Chapter 14

The waterfront indoor venue on the sprawling 240-acre private beach was a sun-soaked glass building set atop a cliff that offered sweeping views of the big, Pacific blue ocean and kelp forest. The crashing waves and seagull chorus blended in with the ambient music and guests' chatter.

Rafael had packed his wedding bags and arrived at the adjoining beach house to get ready with his best man and groomsmen several hours before Ruhi's arrival. He wanted to avoid all the noise and the circus field that part of his once peaceful mansion had turned into, thanks to her folks.

He couldn't wait for everybody to leave and for his life to go back to being normal, with his dad minding his business, Alisha in a better mood, and his friends not asking any more stupid questions or coming up with new theories.

The only unwanted addition would be Ruhi, a pain in the ass, who he has to slowly push away. He didn't expect her to act any better than a ho