Chapter 160
Chloe finally returned from her family’s home after the holidays. The moment I saw her message—Maya! I'm finally back! Come over for dinner tonight. I missed you so much!—I knew I had to go.
I arrived at her apartment in Back Bay with a bottle of red wine. The apartment was warm and smelled of rosemary and garlic. We stood in the kitchen, chopping vegetables.
I told her about Christmas at the estate and the plan for tomorrow. Chloe’s eyes went wide. She pressed for details, squealing with excitement. We ended up on the sofa, talking until late into the night. When Adam texted to ask when I was coming home, I replied that I would stay at Chloe’s.
I woke up in the guest room at 8:00 AM. The morning light was gray and cold. I wanted to do something nice for Chloe, so I slipped into the kitchen to make breakfast. I started the coffee and mixed batter for waffles.
Just as the bacon started to sizzle, my phone buzzed.
I'm downstairs.
I froze. I stared at the screen, panic rising in my chest. In the comfort of Chloe’s home, I had momentarily forgotten the time. Today wasn't just a regular Wednesday. We were going to City Hall.
I grabbed a sticky note and scribbled frantically: Had to run. Coffee's ready. Thanks for last night. Love you! -M.
I gathered my things, threw on my coat, and rushed out the door.
Adam’s car was idling at the curb. He saw me and stepped out. He wore a sharp suit that looked out of place against the gritty backdrop of the street. He walked toward me, his breath visible in the frigid air.
Without a word, he took off his dark grey cashmere coat and draped it over my shoulders. He pulled me into his side.
"Careful," he said, his voice low near my ear. "It's slippery."
I held onto his waist as we navigated the icy sidewalk. He opened the car door for me, and the warmth of the heater hit my face. I tried to give his coat back, but he stopped me.
"Where is Amy?" I asked as he merged into traffic.
"Sent her to my mother's estate this morning," Adam replied calmly. "She'll stay there for the day."
I looked in the rearview mirror and groaned. My hair was messy from sleep, and I was wearing jeans and a knit sweater.
"Adam, I should go home and change," I said. "Maybe put on some makeup. We're getting married. I should look... proper."
Adam glanced at me. "You're beautiful just as you are. Besides, this is just the legal ceremony. We'll have the real wedding later."
I wasn't convinced. I dug into my bag and pulled out my makeup kit. I applied concealer and mascara while the car moved. As we got closer to City Hall, my heart stopped.
"Adam, I didn't bring my passport!"
He didn't even look away from the road. He reached over and opened the glove compartment. Two blue booklets sat inside.
"I have both of ours."
I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding. "You really think of everything, don't you?"
We parked in the lot outside City Hall. I reached for the door handle, but Adam didn't move. I turned to look at him. He was gripping the steering wheel tightly, his knuckles white.
He turned his head. His eyes were dark and intense.
"Maya... are you absolutely sure about this?"
My heart skipped a beat. "What do you mean?"
"Once we sign that certificate, there's no going back," he said, his voice low and serious. "I need you to know—I will never agree to a divorce. Never."
Silence filled the car. I looked at him and saw the vulnerability beneath the threat. He wasn't trying to trap me; he was terrified I might leave.
"Weren't you the one who pulled strings to get us an appointment during holiday week?" I teased gently. "And now you're having second thoughts at the door?"
I pretended to reach for the door handle again. "If you're not ready, I can just take a cab home."
Adam unbuckled his seatbelt instantly. He got out, walked around the car, and opened my door. He held out his hand.
"I'm ready. I've never been more ready for anything in my life."
I took his hand but stopped him before we walked away. "Wait."
He paused, looking tense. I took his coat off my shoulders and draped it back over him, buttoning it carefully.
"I don't want to marry a man who's about to catch pneumonia."
Adam stared at me for a second, and then he laughed. It was a sound of pure relief.
The hallway inside City Hall was crowded. Couples stood in long lines, clutching paperwork. I started to head to the back of the line, but a staff member in a uniform approached us.
"Mr. Sterling? Please follow me."
We followed the woman into a private ceremony room. It was simple but quiet. The officiant smiled at us and told us to stand face to face.
"Do you, Adam Sterling, take Maya to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward?"
Adam looked into my eyes. "I do."
"Do you, Maya, take Adam Sterling to be your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward?"
My throat felt tight. "I do."
We moved to the table to sign the marriage certificate. I watched Adam’s hand as he wrote his name. His hand was trembling slightly.
The officiant signed the papers and handed us the official copies. "Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Sterling."
We walked out of the room. Adam stopped in the hallway, staring at the certificate in his hands. He just stood there, looking at our names side by side.
I walked back and took his arm. "Are you okay?"
He looked up, his eyes bright. "I'm happy. Really happy."
I stood on my tiptoes and kissed his cheek. "Me too."
He pulled me close and held up the certificate. He snapped a selfie of us, grinning like teenagers in the fluorescent hallway light.
Back in the car, Adam sent the photo. A moment later, my phone buzzed. I looked down and saw I had been added to a new group chat: Sterling Family.
Messages flooded the screen.
Justin: Finally! Welcome to the family, Maya!
Jenna: OMG Maya! I'm so happy for you both!!!
Margaret: About time! When's the real wedding? I need to start planning!
Grandmother: Adam, bring Maya home immediately. I'm having Chef prepare a feast. Everyone must come celebrate tonight.
I expected him to drive toward the highway, but he turned onto Newbury Street instead.
"Adam, where are we going?"
He pulled up in front of Tiffany & Co. "We need rings."
We walked inside, and the staff greeted him immediately. He didn't browse. He pointed to a classic six-prong diamond ring. It was huge—at least eight carats.
"This one," he said.
I saw the price tag. Eight hundred thousand dollars. I gasped and tugged on his sleeve.
"Adam, no," I whispered.
He patted my hand gently. "Let me do this."
He selected two matching wedding bands as well. Before I could argue, he handed over his card. The sales associate quickly sized the ring for my finger.
We got back in the car. I stared at the diamond sparkling on my hand. It felt heavy.
"Adam, do you always spend money like this?" I asked.
He held my hand while he drove. "Honey, I'm usually quite careful with money. But this is different. This is us. This is once in a lifetime."
I sighed. "I just... I'm not used to this kind of life."
He lifted my hand and kissed my knuckles. "I know. And I love that about you. But let me spoil you sometimes, okay? It makes me happy."
I looked at him. He looked genuinely pleased.
"Fine," I said, smiling. "But don't make it a habit."
"No promises."
He turned the car toward Weston. "Now, let's go face the family."