Astrid Wilder
"Astrid Wilder," he snapped.
"That's not a very manly way to welcome someone," I replied, brushing past him and heading for the stairs.
"Leave ," he ordered the guard, who quickly vanished.
"And you, stop right there," he growled, walking toward me.
I paused on the staircase, my body aching from a long, emotionally draining day.
"I asked you a question, Astrid," he said, voice sharper now.
"I don't think I owe you an answer," I retorted without turning around.
"Really?" he chuckled bitterly. "You're about to be my wife, living under my roof. You don't get to go out and come back whenever you want."
His forehead was sweating, jaw clenched, fists tightening at his sides.
"Umm, I think you're forgetting something," I snapped, whirling around to face him. "We're not a real couple, remember? So don't expect me to obey your foolish rules."
"What did you say?" His voice dropped into something dangerous.
"I said we're fake. We're not a real couple, so suck it up, Jaxon, and leave me the hell alone. If you're bored, why not go back to your precious Melissa? Let's stick to the no-bothering-each-other clause and play the game you started!"
I stormed off and slammed the bedroom door behind me.
Who the hell does he think he is? He literally kissed Melissa in front of me and still had the audacity to ask about my whereabouts. He's a twisted psychopath, and I blame myself for catching feelings. It hurt—more than I wanted to admit—seeing him laugh with her but never with me. I don't want to keep hurting like this. Not for someone who clearly doesn't give a damn.
Despite my anger, I fell asleep thinking of him.
I woke up to loud banging on my door and a familiar, beloved voice shouting, "Wake up, babe! It's your wedding day!"
Groaning, I rolled out of bed and opened the door to see Freya standing there, gorgeous as always, even in her pajamas. She held a bag in her hand.
"What's in the bag?" I asked, rubbing sleep from my eyes.
"My dress. I'm getting ready here, and then we'll head to the church.
Jaxon's grandpa insisted on a church wedding. Jaxon actually wanted a garden wedding.
My throat tightened. "I wish Mom were here," I said, and the tears started falling. "I miss you, Mom."
Freya came rushing out of the bathroom, alarmed. "I heard you crying. What's wrong?"
"I miss her," I sobbed. "I wish she could see me today."
Freya pulled me into her arms. "Hey, it's okay. I'm sure your mom is looking down at you with so much pride. You're everything she could've dreamed of and more."
I nodded, trying to calm myself.
Freya helped me to my feet and gently nudged me toward the bathroom. I stepped into a warm bath that smelled like coconut and vanilla, letting the calmness soothe my nerves. When I came out wrapped in a robe, I froze.
Jaxon was standing in my room shirtless and in only a pair of shorts surrounded by six women.
What the hell?
I stared at him, wide-eyed, while he casually tapped away at his phone. I glanced at Freya with a why didn't you warn me look, but she only shrugged.
Jaxon finally looked up. His eyes darkened as they roamed over me. I felt so exposed like I was naked beneath his gaze. My insides sparked with heat, and he hadn't even said a word.
"I brought these ladies to dress you," he said coolly. "They're from Kcee Beauty Salon." Then he turned and walked out.
We hadn't seen or spoken to each other since the night I returned home and he blew up on me. Living in the same house but avoiding each other entirely. I usually spent my days out with Freya, while he was buried in office work. Yet even in silence, I could hear him slamming things, breaking objects, yelling when Luca visited. I didn't know what was going on, and at this point, I didn't care… or at least that's what I told myself.
A snap of fingers jolted me back, Freya.
The dress had arrived, and I slipped into it. The ladies worked magic on my face and body, transforming me into someone I barely recognized.
I stood before the mirror, my white wedding dress hugging every curve, paired with matching heels and a glittering purse.
"Wow," I whispered. "I look... amazing."
Freya joined me, radiant in a gold dress that hugged her body, her black heels and purse matching perfectly. Her hair flowed down her back in soft waves. She looked like a goddess.
We took the elevator down and were met by Victor, Luca's right-hand man. He stood by the car, looking sharp in a tailored suit, and opened the door for me. I climbed in, followed by Freya, and off we went.
20 Minutes Later – At the Church
The church was breathtaking, like something out of a fairy tale. Massive stained glass windows, white roses, and chandeliers that glittered like stars. It felt like walking into royalty.
Inside, Grandpa , Rafael, Madam Pat, and Victor were already seated. Freya walked me down the aisle, and at the altar stood Jaxon looking devastatingly handsome in a black tailored suit. Beside him, Luca wore black, his face emotionless and cold.
"Ohhh, my man is looking hot," Freya whispered. For once, I agreed. Luca's tan skin, toned body, and intense brown eyes were a deadly combo.
Jaxon stood rigid, face unreadable. Typical. His expression gave away nothing , neither nerves nor joy.
We reached the altar. The priest began the ceremony, and I tried to focus, but my thoughts were everywhere.
Then came the words: "You may now kiss the bride."
My cheeks flushed with panic. Would Jaxon refuse?
But to my shock, he didn't hesitate.
He pulled me close with one hand, pressing me firmly against him. I could feel his bulge through his pants, and it sent heat spiraling through me. He kissed me slowly at first, then with an urgency that made my knees weak. His hand settled on my waist, my arms curled around his neck, and the world disappeared.
"Ahem," Grandpa coughed. "There are people here."
We broke apart, breathless.
"Congratulations, Astrid," Grandpa said, reaching for my hand. I took it, and we stepped outside together, leaving everyone else behind.
When we were out of earshot, he turned to me.
"I want to ask something of you," he said gently. "Please be patient with Jaxon. Love him if you can. I know he can be stubborn and difficult, but he's a good man deep down. Please, try."
I nodded, even though I knew in my heart that loving Jaxon voxx would never be simple. But I gave Grandpa the answer he wanted.
Even if my heart wasn't sure of anything anymore.