Signed, Sealed, Scandalous

Chapter 11

Inside the car, Adrian Pierce's deep eyes held a faint smile as he bent down without a care for his image to adjust Sophia Sterling's dress.

"It's beautiful," he said sincerely. "Far more stunning than I imagined when designing it."

Sophia instinctively glanced down at the hem of her dress, only to catch sight of his sharply defined profile, his striking brow bone perfectly complementing his sculpted features.

The moment he lifted his gaze to hers, her heart skipped a beat.

"Um, thanks. You look very handsome today too."

The moment the stiff compliment left her lips, she flushed with embarrassment.

Adrian merely chuckled. "Being praised by my wife is an honor."

His low, velvety voice sent a shiver down her spine, making her ears tingle and her pulse quicken.

Sophia turned her gaze to the window, trying to steady her flustered heart.

Outside, the scenery blurred past until the car came to a stop at a grand estate. The entire property was adorned in dreamy shades of pink, creating an ethereal atmosphere.

As the melodious wedding march played, Adrian stepped out first, offering her his hand, strong, warm, and reassuring.

Without hesitation, she placed her hand in his, surrendering control as he led her forward.

The guest list wasn't extensive, but every attendee carried an air of distinction. Many were influential figures rarely seen even on television, yet here, they seemed almost ordinary.

Every gaze directed at Sophia was warm and approving, filled with genuine blessings for their union.

The ceremony proceeded smoothly, but her mind remained in a daze, as if she were floating through a dream, following Adrian's every step.

The moment they exchanged rings, her heart finally settled.

This wasn't a dream. She had truly married someone else.

Adrian's parents stood arm in arm nearby, watching with tender smiles.

Amid the cheers and well-wishes, Adrian pulled Sophia close, cradling the back of her head as he pressed a soft kiss to the corner of her lips.

Meanwhile, in the hospital, the three Kingsley brothers clutched their chests in unison, exchanging glances as an inexplicable sense of loss gripped them.

"Sophia!"

Their voices overlapped, laced with unrestrained panic.

Noah couldn't stay seated, immediately rising to leave.

Just then, Lily Wilson, her eyes red from crying, grabbed his wrist, her voice trembling.

"Noah... are you in a hurry? Can't you stay with me a little longer?"

Noah hesitated, conflict written across his face, but the urgency gnawing at him refused to relent.

He knew, if he didn't leave now, he'd regret it for the rest of his life.

After a brief internal struggle, he gently pulled his hand free.

"Lily, Ethan and Liam are here with you. Your mom's out of danger now. I have something urgent, I need to go. I'm sorry."

Without another word, he sprinted out of the hospital.

"Noah!"

Lily called after him, but it was futile.

Dejected, she turned to Ethan and Liam, only to find them rising as well.

"Lily, the nurses will take care of your mom. She's stable now. We have matters to attend to," Ethan said firmly, his expression grave as he strode past her.

Liam mirrored the same urgency.

"Sorry, Lily. I'll come see you later."

And just like that, they were gone.