Chapter 5 WELCOME TO THE FAMILY MRS. CROFT

"Excellent Choice ma'am" the one beside them said then I returned the ring to them with a smile and they picked up the boxes and left the room.

Alexander smirked, clearly pleased with my choice too, but before he could respond, his eyes landed on my hand, the one with a wedding ring still adorning it, the one from my ex-husband.

His playful expression faded for a moment, his brow furrowing slightly.

"Planning on taking that off anytime soon?"

Tension coiled inside me as I glanced at the ring on my hand, beautiful memories flooded my mind. Once upon a time, this ring meant everything to me.

"It's okay if you don't want to take it off, things like this take time" he said in his soft voice, noticing how I tensed but I knew there was no room for hesitation.

With a deep breath, I slid the ring off my fingers, trembling slightly, and I placed it on the table.

"There'll be another one to replace it soon," I said softly, forcing a small smile.

"My hand won't feel naked for long.

"Hm" He mused, a knock came from the door, and a male head poked in

"Sir, Liam and Cassandra are here?"

Alexander smiled warmly and said "I'll be with them shortly" Then he turned to me and said.

"They are our only wedding guests, I'll be right back" he gave my shoulder a friendly squeeze then he stood up and left the room. Just as I thought the moment was over, my phone pinged with a text and the name Brandon lit the phone, shattering the earlier sense of warmth I felt.

As I read the text a deep sense of urgency shifted in me. The weight of everything-my failing company, Brandon's manipulations, and now? Everything overwhelmed me.

I needed to act fast before Brandon made the worst of this situation Alexander returned a few moments later and sat beside me, he was

about to say something but I didn't let him instead I turned to him and said the last thing I would ever say.

"Let's get married today, Now"

His eyes lit up, amusement glimmered there, he leaned in his lips curling into a smirk.

"Eager to get in bed with me I see" he teased, his voice low.

I grimaced and shot him a flat look "I'm serious Alexander, and that's not the reason"

He grinned, clearly not taking me too seriously.

"Of course, it isn't," he said though his eyes held a different story.

"But lucky for you, I make things happen"

He stood up, finally serious but with that lurking charm that's almost impossible to ignore.

"I already have a dress picked out, take as much time as you need to get ready" He gestured toward the door

"Come, let me show you to your room"

I followed him through the nooks and corners until we reached a beautifully decorated room where a dress waited for me-a stunning pearl-colored gown with delicate lace details, a V-neckline, and beaded embellishments, It was simple yet perfect for this rushed occasion.

"Freshen up in there" he pointed to the bathroom.

"I'll send someone to help you get ready" he said and exited the room closing the door behind him.

Without wasting time I entered the bathroom and soaked in the tub for almost an hour before I stepped out of the bathroom wrapped in a bathrobe.

Two women stood waiting for me, one looked like the hairstylist, the zanzi pin roughly placed in her hair in an updo was a dead giveaway, and the other was the makeup artist.

"Hello ma'am Mr. Croft sent us to help you" the zanzi pin lady said gesturing to the chair in front of the vanity.

"I'm Clarice and this is Nicole" she said with a wide smile gesturing to the lady beside her.

"I'm Thalia" I said returning her smile

"What look are we going for today ma'am anything particular in mind?" Nicole asked.

"Don't worry" I said as I sat down "I'm not in the mood for heavy makeup. Just something basic"

The stylist nodded with a smile "You're already stunning, ma'am a little touch is all you need"

After a few minutes she was done, she listened to my request, the makeup was barely noticeable, she smiled at me and moved back to let Clarice work on my hair.

She began styling my hair, gathering it up into a loose, romantic chignon with a few soft wisps of hair gently framing my face.

After she was down they helped me into my dress and handed me a bouquet that was equally beautifu.l White roses with hints of lavender, tied with a sage green satin ribbon.

By the time I was finished, I barely recognized myself. The dress fit me like a dream, and my reflection in the mirror was calm, collected, and most of all ready.

I stepped out of the room to find Alexander waiting for me, his eyes scanned me from head to toe he whistled softly.

"You clean up well, Mrs. Croft"

"Not yet" I said even though my heart fluttered at the sound of his voice "and I keep my name Mr. Croft"

"Anything you want darling" he said his voice low and sultry.

"You are sure about this though?" He asked

"I am" I said and nodded releasing a sharp breath.

He offered his arm I took it, and he led me upstairs to a modestly sized hall. It wasn't grand, just perfect for what we needed.

Inside, the wedding officiant stood, waiting for us, along with a man and a woman sitting in the front row, they must be Cassandra and Liam.

Alexander introduced them after we exchanged rings and a soft kiss that left me breathless, buzzing, and wanting more.

"These are the only people who matter today" Alexander said his tone light as we approached the couple.

"Thalia meet my cousin Cassandra and her husband Liam, who also happens to be my best friend" Cassandra smiled warmly, her green eyes twinkling.

"Hello" I said returning her smile.

"Cassie and Liam meet Thalia, my lovely wife," he said, bringing my hands to his lips.

"Never knew this day would come" Liam chuckled with his thick Irish accent.

"Congratulations to you both" he said and offered me a handshake.

"Welcome to the family Thalia" Cassandra chimed in and she fiercely pulled me into a warm bear hug.

"Thank you so much Cassandra" I said caught off guard by her hug.

"Oh please call me Cassie, we are family now girl" She said finally releasing me.

"Though I didn't expect the wedding to be today" Liam said shooting Alexander a knowing look.

"Well what can I say I couldn't wait" Alexander teased draping his arm around my shoulders"

"I know who did the same thing" Cassie said glaring at her husband, sarcasm dripped into her voice, causing Liam to laugh. After a few minutes of polite conversation and teasing, we said goodbye to them and Alexander led me to our marital room.

Liam and Cassie went to their room on the other side of the manor.