âBoss. Here's video footage of the Madame eating with her office mates around when you called.Sebastian squinted his eyes as he observed the footage closely. His wife was eating with two others, a female and a blonde âmale,â chatting and laughing happily.He sat up straighter on the hospital bed and watched intently. At the time of his call, only the male was with her on the table.He couldn't help but feel a surge of jealousy and anger once again as he watched the two of them."Who's that guy?" Sebastian demanded, his voice cold and commanding as he pointed at the male figure in the video.The security guards glanced at each other before one replied, "We're not sure, Boss. Seems to be one of the Madameâs coworkers or a friend."Sebastian clenched his jaw. He didn't like the idea of his wife spending time with another man, especially in a relaxed and friendly manner, despite it being her workplace. Was she that close with all her male colleagues?"Keep an eye on him. I want to know m
With a resigned sigh, Kourtney picked up the hospital menu. "So what would you like to eat, Your Highness?"âI don't eat hospital food. My Assistant will bring in the meal my personal Chef made.âKourtney eyed him annoyingly. The man had a thing for always showing off, never missing an opportunity to flaunt his wealth and privileged lifestyle. His arrogant manners kind of made her want to punch him across his devilishly handsome face. "Must be nice,â she muttered under her breath."Well, when you're used to a certain standard, settling for less just isn't an option," Sebastian smirked, seemingly unfazed by her remark while Kourtney rolled her eyes.A few minutes later, Jamie rolled in a trolley containing dishes that would make even the most perceptive food critic's mouth water. Kourtney couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at the spectacle. Each dish looked like it had been carefully crafted to nourish and delight the senses. The centerpiece was a rich, velvety soup in an ornate bowl
Kourtney felt her cheeks flush deeper as she realized the implications of their current position. She was seated on his lap with his arms encircling her waist, and the intensity of his gaze was undeniable. She immediately struggled to get off him, but the man just wouldn't budge. He held her tightly against him. âMr Woods, I beg you to let me go now.â âWhy the rush? We're a married couple, after all. What's wrong about sitting on me?â he rasped. Sebastian's tone was defensive, and he continued to hold her with an iron grip in a possessive manner. Even his usually composed expression was replaced by a flicker of something more primal. There was a burning heat evident in his eyes. Kourtney, on the other hand, was flustered and conflicted, her face a deep shade of crimson red. She wriggled in his embrace, desperately trying to free herself. âThis man! How much more petty can you get!â she thought. Meanwhile, Sebastian's body, against his better judgment, responded to the close proxi
"Nothing to be overly concerned about Mrs. Woods, just some series of physical breakdowns caused by extreme fatigue. Apparently, your husband is a workaholic," Ryan lied diplomatically.Kourtney's eyes narrowed in a mixture of relief and annoyance. "Fatigue? That's it?ââYes, he just needs some rest and a healthier work-life balance. It's not uncommon for high achievers to push themselves too hard. Bastian needs to learn when to take a break."Kourtney sneered. âOH⊠I see. It was nothing serious, and your friend here made me pamper and feed him like he was some dying old Grandpa! All this drama for fatigue?â Sebastian, unapologetic, shot back, "Well, isn't it nice to know you care so much?"Kourtney, not one to let Sebastian have the last word, retorted, "Oh, you'll be lucky if I even lift a finger again. You can feed yourself!âSebastian raised an eyebrow, a challenge in his eyes. "Is that so?âHe shot her a sour look while Ryan couldn't help but chuckle as he watched the bickering
Kourtney tightened her grip on the bag of fruits as she recognized the couple â Brandon, her ex-fiancĂ©, and her sister Kathlyn, the same people who had betrayed and cheated on her.They seemed so happy together, and a bitter taste filled her mouth as she recalled the pain they had caused her. Her stomach churned, and she felt a headache, witnessing the life that was stolen from her. The universe seemed to conspire against her today.Frozen in her steps, Kourtney debated whether to turn around and find an alternate route, but then, they were standing on the road leading back to Sebastian's room, blocking any escape.Brandon, with his keen eyes, spotted her first. âKourtney???â he called out.He had a somewhat surprised expression on his face as if he hadn't expected to run into her here.Kathlyn, on the other hand, wore a triumphant smirk, her eyes gleaming with a hint of mischief."Oh, look who's here! Our dear Kourtney."âOh, Hi,â Kourtney sneered with disgust evident on her face. B
âIâm just doing charity from the bottom of my good heart.â Sebastian smirked. âCharity or not, It's good to know that you care for your husband.â âMr Woods, are you gonna open your mouth or not?â Kourtney asked impatiently, âI might change my mind, you know.â Meanwhile, on the sidelines, Jamie cleared his throat. âUhmm... Madame, Sir... usually donât eat fruits. I meanâŠâ Sebastian shot him a deadly glare, silencing him immediately. Kourtney chuckled. âLMAO! Who doesn't like fruits? My God⊠you're such a weirdo, Mr Woods.â âI like it now,â Sebastian replied icily. âOh... I see! Open your mouth then,â she dangled the watermelon slice closer to his lips. Sebastian opened his mouth agape, his eyes fixed on Kourtney. His lips slightly brushed against her fingers now as he accepted the slice, unlike the time she fed him with a spoon. And just like that, Kourtney felt her heart thumping and her cheeks heating up. His lips coming in contact with her fingers made her feel some type
Four hours later, the room's background light had shifted from the warm glow of late afternoon to the dark shades of late night. Sebastian, ever the attentive partner, had dimmed the hospital room overhead lights to create a more soothing atmosphere so Kourtney could enjoy her sleep.Even though he needed more lighting to be able to work, he willingly turned down the lights so she could sleep better. He also couldnât stop himself from stealing glances at her every now and then.Even with tons of work documents in his hands, he watched her from time to time as she reclined softly against the pillows like a cute little toddler. And the tenderness in his eyes also spoke volumes. She looked so cute! Too cute! âMy wife is super adorable!â he murmured.With her looking like this, Sebastian couldnât possibly concentrate on his paperwork.He could hardly help himself anymore as he reached out to touch her. He gently brushed his fingers against her nose, cheeks, and lips. It wasn't weird or a
"I beg your pardon, Mr Woods. Did you forget our agreement? You promised to give me a one-week grace period before moving in together. And we still have three days left. Did you forget?â Kourtney sneered.She felt she still needed more time to adjust to this whole idea. She hadn't even had the courage to tell anyone about it yet; not even her best friend, Lilian Powell.Meanwhile, Sebastian's arrogant demeanor faltered for a moment. He hadn't anticipated her reminding him of their agreement, which he had reluctantly put in place.His eyebrows furrowed, and there was a conflict visible in his eyes. He hated to admit it, but Kourtney had a point. They did have an agreement, and he couldn't disregard it completely."Oh, right. I did say that, didn't I? "Yes, you did. So, stick to our agreement!âAfter a tense silence, he finally relented. "Fine, you win this round. You can go home, but I don't like it."Kourtney exhaled, feeling a sense of victory. "Gee, thanks.âSebastian, still feelin
Kourtney glanced around the room, eyeing the other women. They were all looking at her with suspicion as if she were a suspect in a crime she didnât commit. Indeed, she was the target.âOh wow! This has never happened in our history before.â âWho could be the thief?ââWe've never encountered such cases at any of our gatherings in the past!âKourtney sneered on hearing their annoying remarks.It was painfully obvious they were trying to make it look like the thief was someone new in their circle. It all seemed like a slow-motion scene from a bad movie that made her bored, and she couldn't help but roll her eyes in disgust.Did they really think they could frame her like this?She didnât need a prophet to know she had been set up. The irritation bubbled within her. These women were more petty than she had ever imagined.âThat's true! Why donât we start by checking the purse of our beloved new young mistress?âBefore Kourtney could say, Jack, Sheila had moved swiftly, snatching her purs
The next day came quicker than expected for Kourtney. It was Saturday afternoon, and the Woods ladies always hosted a tea party. It was like a compulsory family-friendly tradition, they said.âWho still holds tea parties in the 21st century?â she muttered to herself, shaking her head in disbelief.The Woods family, apparently.Over here, everything felt ceremonious with a touch of rigid formality.Just the thought of it made her want to laugh and cry, at the same time.The ladies were dressed in elegant gowns, their hats adorned with flowers while holding dainty china teacups and sitting beneath a grand oak tree at the center of the Woods estate garden. Kourtney felt like she had stepped into a time capsule that took her to the past.Oh lord!Itâs giving the 19th century.It was the Victorian era once again!What would they have next?A masquerade ball?She chuckled lightly as she placed her own flowery hat on her head, feeling as though she was part of some kind of regency novel.Li
âWe can leave now if you want,â Sebastian said as he took her reddened hand, massaging it softly.She didn't have to put up with this nonsense.Kourtney looked up at him, her heart swelling with gratitude.âNo, I donât want to. I can handle them,â she replied, determination flooding her veins.You can call her so many things. But a âquitterâ isn't one of them.âVery well then. They will either accept you or face my wrath. I assure you this,â Sebastian spoke with ruthless precision as he pulled her closer.As a child, he had watched helplessly as his late mother was bullied continuously by members of the Woods family.Because of her poor background, they had never liked her.Back then, he couldn't do anything about it except clench his fists in frustration. However, one day, he vowed never to feel powerless like that ever againâa promise that fueled his fierce determination to succeed and made him become the man he is today.And now, he couldn't help his protectiveness over Kourtney a
That fear!It was that fear that somehow protected her like a shield, making them comply with whatever Sebastian commanded, even if it meant accepting her as his wife.They hated her presence here but could do little to nothing about it.Great!Just great!As they moved deeper into the grand living room, ornate chandeliers hung from the ceilings, casting a warm glow that seemed almost mocking in contrast to the chilly reception she was currently receiving.Apart from Grandpa Woods, other family members began to step forward to greet her. But their attempts felt empty and void, mere formalities arranged with forced smiles, making her feel small and insignificant.âWelcome to the family, Young Lady,â a middle-aged woman with perfectly styled blonde hair said. âWeâve heard so much about you.â The words dripped with sarcasm, and Kourtney could see the flicker of contempt behind her bright blue eyes.Oh!They knew!It was clear they already knew her entire history.Her identity and recent
The drive to the Woodsâs ancestral villa was filled with an electric tension that made Kourtney feel alive yet utterly terrified. She perched on the plush leather passenger seat of Sebastianâs Bentley while he drove, gliding through the streets with great skill and charisma.Her heart was thumping loudly in her chest, and she placed a hand on it as if to calm her raging storm of emotions.Sebastian, effortlessly handsome behind the wheel, glanced over at her with an eyebrow raised. âCan you stop being so nervous?â He asked, a hint of irritation seeping into his voice while his dark eyes narrowed slightly. He saw no reason for her to feel that way. She was making him feel like they were heading to a live-or-die boxing match instead of just his family villa.The woman simply had nothing to worry about. If only she knew....... Meanwhile, Kourtney rolled her eyes at him, a small gesture of defiance, but she said nothing.He still didnât understand. He still didnât get it.And she gue
After a moment of silence, when she didnât hear any response, she shrugged it off as if nothing had happened.Edwin Woods's heart was hammering in his chest.That was a close call!He peeped, watching her from the small hole by the door.He realized she was still wrapped in that delicate white towel, her hair cascading down her back in damp waves. His mind raced, imagining how soft her skin would be if he could touch her. But he had to stay hidden.He observed every little movement, from the way she brushed her damp hair back to the way her towel hugged her curves. She was so beautiful, so enchanting, and he couldnât tear his eyes away from her.He felt like a thief, stealing moments of her life, but in his mind, he was merely a guardian waiting for the right time to make his presence known.He watched as she rummaged through her closet, pulling out clothes.She resumed her whistling, a carefree tune that made him smile. The way she moved, so blissfully unaware of his presence, sent a
Sebastian stepped out of the car, holding the door open for her. âCome on, letâs go inside,â he urged gently as he extended a hand to her.Kourtney hesitated for a second but then took his hand, feeling the warmth of his grip. As she stepped out of the limousine, she was greeted by the bright lights of the boutique and the luxurious aura that surrounded it. Inside was a treasure trove of elegance. Silks, satins, and shimmering fabrics adorned the racks, each piece gorgeous and unique. She felt a flicker of excitement as she walked through the aisles while Sebastian watched her, admiration filling his eyes.She looked like a delicate flower in a garden of riches, and he wanted to shower her with the best of the best.âPick whatever you like,â he ordered.Her heart fluttered at his words. âReally? You donât mind?â âNot at all,â Sebastian rasped.The way her emerald eyes lit upâit was mesmerizing. Just like that, they spent the next few hours shopping.The shop attendants treated Kour
The men walked straight to her, ignoring Liam completely. âMrs. Woods, Mr. Woods wants you to come join him in his car right away,â one of them said.Kourtneyâs heart dropped. âHeâheâs here?â she stammered, glancing nervously out the window. Sure enough, her husbandâs white limousine was parked outside, surrounded by a crowd of curious onlookers. It felt like a scene straight out of a movie!âOh no! What now?â she winced inwardly.How did he even find out she was here?Would he accuse her of being promiscuous again?Surely, he might confuse this little luncheon with Liam for a romantic date. Right?The man was quick to jump to conclusions, and she feared facing the wrath of his anger again.What would he do to her this time? Drive her to Coolaroo again?Kourtney shivered with that thought in mind. Her heart started racing with fear and confusion.She stood up, her hands trembling as she shot Liam an apologetic look. âI... I have to go.ââGo? Go where?â Liam demanded, his expression
However, Sebastian sat behind his mahogany desk, barely acknowledging her presence. Instead, he was buried in a stack of papers on his desk, his dark brows furrowed in concentration.Rachael felt a pang of disappointment as he didnât even glance up to greet her.She could feel the embarrassing mix of frustration and sadness swelling in her chest.As usual, he was acting as if she were just another piece of furniture in the room.What would it take for this man to notice her?She swallowed hard, the presence of his two hulking bodyguards hovering in the corner of the room making her feel even more small and vulnerable. She knew they were there to prevent her from getting too close, a reminder of the boundaries he had drawn after their last encounter in his office space.He had made it clear that he didnât want anything personal between them, and that hurt more than she cared to admit.But why is she still...here?âBastian,â she started, her voice smooth and confident as she prepared to