Chapter 12: Who is Paige

"Don't worry about me, I can handle it. I grew up in a family like this, and it varies from person to person." At least Jaylan's family was harmonious and genuinely treated her as one of their own.

"Stop worrying about me, I know what I'm doing." No matter what, she had no way out. Whether her future in-laws disliked her or Jaylan had another woman, she had to endure it. As long as he didn't abandon her, she had no right to leave. The control over this marriage was never in her hands.

Jaida listened to her words and looked at the diamond ring Jaylan had given her, feeling that perhaps she was overthinking.

Soon, the designer and a group of staff arrived with the wedding dress and bridesmaid dresses. They were busy trying on the dresses and finalizing the looks until dinner time.

Jaida left hurriedly due to some matters, and Jaylan returned just as she walked out. He saw Amaya lying on the living room sofa and walked over to pull her into his arms. "Tired?"

"Not really, just hungry," she said, finding a comfortable position in Jaylan's embrace.

Since they had become physically intimate, Jaylan liked holding her like this. She didn't think much of it and didn't assume that Jaylan liked her; she might believe it if he said he liked her body.

"We'll go out for dinner later and meet some friends," Jaylan suddenly said.

Amaya looked up in surprise. "Meet your friends? Do I need to?"

Jaylan rubbed his temples, once again feeling that the woman in his arms didn't see herself as the mistress of the Hancock family.

"No matter what, you are legally my wife."

An hour later, Jaylan and Amaya stood at the door of a private room at a restaurant called Berfi.

Inside, three men and a pregnant woman were chatting animatedly, and their topic of conversation was the two people who had just arrived.

"Hey, do you think Jaylan has really moved on from Paige?"

"Who knows."

"It doesn't matter if he has or hasn't; that woman is already married."

"True, and Jaylan is getting married too."

Every word reached Amaya's ears.

So Jaylan had his own ideal woman, who had married someone else. Was that why he didn't care who he married?

Jaylan stood beside her, one hand lightly around her waist, calmly standing at the door as if the subject of the discussion inside wasn't him.

After they finished speaking, he pushed the door open without a word and led her to sit down, introducing everyone present.

She greeted them awkwardly. "Hello, I'm Amaya."

Through the introductions, Amaya learned that these were Jaylan's childhood friends, each excelling in their respective fields.

Chase Roach, smooth-talking and owner of a media company. Although he seemed unreliable to his friends, most of the top celebrities in the entertainment industry were signed to his company, and he had millions of female followers on social media.

August Berry, a genius doctor who became famous at a young age. He specialized in treating difficult cases, and the hospital where Amaya worked was also his.

Khalil Franklin, the only one among them who was married. His wife Aracely sat beside him with a faint smile that never seemed to reach her eyes.

He was the oldest of the four and didn't run a company or have a job. He spent his time with his wife and occasionally made investments that could support their family for generations.

"Amaya, we finally get to meet you. You have no idea how eagerly we want to meet you. It took so long for him to bring you out," Chase said with his usual smooth-talking manner.

"What made him decide to bring you out this time?" August teased along.

Amaya didn't mind their teasing. On the contrary, she liked Jaylan's friends; they were easy to get along with and genuine.

"He brought you out so you could get familiar with us. Make sure to give big wedding cash," Jaylan said calmly, unaffected by their teasing.

The room fell silent for three seconds before everyone rolled their eyes at Jaylan. His blatant calculation was almost written on his face.

During the gathering, Amaya quickly got along with Jaylan's friends. She compensated for Jaylan's quietness by chatting happily with everyone, filling in for his lack of enthusiasm.

After the gathering, they returned home. Amaya went to take a shower and rest while Jaylan worked on some documents in the study.

She fell asleep before he returned to the room.

Half-asleep, she felt the bed dip beside her and smelled the fresh scent of men's body wash.

Instinctively, she moved closer to Jaylan. He usually held her as they slept, and she had gotten used to it.

In her drowsiness, she suddenly felt a strong sense of invasion. Opening her eyes, she saw Jaylan above her, pinning her down.

Even in her sleepy state, she could see the desire in his eyes.

"Tired..." she murmured, trying to push him away with both hands.

He didn't budge and lowered his head to capture her lips.

"You won't get tired. Be good," he said in a husky voice tinged with desire, sounding almost seductive.

This man had an alluring kind of restraint that made her blush uncontrollably.

"Then... be quick," Amaya pleaded, knowing she couldn't refuse him and wrapping her arms around his neck.

"I can't be quick."

When Amaya woke up again, it was already dusk the next day. She lay there in a daze for a while before coming to her senses.

Jaylan had known she was tired last night but still took her several times. She wondered why he had so much energy.

Time flew by.

Before she knew it, it was already their wedding day. The venue was at a hotel owned by Hancock Group, filled with distinguished guests.

Jaida stayed by Amaya's side as her bridesmaid.

She was helping Amaya change into her main wedding dress when she couldn't resist touching Amaya's smooth skin and teasingly said, "Mr. Hancock, you’re really lucky to marry such a beautiful wife."

Although Jaida had seen Amaya try on the wedding dress before and knew how stunning she looked in it, she couldn't help but be amazed again.

Amaya's wedding dress was from Sllapwi's high-end brand designed by Kelly for her debut bridal collection. The unique handmade embroidery exuded elegance and grace. The heart-shaped cutout back showcased her beautiful back lines perfectly. The dress was worth $18 million, paired with Chafsia's custom jewelry set including a crown and necklace worth $60 million. She truly looked breathtakingly beautiful.

Even the styling team couldn't help but be amazed.