Chapter 3 That's Our Home

Leyla met Colton's intense gaze and managed to smile. "I know. So... When are we tying the knot?"

She spoke while she got dressed.

The smooth fabric of her dress hugged her figure, the hem flowing gracefully like a stream.

Colton rose slowly, his hand brushing lightly against her waist. "Today, of course."

"Today?" Leyla spun around, surprised to see him only in his underwear.

He was so well-endowed that it took her aback, even in his relaxed state.

Feeling heat rise to her cheeks, she looked away. "I understand. I'll head home to grab my ID. I'll see you this afternoon."

Later that day, Leyla arrived at the courthouse and spotted Colton in the distance.

His features were sharp, and his expression was icy.

He leaned casually against the car door. When he saw her, he strolled over and naturally took her bag.

"After you, sweetheart." His tone was relaxed and easy.

He had called her sweetheart.

Leyla felt her cheeks heat up as she awkwardly trailed behind him.

When they exited, Leyla paused at the door, momentarily taken aback.

Just like that, she was a married woman.

Her father had always wanted to see her married while he was still alive.

Although she didn't particularly like Theo, she thought that marrying him was a reasonable choice.

But now, she was Colton's wife.

"What's on your mind?"

Colton's casual tone pulled her back to the present. She glanced up and met his steady gaze.

Colton took her hand and dropped a set of keys into her palm.

The keys felt icy, and she instinctively tightened her hold on them.

"Sunlight Villa," he said. "That's our home."

Their home.

A bittersweet feeling washed over her, reaching deep into her core.

Those two words nearly clouded her thoughts.

To everyone, she was a burden.

She had relied on others since childhood, and this was the first time anyone had called a place her home.

"I've got work to do," Colton said, moving slowly as he handed her bag back. "I'll be on my way."

He walked away, tall and graceful.

"Colton," Leyla said with some effort, her voice slightly hoarse. "Please don't tell anyone we're married yet."

Ever since that incident, the media had been all over the Stanley family.

At that moment, she wasn't ready to face their questions.

Besides, she still hadn't figured out how to break the news to Rachael and the others.

Colton stopped for a moment and then gave a lazy smile. "I understand."

He wondered what was on her mind.

He climbed into the car.

Simon Gilbert, Colton's childhood friend, was seated in the passenger seat and teased, "Happy now? Did you just call me to be your chauffeur?"

Colton looked up, his gaze icy. He was in no mood for jokes. "Shut up and drive."

That evening, Leyla returned to the Higgins family's home.

Things had turned sour between her and Theo. Staying there was no longer right. It was time to move out.

She went to her room to pack her belongings.

As Leyla opened her suitcase, a sharp voice broke the silence behind her.

"Leyla, you've become quite bold, haven't you? Where were you last night?"

It was Rachael.

Leyla frowned and turned to face her. "Aunt Rachael, I…"

"Leyla! How could you?" Rachael cut her off, her voice booming. "What was going on with this?"

With a fierce grip, Rachael yanked Leyla over to the bathroom mirror, holding her so tightly that it brought tears to Leyla's eyes.

"You're a decent woman. How could you have no self-esteem? Who were you with last night?"

As Rachael's angry words echoed around her, Leyla caught sight of her own reflection in the mirror.

Her long hair hung loosely on her shoulders and tears welled in her eyes. There was a noticeable hickey peeking out from beneath her collar.