Setting In
969 Words
The next morning, Raine woke up with a flutter in her chest. surged through her like warm sunlight spilling through the curtains. Today was the beginning of something new, something she had only dared to dream about. She was moving in with Alexander.
The events of the previous night were still fresh in her mind. He had handed her one of his phones with a boyish smile, casually mentioning he’d get her a new one soon. The gesture had been simple, but it meant the world to Raine.
Now, Raine stood over her bed, folding the last of her clothes into a suitcase. Stephanie was bouncing around the room, her tiny feet pattering against the wooden floor. Downstairs, she could hear Alexander’s voice drawing nearer as he approached the room.
“Alexander!” Stephanie squealed the moment he appeared at the door.
He barely had a chance to speak before she ran straight into his arms. With practiced ease, he scooped her up and spun her gently, earning a chorus of delighted giggles from the Stephanie
Raine laughed, watching them with something warm swelling in her chest. The way Alexander looked at Stephanie, his gaze was soft, attentive, and genuine, it stirred something deep inside her. There was no doubt in her mind. He was going to be an incredible father.
When her eyes met his, she felt the heat creep up her neck. He was smirking at her now, one brow slightly raised in amusement. Raine looked away quickly, embarrassed, and focused on dragging her suitcase to the door.
“I’ll get that,” Alexander said smoothly, stepping forward.
Their hands brushed briefly as he took the handle from her. His touch was brief, but it lingered in her thoughts as he led them to the car parked out front.
Raine paused at the sight of the sleek black vehicle,
and then blinked at something she hadn’t expected: a baby car seat installed neatly in the back.
“You did this?” she asked, blinking in surprise.
Alexander gave a casual shrug, but his eyes gleamed with a trace of pride. “Picked it up this morning,” he said. “Figured she’d need it.”
Raine smiled, wide and genuine. “Thank you… really.”
He opened the passenger door for her with a subtle, old-fashioned charm that made her blush again.
The drive was quiet. Not uncomfortable, just….filled with silence. Raine sat with her hands in her lap, stealing glances at Alexander. The man who, somehow, in such a short time, had begun to feel like something solid in her life.
“You don’t have to be nervous, Raine,” Alexander said gently, not taking his eyes off the road. “You’re safe with me. I’ll protect you.”
Raine turned her head slowly. The sincerity in his voice was evident and she believed him. She didn’t say anything in return, but a soft smile formed on her lips, and she nodded.
When they finally pulled into the driveway, Raine’s breath caught in her throat.
The mansion rose before them like something out of a dream. Her mouth parted slightly in awe. The house was massive, ten times the size of her ex husband's. Maybe more. It wasn’t just a home; it was a freaking mansion.
Stephanie gasped. “Whoa! Is this where we’re staying?”
Raine laughed, crouching down to unbuckle her from the car seat. “Yes, baby. This is our new home.”
“This house is so cool!” Stephanie declared, spinning in place.
Alexander chuckled. “Glad you approve.”
Inside, the mansion was even more stunning. The living room was expansive, with vaulted ceilings, marble floors, and crystal chandeliers that glittered like stars. A grand staircase curved upward, the railing carved with delicate patterns that looked handcrafted.
Raine couldn’t hide her astonishment. Her eyes wandered from the fireplace to the dining room visible through an archway, to the distant hallways that seemed to go on forever. How much money did Alexander have?
Before she could even begin to process it all, a woman in a crisp uniform approached. She was elegant, with silvery hair swept into a low bun and a warm smile on her face.
“Sophia,” Alexander said, gesturing. “Meet my wife, Raine.”
Sophia’s eyes sparkled with delight. “Mrs. Hawthorne, welcome.”
Raine’s breath hitched. Mrs. Hawthorne. Tharbwas her name now Raine Hawthorne. A deep flush crept up her cheeks. She wasn’t used to it yet, but the title sounded… right.
She smiled softly. “Thank you, Sophia.”
Alexander gently guided Raine up the staircase. When they reached the master bedroom, he paused, opening the door to reveal the spacious, elegant room.
"This is my room, but now it's ours," he said simply, his voice calm but intentional.
Raine blinked in surprise, her eyes scanning the large bed adorned with crisp white sheets and soft gray pillows. She turned to him, the corners of her lips twitching with nervousness.
“We’re… staying in the same bed?” she asked, a blush slowly creeping into her cheeks.
Alexander nodded, stepping aside to let her fully take in the room. “Yes. So that the maid or anyone won’t start spreading rumors that the marriage is fake.”
He noticed the flicker of discomfort on her face and added quickly, “Don’t worry, Raine. I’ll go over the marriage contract with you. There’s nothing in it that forces… anything physical. No expectations of that kind.”
A quiet breath of relief escaped her lips.
“Thank you,” she whispered, her shoulders relaxing.
Alexander gave a small nod and led her across the hall to another room. He paused before opening the door.
"I thought Stephanie might like this," he said, then pushed it open.
- Writer
