of hand," I whispered

ring my fear. "We need to leave before

at the door-firm and commanding. My mother and I exchanged a wo

hispered, her voic

nt by the Carlos family. Behind them, a sleek black car waited at the curb, its engine qu

with a nod. "We're here to escort you

ng nod, urging me to move forward. Taking a deep breath, I sli

ash. But the bodyguards formed a protective barrier around us, guiding us swiftly to the waiting car

was silent, the tension between my mother and me thick as we processed what had just happened. I couldn't shake

standing at the entrance. His tall, imposing figure, wit

uty, too handsome and famous to be the man I w

mind again, and something within me churned. I hadn't mentioned t

bodyguards escorted us to the entrance of the mansion, f

e," Ivan said with a charming smile, takin

n indeed," my mom muttered, giv

s flush. "My wife, I knew you'd return

ged to say with an eye roll before forcing

and I started to wonder what might be her gain in this. She knew,

k as he guided me into the grand foyer of the Carlos mansion. The warmth of his touch sent a shiver down my spine, stirring memories I had tri

chandeliers sparkling overhead, and walls lined with priceless art. The opulence

er ran down my spine. She was the very image of the wicked stepmother from a fantasy movie-her sharp features, perfectly coifed

mile. "I'm glad you decided to accept to be my son's wife, just for

mine. He has a smirk on his face one that reminded me of his shirtless features, he was almost like h

s safe here, she's all I have," my

th me," I said my voice rosed higher than normal. "She ca

but Ivan words over shadow her's. "Of cours

fact that he was acting all kind

now," He smiled. "Parker, give

ing the same look I had on my face at that moment with

sed room leaving Ivan and I alone. I wanted to fo

ronica. You'll stay in mine," he said giving