CHAPTER 7: WEDDING NIGHT I
Diana tried to clear her throat so she could speak—only to choke on her own spit. She coughed violently, her eyes turning red from the force.
James immediately stepped behind her, his large palms patting her back gently. He frowned slightly, wondering why she choked so suddenly. He was only teasing her when he mentioned taking her to their bedroom. He didn't mean it to sound suggestive. was she really that nervous?
Diana, on the other hand, was struggling with more than just the coughing. The warmth of his hand against her back sent a strange heat through her body, and she hated how aware she was of his touch. It was ridiculous. How was she supposed to live under the same roof with him?
James led her to the sofa and grabbed a bottle of water, twisting off the cap before handing it to her. "Drink," he ordered gently.
Diana took small sips, willing herself to calm down.
"You okay?" James asked, his voice laced with concern. "Do you need anything else?"
"I'm fine," she replied, clearing her throat carefully this time. "Just got a little choked up for a moment."
James narrowed his eyes. "A little, huh? You were coughing like you were trying to exorcise a demon. From now on, just talk without clearing your throat."
Diana: …!
"And what was it you were going to say earlier?" he prompted.
Diana hesitated before responding, "I thought I was getting my own room?"
James leaned back against the table, crossing his arms. "And why would you think that? We're married. Married people share a room, isn't that right?"
Diana bit her lip. "Well… what if I get pregnant in the future—"
James choked.
Diana immediately shut her mouth, her eyes widening. Oh no.
James coughed into his fist, trying to process what he just heard. Meanwhile, Diana, drowning in embarrassment, quickly shoved the water bottle into his hands. "Here. You'll need this."
James took the bottle but stared at her with an unreadable expression. Then he smirked. "So… how exactly do you plan to get pregnant if we don't share a room?"
Diana's entire body froze. Oh. My. God. She had just dug her own grave.
Her mouth opened and closed like a fish before she clamped it shut. Nope. Not saying another word.
James chuckled at her panicked silence. "Come on," he said, grabbing her hand and pulling her up.
Diana followed him as he led her into the bedroom. The moment she stepped inside, she took in the masculine decor—grey and black tones, sleek furniture, and a massive bed in the corner. It was at least twice the size of her old room, plus an extra half of Rebecca's.
The bed had a luxurious sofa opposite it, with a TV mounted directly on the wall. A spacious walk-in closet stood in one corner.
She glanced around. "Where are my things?"
James motioned toward the closet. "Check inside."
Diana walked over, opening the door to find her clothes neatly arranged on one side. She turned to the other side and saw his belongings perfectly in place.
"If you're looking for your shoes, they're in the last drawer," James added.
"Okay." She nodded, still taking in everything.
"If anything isn't to your taste, you can change it," he continued.
Diana looked over her shoulder, raising an eyebrow. "Even the color of the room?"
James went quiet for a moment, as if actually considering it. Then he said, "As long as it's not pink, green, or yellow."
Diana burst into laughter. "Damn, those are all glaring colors!"
James found himself smiling. "Majority of girls love those."
"Well, not this girl," she said, pointing at herself. "And honestly, I think I can live with this decor. At least my presence will make it less depressing."
James smirked. "I can't wait."
The moment the words left his lips, Diana realized how… suggestive her own statement had sounded.
Her eyes widened. "I—!"
Before she could make things worse, she bolted into the bathroom and slammed the door shut.
James stared at the closed door, amusement dancing in his eyes. He walked over and knocked gently. "Diana, are you okay?"
Silence.
He chuckled softly before adding, "I'll send the maids to bring you something to eat. Take your time."
A small, barely audible "Okay" came from the other side.
James smiled and left.
Diana sighed, looking around the massive bathroom. It was nearly twice the size of her old bedroom and smelled like a mix of expensive cologne, wood, and spice.
The bathroom had everything—a black sunken tub with whirlpool jets, gold fixtures, a Jacuzzi, and a massive walk-in shower. The sleek black and grey tiles gave the whole place a luxurious, masculine feel. White towels and plush robes hung neatly by the shower, alongside equipment she didn't even know the names of.
"What's the point of having so many things in one bathroom?" she muttered to herself. Well, she'd probably find out soon enough.
After freshening up, she grabbed one of his body washes—since hers wasn't unpacked yet—then changed into something comfortable before stepping out.
As soon as she entered the room, her eyes landed on a tray of delicious food set up on a small table.
Her stomach grumbled.
Did he order this for me?
She walked over, sat down, and started eating. As she ate, she wondered if James had eaten yet… and where the hell he was.
Once she was done, she pressed a button by the bedside. A maid entered shortly after.
Diana smiled warmly. "Thank you for the food."
The maid blinked in surprise before returning the smile. "You're welcome, ma'am."
As the maid gathered the empty dishes, Diana asked, "Where's James? Has he eaten?"
"Your husband is in his study, ma'am," the maid replied. "And no, he hasn't had dinner yet."
Diana frowned slightly. "He should eat something," she mumbled.
The maid gave a small nod before leaving.
Diana decided to wait for James. There were things she needed to talk to him about anyway. In the meantime, she grabbed her phone and started responding to messages.
Her parents had texted, asking how she was settling in. Her brothers had sent a dramatic "If you need rescuing, just say the word, and we'll come get you."
But it was her sister Phoebe's message that made her burst into laughter.
"Dear Diana, who knew your husband would be so manly and beautiful at the same time? He's exactly my dream man! Don't worry, I won't snatch him away, but if you don't hold him tight, I think Rebecca just might."
Phoebe even attached a sticker of a doll laughing hysterically with its arms folded.
Diana snorted and replied, "Thanks, sis. I'll be sure to hold him tight."
After finishing her chats, she turned off her phone and yawned.
James was taking too long.
She curled up on the sofa, intending to stay awake, but sleep quickly crept in.
Just as her eyes fluttered shut, she heard the door open.
She immediately sat up.