Regret Came Too Late

Surprisingly, there wasn't a single person outside the city clerk's office today.

It wasn't until the car stopped in front of a secluded building tucked deep inside that she realized Ethan had arranged a private spot to register their marriage.

The staff were already waiting inside. The man standing out front was drenched in sweat. He blotted his forehead continuously with a tissue.

Grace watched as a staff member flipped through her documents.

She blurted out, "I'm not here by choice."

The staff member's pen paused just above the paper, but it was only for a moment. Then, he signed the paperwork, pretending not to hear her.

When it was time for them to take a commemorative photo, she and Ethan were ushered into a separate room. All the bodyguards in black stayed outside, and the staff member avoided her gaze completely as if he was afraid to even look at her.

As the camera lens turned toward her, she said again, "Can't you see? I'm not here willingly."

The staff member wiped at his forehead with a tissue, practically sweating through it. He gave an awkward smile. "If you could both look at the camera and maybe smile a little? We'll keep a copy of the photo in our records."

could force a smile. Her face

his lips lifted, just slightly. She thought it might have just been a trick of her

press a hand to her brow as the voice returned,

could marry you someday? Then promise you'll marry

made her frown

please!" the staff member

She didn't even look at the

staff member snuck a quick glance at Ethan, then said nothing more and hurried off to

was. When the sharp pain in her head faded, she realized the staff member had leftz leaving just the two of them in the room now. She

Mr. Henderson. You're a good man, and I

end up like one of those bitter

she finished

deserve someone who truly loves you. Besides, Mr. Henderson Senior would never want me as your wife. Can you really handle the

his gaze. Then, he reached out

a kiss. The kiss was cold, and it was laced with something dark and possessive.

like a thunderclap. She jerked back,