My Pure Addiction✨

Chapter 6 (Living in his House)

Amelia Harrington

The ceremony was over, and as we were heading back, I was still reeling from everything that had just happened. My heart was pounding in my chest, my hands cold and clammy as I sat in the back seat of his luxurious car. I had never sat in anything so grand before. The leather seats, the soft hum of the engine—it was all a stark contrast to my simple life up until now.

I kept my head down, staring intently at my hands, fiddling with my fingers as if they were the most fascinating thing in the world. I could feel his gaze on me—Tyler, my husband—but I couldn't bring myself to look up. His presence was overwhelming, and every second that passed in silence made the air in the car feel heavier. Why was he staring at me like that? Was he expecting something from me? Was this how things were supposed to be between husband and wife?

The car eventually came to a stop, and I dared to peek up, only to be met with a view that took my breath away. It wasn't just a house—it was a mansion. A sprawling estate with towering pillars, expansive windows, and perfectly manicured gardens. I had known he was wealthy, but seeing it in person... I felt a deep unease settle in my stomach. How could I, someone who had known nothing but struggle, fit into a place like this?

The driver opened Tyler's door first, and he stepped out, his figure imposing and confident as always. I was about to open my door when it swung open, and there he was again, extending his hand toward me. I hesitated for a moment before taking it, feeling the warmth of his palm against my cold fingers. The moment I tried to step out, I wobbled on my heels—stupid, unfamiliar heels. The ground rushed toward me, and I braced myself for the impact, but it never came.

Instead, I felt strong arms wrap around me, pulling me against a firm chest. I looked up, startled, and found myself locked in a long, silent gaze with him. His dark eyes seemed to see through me, and for a moment, the world around us disappeared. His touch wasn't rough or commanding—it was steady, almost gentle. My breath hitched, and I quickly looked away, my face flushing in embarrassment.

"Careful," he whispered, his voice low and deep. I tried to step away, but my heel betrayed me once again, and this time we both tumbled to the ground. I landed on top of him, my head resting on his chest. His heartbeat was strong and steady under my cheek, and I could feel the warmth of his body seep into mine.

I immediately scrambled to get up, but my efforts were useless, and I fell back down on him. He chuckled softly, and his deep voice vibrated through his chest. "Goodness, sweetheart, you're falling for me again and again." His words sent a rush of heat to my cheeks. I could feel his smirk, and I knew he was teasing me, but I couldn't even muster the strength to respond. Instead, I tried once again to push myself off him, but he beat me to it.

Without warning, he scooped me up into his arms and stood, holding me as if I weighed nothing. My instinct was to push him away, but the fear of falling again kept my hands clutching his shirt. I didn't want to admit how secure I felt in his arms, how much my body seemed to trust him even when my mind was still conflicted.

As we approached the entrance, Gareth, his ever-playful brother, made his presence known. "Come on, bro, you can continue all this in your room. My single heart is suffering here." His voice was laced with amusement, and I felt a blush spread across my face. I quickly buried my face in Tyler's chest to hide it.

Tyler rolled his eyes but smirked. "Well, you should keep your heart's desires to yourself and let me and my wife have our moment." His voice was calm, but there was something more in his tone, something possessive. I wasn't sure how to feel about it.

Gareth turned his attention to me, a playful smirk tugging at his lips. "Looks like my dear sister-in-law didn't like what you said, right, Amy?" His tone was teasing, but his gaze was gentle. I managed a shy smile, feeling Tyler's grip on me tighten slightly as he looked down at me, his brow furrowed.

I couldn't take the intensity of his gaze any longer, so I quickly turned away, pressing my burning face further into his chest. He chuckled again, his voice warm. "Goodness, sweetheart, you look like a strawberry." That nickname again. It made me feel both embarrassed and oddly... cherished.

Before I could even process the moment, Tyler carried me inside the mansion, with Gareth still teasing him from behind. "You'll see! One day, I'll bring home a beautiful girl as my wife too, just like you did with sisty!"

Sisty? The name caught me off guard, but strangely, I liked it. It felt familiar, comfortable, even though I'd only just met Gareth.

Once we reached the bedroom, I was taken aback. The room was massive, with high ceilings, large windows, and a grand bed that looked like it belonged in a palace. A couch, a vanity, and a balcony—a balcony! I wanted to gasp out loud. I had never been in such an extravagant space before.

Tyler set me down gently on the couch, and I watched, still in awe of my surroundings. But then he did something I didn't expect. He knelt in front of me and took my foot into his lap, carefully undoing the buckle of my heel. My heart raced as I stared at him, confused. What was he doing?

His touch was tender as he removed the heels, his fingers grazing my foot softly. I could feel the heat rising to my cheeks again, but I didn't say a word. When he noticed the redness on my feet from the tight shoes, he gave a small frown, gently massaging my sore skin. I couldn't stop staring at him—this man who, moments ago, seemed so distant and untouchable, now taking care of me in the most intimate way.

He looked up and gave me a soft smile. My heart skipped a beat. Stop it, Amelia. Focus. I quickly looked away, fear creeping back into my chest. This is how it starts, I reminded myself. Sweet gestures, caring words... but what comes next? What happens when the kindness wears off? I had seen this pattern before with my father.

Sensing my discomfort, he let out a soft sigh and stood up, lifting my chin with his fingers so I'd meet his gaze again. "Look," he began gently, "I know you weren't ready for this relationship. Neither was I. But now we're here, and I want you to know that I'm giving us time. You don't have to feel scared or pressured. I'll stay in the room next door. This room is yours. If you need anything, just let me know. Okay?"

His voice was calm, sincere. I nodded, giving him a small smile, not trusting myself to say anything. He leaned down and kissed my forehead softly. "Goodnight, Strawberry," he whispered before walking out of the room, leaving me alone with my thoughts.

I sat there for a while, trying to process everything. Was this real? Did he really care, or was this just the beginning of something darker? My father had once been caring, too, but that had quickly changed. Could Tyler be different?

Shaking off the dark thoughts, I explored the room, marveling at its grandeur before slipping into the bathroom to take a long, soothing shower. Afterward, I pulled on my favorite pajamas—soft, comforting, and familiar—and crawled into the massive bed. It felt like sleeping on a cloud. As I pulled the blankets around me, I couldn't help but think about Tyler's words, about how he promised to give me time, to be patient.

Maybe—just maybe—things could be different this time. But as I drifted off to sleep, I couldn't shake the lingering fear. What if, like my father, Tyler's kindness was just an illusion?

With that thought weighing heavy on my mind, exhaustion finally took over, and I succumbed to sleep, wondering what tomorrow would bring in this strange new life as Mrs. Amelia Harrington

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~Leeha