Him

Chapter Three

Aunt May’s POV

In the living room, Theodore was already seated—calm and composed, just as always. He was on his phone, his expression unreadable. The moment he heard my footsteps, he raised his head to look at me.

“Hi, Theo. How have you been?” I asked with a warm smile, settling down beside him.

“Good,” he replied with a simple nod.

“Um, well… sorry to disturb you, but I have something really important to discuss,” I began, my tone serious. “Grandpa is sick. He has been for a while now, and I need to take him back to England for treatment. I might be gone for a long time.”

He set his phone aside and gave me his full attention. “He didn’t tell me anything. Is he going to be okay?” Theodore asked, his deep voice calm, yet tinged with concern.

“I don’t know yet. That’s why I need to go see him. But before I leave, he left a message for you. He really wants to see you married, Theo. He says if there’s one thing he wants before he leaves this world, it’s to see you with someone by your side.”

“He’s not going anywhere anytime soon,” Theodore muttered, leaning back. “And I don’t want to get married not now, not for a long time.”

He had always rejected the idea of marriage since he was young. I knew convincing him would be difficult.

“I understand, but not all women are how you imagine them. I’ve found someone, someone I’d really like you to meet, someone who needs you. I promised her mother I would keep her safe, but now that I’m leaving, she has no one.”

He scoffed lightly. “Not you too. I don’t want to get married. How hard is that to understand? Even if I do, I’m never going to fall in love with her. She’ll be sad, lonely, and miserable. Do you really want that for her?”

I reached for his hand, trying to calm him. “Theo…”

“Aunt May, you can’t just force me to marry a complete stranger. How does that even work? Why does Grandpa want this so badly?” His voice was raised now, frustration seeping through.

“Because you’re his only grandson. He just wants you to be happy and so do I. Please, do this for Grandpa. Think of it as his dying wish. I promise you won’t be disappointed.”

He stared at me for a long moment, his expression unreadable. I wished I could see what he was thinking. The silence stretched until he finally sighed.

“Fine,” Theodore said. “I’ll marry her but I’m not promising anything else.”

A relieved smile spread across my face. “Thank you. That’s all I ask.”

He looked away, clearly still uncomfortable, but I knew that beneath his hard exterior was someone capable of kindness and love. I could only hope that with time, they would find solace in each other.

“Oh, and the girls will be back next week. Please look after them while I’m gone.”

He gave a small nod. This had gone smoother than I expected.

---

Layla’s POV

This past week had felt like a whirlwind. First, I was released from prison, and now… I was getting married to a billionaire. Just thinking about it made my head spin.

Part of me was relieved—finally, I wouldn’t be homeless. I wouldn’t have to scrub floors for a few dollars or worry about where my next meal was coming from. This marriage could change my life. It was a huge opportunity, one I knew I couldn’t afford to waste. But another part of me, an anxious, fearful part was terrified. I hadn’t even met him. My future husband. All I knew was his name: Theodore Donovan.

The wedding was scheduled for a week from now. It was rushed, yes, but they wanted it done before his grandfather left the country. It was to be a small ceremony, only family and a few close friends. No media, no fuss.

I wanted to pretend I wasn’t nervous, but I was. Very much so.

I walked slowly toward my mother’s grave, a bouquet of fresh flowers in my hand. Gently, I placed them near her tombstone, then crouched beside it, brushing away a few fallen leaves.

“Mum… can you believe it?” I said softly. “I’m getting married. It’s supposed to be the happiest day of my life, but it doesn’t feel complete. Not without you. I wish you were here to see it, to help me with the dress, to calm my nerves, to hold my hand like you used to.”

A lump formed in my throat. “I want to start over, Mum. I want to forget the pain, the prison, the hurt. I want a fresh start, and I hope you’re proud of me… wherever you are.”

After spending a few more quiet moments there, I made my way back home.

---

The day of the wedding finally arrived.

Though small, the wedding was nothing short of luxurious. Everything had been planned to perfection, the decorations, the flowers, the soft music playing in the background. I sat in the dressing room in my white gown, feeling more like a porcelain doll than a bride. The makeup artist had just finished with my look, and even I had to admit, I looked different. Almost unrecognizable.

Still, my nerves were getting the better of me. I didn’t know anyone at the ceremony. There was no one from my side of the family. I was surrounded by strangers, and my heart thudded uncontrollably in my chest.

I tried to calm myself, taking deep breaths, when suddenly, the door opened and a deep voice echoed in the room.

“Please excuse us.”

I turned, my breath catching in my throat.

He stood there the man who was to be my husband. And he was… breathtaking.

His hair was jet black, slicked back neatly, revealing a face that looked like it had been carved from marble. Sharp jawline, high cheekbones, piercing eyes that held a cold intensity. His body was tall and lean, dressed immaculately in a black suit with a crisp white shirt and a silk tie.

He looked like he had stepped out of a magazine, and yet, he was real. Standing in front of me.

Our eyes met, and time seemed to freeze. For a brief second, everything else faded away. There was something in his gaze,

something that made my heart stutter, something dangerous.

He looked me up and down, his expression unreadable. I didn’t know if he liked what he saw. I didn’t know what he thought of me. All I knew was that my body had a mind of its own, and my heartbeat wouldn’t slow down.

This was it.

The man I was going to marry.

And yet, we were total strangers.