“Are... Are you sure you want to do this, Mr?” Kourtney started to panic once again.
He glared at her coldly before his words cut through the air like a knife. ”I’m the kind of man who never goes back on his word.”
Kourtney could feel her blood boil at his dismissive response, and she struggled to keep calm. Thanks to the anger management classes she took in high school, she managed to maintain a composed facade, though her hands trembled ever so slightly.
She took a deep breath, concealing the storm of emotions brewing inside her. She knew losing her temper would only give him further satisfaction.
"Sir, I don't want to marry you, now or ever. Please, just let me go."
The man's expression twisted with anger, "You're not going anywhere until I get what I want," he growled.
Kourtney's mind raced, trying to think of a way out of this terrifying predicament. She locked eyes with his, determination flickering in her mind as she thought of a new plan.
“Actually, Sir, I'm not old enough to get married. I'm still under the age of twenty-one, so it wouldn't be legal. I'm too young for this.” Kourtney lied, her voice tinged with desperation.
She hoped that by invoking her age, she could create a legal barrier to prevent him from proceeding with his twisted intentions. Thankfully, the legal marriageable age for this state was 21, and she could still pass as a 20-year-old because of her youthful appearance.
Sebastian sneered. “You’ll be twenty-four this year! October precisely.”
“You... You investigated me?”
“Why? Do you think I’d marry just anyone? I have all your information right here,” he replied grimly, waving his notepad at her face.
Kourtney was dumbfounded as her worst fears were confirmed.
‘So all this while, on our way to the City Hall, he was so focused on reading about my personal information?’ She thought.
He had meticulously researched her personal details, leaving her feeling exposed and vulnerable to him. She felt cheated, especially since she knew absolutely nothing about him. Not even his first name!
"Even if I'm turning twenty-four, it doesn't change the fact that I don't want this marriage," she said, trying to keep her voice steady. "It's not right!”
Sebastian's face darkened. "I don't care what you want. You're going to marry me, and that's final. Now get down!"
“You...”
“I said get down!!!”
Kourtney's heart sank even more as the reality of her situation sank in. His arrogance and domineering attitude left her feeling powerless, and she resisted the urge to cry.
She was trapped, and her desperate attempts to resist seemed futile.
He had already investigated her, leaving no room for escape or deception. Her last glimmer of hope was smashed, replaced by a bitter resignation.
She finally realized that escaping this man's clutches wouldn't be possible anymore. He meant business, and arguing with him wouldn't get her anywhere.
Reluctantly, she nodded, resigning herself to the circumstances. "Fine. If that's the only way to resolve this. Then let's get it over with. I don't care anymore.”
She angrily opened the car door and stepped out onto the pavement. The man followed suit, his expression triumphant as he watched her concede to his will.
Sebastian walked to Kourtney in front of the building and extended a hand toward her. A gesture that was meant to appear courteous, but in reality, it only fueled her anger.
"Shall we proceed, my dear?" he asked, his tone dripping with false politeness.
Kourtney, still seething with anger, decided to play along for the time being. She didn't want any unnecessary attention or interference that could potentially escalate the situation. She begrudgingly obeyed, her anger simmering beneath the surface. She knew she had no choice, but to follow him into that building, like a prisoner being led to her fate.
Fortunately for Kourtney, her luck never seems to run dry. A wave of relief washed over her as she noticed the “Closed” sign at the entrance. The 10-story building also had large glass windows that allowed her to catch a glimpse of the empty lobby.
It seemed like the staff had already left for the day, leaving the building deserted except for a few security guards standing outside.
"Is there a problem here?" the senior guard, a man who looked to be in his late 50’s inquired, eyeing Sebastian and Kourtney with a disdainful expression on his wrinkled face.
He suspected the couple were there to get a divorce judging from the menacing look on their faces. They both seemed like they were ready to tear each other apart.
They would be like the 10th young couple that were coming to get a divorce just today, and that was the reason for his annoyance. He wondered why this younger generation was so quick to end their marriages. It was such a big shame!
Sebastian's eyes locked with the senior guard's, and he could sense the judgment in his gaze. He was quick at reading people like the palm of his hand, and he could already tell what the old man was thinking. He flashed a charming smile at the security guard, trying to redirect his assumption.
"Oh, no problem at all. And we are not here to get a divorce. We came to get our marriage certificate.”
"M-marriage certificate? You two are here to get married?" the guard stammered, trying to process the unexpected twist. He was unable to hide his surprise.
He had expected a couple on the verge of separation, but their intention to tie the knot caught him off guard. He raised an eyebrow, looking at the seemingly unaffectionate couple with a mix of curiosity and bewilderment. Indeed, young love can be so intense!
Sebastian chuckled darkly, amused by the guard's reaction. "Yes, that's right.” He eyed Kourtney’s unenthusiastic demeanor from the corner of his eyes. She remained silent, watching the exchange with a bored look.
The guard was still taken aback for a moment before replying. "I'm very sorry, but I'm afraid the office is closed for the day since it's already passed 5 pm. Please, come back another day to get married.” He walked away and joined the other guards afterward.
When Sebastian heard his words, he frowned in displeasure. A cold and harsh look flashed across his handsome face. Meanwhile, Kourtney couldn’t contain her excitement at the news. She felt a touch of hope ignite within her, thinking that maybe fate had intervened and spared her from this man's wicked intentions. A sly smile crept across her face, and she turned to him.
"Oh, what an unfortunate turn of events. Did you hear what the man said? It’s already past 5 pm, and the office is closed. How inconvenient for you, Mr. Fancy-Pants." She mocked.
Sebastian smirked coldly. It's been a long time since he had encountered someone who dared to challenge him so boldly. He somehow admired her audacity, but it only fueled his inner desire to break her spirit.
"Well, well," his voice dripped with venom. "It seems you underestimate my resourcefulness, my dear. Just because the officials are gone doesn't mean I can't find a way to get what I want."
Kourtney couldn’t help but let out a giggle. She put her hand across her lips as she tried to suppress her laughter.
“Ha! Resourcefulness, you say? I don't think you understand," She said calmly after regaining her composure. Her voice was carrying newfound confidence.
"This bureau office is the only place to register a marriage in this entire city. Without their stamp of approval, your plans are as good as dust in the wind. So please, enlighten me! How do you plan to achieve your barbaric goals when the very people you intended to use have left for the day? Actually, this is the best way to humble a hoity-toity man like you who thinks he can impose his will on others and...”
As Kourtney continued talking, Sebastian's mind wandered. His eyes darkened as he glanced at her adorable face. He didn't say anything as she kept blabbing nonsense, which was kind of amusing to him. His Adam's apple rolled up and down a few times as his eyes took in her features from head to toe once more. His mind became filled with lustful intent and... Something more!
Soon enough, Kourtney noticed how the man was checking her out. Her initial assumption of him being a pervert only grew stronger. But now she sensed something even more sinister in his gaze. It made her feel uncomfortable as if he were mentally undressing her with his eyes.
‘What a total jerk.’ She clenched her fists, feeling a mix of anger and vulnerability.
As for Sebastian, there was a darkness lurking behind his eyes, a hunger that went beyond mere lust. The allure of her beauty, combined with his own twisted desires, felt like a dangerous dance on the edge of sanity.
Even though they just met, he couldn't resist the intoxicating pull she had on him. But deep down, he knew he was walking a treacherous path.
Haunted by a troubled past, Sebastian's heart had become a breeding ground for demons. He yearned for more than just physical pleasure at this point; he craved power and control. His desire for her masked an insatiable need to dominate, possess, and break whatever barriers lay between them.
His gaze lingered on her curves and features, making his vivid imagination run wild. He envisioned her squirming beneath him, breathless, helpless, and under his control.
While his mind continued to wander to the carnal cravings he harbored and had once forgotten, he knew he had to regain control. Though his intense gaze stayed on Kourtney, Sebastian's mind reluctantly reconnected with the present.
"Enough of this banter! Let's get down right to business," He cut her off, his tone dripping with a mixture of annoyance and desire.
“What business? Your miserable plans have been thwarted. Can't you see that? I suppose you'll have to find another time to torment innocent people with your vicious schemes," Kourtney sneered with satisfaction.
However, a seed of doubt began to sprout within her as she watched his calm and nonchalant expression.
‘Am I too hasty in celebrating my supposed escape from his clutches?’ She thought.
This was supposed to be the end of their journey, the final barrier that would save her from this man's clutches. But he didn't seem bothered in the slightest. Instead, a smirk crept across his face, his arrogance shining through.
"You're a feisty one, aren't you?" he said, amusement lacing his words. "You think this is over? Think again, my dear.”
Sebastian reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone, dialing a number with a flick of his fingers. With a swift motion, he put the phone to his ear with the sound of the dial tone echoing in the silence. His sharp eyes were fixed on Kourtney, relishing in the power and influence he was about to display.
As soon as the call connected, Kourtney couldn't help but overhear snippets of his conversation. The man was even speaking aloud on purpose."Yes, Governor Anderson. It's me," Sebastian said, his voice oozing with self-importance. "I'm outside the Civil Affairs office at City Hall, and it seems they've closed early. I need you to intervene and have them reopen for my business. Right now!!!"Kourtney's eyes widened in disbelief as she gaped at the man.‘No, he can't be real. That has to be a joke!’ She thought.She watched him with a mixture of horror and fascination as he continued his conversation, his tone reeked of authority and a hint of threat.“I understand it's after work hours, but I'm pretty sure you can make an exception for me. I'll be expecting you to handle this promptly, so better don't waste my time,” Sebastian continued to dictate as if he was speaking to a mere servant.He spoke in a tone that brooked no argument as if his word alone could move mountains. Kourtney cou
The more Sebastian looked at Kourtney, the more he believed he was doing the right thing. It had been a chance encounter, but something about her captured his attention. He didn't know her that much, but he was willing to take the risk because, for the first time in years, he felt truly alive. He felt things he hadn't felt for so long, making them seem so new and foreign. And all he could think of was taking the bull by the horn. He had been working damn hard for the past few years and had single-handedly transformed his family's company into a global powerhouse. The weight of his responsibilities as the CEO of Woods Corporations bore down on him. The never-ending streams of meetings, negotiations, and strategic decisions consumed his time and energy. He knew he certainly wouldn't have time for dating her even if he wanted to. And also, memories of the mounting pressure from his family flooded his mind. The Woods family elders, with their annoying traditional values and deep-roote
“W...What do you mean?”“I mean... We're going to have a ‘real’ wedding. Right here!” Sebastian replied with a wide grin plastered on his face.“No! I don't want it. Just ignore what I said,” Kourtney said with a death stare. ‘What is this man up to again? I've already had enough!“I wasn't asking if you wanted it or not. We're going to recite the wedding vows and wear our rings.”Kourtney's eyes widened in alarm. "But... But I didn't mean it like that! I just meant-"Sebastian held up a hand to silence her protests. His gesture was so noble and refined as if she was his mere subject. Kourtney didn't know when she obliged to shut up. She stared blankly at him as he turned towards the officials, his voice filled with authority."Call a priest," he commanded. “My wife here says she wants this to be a real wedding. So we’ll take our vows.”“That’s not true. That's not what I meant,” Kourtney started to panic."Find a reputable priest who can officiate our ceremony. I want this done prope
The priest's words hung in the air, emphasizing the significance of the kiss that would seal their vows. The tension in the room became heightened as the few guests consisting of only the city hall staff as well as Sebastian's driver, assistants, and bodyguards, awaited the final moment of the ceremony.Kourtney felt her heart skip a beat as the word “kiss”, kept echoing in her ears. It didn't matter if this man was now her legal husband or whatever. She would never let him claim her lips. Not now, not ever! Or so she thought...Summoning all the strength she had left, Kourtney turned her face towards Sebastian in a carefully calculated move. He stood tall at over 6ft4, so she had to tiptoe as high as possible to give him a peck on his right cheek. It was a swift gesture meant to divert him from kissing her directly on the lips.She didn't want to give him that satisfaction, not after everything he'd put her through. She knew that a peck on the cheek was a traditional gesture and coul
Kourtney's face flushed crimson red, and she looked away, feeling a mixture of embarrassment, confusion, frustration, and attraction. She hadn't expected such a bold suggestion from him after she questioned his sexual orientation, and the thought of their wedding night made her heart race.His response caught her off guard, and she struggled to find the right words. "I... I don't want it. Forget what I said,” she stammered."It's... It’s just that I thought... maybe the rumors were true. Some say you prefer men, so you avoid women like the plague. Others say you're impotent that’s why you've been awfully single. And it made me wonder why you pursued marriage with me,” she added carefully."Rumors are just —rumors. But it's amusing to see you so curious about my personal life, my dear Wife.”"Well, forgive me for wanting to understand the man I just married.”Sebastian's gaze locked onto hers, his demeanor softening just a fraction. "You're right," he admitted, surprising her with his
Kourtney turned around and caught sight of Kathlyn, the home-wrecker, approaching her from the living room. She noticed a hint of surprise flash on her little sister’s face. However, it quickly disappeared as her expression turned into a menacing smirk.”Kourtney, I didn't expect to see you here.” She heard the annoyingly coquettish voice of Kathlyn once again. Anger and irritation started brewing within her.“I live here, so where else should I be?” She replied with a sneer.Kathlyn was taken aback for a moment and seemed disturbed. She has known Kourtney since birth, and she understood her all too well.She knew that Kourtney was the type of person who would move out and probably cut ties with their family after what had happened today. After all, she had snatched her fiancé, Brandon, and their parents had supported the affair, even giving their blessings for Kathlyn to marry him in Kourtney’s place.It seems she had underestimated Kourtney's resilience and determination. Deep down,
Despite her raging thoughts filled with doubt and questions, Kathlyn managed to retort, trying to maintain her cool façade."You're lying, Kourtney! You can't just switch off your feelings like that. Brandon used to be your whole world, but now, he's with me. You're merely trying to convince yourself that you're over him, but deep down, you know you still love and want him!"“And stop feeling so fly! Brandon was the best thing that ever happened to you. He was way too good for you, and that's the reason you were too invested in him. Too bad he loves me, not you. We all know you can never get another man as good as him.” Kathlyn continued to bark, her frustration getting the better of her.She couldn't bear the idea that Kourtney was genuinely happy without Brandon. That thought shattered her illusion of victory and made her feel insignificant. So, Kathlyn decided to up the ante, hoping to push Kourtney's buttons further and make her break down.“Ah ah ah!” Kourtney let out a humorous
On the uppermost floor of a grand mansion located in the heart of the city, Sebastian Woods sat regally on a plush chair. With legs crossed and donning a luxurious black robe, he exuded an air of elegance and sophistication. Part of his broad chest was exposed, revealing a toned physique that made him look like a living Adonis. The dim light from the lamp beside him added to the allure, casting mysterious shadows across his chiseled features. In one hand, he held a fat cigar, its fragrant smoke curling around him like a cloud, and in the other, a glass of whiskey glistened under the moonlight. Despite the casual setting, his posture and aura were undeniably great, like a man entirely in control of the world. A small, contented smile played on Sebastian’s lips as his mind wandered to thoughts of Kourtney, his new wife. He found himself thinking about her nonstop since he came back. He wished she had agreed to go home with him tonight, even though they had barely known each other. Ta
Scarlet knew that getting a little revenge would at least make her feel so much better about herself tonight.While she stood, brainstorming ideas of what to do, the live performance ended.“Give it up for BTS!” the host announced as all seven members left the stage in high spirits.It was a spectacular ten-minute medley of their top hits across the span of their decade-long career. The crowd erupted into thunderous applause, still buzzing from the electrifying performance that had turned the evening into an unforgettable spectacle.The crowd of people that had gathered including Kourtney and Lilian, started going back to their various seats. Everyone was chatting so excitedly.“Did you see that choreography?” one woman exclaimed, her eyes shining with awe.“Right? I thought I was going to faint!” her friend replied, clutching her purse as if it were a lifebuoy.It was one hell of a show!The performance was finally over, and it was time to move on to another part of the program.“Now
His eyes drifted across the crowd, scanning for something familiar.Then he saw her—Kourtney.It was effortless to spot her amid the crowd; her vibrant green dress had been so eye-catching all night.Of course, she was going to be there at the forefront enjoying this nonsense!In fact, it was like she was at the center of it all.Soon enough, he was capturing every move she made, unable to tear his eyes away as she danced with her friend. It was almost as if they had previously mastered the moves as they imitated the backup dancers on stage.Hilarious!But the more Kourtney glowed with undeniable joy, the more Sebastian’s irritation melted away, replaced by something warmer as he felt a strange tug in his chest.Just seeing his wife so happy lifted the weight off his shoulders, as if he were dancing along with her.And to his surprise, he found himself swaying slightly in rhythm to the music. Unconsciously, he began to nod his head, tapping his foot against the polished floor.Just wa
Lilian hated this.She didn't want Kourtney to wake up one day and realize you wasted years waiting for a man who only wanted you in the shadows.She wasn’t just Kourtney anymore; she was Kourtney Woods, the wife of the most powerful man in Melbourne. And she needs to shine beside him.“Look, Kourt, I care about you, and it worries me. You have every right to be out there, sitting by his side and drawing the kind of respect that comes with being his wife. You’re not just some side project; you deserve to shine, to be the most important person in his life.”Kourtney bit her lip, filled with the combination of sorrow and a will to believe in Sebastian. “But… But he introduced me to his family. Doesn’t that mean anything?”“Maybe,” Lilian said, softening a bit. “But you need to have a talk with him. Make him realize that hiding you isn’t an option. You’re not a secret; Girl, you’re his wife! And I swear to God, if you let this man keep treating you like some *hidden secret*, I will perso
When Kourtney received the text right after stepping out of the ladies' bathroom, she frowned.She had just had the most insane confrontation with his ex-girlfriend, who threatened to throw her out of her “own” event. The situation had left her rattled, and right now, she wasn’t in a good mood.Once again, she ignored the man’s message and tucked her phone into her purse.“Typical Sebastian,” she muttered under her breath, feeling that simmering frustration become something deeper.Why couldn’t he understand that this wasn’t just a simple event for her?She was nervous as hell, wishing everything would go smoothly.Her whole career was at stake here!Nothing must go wrong, and she was supposed to make sure of it.However, the fact that she was living a double life right here made things so difficult.First, she was bullied by Sheila and her friends, now, she had run into Scarlet. Her emotions were all over the place now, and she could barely focus.Just as she grappled with her feelin
“I should just rip this off of you! You don’t deserve it! Who the hell do you think you are?” Scarlet spat, her demeanor feral, like a wild animal cornered and desperate.“Just a woman who refuses to blend into the background while you prance around like you're the queen of the world.”Shocked gasps echoed through the room. The vibe in the restroom had shifted in Kourtney’s favor.A handful of other women had already gathered around the two like bees. Some had their phones secretly pulled out and recorded the altercation as it unfolded.A supposed world-famous model and idol was behaving wildly and harassing a lady over a dress—it was surely going to make good headlines for the press.Scarlet barely even noticed they were being taped, too consumed by the red haze of jealousy and rage that clouded her judgment. “Look at you, acting like you own this place!” she shouted, her face flushed with indignation.Kourtney, standing her ground, firmly replied, “I am owning it!”Scarlet noticed t
Scarlet Thompson glided towards the lavish ladies' restroom with a heavy heart.She felt dejected, each step heavier than the last.She was more than just a blonde bombshell; she was the queen of this realm. But at this moment, she felt stripped of her crown.Despite being known for turning heads wherever she went, tonight, she felt utterly invisibleHer heart sank as she recalled how, for the whole evening, Sebastian hadn’t even bothered to look her way.The man didn’t pay attention to anyone but himself….He sat at his solo table, effortlessly charming, with the air of a king who couldn’t be bothered to glance at her for a second while she remained an invisible shadow just a few meters away at her family’s table.Absolutely devastating!The sting in her chest twisted harder each time she glanced his way.It pained her so much that the man didn’t seem to give a fuck about her. It hurt her ego so much.How could he not even acknowledge her?“Just breathe,” she murmured, leaning her we
“Honestly, Sheila? I just thought I’d wear something nice for the gala. Not everyone needs approval to feel good about themselves,” she shot back, attempting to keep her voice steady.“Please! Who’s going to notice you? He didn't even bother to acknowledge your existence. You’d think he’d at least do something with all that effort you put into your look,” Sheila leaned in to mock into Kourtney's ears, trying not to raise more suspicion from her friends.Kourtney’s heart sank deeper at Sheila's words, the sting of the truth cutting through the “unbothered girl” facade she tried so hard to project. Why was she subjected to this? Incensed, she retorted, “You’re just bitter because you can’t stand that I’m comfortable in my own skin. I'm not insecure about my looks like others!” Sheila’s expression darkened, the jealousy boiling into new heights. While she and her friends walked around in overpriced outfits that felt too much, Kourtney had simply shone without even trying. That though
The thought of Sebastian’s absence stung more than it should, and Kourtney couldn’t shake the apparent truth. Her husband was the elusive ghost of the evening.Although everyone expected him to materialize at some point.……The event proper began and the evening was shaping up smoothly. Just then, the crowd erupted into a frenzy. Kourtney looked around to see what the new commotion was all about.And there he was…..Sebastian, her husband, emerged, dressed impeccably in his dark suit, his presence magnetic. Instantly, the room gravitated towards him.This was a normal occurrence though—He always commanded attention and respect like it was a piece of cake.He was a man who needed no introductions by the hosts, his name was already on the lips of everyone as they gaped at his arriving figure.Kourtney's heart raced at the sight of him.Sebastian Woods—infuriating yet impossibly charming.Tall and powerful!The crowd parted for him like the Red Sea, and he moved without a hint of hesitanc
The entire Woods household was present down to their head servant, Madame Collins.‘These people were indeed weird,” Kourtney thought.It was like they turned the red carpet into their regular house events and weird tea parties.She swallowed hard, reminding herself that hiding here wouldn't solve anything. They were still going to see her anyway.Yet, even as the Woods family paraded down the red carpet, she found herself paralyzed with indecision.These were the same people she had previously spent the weekend in the mansion but she dared not to join them over there on the red carpet.She should be out there with them—her husband’s family and her chance to step into this world. But she felt like a girl playing dress-up in a world that was far too big for her.To sum it all up, her husband wasn't even with them.Sebastian!He still wasn’t here yet!However it wasn't surprising to anyone because Sebastian rarely attended the red carpet with his family at any big events. He was always