Surprise Marriage to a Billionaire-Chapter 446: New - Begins
"Still, this is too sudden! The gifts will be delayed!" Eric interrupted with a playful groan. ๐๐ป๐๐๐๐๐ซ๐ฃ๐ค๐๐๐ต.๐๐ค๐ข
Rock chuckled and gently wiped Avaโs tears. Vernice was already by his side, dabbing at the tears on his cheeks with a tissue.
"Well, maybe you all shouldโve seen it coming," Vernice teased, glancing around. "Rockโs never been the โgrand announcementโ type," she added, her gaze softening as she looked at him.
Rock grinned, winked at his now official wife, and slipped his arm around her shoulders, pulling her close with affection.
Darwin snorted. "Neither of you are. But honestly, it suits you two. No fuss, no frills. Just love."
"Yeah, yeah," James waved him off, grinning. "Weโre still going to throw a real party. You owe us that much."
Vernice raised her hands in surrender. "Fine. Iโll help plan it myself-"
"And Iโll stay far, far away from the planning," Rock muttered dryly, making everyone laugh.
"Oh, stop it! Werenโt you the one already planning a grand wedding ceremony?" Darwin chortled.
Rock mumbled with a playful pout, "And weโll still do that later!" He narrowed his eyes at Vernice and added teasingly, "But my wife here simply couldnโt wait to tie me down!"
Laughter echoed through the room. Verniceโs cheeks flushed as she gave Rock a light pinch, shooting him a loving but annoyed glare.
As the chatter continued, the newlywed couple moved easily between groups. They made sure everyone was comfortable and entertained.
The house, now full of voices and laughter, didnโt feel chaotic, it felt full of life. And as Rock sat with his close friends, watching Vernice laugh with their families, a rare softness crossed his features.
But despite the joy and laughter around them, Rock couldnโt help but feel a tinge of sadness knowing that Arlan and Summer werenโt there to celebrate with them.
"Hmm, I bet youโre thinking about Arlan and Summer too, huh?" James said knowingly as he handed Rock a glass of fresh juice. "Today shouldโve been a perfect reunion for all of us, especially since the yearly hunting trip got postponed."
"Seriously?" Rock muttered with a shrug, accepting the glass.
Darwin, sitting on Rockโs other side and sipping wine, chuckled. "Yeah, and donโt even think about switching drinks. Vernice gave us strict orders: no alcohol for you, man. We want you to live a long, healthy life with her, so donโt even try cheating."
James let out a deep sigh and added, "This celebration is honestly a breather. Iโm glad Vernice pushed you into this sudden wedding. Itโs exactly what we needed. I know Arlan will be happy when he hears about it."
He paused a beat before adding, "So much is happening in the family these days, and some of it still feels unreal. But no matter what, Rock, youโve got us, and weโre all behind you and Arlan."
Darwin nodded in agreement. "You know, my son Sebastian is already using his network to help track down Tim. Heโs working directly with William on it."
"And my son Eric is fully committed to winning all those court cases against those bastards," James added. "Honestly, the whole situation with Carla felt like something out of a drama series. Baby swapping? Iโm just relieved the truth came out sooner rather than later."
"Well, thatโs heavenโs will," Rock said with a chuckle. "It just proves that God is always in control. Look how destiny played its hand... my son and Rain, Arlanโs real daughter, ended up getting married and falling in love. Now, Iโm going to be a grandfather soon!" He raised his glass with a proud grin. "I beat you two to it!"
"Indeed, youโre the real winner this time, buddy!" the two men said in unison before clinking their glasses with his.
***
After a hearty lunch filled with laughter, teasing, and storytelling, the guests began to trickle out. One by one, they bid farewell, offering final congratulations and promising to visit again soon. The house slowly quieted down, the echo of earlier chatter replaced by a peaceful stillness.
Rockโs sons and his daughters-in-law, together with Ben and Melanie, were the ones who escorted the guests outside after bidding them farewell.
Vernice exhaled deeply as she leaned against the back of the couch, smiling softly. "Finally... just us."
Rock walked over and offered his hand. "Come with me. I want to show you something."
Vernice raised a brow. "Hmm? What is it?"
"A surprise," he said, his tone calm but laced with excitement. "It was supposed to be for after the wedding, but they finished it ahead of schedule. I was planning to show you tonight, but nowโs just as good."
Intrigued, Vernice took his hand, letting him guide her down a quiet hallway and up a private staircase she hadnโt noticed before. It led to a different wing of the house, one she had never really explored. The halls here smelled faintly of fresh paint and new wood, and soft lighting warmed the space with a cozy glow.
When they stopped in front of a double door, Rock turned to her and cleared his throat. "I didnโt want us to use the old master bedroom... the one I shared with Alexa."
Verniceโs expression softened.
"Sheโll always be part of my past," Rock continued gently. "But youโre my present... and my future. I wanted to give us a space thatโs just ours. Fresh. Untouched. And only for you and me."
He pushed the doors open. Vernice stepped inside and gasped.
The room was beautiful. Spacious, warm, and elegant without being overdone. The large windows framed a view of the garden below. Creams and soft earth tones made the room feel calming.
A plush bed sat in the center with pillows already arranged, while modern but cozy furniture lined the walls. Her favorite books were stacked neatly by a window seat. The curtains swayed lightly as the afternoon sun lit the room with a golden hue.
Her eyes shimmered. "Rock..."
"Thereโs a walk-in closet through that door," he pointed. "And a bath over there. Youโve got a vanity too... I remembered what you said about not liking small mirrors."
Vernice turned around, her chest rising and falling slowly as she took it all in. Rock looked at her nervously. "Do you like it?"
She didnโt answer right away. Instead, she walked back to him, cupped his face, and kissed him softly.
"I love it," she whispered. "And I love you."
A rare smile curved Rockโs lips as he wrapped his arms around her. "Good. Because this is where our new Chapter begins."
