pampered By Her Family

Outside City Hall

Ella and Tiesto stepped out of City Hall, each holding a marriage certificate. Tiesto reached up, removed his earpiece, and discreetly detached the hidden camera.

Ella gave a small, polite bow.

"Mr. Sterling... I know you hadn't planned to get married today. Thank you for agreeing anyway."

"Hm?" He raised an eyebrow.

"I didn't plan it either," she continued, her tone calm but firm. "But I don't want to go back to my adoptive parents' house. My birth parents don't have much, and I don't want to be a burden to them. Marriage felt... like the most practical solution."

She found him decent enough. And with their families already bound by an old engagement, it had seemed like the cleanest way forward.

Tiesto frowned slightly. "So marriage is just a transaction to you?"

"I know it's sudden," Ella said honestly. "If this arrangement causes trouble, we can end it. Six months from now-no strings attached."

"Forget it," Tiesto replied smoothly. Money had never mattered to him. Appeasing his grandmother today mattered far more.

"I'll rent my own place soon," Ella added.

"No need," he said, pulling out a key and a folded note Javi had delivered earlier. "This is my place. Move in."

The note listed an address, unit number, and Tiesto's phone number. The apartment described was modest, functional, and neat-much like the man himself.

Ella slipped the key and note into her bag, quietly absorbing the reality that she was now married. Tiesto turned and left without looking back.

She didn't stop him.

...

Back at the Hart Family Neighbourhood.

A young man waved as Ella approached.

"Daniel," she called out.

Daniel-her third brother, quiet and steady-smiled shyly. "Mom and Dad asked me to wait for you."

"Alright," Ella said. "Let's go home."

They entered through the back gate of a modest residential cluster-single-story units shared by several families.

The moment Ella stepped inside, the warm aroma of home-cooked food greeted her. Lucas was chopping chicken at the counter with practiced movements, while Lora rinsed vegetables nearby.

Lora wiped her hands and hurried over. "You're back. Come in-dinner's almost ready."

Henry, the eldest, glasses neatly perched on his nose, handed her a bowl of cherries. Caleb, ever cheerful, shoved a handful of chocolates into her arms.

"These are great! Eat more!"

In moments, Ella's hands were full. The warmth caught her off guard.

The two-bedroom unit was small but thoughtfully arranged. A compact living room, a narrow kitchen, two bedrooms-one shared by the brothers with bunk beds, the other for their parents. The small courtyard outside was used for laundry and washing vegetables.

Simple. Tight. But honest.

Ella felt something ease in her chest. By marrying Tiesto, she could leave without becoming a burden. Her parents lived modestly, but they were steady people-good people.

Lora returned carrying two plates of chestnut cakes.

"Do you remember these? You and Piper used to love them. I made them myself-try one."

Ella smiled and took a bite. "It tastes just like before."

Lora hesitated, then asked softly, "Should I bring one to Piper too?"

Henry shrugged. "I don't think it's necessary."

Caleb tilted his head. "I don't mind either way."

Ella didn't want to disappoint her mother. "I'll take one to her."

"I'll come with you," Daniel said.

They walked back to the villa together.

The door swung open, revealing Piper, impatience written plainly on her face.

"What is it now?" she snapped. "Next time, call first. Showing up like this is inconvenient."

Daniel had always been shy, his voice soft and uncertain. "Mom asked us to bring you something to eat..."

Piper recalled what Nora had mentioned earlier-the housekeeper had prepared an elaborate dinner tonight.What could they possibly have brought?

"Oh, you really didn't have to," she said lightly, her tone carefully measured to sound polite. "You should take it back and enjoy it yourselves."

Daniel hesitated. "Mom made it especially for you."

"...Fine. One piece," Piper said, finally reaching out. "That's enough. You can go now."

She picked it up delicately with her manicured fingers, careful not to ruin her freshly polished nails.

Before Ella could say anything-and before Nora might notice something off-Piper closed the door.

The moment it shut, Ella and Daniel saw her toss the chestnut cake straight into the trash.

Daniel's face flushed red.

"Forget it," Ella said quietly, tugging him aside. She'd expected nothing else from Piper.

She broke the remaining cake in half, handing one piece to Daniel and slipping the rest into her bag. Then she patted it lightly, cheeks puffing into a mischievous smile.

"Perfect," she said. "Breakfast for tomorrow."

Daniel watched her, his expression softening. Something like quiet admiration settled in his eyes.

Back home, Lora glanced at the empty plate and let out a small sigh of relief.

Ella said nothing, letting Daniel lead the way back inside. Somewhere along the walk, the two of them had formed an unspoken alliance.

Caleb nudged her. "Ella... can I get your number? I'll add you to the family group chat."

She handed him her phone. Caleb eagerly added her first, then returned it.

Before she could even look at the screen, Lucas came in carrying a large pot of roasted chicken fragrant with herbs and vegetables.

"Alright!" he announced. "Set the table-dinner's ready!"

Ella helped her brothers arrange the dishes. Soon the table was full-chicken, fish, shrimp, crab-everything they could afford, and more.

She noticed their hands then. Rough. Calloused. Worn by years of labor.

Her chest tightened.

Before the feeling could overwhelm her, food was piled onto her plate. Henry cracked the crab for her. Caleb peeled shrimp. Daniel carefully removed the fish bones.

They worked with quiet focus, as if trying to make up for twenty lost years in a single meal.

Ella's eyes shimmered.

"Eat more," they urged, voices warm and earnest.

After dinner, Henry cleared the table, Caleb swept the floor, and Daniel washed the dishes.

Ella stood to help, but Lora caught her hand. "Sit. Eat some fruit."

Lucas brought over a plate.

When Lora felt the thin calluses on Ella's fingers, her eyes stung. "You worked a lot at your adoptive mother's place, didn't you?"

"It wasn't that bad," Ella replied gently. "Housework isn't tiring."

Lora thought of Piper's smooth hands, her polished appearance, the way Nora favored her without shame.

Tears welled up. "From now on," she said firmly, "no one in this house lets Ella work too hard."

"Of course," the three brothers answered together.

"I'll make the bed," Lora added. "This room will be yours."

Ella immediately understood-they planned to sleep in the living room instead.

She shook her head. "Mom... did you forget? I got married today."

Lora's face filled with concern.

"Tiesto is a good man," Ella said softly. "And I'm at the right age. It was time. You don't need to worry."

"And the wedding-"

"I'll talk it through with Tiesto," Ella interrupted gently. "We're adults. Please trust us."