Chapter 9
Three days after the wedding, Lucian and I started to get more comfortable around each other.
That day, he took me golfing.
The car stereo was tuned to a financial news channel.
“Breaking–tech firm VantaTech files for bankruptcy.”
“Former CEO Jace…”
Before the report could finish, Lucian turned the radio off.
“If you don’t like something, just tell me to change it,” he said with a warm smile.
I tucked my hair behind my ear, a little embarrassed.
“It’s not that. I actually kinda love gossip.”
“Want me to turn it back on then?”
He smirked, half–joking.
I giggled.
“Nah, I already know how that story ends.”
Because of mutual friends, I’d been hearing plenty about Jace.
He had a bad rep now–no surprise, really.
I’d never played golf before, but Lucian was a natural.
He stood behind me, guiding my grip, correcting my posture.
It was our first time being that physically close.
And even though we’d been married three days, we hadn’t slept together yet.
15:04
Nine Years Wasted- Now I’m Marrying Your Rival
6.79%
Chapter 9
Lucian said he’d wait until I was truly ready.
As I stood there against his chest, I felt something shift inside me-
Like I was suddenly 18 again, falling for someone for the first time.
Turns out, age or history doesn’t matter-
When your heart’s not in it, love doesn’t happen.
And when it is….
I realized what I had with Jace wasn’t love.
It was stubbornness.
I did love him–once.
But I loved the version of him I created in my head.
Not the real one who betrayed me.
I smiled and turned, kissed Lucian on the cheek.
His ears turned red instantly.
He missed the next shot completely.
Instead, he grabbed my hand and pulled me into the clubhouse.
I’d never seen him that impulsive.
He was always the calm, composed one.
When we walked out, my lipstick was long gone.
Let’s just say, he’s a great coach-
But I’m a terrible student.
Maybe I never meant to focus anyway.
15:04
Nine Years Wasted–Now I’m Marrying Your Rival
6.99
Chapter 9
That night, we both quietly moved into the same bedroom.
We didn’t need to say it.
It just felt right.
I wasn’t new to intimacy.
But Lucian was incredibly gentle.
I slept better than I had in years.
The next morning, I woke up late.
I heard him moving around the room.
When I opened my eyes, I saw him.
“Sorry,” he said quietly, thinking he’d woken me.
I shook my head, still half–asleep.
He smiled and ruffled my messy hair.
“I brought breakfast. Better eat before it gets cold.”
Breakfast?
I used to beg Jace to have breakfast with me-
And now, just days back in San Francisco, someone had already done it for me.
I rubbed my eyes and made my way downstairs.
The table was set with a full English breakfast.
“Some of the dishes cooled off, but I’ve got the staff reheating them now,”
Lucian said as he pulled out my chair like a perfect gentleman.
This time, I didn’t say thank you.
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Nine Years Wasted–Now I’m Marrving Your Rival
7.1%
Chapter 9
Because we’re husband and wife.
No need to be so formal.
“Love you, babe,”
I said sweetly, snuggling close to him.
He looked flustered and blushed, then fed me a scone like I was a kid.
Turns out, married life can be everything you dreamed of-
You just need the right person.
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