Chapter 0004

Although both Valerie and Kieran lived in Zolford, they had never seen each other before.

However, she had long since heard about him.

Kieran Kingsley, a successful and handsome man at 28 years of age. He was the master of Zolford's economy and held the livelihood of many in his hands. He was a man revered by all.

And now, he was going to be her husband!

He was young, but he had such a powerful air to him that it was hard not to feel anxious around him.

Right now, Kieran looked as if he had just returned from a business meeting before getting there. In fact, he looked like he had been forced to attend his own wedding.

It seemed like he wasn't pleased about getting married either. Well, at least now they had something in common!

Valerie couldn't help but smile as she thought of that.

Her hands had gone cold from anxiety by the time Anthony passed her hand to Kieran. When her fingers made contact with Kieran's warm ones, she tried to pull her hand back.

However, Kieran's reactions were fast. He quickly held on to Valerie's withdrawing hand.

In that instant, they locked eyes with each other. Kieran's gaze swept across her face while she looked like a deer caught in the headlights.

Surprisingly, a spark of interest flashed across his deep eyes. But he hastily turned his head so he wouldn't have to keep looking at her.

As he felt Valerie's fingers slowly start to warm up, Kieran couldn't help but scoff at himself. He really had become the male equivalent of a cougar.

On the other hand, unbeknownst to anyone, Valerie was completely spacing out next to Kieran.

She was so dazed that she completely forgot that she was at her own wedding.

The priest announced, "Do you, Valerie Wood, take this man as your lawfully wedded husband? To have and to hold from this day forward, in sickness and in health? Will you unconditionally accept, love, and respect him until death do you part?"

There was only silence from Valerie in response.

Valerie's heart was beating a mile a minute. Kieran, who was standing closest to her, could see how hard her chest was heaving. She was clearly hyperventilating.

Kieran reminded her under his breath, "Answer."

His voice was low and charismatic. It made Valerie unconsciously grip her bouquet of flowers tighter.

She raised her head to look at him and blinked at him in confusion.

Kieran waited for her to answer, but there was still no "I do" from her.

He could sense that the crowd was getting anxious. His hand tightened around hers slightly.

Kieran couldn't help but turn to look at his bride, who seemed to be terrified into silence.

He narrowed his eyes. If she dared to back out of the wedding now and bring shame to the Kingsleys, the Woods would be done for.

Although he was annoyed, his gaze unconsciously slid to her face. Her clear gaze when she looked at him made him pause slightly.

Kieran reached out his free hand and pretended to help her tuck a strand of hair behind her ear.

His actions seemed sweet to the crowd. In truth, he still maintained as much distance from her as possible while he did so.

He threatened lowly in her ear, "If you keep spacing out and embarrassing the Kingsleys, your family will be done for."

He had only whispered those words. Yet, to Valerie's ears, they sounded as alarming as a shout. Her heart sank.

That's right! This was nothing more than a transactional marriage.

Valerie smiled sardonically at herself. When she looked into his eyes this time, she looked much calmer.

She whispered back, "I know. Thanks for the reminder!"

Her hot breath fanned across the shell of his ear. From their close proximity, he could smell her scent. He swallowed unconsciously as something flashed in his dark eyes.