Chapter 2. My Love

“Is this a PR stunt?” Someone asked, while another person wondered “what's the real reason behind this union?”

I saw some other comments that made me chuckle

“Avery's got it all_ wealth, power and a handsome husband”.

Other comments stung a bit, referencing my past wedding disaster

“Moved on too easily. I bet she must have been cheating, hence the reason she was abandoned at the altar”

I couldn't believe how fast the news of my wedding to Ethan Blackwood spread across social media platforms. It seemed like everyone was talking about us and the comments ranged from congratulations to skepticism. Others seemed to be green with envy, gushing about how I landed a powerful and handsome husband. Ethan was not just a billionaire, he also had the fame of an A-list celebrity. He has millions of followers but follows no one.

I felt a little defensive about those comments, but I knew speculation and commentary came with territory.

Some people thought our marriage might be a business arrangement or a strategic move to boost Ethan's image, and I hate to admit that there was some truth to that.

I walked into the house and my step-mother's eyes widened in shock and anger.

“What is the meaning of this?” She demanded with an icy cold voice

“I've just gotten married, mother” I replied calmly

“To Ethan Blackwood” I added

Vivian's face turned red with rage. She had treated me badly all these years and when I was about

getting married to Harrison, she found a way to convince him that Emily was a better choice.

“You think you're so clever, don't you?” She sneered

“Marrying into wealth and power but you have no idea what you're getting yourself into”

I shrugged. “ I think I do, mother. And am excited to see what the future holds for Ethan and I”

“I'll make sure you're miserable,” she spat “ you'll be trapped in a life of luxury but still be miserable”

I laughed, feeling a sense of freedom “we'll see about that mother. For now, I'm exactly where am supposed to be”

I countered, and walked away to my room. Ethan followed and shut the door behind me. He leaned backward, resting on the door.

“He looked so much like a god on earth” I thought to myself as I looked at him.

“My love, now that we're married, I think it's time we start living together.”

My heart skipped a beat when he called me “my love”. I felt a flutter in my chest, and my mind went blank for a moment.

Ethan continued, “our marriage is on contract basis, and as part of our arrangement, it's expected that we will live together. If we don't, people will start to wonder if our marriage is legitimate, and that could damage both our reputation”

I sighed, sagging my shoulders in resignation

“Fine, I'll move in with you but just remember, this is all part of the contract arrangement. Don't get any ideas.”

Ethan chuckled without a response and just walked straight to my wardrobe, picked a box and began filling it with books from my shelf.

“I am not just offering, I'm insisting. Afterall, I am your husband now.” He said and planted a kiss on my forehead

“Oh, really!? I didn't know that was part of the husband's description” I blurted out with a straight face while pouting my lips.

Ethan's laughter echoed through the room “it should be. Now what's going on storage and the mansion”

I hesitated for a moment before answering

“I think I'll keep most of my furniture in storage for now. Am not sure if it will fit into the decor of your house”

“One more thing Ethan” I said as I looked straight into his eyes

“Anything for you, my love” Ethan cut in with a sly smile playing on his lips.

“I'd like Ma Jane to come with us. She's not just a maid but a family member” I continued..

“Sure” Ethan blurted out lackadaisically

“my home is big enough for everyone” he added

My heart rejoiced at Ethan's response. Having Ma Jane around would make my transition a lot easier.

As we worked together, I couldn't help but notice how effortlessly Ethan fit into my space. It was a strange feeling for me since I had always been independent. Ethan teased me about my favorite books and extensive shoe collection.

“Thanks for your help, Ethan," I said, as he finished sealing up the last box

Ethan smiled back, his eyes crinkling at the corners

“anytime, my love…. That's what husband's are for”