The master suite of the Phoenix Mansion was the definition of cold, modern luxury. Floor-to-ceiling glass windows overlooked the sleeping city, and the floors were made of polished obsidian. Gabriella paced back and forth on the plush rug, the heavy train of her ivory silk wedding gown rustling behind her like a restless ghost.
The Unexpected Gift
Her mind was a storm. How do I explain running away before the ceremony? Is Felix furious? Or is he just hurt? Every second in the tight, beaded corset of her dress felt like she was suffocating. She rushed to her luggage to find something comfortable, but as she unzipped the side pocket, she froze.
Tucked inside was a lacey, crimson nightwear set—way too bold for her taste. Her phone chimed. It was Dona.
"So... how do you like my surprise gift?" Dona's voice was full of mischief.
Gabriella's face turned bright red. "You! Did I ask for this? This is literally embarrassing, Dona!"
"Gifts should be given without asking, Gabby," Dona teased with a mocking smile. "Wishing you a very happy wedding night!" Before Gabriella could scream into the phone, Dona hung up.
Gabriella groaned and slammed the luggage shut. She bypassed the lace and grabbed her favorite sunflower-yellow silk pajamas—soft, casual, and definitely not scandalous.
-----
The Midnight Visitor
She sat on the edge of the massive king-sized bed, staring at the door. "Why isn't he here yet?" she whispered to the empty room. To distract herself from the heavy silence, she pulled out her phone and started a mobile game. One round turned into ten. The adrenaline of the game slowly faded into exhaustion, and by midnight, she had fallen fast asleep, the phone still clutched in her hand.
In the dead of night, the door clicked open. Felix stepped in, looking exhausted but strikingly handsome. He saw Gabriella curled up like a kid, her yellow pajamas a bright spot in the dark room. He didn't wake her. Instead, he gently took the phone from her hand and tucked the velvet bedsheet around her shoulders. He leaned down, brushing a stray hair from her forehead with a soft smile, before disappearing into the washroom.
-------
The morning sun spilled into the room, turning the gray walls into gold. Gabriella blinked her eyes open, feeling the warmth of someone beside her. She turned her head and gasped.
There he was. Felix was sleeping. In the daylight, his sharp, perfect jawline looked like it was carved from stone, and the three silver strips in his front hair caught the light, making him look effortlessly cool.
She stared for a moment, her heart doing a frantic dance. When did he even get here? Suddenly, Felix shifted. The blanket slid down, revealing his muscular, shirtless chest.
Gabriella's eyes widened to the size of saucers. She immediately yanked the bedsheet over her head, hiding like a turtle. After a few seconds, she peeked out again. Felix was waking up, propping his head up on one hand, looking at her with a sleepy, playful gaze.
"Good morning, Dear," he rasped, his voice deep with sleep.
Gabriella sat up, her face burning. "Good morning... wait, can't you wear a shirt?"
Felix looked down at himself and shrugged casually. "I usually don't wear a shirt while sleeping. It's a habit."
"Well, wear one from now on!" Gabriella snapped, standing up quickly to hide her flustered expression.
Felix smirked playfully, his eyes glinting. "We're already married, Gabriella. Is it really necessary to be so shy?"
Gabriella's jaw dropped. She grabbed a feather-filled pillow and chucked it straight at his head. "Yes! It is!" she yelled, before rushing into the washroom and slamming the door.He smirked.
-------
The Golden Hour Vow
The morning light flooded the high-tech kitchen of the Phoenix Mansion, reflecting off the marble countertops and stainless steel appliances. The air smelled of freshly brewed coffee and buttery toast. Gabriella stepped into the room, having swapped her yellow pajamas for a soft, oversized lavender sweater and white leggings. Her hair was damp from the shower, and she looked soft, a far cry from the "Cold Queen" the world knew.
The Chef in the Kitchen
She looked around, surprised to find the kitchen already busy. Felix was there, looking effortlessly handsome in a simple black t-shirt and grey lounge pants. He looked refreshed, his silver-streaked hair slightly messy.
"Did you freshen up already?" she asked, leaning against the kitchen island.
He nodded, not breaking his focus on the stove. "There's another bathroom in the guest wing..."
"Sorry I was late getting down," Gabriella said. She walked over to the counter and picked up a small paring knife to help. "Do you need help with the veggies?"
Before she could slice a single pepper, Felix's hand closed over hers, gently taking the knife away. He gave her an awkward, boyish smile. "No, sit. I've got this."
Gabriella laughed, her heart doing a little flutter. "Don't spoil your wife too much, Felix. If you do, you'll end up doing every single household chore yourself!"
Felix stopped mid-motion. He set the spatula down and turned to face her, his gaze turning intense. "Come here," he said softly.
Gabriella blinked, walking closer. "What?"
"What did you just call yourself?" his voice was husky and low, vibrating in the quiet kitchen.
Gabriella felt her cheeks heat up. "I said... your wife."
Without a word, Felix leaned in and captured her lips in a sweet, lingering kiss. It wasn't wild like the one on the balcony; it was tender, tasting of a new beginning. Gabriella gasped into the kiss, her hands resting tentatively on his chest.
He pulled back just an inch, his thumb grazing the tip of her nose. "I like spoiling my wife," he whispered.
Gabriella took a deep breath, her expression turning serious. "Felix, I want to say something about yesterday. I didn't go to see Jake because I was confused about who to choose. I went to clear everything once and for all. I wanted you to know that I was already—"
Felix placed a gentle finger over her lips, silencing her. He smiled, a genuine, warm look that reached his eyes. "You don't need to explain, Gabriella. I understand. The way you ran to me at the wedding... the way you chose me in front of everyone... that says everything I need to know."
Gabriella smiled back, a heavy weight lifting off her shoulders. She watched him go back to the scrambled eggs, her heart racing with a feeling she realized was dangerously close to love.
"By the way," she said, trying to sound casual, "when did you even get back last night? You were so late."
Felix turned, a playful smirk dancing on his lips. "Did you miss me that much?"
"Don't change the subject!" she teased. "Why were you late?"
" Urgent business meeting," Felix said casually, though for a split second, his eyes lost their warmth. "I had to go. I'll inform you earlier from now on, don't worry. And today, I'll be home early." He gave her a quick, charming wink.
Gabriella felt her face burn and she turned, running back toward her room to hide her smile. Felix watched her go, his smile slowly fading into a look of deep calculation.
-------
The Mark of the Phoenix
The Phoenix Mansion was bathed in the soft, golden light of mid-morning. Outside, the manicured gardens looked like a painting, but inside the master suite, the air was thick with a different kind of electricity. Gabriella stood before her full-length vanity, preparing for the day. She was dressed in a chic, floral wrap dress—simple yet elegant—and was busy pulling her dark hair into a tight ponytail.
Gabriella is talking on phone. It's her Granny. Granny invited them for supper. Gabriella can't deny. She said yes. After she hang up.
Suddenly, a shadow fell over her. Felix appeared in the mirror's reflection, looking dangerously handsome in a crisp white button-down. Gabriella was struggling with her delicate silver neck chain when he stepped in, his fingers light and steady as he fastened the clasp for her.
Without warning, he reached up and tugged the tie from her hair, letting the dark waves tumble over her shoulders. Gabriella froze. "Why did you do that?" she whispered.
Felix leaned in, his breath warm against her ear. "Free hair suits you more," he murmured, his hands sliding down to rest firmly on her waist.
He turned her around slowly. Their faces were inches apart, the tension between them snapping like a wire. Felix didn't waste a second; he captured her lips in a deep, hungry kiss. One hand supported the back of her head while the other pulled her flush against his hip. Gabriella felt her resistance melt, and she kissed him back, her fingers tangling in his hair. He lifted her effortlessly, placing her on the marble window ledge.
"Felix... wait," she panted, her heart racing. "The food... it's getting cold."
Felix's eyes looked heavy, like a man drunk on love. "But I can't control this heat," he growled softly. He leaned back in, his kisses moving from her lips to the sensitive curve of her neck. Gabriella gasped, her head falling back as his passion burned through her.
-------
Breakfast and Blushes
A while later, they sat at the long mahogany dining table. Felix was busy serving her scrambled eggs and fresh fruit, acting as if nothing had happened. But as Gabriella leaned forward, Felix noticed a faint red mark on the side of her neck.
He smiled to himself and reached over, gently adjusting her hair to hide it from view. Gabriella's face turned bright crimson. "Why did you... bite me?" she hissed in a low voice, refusing to meet his eyes.
"Sorry," Felix said, his face glowing with a naughty, playful smirk. "I promise I won't bite next time."
Gabriella looked at him, flustered by his shamelessness. "Aren't you going to eat?" she asked, trying to change the subject.
"I already ate," he said, leaning back and watching her.
"Shameless," she muttered, her voice dropping. "I was talking about the actual food, not... the kiss."
Felix just laughed. Gabriella picked up her fork. He didn't take food from his fork ; instead, he guided her hand toward his mouth, taking the bite directly from her fork while keeping his eyes locked on hers. Gabriella swallowed hard, her pulse jumping.
"Granny invited us for supper tonight," she said, trying to regain her composure. "If you're too busy, I won't mind."
"Let's go," Felix said instantly. He took one last bite from her fork and stood up. "I'm going to get ready now."
Gabriella looked at his casual clothes, confused. "Get ready? You aren't finished yet?"
-------
To be Continued....
-------