Mrs. Black

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CHAPTER 2

I swear I did not understand him. What did he feel like? We were both doing this for our selfish gain. Why did it seem like I had just dug my grave?

I shook my head, tossing the thought to the back of my mind as I drove home. My eyes flickered to the card on my dashboard before focusing on the road. 

I arrived at my parents' house, ready to tell them the news, when my father's cold voice made me stop. 

"She did what? Kaia broke the marriage?"

I inhaled. I should have expected this. Shawn would make a fuss trying to use my parents to control me. 

Stepping into the living room, I met my parents, both dressed for the occasion. My dad had his phone pressed to his ear, clearly in a conversation with that cheat.

"Dad." He froze, ending the call and turning to look at me. My eyes glanced around, taking in the sight of my mother seated opposite him, watching with a worried expression on her face, "Mum, I can't marry a jerk. I know he is well to do, but he is a cheat." 

Immediately, my mother's eyes softened as she stood up. 

My father wanted to say something, but before I could process what was going on, he unclenched his fists and sighed. 

"Honey," my mother called softly, "I'm sorry." 

Instinctively, I moved to where she stood and hugged her. I had told myself I wouldn't cry because of Shawn but being in her comforting arms made me do exactly the opposite. 

But my tears halted when my father spoke again, "Darling, I am sorry, but… but that shouldn't be reason enough for you to call off your wedding."

I froze. Completely angry at what I was hearing. 

Immediately I pulled from my mother's embrace and spun on my heels. "Excuse me?!"

He raised his hands in surrender. "Do not get me wrong, my jewel, but think of the negative impact it will have on you when people hear of your called-off wedding. Many would think you were dumped and not the other way around."

I scoffed, folding my hands in front of my chest. "Then that's my cup of tea to worry about, right?" 

My tone was sharper than intended. No matter what, I always respected my parents as they were my world, but for my dad to defend Shawn... That was the height.

My mum intervened quickly, putting a stop to any argument before it began. 

"Sweetie, your father only cares for you."

"No," I snapped, stepping away from them. "It is one thing to cheat, but to have the guts to do that on our wedding day and with someone who hates me... no. Who knows how long they've been making mockery of me?" 

My father stepped forward, wanting to pacify me, but I could already tell what words would escape his lips. 

"No. Do not say it. I am not marrying Shawn and that's final. The wedding is off. I am done."

"But think of yourself. You'll be a laughing stock amongst your powers and everyone. Besides, Shawn is well-to-do. Annoying him could create a dent in your image and life if he picks a grudge for humiliating him."

"No worries. I have taken care of it." Both of my parents' faces mirrored their shock, but I could only smirk as I pulled out the marriage certificate from my bag and handed it to them. "Here. I'm married."

I barely registered my father's disapproving look at the marriage certificate before my phone rang, cutting through the silence. 

Glazing at my phone, an unknown number flashed on the screen. My stomach twisted; the last thing I needed was Shawn trying to control me with another call.

I ended the call and faced my parents. 

"As I was saying, dad, mum, this is…." My phone's ringtone pierced the air again. Whoever the caller was, was persistent. 

I decided to answer. If it was Shawn, he was getting a big piece of my mind and a nice insult.

"Hello?" I answered cautiously, my mother's worried eyes watching me.

"I have the contract prepared. Where are you?" The familiar velvety voice was cool, almost detached as it reached me. 

One word—Blaze. 

I could hear the low timbre in every word, like he wasn't used to being kept waiting.

I froze, heat rushing to my face. How did he even get my number? And did he really keep marriage contracts on hand?

"Blaze?" I managed, sounding a bit dazed.

He did not clarify for me and continued, "Send me your location. My driver will pick you up within the hour."

"Uh…" I hesitated, glancing at my parents' faces. They were already suspicious enough. "I need to pack a few things—"

"Not necessary," he cut in. "I've made arrangements. Your room will be set up by the time you get here with your clothing, shoes, bags and whatever you ladies love." His tone was matter-of-fact as if he'd anticipated my every excuse.

"Oh." I sounded more surprised than I had intended to let out. "Okay… I'll send the location now." I agreed, feeling strangely reassured by his confidence.

When I ended the call, I turned to face my parents, summoning whatever courage I had left. "That was my... husband," I murmured, forcing the word out.

Even though I should have gotten married by now, the word 'husband' felt out of place.

My mother's expression softened, though concern was etched across her face. "You're really married, Kaia?" she asked gently.

"Yes, Mom. And I need to go."

But my father couldn't seem to let it go. "You can't just walk away from Shawn. You know what this could mean—"

"I don't care, Dad." My tone was firmer than I intended. "I'm done with him. This is my choice."

Just as I said it, my phone buzzed with a flood of messages from my friends, asking where I was and why I wasn't with the bridal party getting ready. 

I quickly typed a reply, telling them the wedding was off and they should take care of the rest. That I was already married—to someone else.

I knew that news would blow up my phone, especially from my two best friends who would want every detail but now was not the time.

Minutes later, a sleek Rolls Royce pulled up in front of the house, and I caught the shocked expressions on my parents' faces. 

Ignoring my father's protests, I hugged my mum quickly and then climbed into the car as the driver shut the door.

Even now everything felt surreal but the thought of meeting Blaze again stole my breath away. 

"Good morning, Mrs. Black."