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
As she slipped into the dress, Kourtney felt like a vision of pure radiance, ready to command the attention of any room she entered. The white dress was truly a work of art, making her look like a timeless beauty. It suited her so well as if it was made just for her, giving the impression of walking on a cloud.Kourtney smiled happily. Lilian was indeed the best fashion guru. As she stepped out of the changing room, Lilian's eyes widened, and she started screaming as expected."Oh my God! Yes, it's perfect! You look amazing. It's classy and has just the right amount of allure, making you look like a goddess. Your husband won't be able to take his eyes off you."Lilian couldn't contain her excitement as the dress was such a masterpiece of elegance and grace on Kourtney. The sweetheart neckline added a touch of romance, while the fitted waist accentuated her slender figure.The attention of all the other women in the store was fixed on Kourtney immediately after she stepped out. It was
Sebastian Woods, the man of the moment, stepped out of his chauffeured black Rolls Royce surrounded by his numerous subordinates and bodyguards. The sun was shining brightly, casting a golden glow on the city's iconic landmarks. As he made his way towards the entrance of Forbesâ Sydney headquarters, the anticipation in the air was so intense. He was about to grace the prestigious stage for an interview that would undoubtedly solidify his status as a visionary entrepreneur and industry titan. Dressed in a sleek Prada suit, Sebastian exuded confidence and sophistication. The perfectly tailored suit accentuated his athletic physique, leaving onlookers in awe of his Adonis-like appearance. His charming good looks, combined with his undeniable charisma, made him a magnet for attention wherever he went. The air was thick with his dominating presence as he walked into the gigantic 80-story building, and whispers of his name echoed through the corridors. A sea of fans had gathered, eagerly
Sebastian sighed, running a hand through his thick black hair. The woman always made him talk too much, a lot more than he used to.âNot necessarily living in fear, but itâs good to take precautions like this.ââB-But... I donât want to feel like Iâm being watched all the time,â Kourtney protested, her voice quavering as she held the phone tightly to her ears.âThatâs why I told my people to make it as unobtrusive as possible. Theyâd only observe you from the sidelines and step in only when youâre in need of help or in danger,â Sebastian assured her, his voice softening to dimensions he never even knew existed.His brow furrowed with concern as he understood Kourtneyâs fears. There was also the fact that he wanted his people to report every important detail of her everyday life to him, hence why he asked them to follow and guide her. But he did not want her to find out about that part, or the woman would label him a psychopath.He wanted to protect her and keep an eye on her as well,
As the evening approached, the sun began its descent, casting a golden glow over the Allen family's opulent villa. The atmosphere inside crackled with electric energy as it came alive. The grand and spacious living room, adorned with lavish furniture, was full of people. Among them stood the formidable figure of Florence Allen, Kourtneyâs grandmother and the Matriarch of the family whose presence commanded respect and obedience. Ever since the death of old master Robert Allen 9 years ago, Florence had been in charge of the family, ruling with an iron fist. She had set strict rules and expectations for everyone, ensuring they maintained the family's reputation and legacy. Her eldest Son, Luke, who happens to be Kourtneyâs dad, was her favorite child, yet she didn't hesitate to discipline him when needed. Tonight, every single member of the Allen family, totaling about forty, was currently present for the meeting. Even the servants were here too, because Florence believed they were a
As she stepped into the spotlight, Kourtney radiated an aura of confidence that commanded attention. Her choice of attire, a simple black crop top, and baggy sky-blue jeans, may have been casual, but her natural beauty and inner radiance shone through effortlessly. She was the epitome of timeless elegance, the kind of beauty who looked stunning in anything she wore.Her long, brown, cascading hair framed her face, accentuating her striking features. Her eyes, a mesmerizing shade of emerald green, sparkled with intelligence and curiosity. Kourtney's flawless complexion also seemed to glow naturally, as if she possessed an inner light that illuminated her from within. Her slender figure exuded grace and poise, a testament to her disciplined lifestyle and commitment to self-care.All eyes were fixed on her, eager to hear the words that had brought them all together on this momentous evening while Kathlyn bit her lips painfully. She was doing everything she possibly could to prevent her
âSebastian Woods????â the entire room seemed to scream in unison.âK-Kourtney, are you⊠what are you saying? What are you saying?â Grandma Florence stuttered in astonishment. The Old Womanâs face and whole countenance have turned pale as if she might catch a stroke any moment from now. Kourtney wondered if her precious granny would be able to handle such heavy news without passing out eventually. But she also knew that she had to proceed with the disclosure since Sebastian surely wouldn't be giving her any more time to spare. She sighed, her mind racing back to the whirlwind events that led to her marriage. âUhmm. Yes, Grandma. My husband really is that person - the famous CEO, Sebastian Woods.âGrandma Florence's funny reaction was priceless. Her face changed from shock to amazement and then to anger in a matter of seconds. Her eyes widened, her mouth dropped open, and her wrinkled hands trembled as she tried to process the shocking news that her granddaughter was spilling. It was
Sebastian had on a stony expression as he stared down at the bustling city from the highest floor of the Forbes skyscraper. Up close, he looked frightening, and his dark aura was dangerously unmatched. Due to some scheduling conflicts, his live interview has been delayed for over 3 hours, so right now, he was about to lose his last string of patience. But then... âSir, you have a call from Mrs Woods,â Jamieâs announcement, as if it had magic properties, brought him back to a relaxed state of mind. âMy Wife?â âYes, Sire. Itâs Mrs Woods calling.â Sebastian quickly grabbed the phone as if his life depended on it. The coldness in his eyes disappeared in a flash. âHello?â came Kourtneyâs gloomy voice. âWhatâs wrong?â Sebastian asked, concern lacing his words. âMr Woods, I⊠I told my family about it. And guess what? Things didn't go well as planned. I feel terrible!â Kourtney sniffed, her words coming out in a babyish manner as if she wanted to be petted and comforted by her husba
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