Chapter 003 Pretty Sycamore Tree

I took a photo of the freshly printed marriage certificate and uploaded it to F******k. Soon, my phone started buzzing with a barrage of notifications.

Messages from my parents, and even from Damon and Katherine.

They were shocked and infuriated, asking me what was going on.

I didn't explain, I turned off my phone, cutting myself off from the outside world.

A sense of satisfaction after revenge stirred within me. Though this risky decision couldn't yet prove what fate this man might bring into my life.

"Regretting it?

" Bradyn's sudden question disrupted my thoughts as we drove to his home.

The sunlight streamed through the car window, casting a shadow on his impeccably handsome profile. For a moment, I

couldn't help but wonder if there really could be a man so effortlessly elegant and divine.

"No! How could I!" I shook my head; I never felt regret for things in the past. As I looked at the engagement ring Damon had given me on my finger, it filled me with nothing but disgust.

I struggled to take it off and threw it out of the window, into the lake outside.

"What's that?" asked Bradyn.

I smiled, "It's the old Fiona who died in the past."

We continued our journey, but suddenly, a thought struck me.

We haven't discussed where we'd be living.

"Bradyn? Where are we going to live?"

The next second, I realized it was a silly question.

I slapped my forehead. Bradyn must have a house, given his luxury car.

But my dream was not to be a full-time housewife. If he was really wealthy, how could I convince him to let me work outside?

Thinking about this, I felt a bit regretful for my impulsiveness.

But it was too late. Our car had stopped in front of a luxurious mansion.

"Come on out. I've made arrangements." Bradyn's magnetic voice pulled me out of my thoughts.

I stared in shock at the building before me.

The mansion had three floors, with each floor offering a unique view as it was cleverly built into the hillside.

As we arrived, the car stopped outside the gated entrance. Once inside, I walked along a cobblestone path flanked by European-style stone benches, adorned with various potted plants, creating a visually pleasing scene.

Following the path to the right, I encountered a round gate, which led to the main villa

. Upon entering, I was greeted by an entrance hall with white marble Roman columns on both sides and elegant black marble flooring.

Under a splendid crystal chandelier adorned with hanging diamonds, there lay a luxurious Turkish carpet, upon which rested a pure black Oriental sandalwood table. The cushions on the sofa were of imported, branded elegance, reflecting the master's exceptional sense of style.

"Is this... your home?"

My heart raced.

I remembered the odd looks the staff at the City Hall counter gave Bradyn when we registered. At the time, I thought maybe they just found him handsome. But I didn't dare to imagine whether he might have a more noble status.

However, the surname Capel, I recalled now, was the surname of a noble family in Eastern France.

Oh my goodness! Could I have really married into a noble family?

"Not exactly. I'm just staying here temporarily."

Bradyn noticed my confusion and explained.

"I work as an government official at the City Hall. My boss trusts me a lot. After he retired and chose to travel the world, he lent me this estate to live in."

I exclaimed, "I see."

"From your expression, are you disappointed?"

I shook my head repeatedly, "Not at all. I just want to forget the past and start a normal and simple life again. To be honest, I don't want my husband to be a prominent figure. After Damon, I mean, my run-away-fiance, I understand that there's no simple love in aristocratic families. If you really are a well-known noble, it might cause me a lot of trouble."

Bradyn turned his head slightly and pondered, "Since that's the case, if I told you that the luxury car is also rented, would you feel more at ease?"

I spread my hands, "Really? That's even better! And I have my own job. From today, I'll work hard to make our life better together with you. I mean, I've heard the City Hall paycheck isn't exactly rolling in dough, but don't worry, I've got our back!"

After I finished speaking, my gaze was drawn to a sycamore trees nearby. I didn't notice Bradyn's strange expression.

"Are those... sycamore trees?"

Seeing a large grove of sycamores in the courtyard ahead, I became extremely excited.

I screamed and ran over, spinning around like a child.

"You didn't tell me that there's such a big grove of sycamores here! Oh my God!"

Bradyn stood behind me, his gaze casually following my movements.

"Is this the first time you've seen sycamore trees?"

I held up a large leaf and smiled, "Of course not. I just really like sycamores."

I loved the inherent symbolism of this life form, the straightforward character when changing leaves, much like my own genuine self.

But Damon didn't like them.

He thought sycamores were too coarse, lacking the romantic delicacy of mistletoe.

"How about you, Bradyn? Do you like sycamores?" I asked him.

"Yes."

He took a leaf from my hand and nodded.

"I once fell in love with a girl who told me the meaning behind sycamores."

Oh?!

My waving hand froze in mid-air, and a small pang of sadness rippled in my heart.

"So, you and her... I mean, did you marry me to forget about a girl you loved but couldn't have?"

Bradyn confirmed.

I thought maybe this wasn't such a bad thing.

At least, I could trust Bradyn's motives for marrying me without any reservations.

What could be simpler and more comfortable than two people who couldn't be with their loves seriously living together, healing each other?

The sun was setting.

After a whole day without eating, I finally felt hunger gnawing at my stomach.

I asked Bradyn if he wanted to have dinner together.

Without the help of servants, I could show off my exquisite cooking skills.

After all, as his newlywed wife, I was happy to cook for him.

However, a call suddenly changed Bradyn's expression from relaxed to serious.

"I'm sorry, Fiona. I have some urgent matters to attend to. Rest upstairs for a while, I'll be back."

With that, he left with his driver, Percy.

I stood before the dressing mirror carved from pineapple tree wood, looking at the immaculate but slightly flawed wedding dress on me, feeling like the events of the day were as surreal as a dream.

Was this even real?

I was no longer Damon's lover; my husband was a total stranger.

God must be pulling the biggest prank ever on me.

Wait, scratch that. This prank was all on me, no divine humor involved.

After a heartfelt prayer, I stepped into the bathroom for a quick change and a hot shower.

Then, Maria, the maid, showed up with a fresh robe.

Maria was this Mutola lady in her fifties, simple as pie with a warm smile.

"Madam, if you need anything, just let me know. Mr. Capel usually doesn't swing by after 9 in the evening."

A bit embarrassed, I confessed that I was kinda hungry.

I nibbled on two pieces of black cherry tart and washed it down with some goat milk wine.

The wine took me back to my childhood, those foggy days after I got snatched away from my parents...

In a half-asleep haze, I felt something fiery and wet pressing against my lips.

Someone was... kissing me?