Reckless Marriage Unyielding Love

Breakfast was both refined and hearty. Mikayla, who was generally not very fussy about her food, did have some dietary preferences, avoiding certain items. Fortunately, it seemed that Carlos had forewarned Dexter about her preferences, as the meal prepared by Dexter was quite to her liking. Whether it was the pangs of hunger influencing her or not, Mikayla found herself eating more than usual.

"Mika, are you finished?" Carlos inquired after she set down her utensils and he himself had wiped his mouth.

"Yeah," Mikayla replied.

"Take a little break for now. We'll head over to the Ludwig mansion later," Carlos suggested.

"We're going to the Ludwig mansion?" Mikayla asked, a hint of surprise in her voice.

"Yes. According to our family's traditions, we need to go there, formally greet them as newlyweds, and stay for one night," Carlos clarified.

"Okay," Mikayla accepted, though internally she acknowledged that meeting the Ludwig family was straightforward enough, but staying overnight was more significant. At the Ludwig mansion, unlike here, she couldn't sleep in a separate room from Carlos. This arrangement could stir up all kinds of speculation. Nevertheless, Mikayla decided not to worry too much; circumstances would unfold as they should, and sharing a room was an eventuality they would face sooner or later.

After their meal, Carlos pointed out to her the built-in wardrobe in the room where she had slept. It was stocked with clothing, shoes, hats, and even accessories, all brand new and carefully selected limited editions for the season, perfectly suited to her taste. This meant Mikayla had no reason to agree to Juliet's recent invitation to go shopping for the new spring collection. Just as she recalled this, Juliet called. "Julie..." Mikayla answered, instinctively moving the phone away from her ear.

"Mikayla, I'm guessing you're up. Hehehe..." Juliet's voice boomed through the phone.

"What's up?" Mikayla queried, her curiosity piqued as she browsed through the wardrobe for something to wear.

"So, Mikayla, how was your wedding night? Is Carlos skilled in bed?" Juliet blurted out.

Mikayla almost choked in shock. She glanced around and noticed Carlos had left the room. "Juliet, are you feeling lonely that you're behaving like a horny teenager?" Mikayla countered.

"Haha... Just curious! Is he as wild as those guys in porn movies? Are you walking funny today?" Juliet continued, unabashed.

Mikayla pressed her hand to her forehead. "Hate to break it to you, but whatever you're thinking did not happen."

"What? So, is everything in porn exaggerated, or is your husband not up to the mark?" Juliet sounded genuinely puzzled, her perception of men shaped by the unrealistic portrayals she had seen.

"Nothing happened between us last

night! Okay? I'm hanging up now if

there's nothing more," Mikayla interjected, hoping to cut the conversation short before Juliet's influence became more pronounced. Despite Juliet's protests not to hang up, Mikayla ended the call and selected her outfit: a white floral dress that ended just above her knees and a matching high-waisted coat. She added a slender platinum necklace, complementing her exposed neckline, and slipped into a pair of red flat shoes for a touch of elegance. She carried a small, plush bag, completing her graceful and charming ensemble.

Carlos had also dressed smartly in a handsome black suit, which lent him an austere air, Together, they exited the mansion Carlos taking Mikayla's hand in his. The walkway, adorned with crystal columns and frames the previous evening, was now clear Mikayla admired the mansion set against a backdrop of lush green lawns, that were both close to nature and undeniably aristocratic. As they approached the gate, she wondered if the butler managed the extensive upkeep of the property alone. Waiting at the mansion gate was Josiah, who had been there for quite some time.

After a short drive, Mikayla discerned the precise location of their destination. They soon arrived at the Ludwig mansion, a place she was familiar with from previous visits-once with Carlos and another time with Natasha, during which she had also met Deidre. Her encounters here were not mere coincidences.

Carlos, ever the gentleman, exited the vehicle first and then courteously opened the door for Mikayla, taking her hand with a warm, intimate gesture. Together, they embodied the picture of a flawless couple, their movements fluid and natural.

As they approached the grand

entrance of the mansion, they were greeted by Garrett and Selena, who

had been waiting for their arrival for quite some time. Alongside them stood a line of housekeepers, aligned and ready to welcome them. "Mr. and Mrs. Ludwig!" the housekeepers called out in unison as Mikayla and Carlos neared. The staff always exhibited politeness, but their demeanor was exceptionally respectful today, making Mikayla blush slightly at being addressed as "Mrs. Ludwig." It was the first time she had been referred to in such a manner. Maintaining her composure, Mikayla followed Carlos gracefully, step by step into the mansion.

"Carlos, Mikayla, come in and have a seat! You've arrived quite early today. Did you sleep well last night?" Selena asked with a warm, inviting tone. She then led Mikayla to a plush couch, while Carlos seemed to walk off to attend to another matter.

Mikayla responded with a gentle smile, "I slept well last night, Selena."

"Good girl," Selena replied, her smile broadening as she signaled to a housekeeper behind her, who quickly approached with a gift in hand. Selena graciously passed the gift to Mikayla, insisting, "Take this, it's from me."

Mikayla accepted the present, gratefully responding, "Thank you, Selena."

Selena affectionately patted her hand, and at that moment, Garrett, not wanting to be left out, beckoned another housekeeper to fetch his gift. "Mikayla, this is from me. May you and Carlos have a lifetime of happiness and a family soon!" he declared with a hopeful smile.

Mikayla took the gift and sincerely thanked him, "Thank you, Garrett." Their laughter filled the spacious mansion, a stark contrast to the more reserved nature of the Lindstrom family.

Just then, a housekeeper wheeled Natasha forward. With a sweet expression, Natasha announced, "Mikayla, I've also prepared a gift for you." Mikayla turned toward her with a smile, as Natasha handed her a rolled-up canvas. "This is a wedding portrait I painted for you and Carlos. I hope it brings joy to your marriage!"

Mikayla accepted the portait and expressed her gratitude with a soft, "Thank you, Natasha."

Natasha's cheeks flushed with a touch of color as she continued, "You looked so beautiful yesterday! Unfortunately, my parents were worried about the crowd and didn't allow me to come. I had to watch it from a video at home."

Mikayla reassured her gently, "It's okay! Your mom and dad just didn't want it to be too much for you."

"Mika, come here. Let's formally greet my parents," Carlos called to Mikayla."