I wake up tangled in my sheets, my mind still churning.
Married.
The word haunts me, playing on a continuous loop in my head. Married to Cole Westbrook. The absurdity of it all is overwhelming, yet a tiny, foolish part of me can’t help but feel a thrill at the thought. But I swiftly quash that notion; this isn’t a whimsical fairy tale. It’s real life; my life turned upside down.
I trudge into the living room, my eyes heavy with the lack of restful sleep. There, sprawled on the sofa, is Cole, looking like he hasn’t slept much better than me. My irritation, simmering just below the surface, flares up at the sight of him. “I told you I needed space!” I snap, frustration lacing my voice.
His eyes snap open, and he sits up, meeting my gaze. There’s an intensity there, a mix of defiance and raw desire that sends an involuntary shiver down my spine. “And I’ve given you space,” he counters, his voice tinged with that familiar huskiness. “I’m not in your bed, am I? Even though that’s where I want to be. Where I belong.”
His words, heavy with implication, linger in the air. I struggle to keep my composure, knowing now isn’t the time to succumb to the intense pull between us. What I need is clarity, not the captivating chaos of his nearness.
‘You’re my wife, Evangeline Westbrook,’ he states plainly, jolting me with the stark reality of his words. The term ‘wife’ feels surreal, almost laughable in its absurdity, yet its truth weighs heavily on me.
A crash from the kitchen breaks the moment. I turn to see Poppy and Nessa staring, shock written all over their faces, a broken mug at their feet. The truth is out, and an awkward conversation is inevitable.
Turning back to Cole, I’m speechless. How do you confront someone who has so thoroughly disrupted your life? Anger, hurt, and betrayal churns inside me, contrasting starkly with the deep, inescapable bond that, despite everything, still draws me to him.
I jerk my head toward my bedroom, and he follows me in. I know my bedroom is only an illusion of privacy as the walls are thin, and I’m pretty sure that Poppy will repeat to Nessa anything she hears, but it’s enough for now.
Sitting on the edge of the bed, my mind races. “After everything we discussed, how could you think it was a good idea?” I try to temper my voice and appear calm despite everything.
He leans against the door, crossing his feet at the ankle. He appears nonchalant, but I know it’s probably a way to stop any escape until we finish this discussion.
“I don’t think it’s the drama you are making it out to be.” He raises his hands when he sees anger flash in my eyes. “All I’m trying to say is that we would have ended up there anyway, so why waste time?” He adds, “Life is short.”
“How can you be so unbothered by what you did?”
“I honestly thought you would remember in the morning. You were not drunk enough to forget.” He runs his hand through his hair in frustration. “You were not drunk enough to forget,” he repeats, his tone more resolute.
It does explain a lot of things. His wariness when I first woke up and his evasiveness when I asked questions. “Okay, but you could have told me right then and there.”
“You said you wanted to marry me!” He repeats the same argument stubbornly.
“I—” I pause, struggling to find the words. “Cole! Yes, maybe, but even if we’d never broken up, I never imagined being a teen bride! I thought… I thought we’d get married after college, have a big wedding. Not… this.” My voice trails off, sounding as defeated and confused as I feel.
He moves closer, his expression earnest as he crouches in front of me. “We’ll be twenty soon, Angel. We’re not children. And you want a big wedding? It’s not too late. We can still do that. Nothing is stopping us.”
His optimism clashes with my doubts. “No, it’s… this is insane!” The words burst out. “We need to undo that. We need to divorce or whatever.”
His face hardens. “No, Eva, listen. What’s done is done. Let’s not be hasty.”
“We were hasty getting into this mess in the first place, so why not be hasty getting out of it?”
“Do you love me?”
“Cole,” I let out a tired sigh. “This has nothing to do—”
He stops me, grabbing my face in his hands. “Do you love me, Evangeline?”
“You know I do. But love is not enough for a marriage to work.”
He lets go of my face and shrugs. “It seems like a pretty good start to me. A lot of marriages have worked on a lot less.”
“Did they, though?” I sigh and stand up, not able to think clearly when I look in his pleading blue eyes.
I start pacing the length of the bedroom. It’s not rational, it’s foolish, it’s absolutely bound to fail, and yet a small, eager part of me wants to jump right in.
I don’t know what to do. One part of me is screaming to run, to protect myself. But then, there’s this other part, quieter but persistent, that whispers maybe this could work. I throw him a look. He’s standing there, motionless, following me with his eyes.
I stop in my tracks, the weight of the decision pressing down on me. “This isn’t just about love. It’s about trust, compatibility, shared goals…”
He nods, his expression determined. “I know, but you were made for me. And before you ask me how I know that when we’re still so young…”
I purse my lips; he does know me very well.
“My mother was eighteen when she met my father. He was twenty-three, and they are still very much in love twenty-five years later. They knew then, and I know now. You are the love of my life, Angel. I’m willing to work on all of that. I’m willing to do whatever it takes.”
My mind races with a thousand thoughts, doubts, and fears. Could we really make this work? Is it worth the risk? The uncertainty is overwhelming, yet there’s a part of me that yearns to take that leap of faith.
“Let’s say we try this,” I start, my voice tentative. “What would it look like? How can we start something so… unconventional?”
His face lights up, a spark of hope in his eyes. “We take it one day at a time. We learn about each other, grow together. We prove to each other that this can be more than a crazy mistake.”
Biting my lip, I consider his words. It’s a daunting proposition, but it’s not without its appeal.
He takes a step toward me. “What if we give it a trial period? Six months. We see if we can make this marriage work, and you let the doctor look at your hand.”
“Six months?” I can work with that.
His smile is immediate and genuine. “Yes, this has to be a real effort. No half measures.”
“Okay, and at the end of it, if it’s not working, we agree to part ways amicably.”
He nods solemnly. “Agreed. And if we decide to part ways, I’ll sign the divorce papers. No arguments.”
I raise an eyebrow skeptically. “How can I trust you’ll keep your word this time?”
He meets my gaze, his eyes steady. “Because I trust our love enough for both of us. I know there won’t be a divorce.”
His confidence is both reassuring and frightening. I take a deep breath, trying to steady my racing heart. “Okay. Six months.”
He grins, closing the distance between us. “Let’s seal this with a kiss.”
“This is madness.”
“It wouldn’t be us if it wasn’t a bit crazy.”
He kisses me, and it feels like the kiss he gave me at the altar in the chapel in Vegas. A kiss that I finally remember.
Once we break the kiss, we are both a little dazed.
He brushes the back of his fingers against my cheek. “My wife,” he says a little wistfully.
I close my eyes, enjoying the possessiveness in his tone.
He sighs. “I don’t want to go, but we need to get ready to meet my parents… more officially. Is an hour enough?”
Ice fills my stomach. Meeting his parents today?
“Don’t look like a deer caught in the headlights. It will go well. My mother is a fan of you.”
Cole’s smile is infectious, but it doesn’t quite reach the part of me that’s still reeling from everything. “An hour should be fine,” I say, my voice more steady than I feel.
He nods, a look of understanding crossing his face. “Hey, if it helps, think of it as meeting some very interested, slightly nosy relatives. They’re not here to judge. They just want to know you.”
I let out a half-hearted chuckle. “Slightly nosy is an understatement.”
He steps closer, his hand lightly touching my arm. “I’ll be right there with you. We’re in this together, remember?”
Nodding, I take a deep breath. Together. That word has a whole new meaning now. “Okay. Let’s do this.”
As he leaves my room to give me some space to get ready, I stand there for a moment, lost in thought. Married. Mrs. Westbrook. The reality of it is daunting, yet there’s an undeniable thrill that pulses through me at the thought of being Cole’s wife, even under these crazy circumstances.
I get dressed, choosing my outfit carefully. A long floral skirt paired with a green cardigan that complements my eyes and skin. This isn’t a casual meeting; it’s a statement, an introduction to a new chapter in my life. I glance at my reflection in the mirror, taking in the woman staring back at me. She’s the same, yet different. Changed by a decision made on a whim, now facing the consequences head-on.
Heading to the living room, I find him waiting, looking every bit the part of a young man about to introduce his wife to his parents. His eyes light up as he sees me, and he offers a reassuring smile.
“You’re perfect, Angel,” he says, and I can’t help but feel a little flutter in my heart.
“Thanks,” I reply, trying to keep my nerves at bay.
“My parents already love you,” he says encouragingly, resting his hand on my thigh as we drive to the hotel. “My dad told me about your visit back in high school.”
That was our secret. “When?”
“Last time we were home. After—” I see his Adam’s apple bob as he tries to swallow, and I squeeze his fingers. He clears his throat. “I know what you witnessed that day with my father doesn’t show him in the best light.”
That’s the understatement of the year. It was actually the day I decided to help him with math, despite my head screaming to me that any involvement with Cole Westbrook would end up in a broken heart. I was walking in the school’s empty corridor and heard how cold his father was with him. How he called him useless and a constant source of trouble. I’d been so angered on his behalf that I’d stepped in, trying to help and fix a relationship I had no business fixing.
“There’s no excuse for how he talked to you that day.”
“No, but it was not only about math. I was and still am, in some ways, a source of constant worry. He gets very defensive when it’s my mother who gets worried, and this is when his ugly side shows its face to me.” He gives me a sad smile. “I never gave him an excuse until I showed my ugly side to the person I love the most in this world.”
“What did—” Oh. He’s talking about me.
“He told me to stay away from you. To leave you be, and here I am, married to you.” He chuckles. “I obviously never learn.”
“Oh.” My heart sinks a little bit more. “He doesn’t think I’m good enough for you.”
He stops his car in front of the hotel. “On the contrary, he thinks I’m not good enough for you, and I agree.” He gives me a cheeky grin. “That’s why I had to keep you.”
Rolling my eyes and shaking my head, I can’t help but smile. “You’re ridiculous,” I utter, a tone of exasperation coloring the words.
“Come on, Mrs. Westbrook, let’s go meet the in-laws.”
Stepping out of the car, I take a deep breath, bracing myself for what’s ahead. His hand finds mine, his grip reassuring and warm. As we walk into the hotel, I can feel the weight of the moment settling on my shoulders. This isn’t a casual visit; it’s a declaration. An acceptance of the new path my life has potentially taken.
The lobby of the Regency Hotel is elegant and bustling with activity, but it all fades into the background as we head toward the elevators. Cole presses the button for the presidential suite, and the doors close, encapsulating us in a private world.
His parents are waiting for us in the suite, their expressions varying quite extremely, showing the differences in their personalities.
And yet, they work perfectly. Jeremiah, dressed in black pants and a button-down shirt, opened at the collar, which I presume is the most casual the man will ever be, is looking at us with curious caution. Jade is dressed in wide-leg jeans, a tank top, and an open checkered shirt like the young people did in the nineties, and she’s looking at us with a bright smile, her hands resting on her chest, radiating happiness.
“Oh, Eva! Can I call you Eva?” she asks and grabs my hand, pulling me to the sofa before I get to answer. “I’m so sorry how things went off the rails yesterday, sweetheart. We didn’t mean to freak you out,” she adds, and her exuberance actually eases my nerves a little.
“No, we didn’t. I just expected a little more from my son,” Jeremiah adds gruffly, sitting on the chair across the sofa.
My heart sinks; of all things, I don’t want to create another rift between them.
“No, sir, please. Cole is not to blame for this. It was a mutual decision.”
Cole looks at me with so much awe and love that my stomach dips. Am I truly the first person to go to war for him?
Jade gives me a knowing smile, her eyes glinting with amusement and appreciation. “That’s very gracious of you, but we know our son. He can be quite the steamroller when he sets his mind on something.”
I can’t help but chuckle, the tension in the room dissipating. Jeremiah’s stern face softens for a moment, and I catch a glimpse of fatherly affection I suspect he usually keeps well hidden.
Cole, who had been quiet until now, speaks up, his voice carrying a hint of vulnerability. “I know I can be impulsive, but marrying Eva wasn’t a whim. It’s something I’ve thought about more times than I can count.”
His admission catches me off guard, and I turn to look at him, my heart skipping a beat. There’s sincerity in his eyes, a depth of emotion that speaks louder than words.
Jade leans closer, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. “We’ve seen the way he looks at you. It’s the same way Jeremiah used to look at me when we were your age. You can’t fake that kind of love.”
Jeremiah clears his throat, a subtle reminder that he’s still in the room. “Yes, well, regardless of how we feel about the… hastiness of this marriage, we’re here to support you both.”
Jade nods enthusiastically, and I’m sure Jeremiah’s words are hers. “Absolutely! And we’d love to help with anything you need. Planning a proper celebration, for instance.”
The word “celebration” hangs in the air, and I feel a bit of excitement mixed with apprehension. The idea of celebrating this unplanned, unconventional wedding is both daunting and strangely appealing, and I’m not even sure we will make it, but how can I dim Jade’s enthusiasm?
Cole comes to stand behind me and squeezes my shoulders, his thumb tracing small circles on my skin. “We haven’t really thought that far ahead,” he says, his gaze meeting mine as I look at him. “We’re taking things one step at a time.”
“Oh, now you’re taking it one step at a time?” Jeremiah says, raising an eyebrow. “Yeah, that makes a lot of sense.”
“Dad,” Cole sighs.
“She doesn’t even have a ring.” His father points to my finger.
“There’s a ring. It’s in a velvet box in my bedroom.”
I look around sharply, not expecting this. He has a ring?
He looks down at me with a small smile. “We’ll discuss this later, okay?”
I nod silently. I hadn’t thought about a wedding ring in the middle of the chaos of our impromptu marriage. The reality of it all begins to sink in a little deeper.
“She’ll wear it when she’s ready.”
Jade, the peacemaker, interjects with a gentle smile. “There’s no rush. These things take time. And when you’re ready, I’d love to hear all about how you envision your dream wedding.”
Her words are like a balm, soothing the flurry of emotions inside me. The idea of planning a dream wedding, something I had thought about in quiet moments when I was in high school, suddenly seems like a possibility.
His grip on my shoulders tightens ever so slightly, grounding me. “Thanks, Mom,” he says, giving her a grateful look. “We appreciate your support.”
Jeremiah nods, a hint of resignation in his posture. “Well, just know that we’re here for you both. Whatever you decide.”
As the conversation shifts to lighter topics, I find myself relaxing a little more. The Westbrooks, with their contrasting personalities, create a unique dynamic that’s both endearing and intriguing. Jeremiah’s stern demeanor is balanced by Jade’s vivaciousness, and it’s clear they both have Cole’s best interests at heart.
Eventually, it’s time for us to leave. Jade gives me a warm hug, whispering, “Take care of each other,” as she releases me.
Stepping out of the suite, I relax further. I am not sure if this marriage will last, but knowing that his parents are on our side helps.
As we walk through the hotel lobby, I glance at him. “So, about that ring…” I begin, curiosity getting the better of me.
He looks down at me, a soft smile on his lips. “I wanted to wait for the right moment to give it to you. I guess I jumped the gun on a lot of things, but not on this.”
His words, honest and heartfelt, bring a smile to my face. “I’d like to see it,” I admit, feeling a flutter of excitement at the prospect.
His smile broadens. “Tonight, then, I’ll show you the ring. I have to go to the team meeting,” he says as we get in his car.
“I’m sure the girls are dying to know about the ‘Mrs. Westbrook’ bombshell.”
He throws me a guilty smile. “I didn’t see them.”
Narrowing my eyes suspiciously, I know for a fact it wouldn’t have stopped him, and his confirming grin makes me laugh.
After he stops in front of my building, he gives me a quick, tender kiss on the forehead before he heads off for his team meeting. “We’ll talk more tonight,” he promises, his eyes lingering on me for a moment longer than necessary.
Left alone, I head back to my apartment, my mind a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions. As soon as I step through the door, I’m ambushed by Poppy and Nessa, their faces expressing excitement, curiosity, and concern.
“Okay, spill! We want to know everything!” Poppy exclaims, her eyes wide with anticipation.
I let out a weary laugh. “Where do I start? It’s all so… surreal.”
Nessa, ever the direct one, doesn’t bother with preamble. “It’s because of his dick, isn’t it? He used his hips to hypnotize you.”
Snorting, I flop onto the couch. “I know it’s beyond crazy. I’m married. Married before I’m twenty.” I wince. “I am not sure if it’s the best decision or the worst mistake.” But every decision relating to Cole feels that way, and it has been the case since the beginning.
Poppy sits next to me, her expression thoughtful. “It works sometimes, you know.”
I raise an eyebrow skeptically. “When? When does it work?” I’m genuinely curious, desperate for any reassurance that this might not be the colossal mistake it feels like.
Nessa’s eyes light up with mischief, and I can tell she’s about to reference her favorite vampire film. But before she can start, I cut her off. “And don’t even start with that vampire film,” I warn, earning a playful pout from her.
She huffs. “You’re no fun.”
“Seriously, Eva, out of all the crazy things in our group, this takes the cake,” Poppy says, shaking her head but smiling.
Nessa grins, “I would not bet on that, but did you at least get a crazy Vegas story out of it? Like, did Elvis marry you?”
I laugh, the absurdity of it all hitting me. “No, no Elvis. Just a regular chapel with a not-so-regular decision.”
“Girl, you’ve got to give us more than that. We live vicariously through your drama since Ethan and I are in the boring couple phase,” Poppy teases, nudging my shoulder.
I lean into the couch. “It was impulsive, insane, and utterly… us. I mean, who else but Cole would marry someone in Vegas and not tell them?”
Nessa rolls her eyes dramatically. “Classic Cole. And you, falling for his hip game,” she adds, before bursting into laughter.
“I’m a victim of the hip game,” I admit, joining in the laughter. “But it’s more than that. Despite everything, there’s something… real between us. It’s hard to explain.”
“That’s it?” Nessa sighs. “Meh, you were always supposed to be endgame, anyway. The timing is surprising, but the conclusion? Not so much.”
Cole is right. The alcohol may have lowered my inhibition, but deep down, I always wanted to be his, and the champagne took the fear away.
I bite my lip, thinking. “It’s a trial period. Six months. If it doesn’t work, we part ways. No drama.”
Nessa raises an eyebrow, skepticism clear on her face. “Six months? With Cole? That’s like a lifetime in drama years.”
I chuckle. “True, but who knows? Maybe we’ll surprise everyone.”
“Or end up on a reality TV show,” Poppy adds with a wink.
We laugh, the tension easing a bit more. It’s comforting being with them, able to joke about the craziness of my life.
Nessa suddenly brightens, her hands moving excitedly. “Wait, does this mean we get to plan a wedding?”
“Whoa, let’s not get ahead of ourselves,” I say, but the idea isn’t entirely unappealing. A wedding with Cole… it’s a thought that I would need some time to get used to.
Poppy and Nessa exchange a look with a small smile. “The suspense is killing us…” Nessa says deadpan.
Looking at Poppy, I point to Nessa. “Don’t worry about drama. There will be some coming from this one soon. ‘Friends with benefits,’” I say, using quoting fingers.
She crosses her arms on her chest but says nothing. The conversation drifts to other things, but the topic of my sudden marriage is like an undercurrent, always there, just beneath the surface. It’s a new reality, one that I’m slowly starting to embrace, even if it’s with a healthy dose of trepidation.
Looking down at my scarred hand, I brush the raised skin. Now is the time to concentrate on my hand and start hoping again, and even if I’m not ready to admit it out loud, I am relieved to have him helping with this. I need his unwavering strength and determination because I’m not sure what the outcome will be, but I know it is going to be difficult.
