Chapter 5 Family tradition ceremony

Maverick left his room, seeking solitude. He descended to the backyard, the cool night air enveloping him. The sound of gently lapping water drew him to the swimming pool.

He walked barefoot, his steps quiet on the tile floor. A wine glass filled with amber liquid dangled from his fingers.

Reaching the pool's edge, Maverick stopped, staring into the water. The reflection of the moon danced on the surface.

Maverick took a sip of his wine as his thoughts drifted to Aria, wondering what prompted her to agree to this proposal.

"Financial problems I guess"he said.

He had never wanted to marry. The thought of being tied down suffocated him. Yet, his father's insistence had left him no choice.

The words of his father echoed in his head.

"Marry Aria, produce an heir, and secure our family's heritage"

To Maverick, his father cared only about the family's reputation, not his happiness. A child from wedlock was all that mattered.

Once Aria produced an heir, Maverick's decision was made. Divorce would swiftly follow. No need to wait two years.

Aria woke up, her body still aching from the previous night. She slowly swayed her legs over the side of the bed, reacting with discomfort as she stood up. She looked around the room, taking in the elegant interior decor, but her gaze quickly fell upon the bed.

Blood stains.

Aria's cheeks turned red as she approached the bed, her heart racing. She hesitated for a moment before lifting the sheets and the sight confirmed her suspicions

Her hands instinctively went to her panties, it was stained too.

Aria's virginity, lost.

"His bed would be stained with my blood too"she said feeling so embarrassed, wondering why she didn't notice last night.

Taking off her mind from it,she headed to the bathroom. The shower poured down on her, washing away the remnants of last night's tears.

As she walked out of the bathroom, Aria wrapped herself in a towel, feeling rejuvenated.

"Dressing up for the ceremony" she reminded herself.

Aria looked around, realizing none of her dresses were here.

"What should I wear?"

She opened the walk-in wardrobe, and her eyes widened in surprise .

Varieties of designer dresses, shoes, and accessories lined the shelves. Aria's eyes widened as she took in the luxurious display.

"Is this...for me?"

The closet was a fashion paradise, filled with stunning dresses and exquisite designs. Aria's fingers brushed against the fabrics, marveling at the beauty.

Aria spotted a small note on the dresser.

For Mrs. Aria Green, welcome to your new abode.

Aria's heart had a beat.

"Maverick?"

Had he arranged this? Or was it Sebastian's doing?

A knock was heard on the door.

"Come in"Aria said.

Clara entered, holding a tray with breakfast.

"Good morning, madam. I see you're up and getting ready"

Aria nodded, still wrapped in the towel.

"Thank you, Clara. I was just...admiring the closet"

"Mr. Green had it filled with the finest designs, especially for you, ma'am"

"That's...thoughtful of him"Aria said,its definitely Sebastian's doing.

Clara began laying out a sumptuous breakfast spread.

"Shall I help you get prepare for the ceremony, ma'am?"

Aria nodded gratefully.

"Please, Clara. I have no idea what to wear"

Clara smiled.

"Stress less, ma'am. I've got just the right idea"

Clara said as she took a chic cocktail dress.

"Perfect, ma'am! This designer dress exudes luxury and elegance"

Aria's jaw dropped as she took in the dress.

"I love it, Clara! But will it be suitable for the Green Family Tradition Ceremony?"

Clara nodded.

"Definitely, ma'am. This dress is both stylish and respectful. You'll make a stunning impression"

Aria slipped into the dress, feeling its silky fabric hug her curves.

Aria sat down and helped her to style her hair and and apply some makeup on her face.

"Thank you, Clara"

"You look breathtaking, ma'am"

Aria glanced at her reflection,looking satisfied.

"Now, Clara, where exactly is the ceremony taking place within the estate?"

"The ceremony will be held at the main mansion, ma'am. Specifically, in the formal living room" she replied and Aria nodded.

"And what time should I be ready?"

"Mr. Green requested your presence in the next 30 minutes, ma'am" Clara replied.

"Oh... okay then. Is there anything else I need to know?"

Clara hesitated before speaking.

"Only that the family gathering can be...intense, ma'am. Be prepared"

"Intense? What do you mean, Clara?"

"Monica and Kaden, ma'am...they can be quite...trying. Especially Monica"

"Trying?"

Clara leaned in, whispering a bit. "Monica's...wicked, ma'am. She hates the idea of you being part of the family. She'll likely make her displeasure known" she said but Aria wasn't surprised,she has noticed that since yesterday.

"And Kaden?"

"Kaden's hot-headed, ma'am. He'll likely take Monica's side. Together, they'll make it...tiring for you"

"I'll handle them"

"Be careful, ma'am. Monica won't hesitate to strike below the belt"

"How do you know Monica hates the idea of me being part of the family?"Aria asked out of curiosity.

"I overheard her talking to Kaden, ma'am. They were discussing your marriage to Young Mr. Green"

"What did they say?"

"Monica said you were...beneath the Green family's standards. That you were only after their wealth and status" she said and Aria frowned.

"And Kaden? Did he agree?"

"Yes, ma'am. He said you were an...unfortunate necessity"

"Can't believe they think of me that way"

"Just ignore them, ma'am and please eat your food before it gets cold"Clara said.

"Thank you, Clara"

As Clara began to clean up the room, her eyes fell upon the blood stained bed sheets.

"Ma'am..." Clara's voice fades out, her eyes widening slightly.

"It's...from last night,"Aria said, a little bit embarrassed.

"Do you need any medication, ma'am? Or...help with anything?"

Aria shook her head, feeling embarrassed. "No, Clara. I'm fine"

Clara nodded understandingly. "I'll have the sheets changed immediately"

Aria nodded gratefully, relieved Clara didn't pry further.

Thirty minutes passed.

Aria descended the stairs, Clara accompanied her, carrying a small purse.

"You look stunning, ma'am" Clara whispered.

"Thank you, Clara" Aria replied, her confidence boosted.

As they reached the main mansion, Aria became nervous.

"Do not forget, ma'am, you're Mrs. Green now" Clara reminded her. "Hold your head high"

Aria inhaled deeply and walked into the room.

Maverick stood by the fireplace, speaking with Sebastian. Monica and Kaden sat on a nearby couch, their eyes fixed on Aria.

"Hmm, well, well. Look what we have here"Monica said,her eyes roaming over Aria's dress.

"Good morning, everyone" Aria greeted.

Maverick turned, he stared at her outfits for a second before looking away.

"Good morning, Aria, Welcome to our family tradition"Sebastian said.

"Thank you,sir"

"Before we begin the ceremony, I have an announcement to make"

"Tonight, we'll be hosting a big party to celebrate Maverick and Aria's union," Sebastian announced.

Monica rolled her eyes.

"A party?" Maverick wrinkled an eyebrow.

"Yes, son, an opportunity for us to welcome Aria into our family and celebrate your union"

"And tomorrow...you two can take off for a week-long honeymoon. A well-deserved break"he ended and Monica frowned.

"Anywhere in particular, Father?" he asked.

"Wherever you choose, son" Sebastian replied.

"Just take some time to...get to know each other more better"

Aria's heart had a beat. A honeymoon with Maverick?

Monica snorted. "How old-fashioned"

Kaden chuckled.

"A week is too long, Father. Maverick can't just abandon work"Monica said.

"Kaden can handle Maverick's responsibilities while he's away"

Kaden nodded and Monica rolled her eyes.

"Kaden? You trust him to handle Maverick's workload?"

"I can handle it, Monica"he said and Monica hissed at him.

"Enough. Kaden will manage. Maverick and Aria need this time together"

Monica huffed. "Fine. But two days is more reasonable"

"A week, Monica. It's non-negotiable"

Kaden smirked. "Don't worry, sis. I'll keep everything under control"

Monica's glare could freeze water.

"Now, let us begin our Family Tradition Ceremony" he said and the room fell silent.

Sebastian continued. "This ceremony honors our family's heritage and welcomes Aria into our legacy"

Sebastian handed Maverick a small box.

"Maverick, please present Aria with the Green Family Crest"

Maverick opened the box, revealing a stunning silver pendant adorned with the Green Family Crest and Aria gasped.

Maverick gently placed the pendant around Aria's neck.

Sebastian nodded. "Aria, you are now a part of the Green family. Wear this crest with pride"

Aria smile but it was short-lived,she will be asked to return it once their contract is over.

Sebastian raised his glass. "To Maverick and Aria, may their union strengthen our family's legacy"

They all raised her glasses to cheer.

"Wait! My mother's antique necklace is missing!"

"How?" Sebastian asked.

Monica's eyes settled on Aria. "And I think I know who might know something about it"

"Why are you staring at me?"

"Don't play dumb, Aria. We all know you're poor and the only person who can do that"

"Monica, that's enough"Sebastian said but she continued.

"I think our new 'family member' might have helped herself to my necklace"

"How dare you! I didn't take your necklace"

Maverick stepped forward. "Monica, apologize. That's unacceptable"

"You're defending her? You don't even know her!"

"As long as she remains my wife,you don't have the right to disrespect her"

Sebastian intervened. "Enough. We'll investigate the missing necklace. Aria, do you have anything to say?"

"I didn't take it. I swear"Aria said with shaky voice.

In all this, Kaden was silent.

Monica stormed over to Aria. "Hand over your purse"

Aria's eyes widened. "What?"

"Monica, stop it"Maverick told her but Monica persisted.

"No, I want to see her purse"

Aria hesitated before giving Monica her purse.

Monica took the purse and looked through its contents.

"And...aha!" Monica exclaimed, pulling out the antique necklace. Aria's eyes widened.

"Explain this!" Monica demanded.

"I...I didn't put that in there"

"Stop lying. Dad, can't believe you gave a thief to my brother to marry" she said and looked over at Maverick who was too stunned to speak.

Aria's eyes filled up with tears. "I swear, I didn't steal it"

"Save it, Aria. You've been caught red-handed" Monica sneered.