Chapter 13
When the plane touched down at Heathrow, Victoria stared out the window at the gray London sky.
The twelve–hour flight had left her exhausted, but there was this weird sense of peace in her chest
She grabbed her carry–on and walked off the plane, passport and visa clutched in her slightly trembling fingers.
The airport announcements were all in British accents, people around her chatting in voices she didn’t recognize.
But somehow, she felt lighter than she had in months back in New York
At least here, nobody knew her story. Nobody would whisper and point-
“There’s Victoria–the girl Kerian ditched nine times at city hall
She took a deep breath and followed the crowd toward the exit.
Just as she rounded a corner, she stopped dead in her tracks.
Through the sea of people waiting with signs and flowers, one guy stood out like he owned the place.
Askhan was wearing a charcoal gray cost over a black turtleneck that made his skin look almost pale. His features were sharp and defined–deep–set eyes, strong jawline, perfect nose
His mouth was set in this serious line, and everything about him screamed controlled power.
He just stood there scanning the crowd until his eyes locked on hers
Victoria’s heart skipped a beat]
She hadn’t expected him to actually show up
On the phone, she’d just mentioned her flight time casually–didn’t even think he’d remember.]
Askhan walked over in long strides, taking her luggage and asking in that low voice: “Tired?
His voice was clearer than it had d been over the phone, with this barely detectable warmth to it
Victoria shook her head, forcing a small smile: “I’m okay.“]
Askhan didn’t say anything else, just gently took her wrist and led her toward the exit
His palm was warm
and dry, his grip jus
firm enough–not invasive, but somehow reassuring.
“Let’s go get married first,” he said suddenly
Victoria blinked: “Right now?”
“Yeah.” Askhan looked at her, his expression serious. “You said you came here to marry me.”
Victoria opened her mouth, then just nodded
1
The process at city hall was simpler than she’d imagined
Sign here, stamp there, quick notarization.[
Less than an hour later, Victoria was holding a gold–embossed marriage certificate.
She stared at their two names side by side, feeling completely surreal. [
Just like that?
She and Kerian had been tangled up for years and never managed to get that marriage certificate.]
Now she’d just married a guy she’d known forever but barely understood.[]
Life was seriously fucked up.
When they walked out, London was already getting dark.
Askhan’s car was parked nearby–a understated black BMW
He opened her door, waited till she was buckled in, then slid into the driver’s seat
The interior smelled faintly of sandalwood, the heated seats perfectly warm
Victoria leaned against the window, watching the city blur past, suddenly feeling exhaustion crash over her like a wave.]
“Get some sleep,” Askhan’s voice was quiet. “Till wake you when we get home.”
Victoria mumbled “okay” and was out before she knew it.]]
She woke up to Askhan gently shaking her shoulder. “Hey, we’re home.”
Victoria blinked awake and followed him up to this gorgeous townhouse that looked like something out of a movie.
The interior was minimalist but cozy–warm lighting on hardwood floors, a fireplace crackling softly in the living room.
Her luggage was already by the entrance, lined up neatly against the wall.]
“Hungry?” Askhan hung up his coat and headed toward the kitchen
Victoria looked surprised: “You… cook?
Askhan glanced back with this little smirk “What else? Can’t have my wife starving on our wedding night.”
Wife
Wife.
The word made Victoria’s ears burn.]]
She stood awkwardly in the middle of the living room, watching Askhan move around the kitchen.
His movements were smooth and practiced–chopping, sautéing, seasoning–like he’d done it a thousand times
In less than thirty minutes, he had this amazing spread on the table.
Honey glazed ribs, pan seared salmon, sautéed asparagus, creamy lobster mac and cheese, and a bowl of steaming butternut squash
soup.
All her favorites
Victoria picked up
I up her fork a
fork and tried a piece of the ribs.
The meat was fall–off the bone tender, the glaze perfectly balanced–better than any upscale restaurant she’d been to
She took a bite of the salmon next–it practically melted in her mouth, seasoned to perfection.
“How is it?” Askhan 1 sat across from her, watching her intently.[]
Victoria nodded: “It’s incredible… I had no idea you could cook like this.”
Askhan chuckled softly: “Yeah… spent a lot of time practicing.”
Victoria suddenly noticed there wasn’t a trace of green onions or cilantro anywhere.
She looked up, confused: “How’d you know I hate onions and cilantro?”
Askhan set down his fork, those dark eyes meeting hers:
“That’s just the beginning. I also know you hate mushrooms and blue cheese.”
His voice was quiet but deliberate
“I know… you always wear that light blue sweater when you’re feeling down, you u take your coffee with two sugars, no cream.”
“You read thriller novels but get freaked out by horror movies, and you always order dessert but only eat half.”
Victoria’s chopsticks froze halfway to her mouth, her heart suddenly pounding.
These details–even Kerian probably didn’t remember half of them.]
But Askhan knew them all by heart.
She suddenly flashed back to all those years when she’d been out with Kerian, and Askhan had always seemed to be around
At birthday parties, he’d stand quietly in corners, but his eyes would follow her around the room.
At the amusement park, he’d “coincidentally end up on the same Ferris wheel.[]
Even when she’d been hospitalized for appendicitis, the nurses mentioned some quiet guy who’d come by every day, drop off flowers, and leave without saying a word…]
He’d always been there.]
She’d just been too obsessed with Kerian to notice.
Victoria’s throat tightened. She didn’t know what to say, so she just put down her chopsticks and started reaching for the dishes.[
Askhan caught her hand before she could grab anything: “I got it.“||
His palm was warm, but he let go almost immediately, like he was afraid of overstepping.
“My dad always said real men handle the cleanup.” He started clearing the table with practiced efficiency.[
Victoria thought about Askhan’s parents–that couple everyone envied for how in love they were.
She’d met them at some charity gala. His dad had spent the whole night taking care of his mom, wouldn’t even let her pour her own water.]
She’d joked with Kerian about how rare guys like that were
But now.
Remembering that Sophia was Askhan’s sister made Victoria’s stomach twist.
Askhan seemed to pick up on her mood shift, but he didn’t push.]
He loaded the dishes into the dishwasher, wiped his hands, then pulled a set of keys from his pocket.
set up the master bedroom for you–all new toiletries and everything” His voice was gentle.
“I’ll stay at my other place. Won’t bother you.“]
Victoria stared at him: “You’re… not staying here?”
Askhan looked at her with those careful eyes: “I know you don’t completely trust me yet. You need time to adjust to all this.”
“Until then, I’ll give you space. Last thing I want is to make
He grabbed his coat from the couch and headed for the door.
you
uncomfortable.
“Askhan.” Victoria called out suddenly.
He turned back, eyebrows raised.
“Thank you.” Her voice was barely a whisper
Askhan smiled slightly, his expression soft “Don’t thank me. This is just what you do for someone you care about.”
The door clicked shut, leaving Victoria alone in the quiet house
Standing in the empty living room, she felt her eyes getting watery.
It was a lot to process, but she couldn’t deny it for the first time in forever, she felt like someone actually saw her
So this was what it felt like to be truly loved.]]
