All Chapters of THE BRIDE HE NEVER WANTED: Chapter 11 - Chapter 20

The morning after felt heavier than the night. My body still ached in places I didn’t want to think about. I moved slowly as I got dressed, picking another dull long-sleeved dress. Every step reminded me of what happened in that study.I went downstairs hoping for some quiet, but the house was already busy. Adrian stood near the front door with his father, both of them in sharp suits.“We need to be at the company by nine,” Adrian’s father said. “The board meeting can’t wait.”Adrian nodded, then glanced at me. His eyes were cold. “Stay inside today. Don’t go anywhere without telling me.”“Yes,” I replied quietly.He didn’t say goodbye. Just turned and walked out with his father. The heavy door closed behind them. For the first time in days, I felt like I could breathe a little.I sat in the living room with a cup of tea, staring out the window. The mansion felt less suffocating without Adrian in it. But the loneliness stayed.My phone rang. I looked at the screen and froze. The name

Adrian stepped into the bookstore café like he owned the place. His presence sucked all the air out of the room. Customers glanced up, some whispering when they recognized him. He didn’t raise his voice. He didn’t need to.His eyes locked on me like a hunter who had found his prey.“Serena,” he said calmly, too calmly. “We’re leaving.”Emma stood up fast, her chair scraping loudly. “Who the hell are you?”Adrian didn’t even look at her. His gaze stayed on me. “Now.”My hands shook under the table. I could feel the eyes of everyone in the café watching us. A scene here would be all over the internet in minutes. Bad for the Laurent name. Adrian knew that. He was using it.I swallowed hard. “Emma, it’s okay. I have to go.”“No,” Emma said, stepping between us. “She doesn’t have to go anywhere with you if she doesn’t want to.”Adrian’s jaw tightened, but his voice stayed ice-cold. “This is a family matter. I suggest you stay out of it.”The manager started walking toward us, looking nervo

The mansion was alive with activity again. Adrian’s father had returned from his trip two days ago and brought important guests with him. Hale's entire family including Nathan. They were here for serious business talks about a major partnership that could expand Laurent Global into new markets. The house buzzed with staff preparing meals, setting up meeting rooms, and making sure everything looked perfect.I stayed out of the way most of the morning. But by afternoon, Adrian’s mother insisted I join everyone in the garden for drinks before the main discussions started. “Don't hook yourself in one place and make the family look bad,” she said coldly. “Dress up decently and come see the family downstairs.”I wore one of the plain dresses which wasn't so bad, she approved it and I went outside with her. The garden looked beautiful under the sunlight. Flowers bloomed everywhere, and soft music played from hidden speakers.That was when I saw him.Nathan stood near the rose bushes with his

I was still in bed when Adrian walked into my room without knocking. He was already dressed in a perfectly tailored black suit that made him look even more powerful than usual. His hair was styled back, and his expression was cold and determined. “Get up and get ready,” he said. “You’re coming to the company with me today.” I sat up slowly, pulling the blanket around myself. “Why? I thought you didn’t want me anywhere near your work.” “Rumors are spreading too far,” he replied, checking his watch. “People are saying the marriage is fake. That I’m hiding my wife because I’m ashamed. Today, you will stand beside me and prove them wrong.” I didn’t argue. I knew that tone too well. Fighting him would only make things worse. I chose one of the better dresses his mother had provided, a modest navy blue one with long sleeves and a high neckline. It was still plain compared to what other women wore, but it was the best I had. I did my hair neatly and put on light makeup. When I came

The ride home from the gala was completely silent. Adrian didn’t say a single word to me. He kept his eyes on his phone the whole time, his face cold and distant. When the car stopped at the mansion, he got out first and walked inside without waiting for me.I followed slowly, my feet hurting in the uncomfortable heels. The dress felt heavier now, like it was weighing me down. When I reached the front door, he was already gone upstairs.That night, I slept alone. Again.The next morning, I woke up early and went downstairs, hoping things might be different. The dining table was already set. Adrian was sitting at the head, eating breakfast while reading something on his tablet. I pulled out the chair beside him and sat down quietly.“Good morning,” I said softly.He didn’t look up. He didn’t even acknowledge I was there. He just continued eating, cutting his eggs like I was invisible.I tried again. “Adrian, about last night—”Nothing. He took a sip of his coffee and turned a page on h