UNWANTED DEVOTION

HUSBAND...

"MOM, DAD, WE'RE MOVING TO ITALY—OUR NEW HOME!"

Crystal's POV

I heard him say it, and my body went rigid. I didn't know how to react. Suddenly, a hard slap landed on my ass, making my eyes widen as I shouted...

"KIAN!"

"Husband, birdy. Your husband," he corrected coldly, his tone stern. After that, I couldn't utter a word.

His hand continued to caress my butt in slow, circular motions, while my gaze darted around, trying to figure out where he was taking me. He stopped in front of a car and guided me into the passenger seat, taking the driver's seat himself. The guards followed in the other cars.

Kian drove with a stern expression, his eyes fixed on the road ahead, while I sat beside him, staring down at my hands as I fiddled with my gown. I wanted him to say something, but maybe silence was enough for now.

After a few minutes, the car came to a halt at the airport. I looked back, thinking that if I had run, I might have escaped in just a few minutes—the distance was so short. But now, what could I do?

"Let's go," Kian said, his dead gaze fixed on my face as he opened the door. I quickly nodded, gathering my dress in both hands. A frustrated sigh escaped his lips as he watched me struggle with the fabric, and I pouted without realizing it. My eyes welled up with tears as I looked up at him, and his gaze met mine. He leaned in closer, making my heart race with fear. I instinctively pulled my face away slightly.

With one large hand beneath my thighs and the other supporting my back, he suddenly scooped me up in a bridal hold. I clung to his neck as he carried me into the airport. The people inside quickly scattered, as if we were some kind of threat. I clenched Kian's shirt in nervousness, hiding my face from their stares. Though, no one even dared to look at us directly. Kian adjusted me in his arms, and a pout formed on my lips again. My fingers traced circles on his chest, and I finally voiced the thought that had been nagging me since he first adjusted my position.

"Am I heavy, hubby?"

His steps halted, and he turned his eyes fully onto me, studying my face. He took a long breath and closed his eyes before responding.

"It's just the dress, birdy. You're not the problem here."

I nodded, gently wrapping my hands around his neck, my eyes drifting to his jawline. For the first time, I found myself silently calling him handsome.

............

The plane was empty except for the stunning flight attendants and pilots. As the flight began, the lights dimmed, creating a beautiful, serene atmosphere. I was absorbing every small detail when I felt his dark gaze on me. It sent chills down my spine. His piercing stare made me feel so small, and I quickly clenched my dress, swallowing hard.

"Thirsty?" he asked with a smirk, his tone dominating. I didn't know why he was asking me that, and my grip on my dress tightened.

"H-Hubby..." I stammered, unsure how to answer.

He rose from his seat, taking a step toward me. One knee rested on the seat beside me, partially covering my dress, while his hand planted firmly on the opposite side, near my head. He looked down at me, his body hovering over mine, and I gasped. A smirk curled on his lips before saying.

" LIFT YOUR DRESS UP FOR ME , MY BEAUTIFUL WIFE..."