Sebastian was the actual owner of the hospital and could do whatever he wanted. However, after a moment's consideration, he decided to let it go, even with the extreme power he held.With a shake of his head, he turned away, dismissing the idea of forcing her back in. He had missed three full workdays, and there were piles of paperwork awaiting his attention. The workload was a lot!Yet, as he delved into the sea of documents, thoughts of Kourtney lingered in his mind. Sebastian couldn't shake the distraction she had become. He could hardly concentrate while she was sleeping beside him, and he still couldn't even now that she was gone.Just the simple thoughts of her brief peck on his cheeks left him in a state of disarray. Her teasing kiss and the challenge in her eyes had left a lasting impression on him."Damn, what's wrong with me?" he muttered, frustrated by the unexpected intrusion of these thoughts.Her presence, or the memory of it, lingered in his mind. He shook his head, att
Woods Corporations.The entire boardroom was packed with higher-ups, executives, and top staffs of the Woods Corporation, all anxiously waiting for their big boss to arrive. It had been a few days since he was last seen in the office, and everyone was curious about his absence, especially since he never missed work.Speculations and gossip filled the room, with some suggesting that he must be enjoying his new married life and couldn't bear to be apart from his wife."He must be on an extended honeymoon," whispered one executive to another, causing a few chuckles to ripple through the room.âI honestly still can't imagine or picture âTHE President Woodsâ in a romantic setting with anyone. It feels surreal.ââI wonder what kind of lover he'd be amidst his cold personality,â Monica Steely, the leader of the HR Department, says out loud. She'd always had a massive crush on the CEO, much like every other female at the company.âWhat if⊠just what if he turns out to be a softie who simps fo
Skyline Events âI'm outside your workplace parking lot.â Kourtney heard the manâs arrogant tone across the phone line. âUh? Wâwhy are you even here? What reason?â âDonât ask me silly ass questions. Do I need a reason to visit my wife?â âBut youââ âCome down here. Right now!â Sebastian commanded before ending the call abruptly. Kourtney heard the beeping sound and stared at the blank screen of her phone in anger. âThis man! What is he doing here? Isn't he supposed to be at the hospital?â Her mind was in a mess right now. Sheâd already made plans to visit Sebastian at the hospital this evening, but now he came looking for her instead, at her workplace where others might see him. She didn't know what to think as she shook her head nervously.As she walked out of her cubicle, she couldn't help but notice the curious gazes of her colleagues, their whispers filling the air. The last thing she wanted was for her personal life to become a spectacle in the office, but too late
After Sebastian left, Kourtney sneaked back to her office in a gloomy state. It was so difficult for her to witness her whole life being turned upside down in a flash. Being married to an arrogant and control freak like Sebastian Woods would surely drive her crazy in no time.âIâm going to lose my mind real soon,â she thought bitterly.The man was such a menace, and his ego was the height of Mount Everest.âKourtâŠKourt. Hold up.â Kourtney turned around to see Liam approaching her. Memories of their last encounter flooded her. As she recalled how Liam had practically confessed to having feelings for her, she started feeling a little uncomfortable.âOh... Hi, Liam⊠What's up?â she tried to keep calm, but she could not deny the sheer awkwardness in the air.Liam went straight to the point. âWhy does it feel like you've been avoiding me? I haven't seen you around all day.ââOh, me? It's... it's not like that, Liam. I mean... Why on earth would I avoid you? I've just been so busy all day,
The loud horn of a vehicle startled Brandon and Kathlyn as they dined together in the villaâs garden. They turned their heads in unison, their eyes widening as they spotted the exquisite limo parked just a few feet away. The sleek white exterior and tinted windows created an air of mystery and intrigue.âOMG! Is that a Limo?â Kathlynâs eyes glistered as she took in the magnificent sight. âOh, Brandon, is this part of the surprise tonight? How did you know Iâve always wanted to get inside one? Did you hire it just to fulfill my dream and make me happy?â She continues to stare between Brandon and the Limo with puppy eyes.Her heart fluttered with anticipation of entering the majestic White Limo to ride around town. She also couldn't wait to post online about her fiancĂ© adoring her with lots of gifts and surprises before their wedding. Meanwhile, Brandonâs eyebrow furrowed with confusion. As much as he would love to take the credit, the carâs arrival unfortunately had nothing to do wit
Tears welled up in Kourtneyâs eyes as she struggled to regain her composure. She felt pain, both physical and emotional, and her heart sank as she met Brandonâs cold and ruthless gaze. During their years of courtship, never once did he physically abuse her like this. She wondered if this person was the same man she'd fallen so deeply in love with. "You know, Kourtney, I never thought you'd turn out this evil. Trying to stress her out, hoping she'll lose the baby, huh? Is that your plan?" The words hit Kourtney like a punch to the gut. The audacity of Brandonâs accusation left her speechless. She also couldn't believe her sister would stoop so low, using her pregnancy as a weapon to further her own agenda. She had fallen right into Kathlyn's scheme, and now she was being painted as the villain. This couple was really shameless! "How could you be so heartless, huh? Pushing a pregnant woman like that? I never thought you were capable of such ruthlessness!" Brandon was still yelling. H
âMum, if you hear whatever I have to say at the family meeting tonight and still insist I go apologize to Kathlyn⊠Sure, I will,â Kourtney was confident her upcoming big reveal would be a turning point. She was going to drop a bombshell on them and could already imagine the looks of shock on their faces when she broke the news. âLetâs see if they'd keep on with the favoritism after that,â she mocked inwardly. Just then, Kourtney remembered how her father, Luke, had been so desperate over the years in his quest to increase their familyâs status. It was no secret that Luke was a sucker for money and power. This news would probably make him squeal with joy. She sneered in her heart, just thinking about how happy and satisfied he would be when he learned his eldest daughter married none other than Billionaire-CEO and elite Industry Titan Sebastian Woods, who also happens to be the eldest young master of the renowned Woods Family - the most powerful family in the city. Brandonâs fami
âKOURTNEY ERIN ALLEN!!! Stop fucking with me!ââYou heard me, Lil. I'm really married to fucking Sebastian Woods!â Kourtneyâs expression was dead-pan serious. It was clear as day she wasn't joking, and Lilian could see that in her eyes. But the news was just too overwhelming. âWhaaaat??â Lilian's jaw practically hit the floor. A-Are you fucking kidding me?ââI wish I were kidding you, Lil, but I'm not. I'm dead serious!â Kourtney reaffirmed. Lilian's eyes widened even further. She was flabbergasted and could not believe her ears. "Sebastian Woods? THE Sebastian Woods? The Almighty President of Woods Corp? The Stone-cold man who rules the Melbourne Business Industry? Forbes #7 Richest CEO under 30? The same godlike Billionaire who's known for his reclusive nature and his hatred for women?" Lilian's asked in one breath. Her voice was filled with disbelief.She thought Kourtney was pulling her legs with that revelation. "Kourt, come on, this has got to be a joke. Right? You're joking
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