âAre... Are you sure you want to do this, Mr?â Kourtney started to panic once again.
He glared at her coldly before his words cut through the air like a knife. âIâm the kind of man who never goes back on his word.â
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.
âActually, 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.â 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. âYouâll be twenty-four this year! October precisely.â
âYou... You investigated me?â
âWhy? Do you think Iâd marry just anyone? I have all your information right here,â he replied grimly, waving his notepad at her face.
Kourtney was dumbfounded as her worst fears were confirmed.
âSo all this while, on our way to the City Hall, he was so focused on reading about my personal information?â 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!â
Sebastian's face darkened. "I don't care what you want. You're going to marry me, and that's final. Now get down!"
âYou...â
âI said get down!!!â
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.â
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 âClosedâ 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 50âs 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.â
"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.â He eyed Kourtneyâs 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.â 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 couldnât 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? Itâs 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 couldnât help but let out a giggle. She put her hand across her lips as she tried to suppress her laughter.
âHa! 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...â
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.
âWhat a total jerk.â 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.
âWhat 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.
âAm I too hasty in celebrating my supposed escape from his clutches?â 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.â
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.âNo, he can't be real. That has to be a joke!â 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.âI 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,â 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
âW...What do you mean?ââI mean... We're going to have a ârealâ wedding. Right here!â Sebastian replied with a wide grin plastered on his face.âNo! I don't want it. Just ignore what I said,â Kourtney said with a death stare. âWhat is this man up to again? I've already had enough!âI wasn't asking if you wanted it or not. We're going to recite the wedding vows and wear our rings.âKourtney'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. âMy wife here says she wants this to be a real wedding. So weâll take our vows.ââThatâs not true. That's not what I meant,â 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 âkissâ, 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,â she stammered."It's... Itâs 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 thatâs why you've been awfully single. And it made me wonder why you pursued marriage with me,â she added carefully."Rumors are just ârumors. But it's amusing to see you so curious about my personal life, my dear Wife.â"Well, forgive me for wanting to understand the man I just married.âSebastian'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 sisterâs face. However, it quickly disappeared as her expression turned into a menacing smirk.âKourtney, I didn't expect to see you here.â She heard the annoyingly coquettish voice of Kathlyn once again. Anger and irritation started brewing within her.âI live here, so where else should I be?â 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 fiancĂ©, Brandon, and their parents had supported the affair, even giving their blessings for Kathlyn to marry him in Kourtneyâs 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!"âAnd 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.â 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.âAh ah ah!â 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 Sebastianâs 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
The shift in conversation was immediate. The women around the table erupted into excited chatter.âOh, I found the most stunning dress at Marissaâs Boutique!â Sheilaâs sister, Sophie, exclaimed, her eyes sparkling. âItâs this deep emerald green, and I think it will look fabulous with my new earrings.âEmerald? How clichĂ©!â Another one scoffed. âIâm going with a daring crimson red. Itâs bold, just like me.â Meanwhile, Kourtney tried to maintain her composure, but was finding it difficult.Sebastian, ever the observant husband, noticed the sudden change in her mood.He leaned closer to her. âWhatâs wrong?âKourtney took a deep breath, feeling a rush of nerves as she spoke. âI...Iâm actually the one in charge of planning that event.âSebastianâs mood instantly lit up with pride radiating from him. âOh yeah! You did mention it before!âHe couldnât contain his excitement and announced it loudly across the table, âEveryone, my wife is the main event planner for the Silverstone Gala! She wo
Edwin raised his hands in mock surrender.âWoah! I bet no one so that coming,â he was amazed.At first, he had been super worried for Kourtney but, seemed like he wouldnât need to be.She could certainly take care of herself.He loved that she was a fighter who couldnât be bullied by those lots.He liked his new sister-in-law a lot!âMind doing us the Honour of an introduction?ââI wonât.ââCome on, donât be such a buzzkill. Iâm really eager to meet her,â Edwin stressed.The corners of Sebastianâs mouth betrayed a smile as he still stood up anyway.He had pretended to be nonchalant to Edwinâs request, but deep down, he was silently glad he could finally introduce Kourtney to the one person he rolled with the most among the Woods clan.As they walked into the kitchen, the air was filled with the delicious aroma of spices. Kourtney was in her element, wearing an apron, surrounded by some female members of the family and a few staff, all busily preparing dinner. She was slicing vegetable
Kourtney stood, perplexed. âDonât you want to know what happened?â âI donât care what happened. But I know you are right to slap whoever,â Sebastian chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners.He grinned like he just heard the best news all year round.Her eyes met his, and for a moment, they just stared at each other.Before she could gather her thoughts to speak, the ladies who had been at the tea party walked up to them, their faces pinched with disapproval. "Sebastian, you won't believe what your wife just did," one of the older ladies said with malice.Sebastian turned his piercing gaze toward them. His expression was cold and menacing, with eyes flashing with warning. "I think I can guess. But let me make one thing clear: my wife is off-limits. Anyone who dares to cross her will have to answer to me."âButâbut she slapped my daughter, Sheila!â Sheilaâs mother protested, her voice trembling.âI don't care. What I care about is that my wife was disrespected, and thus, she reacte
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