Chapter Five; What have I done?

As the last guest offered their congratulations, I took a deep breath, steeling myself for the reception ahead. My new life as a bride who was not truly a bride had begun, and I could only hope that I could keep up the charade long enough to set things right.

Finally, the day had come to an end, and as we settled into the plush seats of the limousine, my husband turned to me, his eyes shining with adoration.

"You were stunning today, my love," he said, reaching for my hand.

I pulled my default smile, my fingers trembling slightly in his grasp. "Thank you," I replied, my voice betraying none of the turmoil inside me. All I did all day was say thank you, the term slowly becoming a mantra.

He leaned closer, his voice soft. "Is everything alright? You seem... distant."

I bit my lip, trying to quell the rising panic. "I'm just overwhelmed," I lied. "It's been a long day."

He nodded understandingly, but I could see the concern in his eyes. I turned away, staring out the window as we drove, watching the unfamiliar city of Los Angeles as the car glided down the winding road.

I found myself lost in thought, my gaze fixed on the passing scenery outside. The landscape was a blur of colors and shapes, the trees lining the road blending into a sea of green, occasionally interrupted by flashes of colorful wildflowers dancing in the gentle breeze.

The sun was beginning to set, casting a warm golden glow over everything it touched. The sky was a canvas of oranges, pinks, and purples as if painted by an artist's brush. The beauty of it all took my breath away, filling my heart with a sense of peace I so desperately needed.

Lost in the beauty of the moment, I leaned my head against the cool glass of the window, closing my eyes briefly as I listened to the soft music playing from the speakers. For a moment, all was right with the world, and I allowed myself to forget my troubles, if only for a little while.

I was oblivious to the longing stare of the man beside me, but the warmth of my hands in his reminded me he was there. Watching. A gesture that greatly warmed my heart.

As we pulled up to our new home, my moment of peace came to an abrupt end. Oh, how I wished it had lasted just a little longer. The grandeur of the estate only served to deepen my sense of dread. My husband squeezed my hand, offering me a reassuring smile. But as he led me inside, I couldn't shake the feeling that my carefully constructed facade was on the brink of crumbling.

As I take a step into the foyer of the magnificent modern home, I'm immediately struck by the elegance that surrounds me. The walls are a soft, neutral tone, accented by intricate molding and tasteful artwork.

A grand staircase with a sleek, modern design leads to the second floor, its steps adorned with a plush, luxurious runner. To my left, a spacious living area beckons, furnished with stylish, contemporary pieces that exude comfort and sophistication.

A large, marble fireplace serves as the focal point of the room, its flames casting a warm, inviting glow. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer stunning views of the sprawling grounds outside, where manicured gardens and a sparkling pool can be seen in the distance.

Moving further into the home, I find myself in the state-of-the-art kitchen, equipped with the latest appliances and sleek, minimalist cabinetry. A massive island takes center stage, providing ample space for cooking and entertaining. The adjoining dining area features a large, modern table surrounded by plush chairs, perfect for hosting lavish dinner parties.

As I explore the rest of the home, I discover a luxurious master suite, complete with a spacious bedroom, a private sitting area, and an opulent en-suite bathroom. The room is bathed in natural light, thanks to a wall of windows that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

Outside, the grounds are just as impressive, with manicured lawns, lush gardens, and a serene pond that adds to the home's sense of tranquility. A sprawling terrace provides the perfect spot for outdoor entertaining, with plenty of seating and a state-of-the-art grill.

Overall, this exquisite home is a masterpiece of design and luxury, perfectly suited to the discerning tastes of a billionaire.

“We begin a new chapter of our lives today, Verona.” His husky voice full of emotion gets my attention, snapping me out of my obvious gawking. I stiffen as his arms wrap around my waist, pulling me to the confines of his body.

I bite on my lower lip as his hands begin to wander, skimming towards the zip of my dress as his head lowers to my neck. A shiver runs up my spine as his lips graze my skin, causing blood to immediately rise to my cheeks.

Panic settles within me, and on impulse, I jerk away from his hold. I took a quick breath as I turned to see his dejected expression.

“Verona?” He cracks out, and all color drains from my skin when he clutches his chest as if in pain, groaning loudly as he falls to his knees. And in that moment Laura’s words echo in my mind.

“My brother has a rare heart condition…”

Oh no.

“The slightest shock could be lethal.”

Oh no. Oh no. Oh no.

What have I done?