A car halted before a large mansion owned by Klaus’s father. Morticia couldn’t keep her mouth closed. It was her first time visiting Mr. Finn Barnard’s main mansion… every inch of it screamed wealth.
The space was vast, almost like a palace. She knew Klaus’s father was a tycoon, but the sheer scale of his estate left her shocked. Massive.
The decorations were simply breathtaking, adorned with flowers and ribbons. The guest list wasn’t extensive-just family and most of Mr. Barnard’s staff.
Though it was evening, the mansion shone brightly, illuminating the smiling faces of the guests gathered around.
Morticia glanced at her phone. She hadn’t heard from Klaus all day. He had left in the morning to visit an old friend and pick up a suit for the wedding.
she texted him, waiting for a reply. After a while, her phone beeped.
his message read, making her smile.
“Your boyfriend?” an old woman asked. It was Josephine’s younger sister. Morticia hadn’t seen this woman in years.
“Auntie Evie,” Morticia greeted her with a smile, and the woman pulled her into a hug.
“Wow, you look lovely, Morticia,” Evie chuckled, admiring Morticia’s white dress, which fit her perfectly.
Josephine had helped her with a makeover-her hair styled and adorned with shimmering stones. Morticia had no idea she was stealing the spotlight, oblivious to the men and boys staring at her.
“You don’t look bad yourself,” Morticia chuckled.
“Thank you, sweetie,” Evie beamed, smoothing the folds of her lavender dress. “It feels like just yesterday you were running around with your brother causing trouble.”
Morticia laughed softly, warmed by the memory. “Those were simpler times, weren’t they?”
Evie nodded, her gaze softening. “They were. But look at you now-so grown up and beautiful. I bet the guy you were texting is lucky.”
Morticia shook her head. “Oh, that was Klaus.”
Evie’s smile faltered. “Klaus? As in Klaus Barnard?” she asked, her voice tinged with disbelief. Morticia nodded.
“Wow, that’s unexpected. I never thought my sister would manage to convince him to come,” Evie murmured.
“Well, he’s here,” Morticia replied, pressing her lips together.
“Morty!” Ava called from a distance. “Get over here!”
“I’ll go now,” Morticia said, bowing slightly before leaving. Evie’s smile faded as her gaze shifted to Ava, who cast her a wary look. Evie sighed and turned away.
Inside, Morticia’s face brightened as she admired the design of the living room. It felt more like a grand hall, spacious enough to accommodate everyone.
The tables were set with the finest silverware and porcelain dishes, adorned with elegant floral centerpieces that glowed under the warm light of the chandeliers. The scent of fresh roses mingled with the aroma of gourmet dishes, making the atmosphere both regal and inviting.
“Morty, come here,” Ava called again, gesturing toward a group of women near one of the tables. Ava looked stunning in an emerald-green gown, her auburn hair cascading down her shoulders.
As Morticia weaved through the crowd, her dress fluttered lightly around her. Distracted, she bumped into someone.
“Oh, sorry!” she apologized quickly, looking up at the man who smiled at her. He seemed vaguely familiar.
“No, it’s fine,” he said. But as she moved to leave, he stopped her. “You’re Morticia, right?”
“Huh? Yeah,” Morticia said, giving him a questioning look.
“I’m Gideon-Katie’s son,” he introduced himself.
“Oh… hi. Nice to meet you. How have you been?” Morticia smiled warmly, remembering meeting Gideon once as a child when Katie was still friends with her mother and Josephine.
“I’ve been good. You look stunning, by the way. I almost didn’t recognize you-”
Before he could finish, a tall figure stepped between them, casting a cold glare at Gideon.
“Find someone else to talk to,” Klaus said curtly.
“Klaus?…” Gideon began, but Klaus grabbed Morticia’s hand and led her toward an empty table meant for two.
Klaus, strikingly handsome in his suit, turned heads as they walked. Women gasped, and even Morticia was stunned-it was her first time seeing him dressed so formally. The ring on his lips still gave him a rebellious edge.
Young girls stared openly, while older women whispered, trying to place his identity. Some recognized him as Finn Barnard’s son, but his presence left room for speculation.
Klaus pulled out a chair for Morticia, his gesture making her cheeks flush. Young men who had been eyeing her earlier exchanged disheartened glances.
Klaus took a seat beside her, finally allowing himself to admire her dress.
His tense expression softened, and a small smile appeared. Leaning closer, he whispered, “Damn.”
Morticia chuckled. “How do I look?” she asked playfully.
“Like a girl I should pin beneath me,” he replied, his voice low. Morticia gasped, her eyes darting around nervously, while Klaus smirked.
The ceremony began. Klaus stared at his father, who stood by the decorated altar with a content smile. Their eyes met briefly-Klaus glaring while Finn gave him a small nod of gratitude.
“Tsk… does he think I’m here for him?” Klaus muttered, tapping his fingers on the table.
Katie appeared, radiant in her flowing white wedding gown. As she and Finn exchanged vows, Klaus’s fists clenched on the table.
Why was he even watching this? They could go screw themselves.
Abruptly, he stood, his chair scraping loudly and drawing the attention of the guests, momentarily halting the ceremony.
Locking eyes with his father, Klaus turned and strode out without a word. His sharp gaze caught Evie among the guests, and he scoffed. She’s here too? How messed up.
Morticia quickly stood and followed him outside. Josephine exchanged a worried glance with Ava.
“Klaus!” Morticia called as he headed toward a smaller house behind the mansion.
“Klaus!” she called again, but he didn’t stop until he entered an empty restroom.
His breaths came in gasps as he splashed water on his face.
“Klaus, what’s wrong?” Morticia asked, worried.
“I… I can’t breathe,” he gasped. Morticia was reminded of the night at the bonfire when he had been like this.
Vincent wasn’t here, and Klaus couldn’t fall apart now-not tonight.
“Klaus…”
“Go away… I’ll be fine,” he struggled to say.
Ignoring him, Morticia reached out, cupping his face so he would meet her gaze. He was sweating, his lips parted, and his eyes were beginning to redden.
Without thinking, she stood on her tiptoes and pressed her lips to his.
Klaus’s eyes shut as her warmth enveloped him. For the first time, his body calmed without the help of alcohol.
He kissed her back, holding her waist close. They soon pulled away, Klaus’s eyes remain shut as his breath returned to normal. His forehead rested on hers.
His eyes fluttered opened meeting with hers. “How did you do that?” He let out a soft chuckle.
“I.. I don’t know. I just knew that would help,” she whispered.
“You’re damn right, it did,” he chuckled and kissed her again. “Let’s just stay here, until that bullshit is over,” he said and she nodded.
Valerie stared at the loud building before her. She could see students buzzing around, dressed in their unique outfits.
Rhea.
Her words kept haunting her, chipping away at her sanity.
“To be honest, I’m quite disappointed in you. You’ve always been the type to say whatever is on your mind. If you’re worried about her, why not hear how she feels instead of acting like a coward?” Jace’s words echoed in her head, and she realized that the asshole was right.
She was a coward.
Whatever Rhea said, she was going to take it.
“Do you wanna dance?” Thane asked Rhea, who seemed to have zoned out for a moment.
“Hm?”
“Would you like to dance with me?” Thane repeated.
“Yeah.” Rhea set her drink down and stood to dance, but her eyes immediately spotted Valerie in the crowd, her gaze darting nervously.
“She’s here,” Rhea mumbled, watching as Valerie scanned the crowd until her eyes finally settled on her. Their gazes locked, and slowly, Valerie stepped back, disappearing into the crowd.
“What?” Rhea tried to move, but Thane’s arm was still around her waist.
“Excuse me,” Rhea said, pulling away as she left to follow Valerie.
Valerie stepped outside, the cool breeze hitting her sweaty skin as she leaned against a corner to collect herself. She thought about Thane’s arm around Rhea’s waist. Were they together?
She ran her fingers through her hair, feeling frustrated.
“Valerie.”
She turned to see Rhea approaching her. Clearing her throat, she quickly composed herself.
“Why are you here?” Rhea asked.
Valerie cleared her throat again. “To see you.”
“And then you’re leaving?”
“I thought you were busy. I was going to wait outside until you finished dancing with him,” Valerie replied, looking away. “I’m sorry for avoiding you. That was… terrible of me. I was just trying to figure out something.”
“I thought you didn’t want to be friends,” Rhea interrupted.
“Yeah…” Valerie admitted, and Rhea scoffed. “I wanted to be more than friends,” she confessed, feeling a weight lift off her shoulders.
“Huh? More than friends?” Rhea questioned, confused.
“Yeah, more than friends,” Valerie repeated.
“You mean like… best friends? Like me and Morticia?”
“No,” Valerie sighed, scratching her head. “Not that.”
“Then what?”
Valerie took a deep breath, staring intently at her. She couldn’t believe this was happening, but she had no choice. It was up to Rhea to either accept her or push her away.
Whatever happened, she’d be fine with it.
Closing the distance between them, Valerie raised a hand to Rhea’s face. Rhea froze, unsure of what she was about to do.
In the next moment, their lips collided.