Regret Came Too Late

Ethan held the marriage certificate in his hands, inspecting it closely for a few minutes. In the photo that was also handed to him, his lips were barely lifted into a smile while Grace was frowning.

He didn't keep his attention on the photo for long. He kept glancing at the names on the certificate.

The staff member stood in front of him, nervously dabbing the sweat on his forehead with a tissue. "Is everything to your liking, Mr. Henderson?" he asked.

Ethan lowered his gaze, murmuring a soft hum.

The staff member let out a sigh of relief. His satisfaction was all that mattered. The staff member just wanted this to be over. His legs felt like they might buckle from the tension.

Ethan tucked the marriage certificate away and finally glanced at Grace.

"Let's go home."

Grace stayed where she was, frozen in disbelief. Who could've imagined she would be getting married so soon?

Ethan, now at the door, spoke again with a soft yet distant voice.

"We're heading back, Grace."

She finally snapped back to reality and quietly followed him.

The black-suited bodyguards were still lined up outside. As soon as they saw the couple come out, they stepped aside in a practiced formation.

But none of it felt real to Grace. Her legs were unbearably heavy, and each step she took was a quiet struggle. She sat in the car with her head lowered, keeping silent. As they neared Palm Bay again, she finally spoke.

"Are you planning to keep me locked in the villa forever, Mr. Henderson?"

"Just until you behave."

lightly, but they hit her like a crushing

wasn't just serious; he

first time she had no idea how

out of the car, she drifted into the living area. The villa was bustling again. Maids were moving about, preparing dinner. When they saw her, they greeted her respectfully,

it all hit her like

approached her and poured her a cup of warm jasmine tea. "Mrs. Henderson, let us know if there's anything you'd like to eat.

got into the elevator and went up. She didn't even

in both hands. She was frozen in

it for ten long minutes. When a knock sounded at the door, he finally tucked it away into a hidden compartment beside

hadn't uttered a word on the entire trip to the city clerk's office

is confirmed," Tim said. "Shall we go now, Mr. Henderson?

he replied softly, "No. She loses her

tightness in his chest

for what felt like forever when Ethan and Tim finally

borrow a phone, but no one would comply.

She was

didn't approach her either. He headed straight to the

year ahead, esp so, Ethan would pull out the marriage certificate and glance at it. He couldn't resist bringing it

ten

s

when he

marriage certificate.