Chapter 353: SS3 10: Where the Author Died. RIP.

Author's Note: This is a fair warning to underaged readers because this chapter includes sensitive sensual scenes. To those of legal age, don't get your hopes up too much :P

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"Wishing you both love and happiness, Ambryan and Eve!"

"It was a lovely wedding. Thank you for the invitation."

"Congratulations on your marriage! Best of luck on your future together!"

"Remember to invite us over once you have a little one."

"Please enjoy our gift. I think it will be a lovely addition to your kitchen!"

Eve lost count and faces as the guests left. Her cheeks hurt from smiling. Despite not knowing everyone by heart, she appreciated their well wishes. Ambryan fared better than her and managed to strike a small conversation here and there.

"Huh," she spoke to herself.

Ambryan raised an eyebrow. "What is it?"

Clicking her tongue, Eve crossed her arms over her chest. "I've gone rusty since quitting. I used to remember every business partner you have and if they had romantic relationships or children. It has to be because I'm getting old."

"Very funny."

"Oh." She blinked, meeting his violet eyes. A cheeky grin stretched her lips. "You know you're an exception, dear hubby. You don't look older than 29."

"I am 29."

"See? I told you."

Ambryan shook his head and pulled her closer to his side. The last of the guests had finally left the venue. All that was left was to clean up. The couple turned on their heels, heading back inside. Their wedding entourage had stayed behind along with them. 

Like a private after party.

"Well…" Avery said as she met them halfway. Her hands went to her hips. "The wedding party was a success! Congratulations for not totally screwing it up but you still owe me an explanation for your tardiness."

Eve pressed her lips together. She hadn't figured out how to approach this moment yet.

"We woke up late." Her excuse sounded bad even to her ears. 

As such, the madam thought the same way. Her violet eyes hardened like jewels. "Aren't the two of you not supposed to see each other the night before the wedding? It's bad luck!"

She hadn't asked them for much since she had them sign up for the dating website. Was it wrong of her to care so much about their wedding? It was a simple request even if neither believed in its superstition.

This time, it was Ambryan who answered her. "We did exactly as you said, mother."

Avery arched an eyebrow, higher and pointier than normal. "Oh, really?"

"Enough of this wishy washy nonsense," Madame Isabelle interrupted. She appeared beside Avery and stomped her cane on the floor. "They got married yesterday."

…

…

…

"You did what now?" The madam whirled her head back towards the newlyweds. Judging by Eve's guilty face, it had to be true. Her mind went blank. She had prepared so much for their wedding—only to find out she missed the actual one?

"Now, now. Don't be too harsh on the kids," Madame Isabelle tried to coax her. "You know they both like to keep their affairs private so, of course, they had a private wedding. It wouldn't be like them not to have one."

"Hmph," Avery madam huffed. If they had wanted one, they could have told her. Would she have rejected the idea? If they expressed how much they desired it, she would have agreed to two weddings.

She didn't know what to feel anymore. On one hand, her blood boiled from the secrecy. It hurt to know that they hadn't shared that moment with her. She had every right as a parent. On the other side, Madame Isabelle was right. 

The secret wedding did sound like something the newlyweds would do.

Eve stepped forward and took her mother-in-law's hand. The madam met her brown eyes which drooped at the corners. "We're sorry, Aunt Avery. It was definitely a spur of the moment thing."

Avery remained silent before addressing Madame Isabelle. She neither pulled her hand back nor gripped Eve's hand in return. "I'm guessing you were a witness to this?"

The latter shrugged, a hint of a smile on the corner of her lips. "Maybe."

"Who is the other one then?" Avery wondered out loud. Before Eve could reply, another person joined their small group. She wore a wide grin like she overheard the entire conversation. It didn't take long for the madam to piece it together.

"Luna…" 

"Private or not, Eve needed a proper dress." The famous designer shrugged as if the simple explanation was enough of a reason.

"I can't believe this," Avery breathed out. She massaged both her temples with one hand. Then, she sent an accusing glare at her son and her daughter-in-law. "And you even tried to sneak off for an early honeymoon!"

"We are technically on our honeymoon," Ambryan reminded her.

She pointed a finger at him. "Don't take that tone with me."

"Please don't be mad," he coaxed, walking around her to hug her shoulders from behind. "I know how much you wanted this grand wedding so I didn't want to ruin it for you. It was also my fault that we arrived late. Don't take it out on Eve."

His chin rested on her shoulder.

Avery turned her face away from him. "You think you can persuade me like that?"

"You're one of the most caring women I know. You'll forgive us when you decide to." Ambryan kissed her throbbing temple. "I'm very grateful to have a mother like you."

Luna nodded her approval. "Smooth, Ambryan."

"Very smooth," Madame Isabelle agreed.

A moment of silence surrounded the group. 

Eve watched, bemused, as her husband embraced his mother. It was quite a sight. Avery might hide it but Eve knew the madam enjoyed the affection. Maybe it was the alcohol but Ambryan had expressed himself more openly tonight.

'Elias better have taken good photos. I want to remember all of them.'

"Okay, okay. Let go of me." Avery surrendered and pushed her son's arms off. Then, she shooed him away along with his wife. "I'll stay behind for the clean up. The two of you can go."

"Are you sure about that?" Eve responded first. 

"Leave before I change my mind."

"It's okay. You don't need to do this, Aunt Aver—"

"Thank you, mother," Ambryan cut her off. He seized her hand and placed one foot towards the exit. He used his free hand to wave at them one last time before the honeymoon vacation. "Good night, ladies."

"Enjoy yourselves, children." Luna smirked. 

The couple arrived at the same house they snuck into earlier. Unlike back then, Ambryan jogged over to the passenger's seat and swept Eve off her feet as soon as she climbed out. He carried her like the bride she was towards the front door—the house key ready in his hand.

He kicked the door behind him when they entered the threshold.

Eve let him carry her all the way upstairs without a complaint. It was an exhausting two days. One wedding was enough no matter how small or big. How could people manage more than that? A soft yawn flowed out of her lips.

"Tired?" Ambryan asked, unlocking the door to their bedroom.

"A little." 

The master bedroom illuminated under the moonlight. A king-sized bed waited for the couple. The minimalistic design matched Ambryan well. That was all the thoughts Eve had on the room before Ambryan tossed her on the bed.

She rolled to her stomach, pressing a hand under her cheek and closing her eyes.

Featherlight kisses traced her spine from her neck to her upper back. When the pair of lips reached her lower back, she felt the zipper slowly pull downwards. More kisses followed after it. 

"Hm," Ambryan hummed to himself. His hands slipped the thin straps off her shoulders. She moved her arms to help him out. "By any chance, do you have any idea how I should wake up my wife so I can spend the night with her?"

Eve grinned mischievously, her eyes still closed. "I'm sure she's willing to see you try."

Ambryan shifted to the sides of her bodice and skirt, tugging the fabric towards her feet. Eve felt the night air on her exposed skin. She rolled onto her back and peeled her eyes open. Her husband stood at the foot of the bed while taking off his tie. 

She swung her legs to haul herself upwards. 

Her arms immediately went around his neck, yanking his head down for a deep kiss. Ambryan unbuttoned his dress shirt and shrugged it off. Then, he held his wife by the waist and guided her back on the bed. 

Eve gasped for air but didn't break away. Instead, she helped him undo his belt and used her feet to push his trousers off. Her hand travelled from his back to his chest and down to his stomach. Before, he used to flinch in surprise.

Now, he relished in her touch.

But, before she could go lower, Ambryan cupped her mound. 

"Sneaky," she accused under her breath.

Ambryan merely smirked and slipped his finger between her folds. "Payback for earlier."

Eve bit on his bottom lip. "I'll get you soon enough."

"What are you talking about? You already have me," she heard him say. "All of me."

He moved to the sensitive spot on the side of her neck. Both of his lips and his finger moved in the same rhythm. Eve moaned and the sweet sound only encouraged her husband further. Heat built up inside of her and she craved for more. 

Her hands clutched onto his shoulders as he shifted to another sensitive spot.

Just before she crumbled under him, Eve pushed Ambryan down to his back and straddled on top of him. She refused to let herself be the only one to suffer such sweet torture. Kissing his lips, she created a trail that led downwards.

His breath hitched when she found his sensitive areas.

It made her smile to know only she would be able to do that. Her heart drummed in her ears, adrenaline had fused with her lust. These shared intimate moments, his sensual breathing and his aroused state belonged to her alone.

In return, she'd take care of him as best as she could.