THE BILLIONAIRE'S CRAVING.

ACACIA'S WEDDING DAY

THE BILLIONAIRE'S CRAVING

ACACIA'S WEDDING DAY

CHAPTER 5

I walked straight to my car in the parking lot, my heels clicking softly against the tiled floor.

Honestly, I wished I could have let Adrian drive me home, but I didn’t want to stress him—especially with his injured wrist.

I opened the door and slid into the seat, letting out a long, tired breath. My body ached from the long day, and even starting the car suddenly felt like too much work.

I leaned back, staring blankly at the steering wheel.

“Maybe I should just order a taxi…” I murmured.

But as I reached for my phone, I realized it was completely dead.

“Great,” I sighed.

With nothing else to do, I rested my head against the seat, closing my eyes just for a moment.

Just a moment…

---

The loud ringing of my alarm jolted me awake.

“Krrrrrr… Krrrrrr…”

I groaned and slammed it off immediately.

Still half asleep, I dragged myself toward the bathroom, my steps slow and uncoordinated. I washed my face, brushed my teeth, and turned to leave—

Bam!

“Ouch!”

I hit my head against the door.

That was when it hit me.

I froze.

This wasn’t my car.

This was my room.

I blinked repeatedly, trying to process it.

“How did I get home?” I whispered.

I quickly walked back into the room, scanning everything like it would magically give me answers.

“Did I drink? No… I don’t even drink…”

Confusion filled my mind as questions flooded in one after another.

I grabbed my phone and plugged it in, then headed to the dining table, hoping someone would explain.

I sat there quietly, staring at everyone.

Nothing.

Not a single word.

The silence was suffocating.

“I thought I wasn’t going to make it home yesterday,” I said casually, forcing a smile.

Still nothing.

I clenched my jaw in frustration.

“Okay…” I muttered under my breath before standing up and walking back to my room.

---

After taking a long, refreshing shower, I stood in front of the mirror, staring at my reflection.

My damp hair rested on my shoulders, and my bare face still looked… beautiful.

A small smile formed on my lips.

I reached for my maid of honor dress and carefully laid it out.

It was a stunning black silk gown, designed with delicate golden floral patterns across the top. The off-shoulder design gave it an elegant touch, while the soft fabric flowed beautifully to the floor.

I took my time getting ready.

Light makeup.

Golden jewelry.

A sleek black smartwatch.

I slipped into my black heels and picked up my golden purse.

Perfect.

I sprayed my favorite perfume, took one last look at myself, and smiled confidently.

“Let’s go.”

---

Outside, I paused when I saw my car already parked neatly.

Confusion hit me again.

“Who brought this back?” I muttered.

Shaking my head, I called my driver, Mr. John, and within minutes, he arrived.

As we drove to the venue, I asked, “Did you bring my car home yesterday?”

“No, ma’am,” he replied respectfully.

“Hmm…”

Something didn’t add up.

---

When I arrived at the venue, I headed straight to Acacia’s dressing room.

The moment I stepped in, I gasped.

“Wow… Acacia, you look like an angel,” I said, my eyes wide with admiration. “Edward is definitely going to be distracted today.”

She laughed softly. “Thank you, honey. You look absolutely stunning too.”

Before I could reply, the door opened again.

“Honey!”

Hibiscus rushed in and hugged me tightly.

“Where have you been?” I asked.

“Justin called me,” she replied casually.

Acacia raised an eyebrow. “Or were you doing something else?”

“Please, not today,” Hibiscus rolled her eyes.

We burst into laughter.

---

After a while, I finally asked the question that had been bothering me.

“How did I get home last night?”

Hibiscus exchanged a look with Acacia before smirking.

“Adrian took you home.”

My heart skipped.

“What?”

“He followed my car while I led the way,” she continued. “He made sure you got home safely.”

I was speechless.

Adrian…

He stayed with me… even with his injured wrist.

Something warm spread through my chest.

---

Soon, it was time for the ceremony.

We lined up behind Acacia as she held her bouquet of soft pink peonies.

The doors opened slowly, and we walked down the aisle gracefully as flower girls scattered rose petals in our path.

The atmosphere was magical.

Romantic.

Perfect.

As Acacia and Edward exchanged vows, I felt something stir within me.

For the first time… I imagined myself in her place.

Loved.

Cherished.

Happy.

Then suddenly—

I felt it.

A gaze.

I turned slightly…

Adrian was staring at me.

My breath caught.

He looked breathtaking in his suit, his eyes locked onto mine like I was the only person in the room.

Heat rushed to my cheeks as I quickly looked away.

---

After the ceremony, the reception began.

Music filled the hall, laughter echoed everywhere, and the celebration continued.

Adrian stepped forward to give a toast.

His voice was calm, confident, and captivating.

Everyone listened.

Then it was my turn.

I walked up, slightly nervous, but smiled as I spoke—sharing memories, laughter, and heartfelt wishes for Acacia and Edward.

The applause that followed warmed my heart.

---

Later, Adrian approached me.

“May I have this dance?” he asked, extending his hand.

I smiled. “Of course.”

As our hands touched, a spark ran through me.

We moved together slowly, perfectly in sync.

His hand rested gently on my waist, pulling me just a little closer.

Too close.

My heart pounded.

I could feel his breath.

Hear his heartbeat.

“Relax,” he whispered softly.

But how could I?

Not when he was this close.

Not when he was looking at me like that.

---

By evening, the celebration slowly came to an end.

Guests began to leave, and the newlyweds were escorted to their car.

As they drove off, I felt a strange emptiness settle in.

Then Adrian turned to me.

“I’ll take you home.”

This time… I didn’t refuse.

---

Inside the car, silence filled the space—but it wasn’t uncomfortable.

It was… peaceful.

“You look beautiful tonight,” he said quietly.

I smiled shyly. “Thank you.”

“And about yesterday…” I hesitated. “I’m sorry if I stressed you.”

He shook his head. “You didn’t. I’m glad I was there.”

My heart skipped again.

“I had fun today,” I said softly. “Because you were with me.”

He glanced at me briefly, a small smile forming on his lips.

“Same here.”

---

Before I knew it, we had arrived.

“That was fast…” I murmured.

“You didn’t want it to end?” he teased.

I froze.

Did I say that out loud?

I looked away quickly, embarrassed.

He chuckled softly and stepped out to open my door.

I stepped out slowly, hesitating.

“Goodnight,” I said.

I turned to leave… then stopped.

“Do you want to come in for dinner?” I asked quietly.

For a moment, I hoped—

But he shook his head gently.

“Another time.”

I nodded, hiding my disappointment.

“Goodnight.”

“Goodnight.”

I stood there, watching as his car disappeared into the distance.

A small smile formed on my lips.

Something was changing between us.

Something real.

And this time…

I wasn’t going to run from it.