Chapter 8 Married

Gerald was dressed in a white suit with silver threads adorning the lapels. He looked even more handsome with his clean-shaven face, specially prepared for this occasion. His thick, black hair was neatly styled with expensive musk-scented hair oil. His grandmother sat beside him, holding his left hand with her wrinkled right hand. Gerald patted that hand reassuringly. He loved his grandmother deeply, even more than his mother. And this marriage wasn't the marriage they initially wanted, but after learning who his bride was, both of them had found new motivation.

They had entered the grand estate. Mr. and Mrs. Brooks, along with their son, were waiting at the entrance, along with several people Gerald didn't recognize. They were all dressed in expensive and classy attire, clearly tailored for the occasion. They welcomed Gerald and his family as if they were honored guests. And indeed, they were honored guests. The Brooks family had to flatter them, or else their family's nobility would become nothing more than a shadow.

This wedding ceremony was deliberately kept low-key, and it was arranged suddenly, considering the change in the bride's name and, of course, because Gerald didn't want to attract too much attention. Except for their families, only the event organizing team was present in the house.

However, Gerald was certain that things would be different at the reception they would hold later. Although it wouldn't be a grand party with thousands of guests, it would undoubtedly be luxurious because the invited guests were influential figures for both families. Some of the guests already knew the face of his soon-to-be wife, so this had to be done. After all, the Brooks family loved to showcase the beauty of their wife and stepdaughter to the public.

A man Gerald recognized from the photo he obtained the previous night stood next to a man whom Gerald believed to be one of the Brooks family's guards. Gerald asked his assistant to take the man to a separate room because he wanted to have a private conversation with his prospective father-in-law. The man in the black suit was escorted by a burly figure, presumably hired by the Brooks family to ensure he didn't attempt to escape.

"I apologize for making this situation uncomfortable for you, sir," Gerald said as he looked at the middle-aged man with a friendly demeanor, extending his hand politely. "I'm Gerald Zeroun."

"Bradley Leonidas. I've heard about you, although not in great detail," Bradley replied honestly. Of course, everyone was familiar with Gerald as a ruthless and cold-hearted businessman, and Bradley had likely heard some of those stories as well.

Gerald gestured for the man to sit as if he were the host of the meeting, and Bradley nodded and took a seat. They engaged in a serious conversation that lasted until Brooks knocked on the door, signaling that it was time for them to leave.

"Call the bride out!" Brooks's command was delivered quietly but reached Gerald and Bradley's ears. Bradley had already stood in front of the officiant, eagerly awaiting the arrival of his future bride.

The door to a room swung open, revealing a beautiful woman in a stunning wedding gown walking alongside Mr. Leonidas. Her strikingly beautiful yet perpetually cynical eyes now locked onto Gerald's with a sharp gaze. Instead of becoming angry, Gerald responded with a teasing smile in her direction.

Oh God, the bride was incredibly beautiful. The wedding dress fit her perfectly, accentuating her elegant curves. The modest neckline of the dress revealed her collarbone and a portion of her delicate shoulder, which appeared fair and graceful. Her long, wavy black hair, which Gerald knew usually cascaded down, was now elegantly styled in an updo, showcasing her slender neck. Gerald couldn't help but wonder how her neck would feel against his lips and what her scent would be like.

Gerald gladly took Ariana's hand. He turned to look at the soft, golden-hued hairs running along her jawline and neck. Even her nape appeared to have a soft fuzz. Gerald had a preference for women with such features. It looked sensual and tempting. He smiled lasciviously once more, paying no heed to the onlookers. After all, the object of his lust was his soon-to-be wife, about to become his lawful spouse in a matter of minutes.

The officiating priest cleared his throat and delivered a brief marriage sermon. Not long after, Gerald officially became Ariana's husband. After exchanging rings, Gerald finally had the pleasure of kissing Ariana's forehead.

Once she freed herself from Gerald's embrace, Ariana hugged her father tightly. There were no tears of joy that typically flowed between a bride and her parents, just whispered exchanges.

Absurd, indeed. But that was the reality of the situation.

"Let my father go," Gerald heard the cold voice from his wife's mouth. Her sharp gaze pierced through Brooks and her birth mother. Brooks nodded. After all, Ariana had signed the contract. So, the girl couldn't refuse. Then, the two burly men who had been guarding Bradley guided him out of the house. Ariana just nodded to both of them before walking to a room where she had exited earlier.

Gerald followed her without a word, locking the door from the inside. Ariana only glanced at him briefly before turning her back to him. She chose to look out the window, watching her father's leave

"They will be safe until they reach their destination, don't worry," Ariana tensed. She didn't realize that the man was already standing behind her.Even her back was now pressed against his chest, and his lips were dangerously close to her ear. His warm breath grazed her neck. "Your scent, like a baby." The man touched his nose to Ariana's neck and inhaled Ariana's body fragrance

Ariana elbowed the man hard. The man groaned and took a step back. More because he was surprised because he didn't expect Ariana to be that rude to him.

"Oops, sorry. I did that on purpose." He said without the slightest feeling of guilt. "I'm sorry husband, I married you because I had to. And considering the agreement you made, I'm sure you also know everything. So there's no need to pretend to be a sweet husband in front of me because I don't need it." Said the girl in one breath.