Congratulations

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CHAPTER 5

~Zara~

I freshened up, changed and went down for breakfast only to be informed Snow had left for work. Glancing at my watch, it was just 7 a.m. and he was already at work. I didn't ask what he did. I did not wish to bother myself.

Breakfast was laid out on a long table—fresh fruits, pastries, eggs, smoked salmon, milk, juices and grape wine. I took my time, savouring every bite.

Snow's mansion was full of surprises, and I wasn't going to let my family's betrayal ruin this small pleasure. I ate slowly, letting the calm of the morning and the food distract me from the anger under my skin.

I finished breakfast, set my napkin down, and decided to explore. The mansion was enormous—high ceilings, expensive art, a library with towering shelves, a sunroom with exotic plants, and a gym filled with top-tier equipment.

The staff gave me polite smiles, curious about the new Mrs. Snow. I smiled back, determined not to feel out of place.

I wandered through the east wing, discovering rooms with antique furniture, a ballroom and a drawing room with a massive fireplace. Snow's wealth was everywhere, and I couldn't help but wonder what else I had to learn about him.

Outside, the garden was filled with paths, fountains, and a pond. As I wandered, I spotted a greenhouse tucked in the corner. Inside, it was warm and filled with bright, exotic flowers. 

Relaxed, I turned to leave but noticed heavy doors at the far end, reinforced with metal bars. Why would a greenhouse need such secure doors?

A staff member appeared, looking uneasy. "My lady, is there something you need?" she asked.

"Just exploring," I replied. "What's behind those doors?"

She hesitated. "Those are private, ma'am. Master Snow prefers they stay closed."

I nodded, filing it away for later. Snow had secrets—so did I. In this world, secrets were power. I just needed to figure out how to use mine.

In the meantime, I decided to explore my other skills and spread my eggs.

Evening came quickly. I headed to the dining room, not expecting to see Snow tonight. The long table was already set, candles flickering, their soft glow reflecting off the silverware. 

I took a seat, feeling strangely nervous, my heart thudding a little harder than usual. I wasn't sure why nor was expecting him to join me.

But then, the door creaked open, and Snow walked in. I froze. He was wearing a simple white tee that hugged his muscular frame, every line and contour of his abs visible beneath the fabric, and black jeans that fit like a second skin. 

My jaw dropped before I could stop myself, and I quickly shut it, feeling a heat rush to my cheeks. Astrid, purred in my mind, her voice filled with approval. 

"Oh, we do like that, don't we?"

Snow noticed my reaction, a sly grin spreading across his face. "See something you like?" he teased in a smooth honey voice.

I snapped back to reality, trying to play it cool. "You wish," I shot back, but my cheeks were burning.

He chuckled, taking a seat across from me, leaning back casually, as if he owned the room. "I'm glad to see my new wife is already so captivated," he added, eyes glinting with mischief.

I rolled my eyes, though a small smile tugged at my lips. "Captivated? Hardly. Just… surprised, is all. I wasn't expecting company."

He leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table, his gaze still fixed on me. "Is that so? Because I thought you'd be eager to see more of your husband after our… whirlwind wedding."

I laughed, feeling a little more at ease. "You mean the wedding that happened so fast I barely remember saying 'I do'? Yeah, that one."

He laughed too, a deep, genuine sound that sent shivers down my spine.

"I'll admit, it wasn't the most traditional. But, we could always make up for it, you know, properly celebrate our wedding night," he suggested in a low tone as though those words were for my ears.

I felt my cheeks flame, and I fought to keep my composure. "Is that your idea of a joke?" I countered, trying to sound unimpressed, but my voice betrayed me, slightly breathless.

He smirked, leaning back again, clearly enjoying my reaction. "Not at all. I'm serious. Since we missed it, I wouldn't mind showing you what you missed out on."

I nearly choked on my breath. "You—" I stammered, my face burning. "You're impossible."

He laughed again as his eyes twinkled. "I've been called worse, Zara." He paused, watching me, his gaze softening just a little. "But really, tell me. Why'd you do it?"

I blinked, caught off guard. "Do what?"

"Marry a stranger. Walk up to me like that. You could've chosen anyone. Why me?"

I shrugged, trying to play it cool, but I couldn't help the truth that slipped out. "Maybe I liked the way you looked," I said, giving him a teasing grin. "Or maybe… I just didn't have time to waste."

He smiled warmly. "Fair enough. No regrets, then?"

I held his gaze, feeling the challenge there. "Not yet," I replied softly.

His smile widened. "Good. Because I think this is going to be fun."

I returned his smile, surprised at how easy it felt. "Yeah," I murmured, "maybe it will be."

After dinner, we said our goodbyes, and as Snow leaned in to whisper in my ear, I instinctively pulled back, afraid he was aiming for my lips. He smiled, muttering something under his breath before pulling away. 

I didn't bother trying to catch his words. I practically ran to my room, my heart pounding in my chest, unable to handle this new sensation that Astrid was clearly enjoying.

After my bath, I checked my mail via my phone. I received an email. "Congratulations," it read, "You have been shortlisted for the position of executive assistant to the CEO of Aurora Conglomerate Inc. Please report to our headquarters at 10 AM tomorrow for an interview."

A smile tugged at my lips. They had no idea who they were hiring. I was going to make the most out of my job.

The next morning, I arrived at the Aurora Conglomerate Inc. building, my heart racing with excitement and apprehension.

I stepped into the glass tower, the sleek, modern architecture was proof of the company's power and influence. I reached the reception desk, gave my name, and waited.

Moments later, the receptionist led me to the elevator and through a series of winding corridors to a large, glassy office. She opened the door, and I walked in, my heels announcing my arrival before she did. 

But as I lifted my eyes to see the CEO seated behind the massive oak desk—the one who I'd been told would be holding the interview—I froze, my breath catching in my throat. My heart slammed against my ribs, my mind racing to make sense of what I was seeing.

Snow.

He looked up, a slow, amused smile spreading across his lips. "Good morning, Zara," he drawled, his voice smooth as silk, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "I believe you're here for the interview?"

My heart skipped a beat, then another. My new job… my new boss… was my husband. The room seemed to tilt for a moment, and I blinked hard, trying to process what was happening. This had to be some sort of joke.

I should have known. The signs were all there: the business card I never bothered to check, the contract I didn't read, just signed, and Ella... she never sent him to me in the first place. How could I have missed all of this?

I felt heat rush to my face, my shock turning quickly into a mix of panic and frustration. Keep it together, Zara. I shut my eyes for a brief moment, steadying myself, my heart still pounding. My reckless attitude had landed me in this… this mess.

I opened my eyes and forced a smile, though my hands were shaking. Damn it. I was completely unprepared for this.

"Shit!" I muttered under my breath, but his grin only widened.