Our Love

CHAPTER 22

SERAPHINA'S POV

The rest of the wedding went on without him uttering a single word to me.

Finally the long awaited dreaded hour arrived as he led me to the car.

I couldn’t even admire the car’s beauty — I was too nervous to care.

He sat beside me, his cologne filling my senses.

It was the kind of minted sandalwood scent that was suffocating and reassuring at the same time.

The ride was silent, each passing minute stretching endlessly.

Then his voice broke through, deep and magnetic, the kind that could pierce straight through your heart.

“Stop.”

The car halted immediately. He stepped out, his assistant following closely behind.

The assistant offered me a polite smile. “Sorry, ma’am, for the abrupt stop, but your hus—”

A sharp glare from him cut the word short.

“My boss has something important to attend to,” the assistant corrected quickly. “The driver will make sure you get home safely.”

And just like that, they were gone.

The car sped away, and I sat in silence — relieved, yet broken.

Even my husband didn't want me.

A tear slipped from my eyes before I could control it.

I don't blame him. He was equally forced into this.

HAYDEN'S POV

I was scared I might actually lose control and make love to her in the car. She looked too perfect in that white gown — too tempting for her own good.

I had to restrain myself before I did something I’d regret.

“Stop,” I ordered, and the driver hit the brakes.

She nearly lost her balance, and my hands twitched to steady her — but I forced myself not to. She’d be fine.

I stepped out of the car with Jake at my side and gestured for him to handle the explanation.

He did well, until I heard the word husband starting to leave his lips.

My glare froze him mid-sentence. Sweat beaded down his temple, but what caught me off guard was her face — confused, disappointed… and hurting.

I bit back a laugh, fighting for composure. Watching the car drive off, I sighed as her image faded from view.

Jake turned to me, uneasy.

“I’m sorry, sir—”

“No, Jake,” I cut in.

He hesitated before speaking again. “I know this marriage was arranged. You were forced into it… just like she was.”

My jaw tightened. I met his gaze with a deadly calm.

“Really?” I asked, voice low and dangerous, tinged with a murderous intent.

I smirked.

He stammered, “N-no sir, that’s not what I meant—”

“Research her,” I interrupted. “I want everything about her on my desk before midnight.”

Jake nodded quickly and hurried to open my car door.

Sliding inside, I drove off toward the office — trying, and failing, not to wonder if she’d made it home safely.