Hellbound Heart

The procedures did not take long, and the wedding was done. Just like that.

Elle couldn't help but secretly huffed out a humorless chuckle. It was just as she had expected. A wedding befitting a marriage of convenience, a loveless marriage. The official who wedded them did not even announce, 'you may kiss the bride'. She did wonder if this country did not do that or was it Sebastian who had asked the official to skip it because as he had said, he does not do kisses?

Shaking her head, Elle forced herself to stop thinking about it, knowing that it did not even matter anymore.

Once again, she reminded herself that this was her own choice and that this quick and straight to the point wedding was way better than the extravagant and lavish wedding that Brandon Haze had prepared for her. At least, she did not have to be forced to walk down the aisle against her will, trembling and hoping that someone would shoot her dead, or better yet, shoot Brandon dead before they reached the altar so that the wedding will not happen.

Keeping her gaze focused on the scenery beyond the window that was passing, Elle fought not to look down at the silver band that was currently adorning her ring finger. Earlier, when he had slipped the ring on her finger, Elle had felt an indescribable feeling. Even until now, she could still feel the wake of that unknown emotion, now seemingly lingering every time she became conscious of the ring that was now on her.

At last, she was finally married. She was now Sebastian Reigns wife. That fact alone would definitely secure her from any kind of trouble Brandon Haze might still be planning. And with this, Elle was certain her own father would no longer trouble her.

All she had to do now was do her best. Do her duty as the wife of this country's crown prince and make sure to never cause Sebastian a reason to divorce her. She wasn't afraid of it. She was already expecting that it will eventually and definitely happen but not now, not soon. She needed more time to stand on her own feet first. So, when that time comes, she won't rely on anyone, not even to her father or her royal status.

Taking a subtle deep breath, Elle relaxed as she slowly exhaled it out.

"May I ask why you suddenly decided to go ahead with the marriage with me today, Prince Sebastian?" Elle broke the silence inside the car that was smoothly moving in quite a safe speed this time. "Of course, you are free not to answer."

"You can stop being so formal now, Izabelle." He replied, holding her gaze. "Just to let you know, my family are full of love birds. All the married ones are married to the love of their lives. So, we'll need to act like a real married couple around them. Do you think you can do that?"

Elle creased her brows, surprised at what he had said. "But… but didn't they, I mean your father and uncle, already know that we are not –"

"They assumed that we are attracted to each other at first sight and that's why something 'supposedly' happened between us that night. There's a high chance that both would not reveal the truth to the rest of the family as well."

"Why? I mean why would they… is it to avoid possible future gossips and scandals?" Elle could understand how the royal family would want to avoid such bad reputation to affect them.

Sebastian paused for a moment after hearing her comment.

"Not letting them know is actually better for us as well. My family, most especially the ladies will definitely come at me and nag me endlessly if they ever notice that something is amiss in our relationship. I can't promise they will not bother you as much as they do to me if they end up finding out." He was very serious while speaking about his family that Elle really felt that he was not lying.

Somehow, she felt a little better about it because it seemed his family was not as what she had been expecting – of course, she also had lowered her expectation to prepare herself to expect the worst about his family. Just in case. But the fact that he said they all had married the love of their lives, spoke volumes. That was an amazing fact. Especially when considering that they were all royals. As far as she knew, royals tend to have arranged marriage and seldom had the chance to marry for love.

"So, in front of them, we need to act like we're in love with each other?" Elle asked and Sebastian nodded.

"That's right."

"I understand." She gave him an understanding nod. "I will try my best."