Chapter 7

Kaira woke up to an empty bed, feeling surprisingly well-rested. She couldn’t help but wonder if it was because of Sebastian’s warmth, which had enveloped her throughout the night. Without lingering, she got up, freshened herself, and headed downstairs, her senses immediately captivated by the aroma of freshly prepared dishes.

“Miss Blackwood,”The staffs greeted her with respect as she passed. Their respect felt unwarranted, and she couldn’t help but wonder why they treated her with such reverence.

“You’re awake, Princess,” Sebastian’s deep voice called from the dining room. He was seated at the head of the table, his presence as commanding as ever. He gestured for her to join him, and, knowing his persistence, she complied without protest. Over the days spent in his company, Kaira had learned that refusing him never yielded results.

“Did you sleep well, Princess?” he asked, a mischievous glint in his eyes as he looked up from his plate. “Yes, I did,” She replied, her focus firmly on the meal before her, unaware of his teasing gaze.

“I’m sure you did,” He said smoothly, his voice dropping into a suggestive tone. “You were pressing so hard against my manhood last night that it took all my restraint not to take you right then and there. Such a tease, Princess.”

Kaira froze mid-bite, heat flooding her face at his brazen words. Embarrassment prickled through her, but she quickly pushed it aside. This wasn’t the time to lose her composure, not when she had more pressing matters to focus on, like her plan to get back at her parents.

“Get your documents ready. We’re getting married today,” Sebastian added, throwing her off balance once again.

“What?” She blurted, staring at him in shock. He raised his head from his meal, his expression calm but firm.“We’re getting the marriage certificate today. Soon, you’ll officially be Mrs. Ashford.”

Her surprise was evident, her thoughts racing. “Why? I mean, this feels... sudden.”

“Don’t tell me you’ve changed your mind, Princess,” He said, his eyes narrowing slightly in warning.

“No, I still want to marry you,” she admitted, though uncertainty laced her voice. “I just didn’t expect it to happen so quickly.”

“The sooner, the better, don’t you think?” he replied with a knowing smirk before turning his attention back to his meal.

They ate in silence after that, Kaira lost in thought. Her life was about to change drastically, and the whirlwind of it all left her feeling both uneasy and strangely resolute.

- - -

After Kaira was dropped off by Sebastian’s chauffeur, Louis, a little away from her house, far enough to avoid her family’s prying eyes—a pit of unease formed in her stomach. She knew what awaited her inside. Without hesitation, she entered the house, immediately noticing her entire family seated in the living room. Even Julian was there.

Don’t they have anything better to do? she thought bitterly.

“Good morning, Father. Mother,” she greeted curtly, avoiding their gaze as she made her way toward the stairs. She just wanted to grab her ID and leave, but her father’s stern voice stopped her in her tracks.

“And where do you think you’re going, young lady?” he demanded. Kaira turned back to face them, their disapproving stares practically boring holes into her. She sighed inwardly, already tired of the inevitable drama.

“Sit,” her father commanded. Reluctantly, she walked to the empty couch next to Evelyn and sat down, crossing her arms as she waited for whatever lecture or punishment they had planned this time.

“You are so ill-mannered,” Mathias began, his tone sharp with disdain. “You hurt your sister, and instead of staying home to apologize like a decent person, you ran off into a man’s arms.”

Kaira didn’t bother defending herself. It was always the same—they believed Evelyn’s version of events over hers, no matter how absurd. She stayed silent, letting the accusations roll over her, already anticipating her father’s next move.

“We’re just grateful nothing happened to the baby,” He continued, his voice laced with warning. “If anything had, you would have had a piece of me.”

At the mention of the baby, Kaira’s eyes darted to Evelyn, who wore a smug expression. But Kaira’s mind was already racing, plotting her revenge.

“Apologize to your sister. Now,” Mathias ordered, his tone brooking no argument. Kaira kept her face neutral, masking the bitterness that simmered beneath the surface. Her father’s sudden restraint, choosing words over violence was telling. He was scheming, probably hoping to use her connection to Sebastian for his own gain. Kaira knew exactly how he operated.

With mock sincerity, she turned to Evelyn. “I’m sorry, sister, for pushing you and almost causing harm to your baby,” she said, her voice dripping with false sympathy.

Evelyn, though visibly dissatisfied with the lack of groveling, plastered on her usual facade. “Oh, you’re forgiven. I can’t possibly hold a grudge against my sister,” she replied sweetly.

Kaira offered a tight smile, her eyes cold, then turned to her father. “Can I go now?”

“Yes, you can,” Mathias replied, ignoring the displeasure that flickered across her stepmother’s face. Kaira didn’t waste a second, retreating to her room. She was surprised the confrontation had ended without any physical abuse, but she wasn’t naïve. Her father’s newfound restraint was likely due to Sebastian. The thought filled her with satisfaction. How gratifying it will be to punish them all, she mused as she climbed the stairs.

Once in her room, Kaira showered and dressed quickly before grabbing her ID. She headed downstairs, passing through the living room where Evelyn and Julian remained.

“Where are you going?” Evelyn snapped, her tone laced with irritation. Kaira didn’t bother responding.

“She’s probably running off to spread her legs for some man again. Such a whore,” Julian muttered, his jealousy evident. Kaira smirked inwardly but didn’t give them the satisfaction of a reaction as she walked out the door.

When she arrived at the city hall, Sebastian was already waiting, his tall frame leaning casually against the building. His sunglasses hid his piercing gaze, but the slight scowl on his face gave away his irritation.

“You’re late, Princess,” he said coldly, his tone sharp. Kaira bristled but bit back a retort. Sebastian wasn’t a man known for his patience, and she had no intention of provoking him further.

“Sorry, I had some things to handle at home,” Kaira said, her thoughts momentarily drifting back to her family. Sebastian raised an eyebrow but didn’t comment. Instead, he walked into the city hall, and she followed closely behind. They handed their documents to the clerk, who processed them swiftly.

Sebastian signed the marriage certificate with his usual confidence before handing the pen to Kaira. She hesitated, her hand hovering over the paper. The clerk’s curious gaze flickered between them, suspicion evident in her eyes. Not wanting to draw more attention, Kaira quickly signed her name.

“Get in, Mrs. Ashford,” Sebastian said as they exited the building, opening the passenger door for her with a dramatic flourish.

His words struck her, she was no longer Kaira Blackwood, but Kaira Ashford. The realization made her smile faintly as she slid into the car. Sebastian joined her in the driver’s seat and started the engine.

“Why are you driving today?” she asked curiously, glancing at him.

He turned his eyes from the road for a moment, his expression amused. “Don’t like your husband driving you, Princess?”

Husband. The word felt foreign to her

“I enjoy driving,” he continued, “and Louis is only here to drop you off when needed. He doesn’t drive me around all the time.” Kaira nodded, absorbing his explanation.

The car soon pulled into Sebastian’s sprawling driveway. She followed him inside, noting his commanding presence as he immediately summoned James, the butler, and instructed him to gather the household staff.

Moments later, the living room was filled with the entire staff, their heads bowed respectfully. Kaira sat on the couch, unsure of what was happening.

“I have an announcement, and I expect you all to listen carefully. I will not repeat myself,” Sebastian said, his authoritative voice echoing through the room.

“Yes, sir,” The staffs replied in unison.

“Good. The woman seated here is my wife,” he stated, gesturing toward Kaira. “You will give her the same respect you give me. If I hear of anyone disrespecting her, there will be consequences. Understood?”

“Yes, sir,” they chorused again.

“Get back to work,” Sebastian instructed, and the staff quickly dispersed.

Kaira remained seated, stunned by the scene. She couldn’t understand why he made such a formal announcement, especially when their marriage was set to end in a year.

“I’ll be going home now,” She said, rising from the couch. Sebastian arched a brow. “Home? Have you already forgotten that this is your home now?”

“I know, Sebastian,” She replied, sighing. “But I need to gather my things and bring them here. I also don’t want the media to catch wind of our marriage just yet.”

He smirked, his teasing tone returning.“Are you ashamed of me, Princess? Or are you trying to avoid consummating our marriage?”

Kaira stood silently, her thoughts betraying her as her mind wandered to the idea of being in Sebastian’s bed. A flush of heat crept over her, and she unconsciously pressed her legs together at the thought.

Sebastian’s dark chuckle broke the quiet. Noticing her reaction, he leaned closer, his breath warm against her ear. “You’re thinking about it, aren’t you?” he murmured, his voice low and teasing. “You’re thinking of me fucking you so hard you scream my name, coming over and over in pleasure.”

He paused, letting his words sink in before continuing, “Or maybe you’re picturing taking me in that pretty mouth of yours, spilling myself all over you. Isn’t that right, Princess?” He grazed her earlobe with his teeth in a playful bite before pulling away. He settled back on the couch, his piercing gaze fixed on her. Kaira’s face burned, her body betraying her embarrassment, even as she fought to maintain composure.

Sebastian smirked at her reaction, his voice firm yet teasing. “You can do whatever you want, Princess. But at the end of the day you’re to return home because you are mine now.”

Without a word, Kaira bolted from the house, her hurried exit leaving him laughing softly.