Belated Honeymoon

Natalia took an uncertain step back. "I- I'll make sure to tell you next time where I'm going. But you'll still send someone to tail me anyways, right? So I don't make a fool of myself or the Black family?"

Sebastian frowned. "Why would you think that?"

She bit her lip, weighing the pros and cons of revealing her past. Finally, she said, "Three years ago, I was supposed to drive Lulu home. But a classmate insisted on taking me out to dinner, so she had to drive home alone. Adrianna was fuming mad. When I finally got home, I was grounded for three months, only allowed to go to and from my classes. Once the house arrest was lifted, my father had someone follow me wherever I went after that."

It was such a pain losing my father's man. Ian and I would have to drive down little back alleys and switch cars and take the most obscure roads to the headquarters. I have no idea how we were never found out.

Sadness flashed in his eyes as he coughed. "I'm so sorry you had to go through all of that. I also was just teasing you earlier. You don't need to report everything to me. I get it, this is just an arranged marriage. After the next two weeks, we can live our own separate lives."

She frowned. "Next two weeks?"

He nodded. "I still owe you a honeymoon, don't I?"

Her eyes widened, and she stammered, "T- that's really n- not necessary."

"I insist." He took her hands in his, gently. "You seem like you could use some rest and relaxation. Take your mind off of everything for a while."

She immediately thought of the fiasco with her mother and step-family. Maybe... I really do need a break.

Natalia took a deep breath and nodded. "Alright. What's our destination?"

Sebastian smirked. "You'll see soon enough."

- - - - -

Just under twenty-one hours later, a private jet landed in V City in A Country. The door slowly detached from the side and lowered to the ground. Natalia descended the steps first with her husband close behind.

"Have you ever been to V City before?"

She shook her head. "When my father and the rest of them would go places on vacation, I was left home so I wouldn't "spoil their mood." Which, in all honesty, was fine by me. If they were gone, that meant I wasn't subjected to their constant bullying."

He coughed a couple times before saying, "You won't be treated like that anymore. I won't allow it. If my family treats you badly, just let me know. I'll uphold justice for you."

Stunned, she followed him as he walked over to the waiting SUV. Sebastian held the door open for her, and she climbed in. Once he was seated, he pulled the door shut.

"To the apartment."

"Yes, Young Master Sebastian."

Natalia frowned. "Where are we going?"

"My family owns a penthouse here. It's lavish and this city is the perfect place to have a honeymoon. There's music, festivals, specialty foods and so much more. I think you'll really like it here."

But she knew exactly where they were. This city had a very big and busy branch location of an international police organization. She swallowed.

Is he trying to get me killed?!

At the same time, she figured he had no idea of her second identity. Taking a deep breath, she relaxed in her seat and looked up at the sky through the sun roof. A few soft coughs echoed next to her. Natalia turned her head, glancing at her husband.

"Sebastian?"

"Hmm?"

"This is a business trip, isn't it?"

He winced. "I'm sorry, Natalia. There's a major shareholder meeting here in a few days that I couldn't miss. But I also know that I've neglected you. So I thought I'd bring you along. We can see some sights beforehand."

She shook her head. "It's okay. I get it. You're busy. The Black family is the richest family in Z City and controls the biggest tech conglomerate in U Country. I don't want to distract you from your work."

Sebastian reached out gently squeezed her right hand. "You're not a distraction. From now on, you're my equal. You have power in my family. My father is getting on in years and has handed many of his duties over to me. I'm basically the Chief Executive Officer of Arcane Tech already. As such, your position as my wife is not low. If you want, I'll even introduce you to the shareholders."

Natalia blushed. "There's no need. They attended our wedding, right? Then, they already know who your wife is."

I must tread very carefully in this city. One wrong move could land me in serious trouble.

Their eyes met, and for a moment, time seemed to stand still. She broke away first and drew back her hand, clearing her throat.

"I think I'd rather just relax and laze around the apartment. Everything's been so hectic, what with the wedding and all, that I could use a me day."

He nodded slowly and clasped his hands in his lap. "Whatever you want."

Silence fell over the SUV. She turned her head and looked out the window, watching the old, classical architecture roll by.

These next three days will be the longest of my life. The sooner we leave V City, the happier I will be.

- - - - -

When the car finally pulled up in front of the high-rise, Sebastian and Natalia climbed out. The driver brought their luggage along, and they all headed in. The desk guard nodded in greeting, having obviously recognized the tall, platinum blonde man. They took the elevator up to the penthouse, and when the doors opened, her jaw nearly dropped from shock.

The place was lavish with expensive settees, ottomans, side-tables, and real fur rugs. Golden chandeliers with LED lights hung from the ceiling. All the walls had a Western design. And this was just the open-concept living room.

Seeing her expression, Sebastian chuckled, "The Montrose's are rich, but the Blacks are richer. Your family, unknowingly, gave you a higher status and a better life. Because everything you see here is yours."

She whipped around to face him. "What?"

"This apartment is under my name. But whatever's mine is yours. I'm working with the family lawyer now to get your name added to the deed, so this place will be co-owned by us."

Her eyes widened. "T- this is too generous."

"You're my wife. This is my honeymoon gift to you."

You can give gifts openly. But I will not. Everything that is mine has been acquired through hard work and sacrifice. 

Natalia remained silent. She walked around the living room, eyeing everything. Her fingers glided across the smooth wood of the tables and the soft cushions of the settee and chairs. The far wall was made entirely of glass, and she walked over, gazing out over V City.

Her eyes narrowed once her back was to her husband. Sebastian Black is being too nice for barely knowing me. Honeymoon? Yeah, right. There must be something fishy about this trip. It seems I need to be cautious around him from now on. I can't afford to let myself fall into a trap. Especially here.