Chapter 10 Mr and Mrs Woods

"W...What do you mean?"

"I mean... We're going to have a 'real' wedding. Right here!" Sebastian replied with a wide grin plastered on his face.

"No! I don't want it. Just ignore what I said," Kourtney said with a death stare. 'What is this man up to again? I've already had enough!

"I wasn't asking if you wanted it or not. We're going to recite the wedding vows and wear our rings."

Kourtney's eyes widened in alarm. "But... But I didn't mean it like that! I just meant-"

Sebastian held up a hand to silence her protests. His gesture was so noble and refined as if she was his mere subject. Kourtney didn't know when she obliged to shut up. She stared blankly at him as he turned towards the officials, his voice filled with authority.

"Call a priest," he commanded. "My wife here says she wants this to be a real wedding. So we'll take our vows."

"That's not true. That's not what I meant," Kourtney started to panic.

"Find a reputable priest who can officiate our ceremony. I want this done properly." Sebastian ignored her and continued to instruct the staff.

The officials, caught off guard by the sudden turn of events right when they were about to go home, paused for a moment before scrambling to fulfill his request. He then turned to his assistant who'd been standing beside him the whole time, as if he was performing best man duties.

"Jamie??"

"Yes, Sir!"

"Bring me the finest wedding rings money can buy. The best of the best."

With skepticism etched on her face, Kourtney watched as his assistant hurriedly left the room to fulfill his orders. That was not what she had in mind when she made that comment, and this man used her words against her like the manipulating devil he was.

"What else do you need, Wife?" she heard his deep voice asked mockingly.

"You... You can't be serious."

Sebastian just kept grinning. His eyes darted across her delicate features, narrowing with pleasure and delight. "Demand all you want, Wifey. Is there anything else you'd need to make the marriage real?"

Kourtney only glared at him as she felt her anger boiling even more. She didn't expect him to take her words as a challenge. Right now, he was mocking her for being powerless against him, yet trying to sound like a good husband who was only spoiling his wife.

Within 20 minutes, Sebastian's assistant arrived and presented them with the most exquisite wedding rings Kourtney had ever seen. They were adorned with sparkling diamonds and a blue gem, carefully crafted to symbolize eternity. The sight of them took her breath away, and for a moment she was captivated by their beauty.

Simultaneously, the sound of a car pulling up outside announced the arrival of the priest. The staff had wasted no time in finding someone to officiate their impromptu wedding ceremony as well.

Kourtney's shoulders slumped in defeat. Just as she thought this nightmare couldn't get any more surreal, it became even worse. The idea of standing before a priest with this overbearing man, exchanging vows, was the last thing she wanted.

As soon as the priest entered, a sense of solemnity settled over the room. The priest, a kind-looking elderly man wore a traditional robe, his demeanor reflecting years of wisdom and experience. The priest nodded respectfully at Sebastian and Kourtney before taking his place at the front of the room. He was quickly handed a sheet of paper containing the full names of Sebastian and Kourtney.

He started with a short speech, guarding them through the process of exchanging their vows and the significance of it all.

Sebastian's charming facade shifted ever so slightly, replaced by an air of seriousness. He stood tall and straight, ready to take on the responsibilities of a husband, which irritated Kourtney even further.

With a gentle clearing of his throat, the priest finally began the real deal, addressing Kourtney directly. "Do you, Kourtney Allen, take Sebastian Woods to be your lawfully wedded husband? Do you promise to honor, love, serve and respect him in sickness and health, for richer or poorer, for better or worse, forsaking all others, for as long as you both shall live?"

And then, as if a bolt of lightning struck her, Kourtney's jaw almost dropped to the floor in shock.

She thought, 'Wait!!! Sebastian Woods? That's his name?'

"Sebastian Woods!!!" the priest's voice echoed in her head again, emphasizing each syllable. She couldn't have heard it wrong. The pieces fell into place, and the realization hit her with full force.

A gasp escaped Kourtney's lips, her eyes widened in disbelief, and her palms grew sweaty. 'It couldn't be.' The wealthiest and most powerful young master in the entire city? The Billionaire CEO of "Woods Corporation,"? The man whose name carried weight and influence?

She had seen his face countless times in the news, plastered on billboards and magazine covers. How had she not recognized him earlier? How could she have been so oblivious?

Her thoughts raced, but her voice remained trapped in her throat, unable to form the words she needed to speak.

As they awaited her reply, Sebastian's eyes locked with Kourtney's widened orbs, and a hint of satisfaction danced in his gaze. A sly smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth, relishing in her moment of stunned silence. He had been aware of her ignorance all along, reveling in the shock that now registered on her face.

Kourtney felt the ground should open up and swallow her for being so ignorant.

The priest, sensing her discomfort and inability to respond, spoke once more, his voice gentle and encouraging. "Kourtney Allen, I ask again, do you take Sebastian Woods to be your lawfully wedded husband?"

"I... I..." she stammered, struggling to find the right words.

Her mind swirled with lots of emotions-anger, confusion, and a tinge of fear. How could she have fallen into this situation without even knowing who she was marrying? The realization hurt her deeply and made her feel like a fool.

This man held the power to make her and her entire family disappear from this city without a trace. He could either destroy her life or make it unimaginably better, and she had unknowingly walked into this trap.

Sebastian Woods is the eldest young master of the most feared and influential family in the entire city of Melbourne. He was worshipped and respected by all who came in contact with him. No wonder he could treat the Governor like his slave. The stories of Sebastian Woods's ruthless business tactics and heartless demeanor filled the airwaves, leaving no room for doubt about his character.

He was even anointed by the media as "The Stone-Hearted CEO" because of his cruel personality.

The very thought of being married to him sent chills down her spine. 'What the hell have I gotten myself into?' Kourtney thought.

Her striking emerald green eyes darted between the priest and Sebastian who now had a cold expression on his face showing his impatience. The reality of her predicament crashed down upon her, and she realized that she indeed had no choice but to respond with "I do."

They were already married on paper after all, and just doing this vow exchange as a bonus. There was nothing she could do to escape this.

Kourtney took a deep breath, torn between her desire to flee and the reality that escaping this situation was no longer an option. Everyone in the room seemed to hold their breath, waiting for her response. With trembling lips, she finally managed to respond, though it was barely a whisper.

"I... I do."

The words felt foreign on her tongue, and a part of her still resisted, but the cold glare in Sebastian's eyes left her no choice. The weight of those words settled upon her, and the gravity of the commitment she had just made sank in.

The priest nodded, his expression tinged with understanding. He had witnessed countless weddings and understood that sometimes, circumstances forced individuals into situations they did not desire. With compassion in his eyes, he continued the ceremony, moving on to Sebastian's vows.

He asked the usual which Sebastian immediately replied, "I do." He was eager to get it over with quickly and for Kourtney to be declared his wife.

The priest nodded again, his voice filled with a sense of hope as he blessed them. "May your love be boundless, your respect unwavering, and your commitment unyielding. May your journey together be one of growth and discovery. May you find the love and understanding you both seek. And with the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife."

Sebastian's smirk grew into a genuine smile, his eyes holding a glimmer of appreciation. He slipped the wedding ring onto Kourtney's finger while her shaky hands did the same. A mixture of relief and triumph flashed across his face. He knew that his manipulative tactics and calculated plan had worked, and he had achieved his ultimate goal, 'To make her his possession both legally and emotionally. Permanently His!'

His cold gaze softened as he looked at his wife. He could still see the doubt and confusion in her eyes, the wariness etched on her face. He wanted to take all her worries away.

Kourtney, still grappling with the shock of it all, took a deep breath, her mind filled with uncertainty. Right when she thought it was all over, she heard the priest speak again.

"Mr. and Mrs. Woods, you may now seal your vows with a kiss."

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Author's Note

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Hi Bestie, I hope you're enjoying reading this story just as much as I enjoyed writing it. I just want to welcome you to the love journey of Kourtney and Sebastian. We're in for a thrilling ride with them and I can't wait for you to read more of their romance. Please don't forget to Vote with your lovely Gems, it would mean a lot to me. Also, add the book to your library and follow my author profile to get steady updates. Love ya!!! 😍😍💝