Sunlight filtered through the soft curtains of the Vaughn family's master bedroom, falling on Celeste's face as she lay nestled in her husband's embrace. The morning air carried the scent of mint tea and toast from the kitchen below, but what lingered most was Alistair's warmth enveloping every inch of her.
She blinked slowly awake, realizing how intimately they were entwined—her body half-pinned beneath his, his strong arm still wrapped possessively around her waist, as if refusing to let go even in sleep.
"Good morning, Mrs. Vaughn," Alistair murmured, his voice rough as his lips brushed her temple with a tenderness that warmed her chest.
Celeste flushed, closing her eyes again. "Morning..."
"Did you sleep well?"
She gave a small nod, then whispered, "You... held me all night."
Alistair smirked, flipping them over until she was pinned beneath him. "Of course. I didn't let you go for a second. Now that you're officially mine, I have no intention of ever releasing you."
He pinched her nose playfully, drawing a soft laugh from her.
"I don't know if this is real... or just some impossibly beautiful dream," Celeste murmured, burying her face in his chest.
"You know it's real," Alistair replied, stroking her hair gently. "And our world is only going to get more beautiful from here."
They spent a long while simply lying there—laughing quietly, holding each other, gazing into one another's eyes. No words could truly capture the comfort of it.
But their peace was interrupted when Alistair's phone buzzed on the nightstand.
He frowned, reaching for it and reading the new message.
His expression hardened.
"What is it?" Celeste asked, sitting up slowly.
Alistair met her gaze, then set the phone down. "My father... is coming today."
Celeste's heart seemed to stop.
"Lord Vaughn?" she whispered.
Alistair nodded. "He wants to meet 'my wife.' He wants to know who the woman is that finally made me... surrender."
Celeste bit her lower lip. "You didn't tell me he was... like that."
"Because I don't care about his judgment. But I know he can be... difficult." Alistair sat up, pulling Celeste back into his arms. "But don't worry. I'm with you. No one in this world is allowed to look down on you, Celeste. Not even my father."
Celeste nodded, though nervousness crept into her chest. She knew this marriage was just the beginning. The real test might start today.
By eleven in the morning, the Vaughn residence was unusually busy. The staff wore more formal uniforms, and fresh flower arrangements replaced the older vases in the drawing room.
Celeste sat in the parlor, her hands clasped in her lap, wearing a soft ivory dress recommended by Mrs. Elora, the Vaughn family's housekeeper. Her face was calm, but her fingers fidgeted restlessly.
Heavy, measured footsteps echoed from the main entrance. Alistair, standing beside Celeste, straightened, though his expression was tenser than usual.
The door opened, and an elderly man in a dark autumn coat stepped in. His hair was entirely white but neatly combed, his face lined yet still exuding a powerful charisma. His eyes... were gentle. Unbearably gentle.
"Alistair," the man said warmly.
"Father." Alistair bowed slightly in greeting before stepping forward to embrace him briefly.
Lord Vaughn then turned his gaze to Celeste. His eyes weren't sharp or judgmental—instead, they looked at her as if she were his own daughter.
"And you must be... Celeste," he said, smiling kindly as he inclined his head in respect.
Celeste stood hastily, returning a nervous nod. "Lord Vaughn..."
"No need for such formality, my dear. You're family now."
Alistair shot his father a surprised glance, as if he hadn't expected such warmth from the man known as a hardened aristocrat.
Lord Vaughn walked slowly to the sofa, sitting with the slight aid of his wooden cane. "You remind me of my late wife. Calm. Full of love."
Celeste sat back down, her heart easing slightly.
Lord Vaughn studied them both before finally smiling wider, like someone who had been holding back a question for days.
"Now..." he said softly, yet with unmistakable hope. "When do I get a grandchild?"
Celeste paled. Alistair stiffened.
"Don't look at me like that, son. A father just wants to ensure the Vaughn lineage doesn't end with you. Celeste, I know you'll bring new life to this family." He looked at Celeste with affection. "I was too harsh on him as a father. But from the way he holds you... I know he's changed because of you."
Alistair blinked, speechless.
Lord Vaughn then stood slowly and approached Celeste. He took his daughter-in-law's hands gently and said, "When your child is born one day, tell them their grandfather has been waiting for them... long before they even existed."
Celeste couldn't hold back the tears that suddenly fell. For some reason... her heart felt so warm. She knew life wouldn't always be this easy, but... for this moment, she felt like she truly had a family.