Chapter 5- One Bedroom For The Couple Please.

Marrying him felt like a dream come true, but my happiness was clouded by the nagging reality that he didn't see me as his wife. In his eyes, I was still just his nerdy best friend, a role I had filled since the day we met as kids. I often reminisced about how we first crossed paths.

"Playing in the garden was my favorite pastime. I didn't need my sister, April, to be with me. I could spend the whole day in the garden. On that day, while playing with my ball, it got stuck in a tree. I tried to get it, I jumped but couldn't get my ball, I watched helplessly, unable to reach it.

“Why are you looking at the tree for five minutes?” a voice spoke. I was startled and turned to see a beautiful boy standing there, hands on his waist, wearing a faint teasing smile.

“You can't help me, so just leave it,” I replied, not particularly fond of his teasing smile.

“Try me,” he simply said, his genuine interest piquing my curiosity. You see, I was seven years old, and I didn't have any friends. People thought I was some kind of weirdo who preferred playing with dolls and balls.

“My ball got stuck there,” I pointed at the tree to show him where it was. 'It doesn't matter; I'll go get Stuart to help me,” I continued, about to call our long-time helper, who had been around even before I was born. He was a kind man.

“I can get it for you,” the boy said, causing me to stop and look at him.

“How? You're not tall enough to reach it,” I replied, examining him from head to toe.

“That's really mean to say it to someone, but I can climb the tree," he said confidently.

“Climb? No, you'll fall,” I protested frantically.

“Silly, I won't. Now wait,” he said, moving around the tree and starting to climb. Soon enough, he was up there, and he retrieved my ball. I clapped my hands excitedly.

He climbed back down, dusting his hands. “Thanks,” I said excitedly

“You're welcome,” he paused looking at me expecting me to say my name, 'Lily.' I softly offered he smiled.

'My name is Sebastian, and I'm your new neighbor,' he said, pointing to the house next to mine. 'Let's be friends, so next time your ball gets stuck in the tree, you can get me to take it out for you.'

'Well, you're right; it seems you can climb the tree. Yes, we can be friends,' I said excitedly. He extended his hand for a handshake, and we sealed our friendship right then and there. That's how it all began."

Sebastian's voice brought me back to the present. 'We're here,' he said, snapping me out of my reverie.

As we pulled up to his house, it felt like an entirely new place to me, despite the countless hours I'd spent there. There were times I'd even stayed over when Sebastian was out of town. He came around to open my door, and I managed my flowing wedding gown which proved to be a handful as I exited the car. We walked to the front door, he surprised me by sweeping me off my feet and holding me delicately.

My eyes widened in surprise. "What are you doing, Seb?" I could feel a wobble in my voice.

"You wanted a traditional wedding, and I promised to give you one," he replied, holding me a little closer. I leaned against his chest, feeling the warmth of his embrace. It was comforting to know he was respecting my wishes.

The butler opened the main door, and we entered. All his servants were lined up to welcome us. Sebastian's family had left earlier, citing fatigue from the day's festivities, so it was just the two of us in the house.

"Welcome home, Sir and Ma'am," Greta, the oldest caretaker of the house, greeted us. I had known her since we were kids, and when Sebastian moved into his own place, he took Greta with him.

"Greta, it's me, Lily," I chuckled, feeling a bit awkward with the formal address.

"Well, now you're his wife, and you deserve respect from us, dear," she replied, her eyes filled with admiration, as though she were genuinely happy for me, even though it should have been my sister in my place.

"It's no use, Bee. I've been telling her for years to call me Seb, but she refuses," Sebastian chimed in playfully, and we all shared a laugh.

"Now, both of you go to your room and freshen up. We're going to prepare something to eat," Greta instructed.

"We're actually full; we had dinner already," Sebastian replied, looking at me for confirmation. I nodded, agreeing that we were indeed full.

As we turned to walk ahead I realized how we had forgotten one more thing to discuss: our room arrangements. I looked at Sebastian, silently seeking his help. He nodded, understanding my unspoken question, and without a word, he took my hand, leading me upstairs.

"Seb," I called softly as we reached the middle of the staircase.

"Yes, Bee?" he responded.

"We're going to stay in the same room?" I asked, my uncertainty apparent.

"Why not? You're my wife," he replied, his expression showing that he didn't see any issue with it. I glanced down, feeling somewhat embarrassed.

He gently placed a hand on my chin, tilting my face up to meet his gaze. "Do you want your own room?" he asked softly.

"No, it's not that. I just didn't really think this through," I explained.

"Alright then, it's settled. Come, I'll show you, and I've even made space for your clothes," he said, leading me into his room, or rather, our room.

His room had a dark, sophisticated exterior. I had always liked his room; it was simple yet spacious.

"You can go and change, Lily. I'll change in another room," he suggested, beginning to take out his clothes.

I nodded and went to the bathroom to remove my makeup, but changing my dress proved to be a challenge. After struggling for a while, I gave up and opened the door, hoping for some help.

"Seb?" I called out.

"Yes?" he answered.

"Can you please call for Greta?" I requested.

"Why?" he inquired.

"I can't get my zipper to open," I confessed.

"I can do it," he quickly offered.

"No," I protested.

"Bee, I can't call for help; they'll tell everyone they meet that we're not a normal husband and wife," he explained. I understood his concern.

"Okay," I agreed, and he came over to help me.

With a sigh of relief, I accepted his offer of help, knowing that the last thing we needed was rumors among the staff. Sebastian stepped closer, and with practiced ease, he unzipped my dress. The gentle touch of his fingers sent a shiver down my spine.

"Thank you," I said, my voice slightly breathless.

Sebastian's eyes met mine, and he gave me a warm smile. "You're welcome, Bee."

We lingered in that moment, a rush of emotions flooding my senses. However, I couldn't muster the courage to touch him the way I desired. The voice inside me, reminding me that he was not mine, grew louder than the emotions. I took a step back, breaking the connection. He excused himself to change in another room.

I glanced around and noticed that Sebastian had indeed made space for my clothes. I couldn't help but smile at his considerate gesture. It was a reminder that he was determined to make this marriage work, even if it wasn't what we had originally imagined.

As I changed into more comfortable attire, thoughts swirled through my mind. The day had been filled with unexpected twists, and despite the doubts and uncertainties, I couldn't deny the growing connection between us. Our history as friends, our shared memories, and Sebastian's unwavering support filled me with a glimmer of hope that this marriage might just be different from what I had feared.

As I came out of the bathroom, I discovered that Sebastian had already drifted into slumber. Oddly, I didn't feel disheartened; in fact, I felt a sense of relief. I was at a loss for words, unsure of what to discuss with him. It struck me that the one person with whom I could have shared my every thought was now someone with whom I struggled to find conversation. It was as if a wall had risen between us. It seemed like we were both in the process of accepting our new lives. I could only hope that, with time, he would forget about my sister and come to love me in the same way I loved him.