I've Been Married This Whole Time?

I've Been Married This Whole Time?
Kayla’s POV

The fancy restaurant Nathan chose was beautiful…soft golden lighting, crisp white tablecloths, and a live pianist playing gentle jazz in the corner. 

We had a private booth near the window overlooking the city lights. Holly was in full chaotic best-friend mode, ordering way too much food and making the waiter laugh with her dramatic declarations.

“I want the biggest steak on the menu…medium rare, like my soul after dealing with Caleb today,” she announced. “And bring us champagne. The expensive kind. We’re celebrating the death of that man’s delusions!”

David shook his head fondly, pulling her closer. “You’re going to get us banned.”

Holly grinned. “Worth it.”

I tried to enjoy the moment. The food was incredible…tender filet mignon, creamy truffle pasta, fresh oysters, and the most buttery garlic bread I’d ever tasted. 

We played silly games between courses… “Never Have I Ever,” ridiculous would-you-rather questions, and Holly forcing us all to rate our worst kisses on a scale of 1 to 10.

But my mind kept drifting.

What is Nathan hiding?

I caught myself staring at him again. He noticed and squeezed my thigh under the table, giving me a small, reassuring smile.

Halfway through dessert, I couldn’t hold it anymore.

“Nathan,” I said suddenly, voice cutting through the laughter. The whole table went still. “What was it you wanted to tell me?”

Nathan’s fork paused mid-air. Holly and David exchanged a quick glance like they knew something.

He set his fork down slowly. “I’ll tell you when we get home. Just enjoy this moment, baby. Caleb is never going to bother you again. Let’s celebrate that tonight.”

He was right.

I exhaled and forced a smile. This calls for a proper celebration. 

I pushed the worry aside and let myself laugh as Holly tried (and failed) to do a dramatic reenactment of her courtroom moment.

Two hours later, we were saying our goodbyes outside the restaurant.

Holly pouted dramatically. “I want a sleepover with Kayla tonight! Girl talk is mandatory after today.”

David didn’t even hesitate. He scooped her up, threw her over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes, and gave her ass a firm spank.

“Babe, can’t you see Nathan and Kayla need space?” he laughed. “They just survived a war. Let them breathe.”

Holly kicked her legs, giggling. “But I’m her best friend! I came before Nathan! Put me down, you caveman!”

David was already walking toward their car, waving at us. “Bye guys! Have fun!”

Holly kept shouting dramatically until they disappeared into the vehicle.

As soon as they drove off, I turned to Nathan.

“We’re alone now,” I said quietly. “So spill. I’m dying to know what you’re hiding.” 

He exhaled and began telling me everything.



The car ride home was silent. 

I didn’t say a single word to him, even when he tried to make conversation. 

I wasn’t angry exactly…more like overwhelmed. Nathan had done so much for me. He helped me when no one else did. 

I was starting to have real feelings for him. But the fact that Holly and David knew the truth while I was walking around thinking our marriage was fake? That stung. I felt embarrassed. Foolish. Like the clueless one in the group.

When we got to the apartment, I headed straight for the bedroom, needing space and a shower. 

I was halfway across the living room when Nathan’s hand shot out, grabbing my wrist and spinning me around. I collided against his chest.

“Kayla. Hey,” he said, voice thick with emotion. “If you’re angry, let it out. Hit me. Slap me. Curse at me. I’ll take it. Anything but your silence. Please.”

He pulled back slightly, eyes searching mine. This big, strong man…the one who took bullets and faced criminals daily…looked like a worried puppy. His eyes were intense and glassy.

I exhaled, trying to gather the words.

Before I could speak, he dropped to his knees right there on the floor, one hand raised like he was making a vow.

“I swear I’ll make you happy every single day of your life,” he said, voice cracking. “Please don’t leave me. I love you so much it hurts. Don’t abandon me, Kayla. I only did it because I didn't want to lose you. I'm sorry for lying to you.”

I rolled my eyes, half-amused, half-touched. “Get up, Nathan.”

He shook his head stubbornly. “I won’t get up until you forgive me for lying about the marriage certificate. It was real from the beginning because what I feel for you is real.”

I groaned and tried to walk away, but he followed me on his knees, still pleading. “Kayla, please. I love you. Just hear me out.”

I stopped, secretly enjoying how ridiculous and sweet he looked, then turned to him.

“I’m not mad at you,” I said softly. “I’m embarrassed. I was the only one left in the dark. You all must have thought I was stupid.”

He stood up immediately and pulled me into a tight hug, shaking his head. “I never once thought you were stupid. You had walls built so high around yourself after what Caleb did. I didn’t know how to approach you without scaring you away. I wanted us to get married for real from the start, but you rejected it. I didn’t want to lose the chance. That’s why I did what I did.”

I exhaled, letting his warmth sink into me. “It’s okay. I can see why you did it.”

His face lit up with pure relief and joy. “Really? So you agree that you’re my wife? And I’m your husband?”

I nodded, smiling. “Yes.”

“So…you can finally meet my parents?”

“If you want me to.”

“Of course I want you to,” he said, voice full of emotion. “You’re my wife.”

The words settled over me with new weight. All this time he had been calling me his wife, I thought it was part of the act. But it was real. I was somebody’s wife. Caden had a father now. A real one.

Nathan pulled me back into his arms, holding me tightly. I breathed him in, letting his familiar scent wrap around me as he kept muttering “Thank you” against my hair.

All I could think was that I should be the one thanking him.