“Sebastian Woods????” the entire room seemed to scream in unison.“K-Kourtney, are you… what are you saying? What are you saying?” Grandma Florence stuttered in astonishment. The Old Woman’s 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. “Uhmm. Yes, Grandma. My husband really is that person - the famous CEO, Sebastian Woods.”Grandma 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... “Sir, you have a call from Mrs Woods,” Jamie’s announcement, as if it had magic properties, brought him back to a relaxed state of mind. “My Wife?” “Yes, Sire. It’s Mrs Woods calling.” Sebastian quickly grabbed the phone as if his life depended on it. The coldness in his eyes disappeared in a flash. “Hello?” came Kourtney’s gloomy voice. “What’s wrong?” Sebastian asked, concern lacing his words. “Mr Woods, I… I told my family about it. And guess what? Things didn't go well as planned. I feel terrible!” Kourtney sniffed, her words coming out in a babyish manner as if she wanted to be petted and comforted by her husba
Sebastian wasn’t surprised they were asking such deeply personal questions about his love life like this. Matter of fact, he had expected it. The host of the show, a world-renowned journalist known for her insightful interviews with top business tycoons, politicians, and famous public figures, suddenly acted inexperienced and childish by pressing him with a very personal question almost immediately after he got onto the stage. It was laughable yet understandable! After all, he was an extraordinary man who had the world at his feet. Everyone wanted a piece of him. His well-pressed clothes were devoid of any wrinkles. Even his 5-million-dollar wristwatch reflected a metallic, cool gleam, radiating an air of magnificence. On his left hand, his diamond wedding ring, “The Forever Promise,” was emitting a rare and superior kind of glow, adding more flavor to his entire outlook. The room was filled with anticipation and silence that one could even hear a pin drop. It was indeed as if th
The sound of birds chattering woke Kourtney up from her deep slumber. It was a bright new day, and the sun was already starting to set, casting a warm glow through her bedroom window. She yawned from sleepiness and then looked at the time on her large wall clock. “What?? 9 am already?” Kourtney shrieked, jumping up from the bed in haste Her heart raced as she realized she had overslept on one of the most crucial days of her life. “How could I wake up so late like this?” she muttered to herself, feeling a wave of anxiety wash over her. Her stomach was growling due to hunger, and she knew she wouldn't have enough time to engage in her beloved morning care routines and yoga sessions. A pity! Because it had always helped her start the day on a more positive note. It was a Saturday, which meant the entire family would gather to have a luncheon and brunch party that afternoon. Everyone was meant to attend as a family tradition, put in place by Grandma Florence. But first, she nee
Brandon was the first to react, his facial expression changing from shock to admiration, then to lust, and finally to indifference and spite.Kourtney couldn't help but notice the lustful look in his eyes as he took in her stunning appearance. It was a look she had seen before, back when they were together, and it made her feel a strange mix of emotions.Kathlyn, ever sharp and sensitive, had also noticed the change in Brandon's expression. She had always suspected that he still had lingering feelings of attraction to Kourtney despite successfully stealing him away from her.A bitter sneer formed on her lips as she stared at her so-called sister, who looked absolutely astonishing.Kathlyn had dressed in a well-made cream-colored gown, but compared to Kourtney's outfit and appearance, she felt like a pauper.Kourtney looked too gorgeous and sophisticated in that white dress, stealing the spotlight from her, who was supposed to be the center of attention as the bride-to-be.Today was su
Kourtney couldn't believe her ears. She stood there in horror, torn between laughter and tears. How could her own family treat her so cruelly? Calling her a nuisance as if she meant nothing and didn’t deserve to sit like the rest of them at the table.It hurt her deeply!Even her own mother and father remained silent, seemingly indifferent to the whole situation. Their lack of support and concern only added to Kourtney's pain.She looked around the table, hoping to find support from at least anyone else, but they all remained silent, their expressions indifferent, and they all looked at her like she was the most horrible person on earth!As Kourtney was led away to her room, she caught a glimpse of Kathlyn’s evil smirk. It was clear that her sister took pleasure so much pleasure and delight in her suffering.She was indeed locked inside her bedroom by the head servant as per Grandma’s instruction, making her feel a mix of anger and sadness.So badly, she wanted her husband to come tak
“WHERE IS MY WIFE?” Sebastian’s cold voice thundered through the room, his chilling presence sending shivers down their spine. He was almost furious at this point. But as he glared around the room, searching for any sign of Kourtney, no one dared to meet his gaze or answer his question. It was as if they were all hiding something, afraid of his wrath. Every one of them seemed to be in a daze. No one was saying anything concerning the whereabouts of his precious wife.His eyes scanned the crowd with a sense of growing unease. Despite the Melbourne weather forecasters predicting very delicate weather and advising all flights be canceled, Sebastian had just risked his life and that of his subordinates using his private jet to get here.Even after several pleas and warnings from his flight team, he had insisted on proceeding with the trip from Sydney, where he had done his Forbes interview. He did not want to disappoint Kourtney, especially when she had taken the initiative to call him
The room remained silent in total suspense as Kourtney and Sebastian locked eyes. It was as if time stood still, and the rest of the world faded into the background. The entire room watched the both of them keenly, eyes fixed on the couple like an audience watching a captivating play or soap opera.Kourtney took a deep breath, her heart pounding in her chest. She was standing here, face to face with the strange man she had married just about a week ago, yet it felt…. so undeniably RIGHT!Sebastian's lips curled into a small smile as he took three steps forward, closing the distance between them. "Kourtney," his cold voice was filled with affection. His sharp and icy tone from earlier suddenly replaced by a cool and soothing tone.A wave of emotions washed over Kourtney as she looked into his eyes. She felt a connection, a spark that she couldn't explain. It was as if they had known each other for a lifetime, even though they had barely scratched the surface.Somehow, she felt the ne
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 didn’t commit. Indeed, she was the target.“Oh wow! This has never happened in our history before.” “Who could be the thief?”“We've never encountered such cases at any of our gatherings in the past!”Kourtney 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 didn’t 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.“That's true! Why don’t we start by checking the purse of our beloved new young mistress?”Before 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.“Who still holds tea parties in the 21st century?” 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!It’s 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
“We can leave now if you want,” 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.“No, I don’t want to. I can handle them,” she replied, determination flooding her veins.You can call her so many things. But a “quitter” isn't one of them.“Very well then. They will either accept you or face my wrath. I assure you this,” 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 again—a 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.“Welcome to the family, Young Lady,” a middle-aged woman with perfectly styled blonde hair said. “We’ve heard so much about you.” 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 Woods’s 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 Sebastian’s 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. “Can you stop being so nervous?” 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 didn’t understand. He still didn’t get it.And she gue
After a moment of silence, when she didn’t 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 couldn’t 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. “Come on, let’s go inside,” 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.“Pick whatever you like,” he ordered.Her heart fluttered at his words. “Really? You don’t mind?” “Not at all,” Sebastian rasped.The way her emerald eyes lit up—it 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. “Mrs. Woods, Mr. Woods wants you to come join him in his car right away,” one of them said.Kourtney’s heart dropped. “He—he’s here?” she stammered, glancing nervously out the window. Sure enough, her husband’s white limousine was parked outside, surrounded by a crowd of curious onlookers. It felt like a scene straight out of a movie!‘Oh no! What now?’ 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. “I... I have to go.”“Go? Go where?” 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 didn’t 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 didn’t want anything personal between them, and that hurt more than she cared to admit.But why is she still...here?“Bastian,” she started, her voice smooth and confident as she prepared to