<b>Chapter </b>47
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The garden behind the Chateau looked like it belonged in a painting. Wide stone paths curved between manicured hedges and overflowing flowerbeds. White roses,vender, and peonies bloomed in tight clusters.
A fountain stood at the center, carved from pale limestone, with water trickling down into a circr basin. Beyond the hedges, rows of vineyards stretched out like green waves. The sky overhead was cloudless.
Emery sat under a cream–colored parasol, a porcin teacup bnced in her hands. Nina sat across from her, her sunsses pushed up into her hair, eyes still scanning the estate like she expected someone <i>to </ie out and arrest them.
“Are you sure,” Nina asked, stirring sugar into her tea. “This guy isn’t some prince from a country no one can pronounce? Or a sheikh who’s just looking for a fourth wife?”
Emery chuckled. “No. Not a prince. And definitely not a sheikh.”
Nina raised an eyebrow. “So he’s just some mysterious billionaire who swept in, took you away on a private jet, and now you’re getting married in a literal castle? I feel like I skipped a few episodes.”
Emery took a sip. The tea was slightly floral. Warm. She nced around the garden. Since she discovered that she’s pregnant, she also realized that her preferences for tea’s changed. She now liked them floral. Not the bitter ones. “It does sound insane when you put it like that.”
“Because it is,” Nina said. “You were crying in my kitchen not that long ago. Now you’re out here surrounded by flowers and staff and a wedding coordinator who looks like she works for the royal family.”
Emery looked down at her teacup.
“I’m not judging,” Nina added. “I just want to make sure you know what you’re doing.”
Emery nodded slowly. Then she looked up. “The procedure worked.”
Nina blinked. “What?”
“The procedure,” Emery said. “It worked. I’m pregnant.”
Nina froze.
The silence stretched for several seconds before her mouth dropped open. “You are -what?”
Emery nodded again, slower this time.
“Does he know?” Nina asked. “Mr. Hayes?”
“He does.”
“And he still wanted to marry you?”
Emery hesitated. “He… actually asked right after finding out.” For some reason, she still didn’t want to inform
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her about the strange mistake that the clinic did until they found out what had happen. Logan told her that his people are looking for clues and he is only waiting for their updates.
Nina stared at her. “Are you absolutely sure this man is legit? I mean, really think about it. A guy finds out you’re pregnant and wants to get married instantly? What if he’s just some guy your father paid to keep you quiet? Or someone scheming to get a piece of your family’s shares?”
Emery blinked, thenughed once. “Wow. You really don’t trust anyone, do you?”
“I trust you,” Nina said. “Which is why I’m asking. I don’t want you walking into another trap just because someone showed up with a chiseled jaw and a ck card.”
Emery leaned back in her chair, exhaling.
“He didn’t know who I was when we met,” she said. “Not the full story. He helped me a couple of times. And when he found out about the pregnancy, he didn’t flinch. He offered to marry me. It was quick, but it’s better than marrying someone twice my age.”
Nina watched her.
“I know it seems fast,” Emery added. “And maybe it is. But this isn’t just about me anymore. I have to think about the baby.”
“Still,” Nina said, leaning in. “If he so much as breathes wrong, I’m dragging you out of here myself.”
Emery smiled. “Don’t worry. Logan is… fine.”
Nina narrowed her eyes. “Fine? That’s all you’re giving me?”
“I mean it,” Emery said. “He’s steady. Protective. Overbearing sometimes. But not in a bad way. I feel… safe.” Or at least she hopes she <b>is </b>safe.
Nina didn’t reply right away. She just poured herself more tea.
“Okay,” she said atst. “Then I’ll stop panicking. For now.”
They sat quietly for a moment, listening to the sound of the fountain and distant footsteps along the stone paths<b>. </b>
“How far along are you?” Nina asked.
“Almost eight weeks.”
“Are you sure it’s the procedure and not Samuel’s?” Nina asked. This time, her eyes widened again. “Hold on… Emery Vaughn! Are you rushing this marriage because you didn’t want Samuel to know about this pregnancy? Are you are you perhaps pregnant with-”
–
“I am not,” Emery said. “We haven’t been intimatetely. I can assure you that. I might have been stupid enough to stay with him for years but please… I’m not stupid enough to know that it wasn’t his. It’s not his and it’s the procedure.”
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Nina frowned at that. “But you just told me about not letting people control you. I mean… Emery–if this man
“Don’t worry-”
“Are you absolutely sure this time?” Nina asked.
Emery chuckled. “I am. Trust me.”
Nina exhaled. “That’s hard when you literally dated a walking red g for five years.<b>” </b>
Emery winced. “Let’s not talk about that. He’s in the past.”
Nina paused. “You’re right. Sorry. But I do have some updates. I heard something about Talia Arden.”
Emery’s fingers tightened slightly on her cup.
“They sent her somewhere. Some secret facility. Rumor says she’s sick, but my source says it’s psychiatric. She’s… different. After the miscarriage.”
Emery pursed her lips and didn’t respond. She recalled Talia’s crazed eyes in that hospital.
She didn’t want to think about Talia. And she especially didn’t want to think about what Logan might have done as retaliation. Was it really just a coincidence that she was sent to that ce after what she did in the clinic?
She shuddered.
A part of her should’ve been scared. But instead, warmth crept in–quiet, unfamiliar. For the first time in her life, someone had avenged her. Without asking. Without hesitation.
Before either of them could say more, a staff member stepped out from the path.
“Miss Vaughn,” the woman said. “The dress is ready. They’re waiting in the salon for the final fitting and cake selection.”
Emery nodded and set her cup down.
“Ready to judge frosting?” she asked Nina.
Nina stood. “Always”
The two of them went back into the castle and followed the woman into the salon.
The salon wasrge and filled with light. Tall windows framed one wall, and the soft cream curtains had been drawn back to let in the sun. The space smelled faintly of fabric and fresh flowers.
Three dress racks were positioned neatly near the center, and several tailors stood by with clipboards and pins. A small round table off to the side held cake samples and color swatches.
The woman who had escorted them inside stepped forward. “Miss Vaughn, I’m Hannah. I’m the assistant
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coordinator.” She gestured to the racks. “These are the dresses Mr. Hayes requested us to prepare. Each one has already been tailored to your measurements.”
Emery blinked. “I don’t remember giving him my measurements.”
Nina smirked. She leaned in and elbowed her. “Talk about thatter. You’re trying on dresses.”
Emery gave her a look, but stepped toward the racks.
The first dress was a ssic A–line gown with an off–shoulder neckline. It was made of silk satin, structured but elegant, with delicatece embroidered along the hem and sleeves. The bodice was clean and fitted, with tiny pearl buttons running down the back.
The second was sleeker. A minimalist sheath dress in ivory crepe, sleeveless, with a square neckline and a low open back. No embellishments. Just smooth fabric and sharp tailoring.
The third was dramatic. A ball gown made fromyers of tulle and organza, the skirt full and floating. The bodice was structured with a sweetheart neckline and subtle crystal detailing. The train swept long behind it.
The fourth had a modern edge. A structured mermaid gown in matte mikado with a high halter neckline. A keyhole cutout ran down the center of the bodice. Clean lines and an architectural silhouette made it look like something off a runway.
The fifth was striking. A sculpted mermaid gown made fromyered silk organza and duchess satin. It featured an illusion neckline with hand–appliquedce crawling over sheer mesh, trailing down into the bodice like vines. The lower half red into a dramatic fishtail skirt with soft pleats and a chapel–length train. Intricate beadwork shimmered faintly across the bodice under the light, and a detachable overskirt added depth and grandeur.
Emery nced at the dresses, then back at Hannah. “He picked all these?”
“He requested variety,” Hannah said. “But they’re all made to fit you exactly.”
Nina crossed her arms. “He really doesn’t miss a detail, huh?”
Emery didn’t answer. Instead, she moved toward the A–line gown and ran her fingers along the fabric.
“How did he know that you don’t like those… extravagantce gowns?” Nina asked. “Did you tell him?”
Emery shook her head. But she had no time to even think about this. She pointed at the A–line gown. “Let’s start with this one,” she said.
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