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-rooted expectations, had been nagging him incessantly to settle down and marry.
As the eldest young master of the household, they saw his approaching thirties as a ticking clock, not minding his unusual allergy to the opposite gender. They pestered him to find a way to get cured, which he had been trying his best.
In recent months, the pressure had intensified, reaching an almost unbearable level, but he stood his ground. He had lost all hope all these years in regards to ever getting married and raising a family of his own as he couldn't help but get irritated by females. It wasnât something he could control!
But now, he met this woman who didnât seem to trigger his allergy for some reason. It was a baffling mystery that intrigued him. And, in a moment of desperation, Sebastian had made the impulsive decision to marry Kourtney on the spot. And there was no going back now...
**********
One hour later, two marriage certificates were handed to Kourtney and Sebastian, respectively. Kourtney sniffed in frustration as she held hers, not bothering to spare a glance at it.
This wasn't the kind of wedding Kourtney envisioned for herself. She had always wanted a grand ceremony where she would exchange vows with her prince charming in a magnificent cathedral with the most elaborate architecture.
A fairytale-like wedding, where sheâd be floating down the aisle like a pageant queen, wearing a graceful white ball-like gown.
The decorations would be lavish, with cascading flowers and sparkling chandeliers. The guests would be seated in elegant chairs, witnessing their love story unfold. The music would play softly, creating a romantic atmosphere.
She dreamed of a reception in a lavish ballroom with sparkling chandeliers and a live orchestra playing her favorite melodies. The tables would be decorated with classy floral centerpieces and the guests would enjoy delectable cuisine. The celebration would climax in a breathtaking fireworks display, illuminating the night sky with gushes of vibrant colors.
It was this type of wedding she'd been planning with her now ex-fiancĂŠ, Brandon during the past few months.
As an event planner herself, Kourtney was very keen on every fancy detail being perfect, from the placement of the name cards to the arrangement of the dessert table. She had spent countless hours selecting the best color palette, from the bridesmaids' dresses to the linens and decorations.
She had hoped for a wedding that would awe and inspire everyone in attendance, creating an enchanting atmosphere that would linger in their memories for years to come. It has always been one of her deepest fantasies, but surely now, it wasn't likely to happen anymore.
Presently, she was getting married at the empty city hall, wearing a green-colored knee-length cocktail dress that hugged her figure perfectly. The dress was stunning, no doubt, but it couldn't compare to the elegance and grandeur of a traditional wedding gown. It looked nothing like what she imagined wearing on her D-day.
âThis is surely not what I thought it would be,â she thought.
What's worse? Not a single member of her family nor friends was even here, only strangers! How would she even explain to them that she got married to some guy theyâd never met before?
She glared at the man who stood beside her, the arrogant and egotistic man who now held the title of her âhusband.â His eyes, a piercing shade of blue, carried a coldness that sent shivers down her spine.
Kourtney couldn't help but wonder what she had done to deserve such a cruel fate. She had been hoping for love, companionship, and a partner who would cherish her. Instead, she found herself bound to a man she barely knew as a means to pay for his expensive custom-made car.
She was so full of hope and excitement for her upcoming grand wedding and her beautiful future with Brandon just this morning. However, not only does she end up being betrayed by her fiancĂŠ, her sister, and her parents, but she also gets into a loveless and clueless marriage with a total jerk on the same day!
Kourtney still couldnât believe she was thrust into this union against her will. It felt like a cruel twist of fate. How could her almost perfect life have taken such a drastic turn?
Meanwhile, the big office room was filled with an uncomfortable silence, broken only by the murmurs of the officials present. Kourtney noticed that even they seemed to be under duress, forced to come back and work after their working hours were over. No wonder! They performed their duties mechanically, lacking any warmth and sincerity.
She glanced down at her empty fingers, the absence of a wedding ring a constant reminder of the absurdity and hollowness of the situation. In her mind, a wedding ring symbolized love, commitment, and a lifelong bond. Its absence only brought out the lack of emotional connection she shared with her new so-called husband.
There were also no vows exchanged and promises made between them, just the cold ink of their signatures on the marriage documents. Without the proper exchange of vows or a wedding ring, the ceremony felt devoid of any meaning or significance to Kourtney.
âThere was literally no point in this.â A new wave of frustration welled up within her, threatening to spill over. She took a deep breath, gathering the courage to express her thoughts to the aloof man standing beside her.
"This isn't what I wanted," she said softly, her voice quivering with disappointment.
Sebastian turned to face her, his icy gaze locking with hers. His voice was laced with a hint of annoyance as he responded with one word.
âSo?â he scoffed.
Kourtney's heart sank even more as the manâs dismissive remark worsened her already wounded emotions. She had hoped for a glimmer of understanding or even a shred of empathy from him, but all she received was his heartlessness and arrogant attitude. This man was simply ruthless.
âWhy would you force me into a marriage that means nothing to both of us? It's not fair."
Sebastianâs lips twisted into a smirk as he eyed his adorable new wife. "Fair? Life isn't fair, my dear. Count yourself lucky that your debt has been settled. Not everyone gets a second chance from me. Better still, you should feel honored that I chose you as my wife.â
âYou really are a sick person. A sicko, that's what you are!â Kourtney exclaimed as she felt her anger reaching new heights.
âWhat an arrogant jerk,â she thought. âI should feel honored. Really?â
Sebastian's eyes narrowed, his voice growing colder. "It seems like you don't know âthe proper wayâ to talk to your HUSBAND!â
A cruel smirk crept back onto his lips as he stepped closer to her invading her personal space. He leaned in, his hot breath fanning against her ear and cheek, his voice seething with dominance and superiority.
âYouâre my wife now, so you belong to me, Kourtney Allen! And I suggest you learn your place before you start regretting the consequences of your defiance."
Kourtney clenched her fists and stared blankly at the man for a moment. She couldnât believe he was threatening her. Refusing to back down or be intimidated by his words, she straightened her posture and looked Sebastian square in the eyes.
"I may not have control over the circumstances that led us here, but I refuse to be a prisoner to your twisted games. You may think you hold power over me, but mark my words: I will NEVER belong to you. I will find a way to break free."
Sebastian's expression darkened even more as he heard her, his voice lowering to a dangerous whisper. "We shall see, Wife. But know this: resistance will only bring you pain. You're no match for me, so choose your battles wisely."
Kourtney mocked, âHa ha! If you think I'll ever consider you as my husband, dream on!!! This doesn't even feel like a real marriage. No exchange of vows or even wedding rings, just some âBOOORRINNG...â paper works. So, for starters, I will never accept you as my real husband.â
Sebastian raised an eyebrow, a hint of surprise flickering across his attractive face and good-looking features. His piercing blue eyes studied her intently for a moment, considering her words. Finally, he nodded, a glimmer of understanding in his eyes while his lips raised in a cool smirk.
"Hmmmm. Very well, then," he replied with a hint of intrigue. "Since you said it's boring. Why don't we make this more interesting?â
Hi Bestie, I hope you're enjoying reading this story just as much as I enjoyed writing it. I just want to welcome you to the love journey of Kourtney and Sebastian. We're in for a thrilling ride with them and I can't wait for you to read more of their romance. Please don't forget to Vote with your lovely Gems, it would mean a lot to me. Also, add the book to your library and follow my author profile to get steady updates. Love ya!!! đđđ
Before Kourtney could respond, he stepped out of the car, circling around to open her door with that gentlemanly flair sheâd come to expect.The man was spoiling her rotten!And why not?His hand extended, and she couldnât help but smile. It was such a âSebastianâ thingâalways treating her like a princess and caring for her in ways that made her feel like she was living in a dream.But the moment her heels clicked against the pavement, the dream turned chaoticâŚ..Camera flashes erupted like fireworks.Paparazzi swarmed the entrance, their lenses trained on the power couple.âMrs. Woods! Over here!â one shouted, his voice sharp and eager.âKourtney, give us a smile!â another called, pushing closer.The clicks and shouts were overwhelming, a reminder of how public her life had become.Sebastian, unfazed, was already used to this life for years now. He pulled her closer, his arm sliding possessively around her waist.âIs it true youâre expecting?â a third paparazzi yelled.Kourtney was t
Sebastian remained short of breath as he gazed at the woman. He was almost drooling!How does someone look so ethereal?Like a celestial being!Her dewy skin and rosy cheeks made her even more dreamlike.Angelic and soft!She looked too good to be true!Too sweet to look at!Meanwhile, Kourtney felt the manâs eyes on her like a physical touch, intense and burning.Her cheeks reddened.He stepped closer, his stare more intense by the second. His eyes practically darkened as they roamed over her, like he was memorizing every inch of herâHer gown, her hair, her face.He looked like a man whoâd just seen an angel on earth and wasnât sure he truly deserved her. She was so beautiful!âHoney.â Sebastian finally called in a rough tone. He was really fighting to keep control. âYou⌠youâre breathtaking.ââStop being so cheesy,â Kourtney teased.But boy! Heâs looking at her like he wants to eat her alive.âCheesy? Iâm just telling the truth, Mrs. Woods,â he rasped.She tilted her head playfully.
Kourtney blushed. âOkay, okay, itâs kinda cute. I didnât think people would care this much.ââCare? Honey, theyâre âobsessedâ. Damn! Youâre wayyyy smarter than I thought, posting that. Youâre playing the game like a pro. Iâm proud of you, babe.ââIf I didnât know you, Iâd think you were shading me,â Kourtney replied with a snort.âNever! NO! Seriously. You definitely know how to give the people what they want. I underestimated you so much. I'm sorry!â Lilian said laughing.Kourtney rolled her eyes, but her cheeks warmed like they would burst anytime soon. âOkay, fine, it was kinda fun. But you know this social media stuff isnât my thing. I only posted âcause youâve been hunting me for days.ââAnd look at the results! Youâre a natural, Kourt. Like⌠Babe, you broke the internet! Two million likes? And the way Sebastian was looking at you? Whew, I need a fan!âThe photos had looked even more dreamy with their enchanting Victorian-era-like horse riding gear. And as much as her best friend
Sebastian nodded, fighting hard to hide the smug smile creeping up his face. âAlright, letâs do it.âThey posed in front of the stables, Kourtneyâs smile radiant. His heart thudded as he looked at her, the pain of his mother, Roseline Serena Woodsâ absence mingling with the fierce love he felt for his wife.They snapped a few selfies, her head tilted against his, both grinning like lovesick fools. âThese are perfect,â she said, scrolling through the shots.âGreat! Letâs send for the staff! I want more pics of us,â Sebastian suggested.For unknown reasons, he liked this idea very much.Yvonne and Elise arrived to take more, capturing them laughing, arms around each other, the sun casting a golden halo around them.Soon, he led her to a sleek black stallion horse named Midnight, and the servants also followed to keep up snapping more photos.âWeâre riding together,â he said, helping her up.Kourtney settled in front, her hands gripping the saddle nervously.âSebastian, I⌠I think Iâm go
Kourtneyâs resolve cracked. She pouted her lips like a baby who needed some petting then threw her arms around his neck.âHubby, Iâm fine. Itâs just that⌠That family⌠theyâre not worth it. I donât want to ruin our day with their drama.âShe pressed herself against his solid chest in a coquettish manner.âOhh! That's it?â Sebastian chuckled.His strong arms encircled her waist, cradling her. And before she could say another word, he lifted her off the ground, twirling her around like she weighed nothing.Kourtney squealed, her laughter bubbling out as he twirled her around the room. Her brown hair bounced, and for a moment, she felt like a little girl again, free, light, adored.âSebastian! Put me down!â she gasped between laughs, her hands gripping his shoulders.She was starting to feel dizzy after about half a minute of his twirling.He slowed down. âLetâs do something fun today. Forget the world. Just you and me.âIt was a Friday and they had both stayed at home from work. Perhaps
Margaretâs lips trembled, but she forced a weak nod. Sheâd called Kourtney dozens of times, leaving voicemails that went unanswered.âIâll keep trying mother.ââOh yes. Try! That's all you're good at!â Florence was harsh with her words but she didn't give a damn.Kourtney hated them now and they probably deserved it. But right now, she didnât care about guilt or apologies. She cared about power, and Kourtney was their key to it.Her marriage to Sebastian shouldâve catapulted the Allen Corporation to new heights. She was supposed to be their golden ticket, but she had turned her back on them.Why must the Allen Corporation suffer by remaining where it was before and even after her marriage to the richest man in Melbourne?Wouldn't that be a shame?Wouldn't their enemies make a mockery and caricature of them?The room fell silent, the weight of Florenceâs disappointment crushing them all.This feels more like a battleground than a family meeting.The Allens had gathered for this meeting