Chapter 5: Combs Regency 

~SHARON

“Where are you?” Xavier’s voice was laced with a concern that made my heart flutter. It was as if he genuinely needed me. I told him my location, and within what felt like a heartbeat, a Rolls Royce purred to a stop in front of me. The window glided down, revealing his face. “Come,” he simply said, and I practically dove into the car, hugging him tightly, tears streaming down my face.

“Just take me in, Xavier! I wouldn’t even mind being your pet, or even your slave,” I blurted out, the words tumbling from my lips in a rush. Surprise flickered across his features.  

“What a serendipitous coincidence! I have until tomorrow to find a wife. Will you marry me, Miss Sharon Miles, and become my Mrs.?” He asked, and I sat there, utterly gobsmacked.

“Yes, I will!” I replied without hesitation, hugging him even tighter.

“Shall we head home now, Master?” A voice cut through the moment, and I realized, with a jolt, that someone else was in the car. I instantly straightened up, feeling a blush creep up my neck.

How audacious of me!

Minutes later, I found myself in an estate that was legendary in the city.

COMBS REGENCY

I froze, trying to process the sheer magnitude of it all.

Good heavens! I knew Xavier was wealthy, but was he really from *the* famous Combs family? I turned to stare at him again, but he just looked at me with an unnerving calm.

As we got out of the car, my eyes were drawn to the magnificent fountain gracing the front of the main building. It was breathtaking. “Welcome to the Combs mansion. Please, come in,” he said, reaching for my hand. I followed him inside, his assistant having vanished without a trace. It was just the two of us. I gazed around the entrance hall, utterly wowed the moment I stepped into the living room. “I’ll show you to our room,” he said, leading me to the master bedroom. I knew James’ mansion was beautiful, but the Combs mansion was the very definition of opulence. The European style was undeniable, though there were subtle Spanish influences woven throughout. “That’s the bathroom. I’ll be in the study,” he said, and then he was gone.

I took a long, cleansing shower and then ventured into a feminine closet I spotted. It seemed he had already anticipated having a woman in his life. I chose simple pajamas and slipped them on.

It took me a moment to climb into his king-size bed, and I made sure to stay on the very edge, as far away from him as possible. The instant I felt my eyelids grow heavy, I felt him lie down beside me, and my heart began to race. “It’s okay. I won’t touch you before the wedding,” he murmured, as if reading my mind. In that instant, the storm inside me calmed.

I woke up the next morning feeling strangely invigorated. I stretched, and then turned to the other side of the bed, only to find it empty. Startled, I threw back the blanket and confirmed that my body was still untouched. Feeling a surge of relief, I got out of bed and noticed a note on a glass side table near the bed. I picked it up. “Our marriage papers are ready; come sign them and become mine forever.”

I grinned, quickly freshened up, and after a deep breath, walked out of the room. From the top of the stairs, I could see several men in black suits, documents spread across the table.

Xavier was dressed casually, sitting among them and reviewing a document. I cleared my throat as I reached the bottom of the stairs, drawing their attention. “Good morning!” I said, and Xavier immediately rose to help me to a seat.

“Good morning, wifey,” Xavier whispered in my ear, and the words resonated deep within me.

“Greetings, Miss Sharon!” The men greeted me, and I couldn’t help but offer a slight bow.

“Here, sign here!” Xavier whispered, pointing to the marriage agreement. I signed without hesitation.

“You didn’t review the papers first, Miss,” one of the lawyers said, a hint of surprise in his voice.

I looked up and smiled. “I trust Xavier Combs. He has no reason to take advantage of me.” The men bowed their heads.

A smile played on Xavier’s lips.

After the formalities, I found myself clutching my marriage certificate, and I closed my eyes, savoring the moment.

I just got married! And there was absolutely no regret.

I returned to the room and sat on the bed. My phone rang, and I saw it was Sia. I didn’t think it was the right time to talk, so I sent a quick message saying I’d call back later. I set the phone down, and as I picked it up again, a message popped up. “Return when you go hungry!” It was from James, and I couldn’t help but chuckle, tossing the phone onto the bed.

“You’re not going to reply?” I heard Xavier say as he entered the room. I looked up and shook my head. “Thank you for marrying me,” he said, and I stood up and walked closer to him.

“This is a huge favor to me. I should be thanking you. I’ll do anything you want. Just say the word, and it’s done. I have no reputation, so it’s okay if you don’t want us seen together. I’ll also be loyal to you,” I said, wondering if my words held any weight for him.

“I don’t need you to do everything I say, Sharon. I just want to help you find your way back to yourself. Sharon…look at me,” he said, gently raising my chin so I would meet his gaze. But the thought terrified me. I didn’t know what I would see if I looked into his eyes. He didn’t press further, dropping his hand. “What are you afraid of?” he asked.

“I don’t have a single fear anymore. My greatest fear has already come to pass,” I told him, and he fell silent for a long moment. Then, without another word, he turned and walked away. I stared at his retreating back, a sudden realization dawning on me: he was definitely up to something.