Husband With Benefits-Chapter 537: Marriage

Autumn stood outside the civil services bureau with a frown on her face, clutching her identification documents tightly to her chest. Pierce had not contacted her all weekend, even after she had left him messages regarding the burglary. The only reply she had received was that he was busy and she should meet him outside the courthouse today. What was he so busy with?

She knew of course his extended family was over for a visit but did he not know that the police would not be helpful to her? Thankfully, Gabe Frost had been with her. If he had not insisted on sending her home and then escorting her, she would have come to a burgled home the next morning or worse reached like she had in the middle of the robbery and been unable to handle him. She’d never been more grateful for someone’s insistence on supporting her. Gabe Frost had turned out to be like an angel. Just like his name.

With his intimidating presence, those officers had not dared to say or do anything unethical after the taunting at her home. It was a relief, to say the least. They had taken down her statement and his. Assured him that they would make sure that the man didn’t escape. And even promised to send a patrol car at regular intervals to make sure something like that did not happen again. It had been a long while since she had felt that safe. She had not felt that even with Pierce!

She felt bad for thinking about Pierce like this. But then thought about it. Maybe it was because Pierce was young like her that he had not yet cultivated that sort of a persona. Gabe Frost was a man with self assurance. His age and world experience made him an expert in handling people so it was wrong to compare the two when Pierce had only grown up here, pampered and doted on by his parents.

Shaking her head at the trajectory of her thoughts, she smoothed down her simple white sheath dress and sighed. Where was Pierce now? Was he going to be late today as well? She’d already taken the application form like he’d asked but... she had not been able to fill it. He should fill it... She was simply too nervous about everything. For once, she wanted to lean on someone else, instead of trying to do it herself. Just for this. This wedding.

The Wedding...And this was another thought that scared her. Until now, she had been able to hide her secret from Pierce... about her fear of intimacy. She’d always claimed that they would go all the way only after they were married. But today when they were wedded, she didn’t know if she would be able to overcome her fear. He’d been so patient until now. Would he continue to be patient once he discovered this fear? Would he understand? ƒreeωebnovel.ƈom

It wasn’t like she didn’t want to be close to him. She liked being in his arms. She liked his kisses. She even liked it when his hands caressed her body... and she liked touching him... It was only when they usually started to get rid of their clothes that the scary thoughts started to intrude. Autumn shuddered. No. She wouldn’t think about such things anymore. She would give herself to him whole heartedly. And if she felt fear, she would simply hide it. They were going to be a family after all.

A glance at her watch told her that another thirty minutes had passed and she couldn’t help but frown. It seemed Bianca was late as well. She tried to curb her irritation. She should have been used to it by now. These two people could never be on time. But that didn’t mean that she wanted them to be late today as well. It was Pierce’s idea to elope. And Bianca’s idea for her to dress up in white.

And yet, here she was. She could feel the gazes of the people as they passed her by. Thankfully, the courthouse was a bit further from the town. Or else, she would have already met a few of those taunting faces.

At least with this marriage, she would have more leverage to argue her case and try and win the kiddo’s custody. The lawyer had assured her that since the girl had been in her care since their mother’s passing away, the court would naturally favour her. But it would be good to have reassurance. Fingers crossed, she would be able to win her and save her from everything.

Picking up her phone, she called Pierce again, only for it to remain unanswered. Next, she tried Bianca, but her phone was switched off. She felt her stomach clench and wondered if she should go and grab something to eat. She had not eaten anything since the morning and it wouldn’t be good if a repeat of what had happened that night happened again. But what if Pierce came here and she was gone? What if thought that she had not waited for him. What if something had gone wrong?

As all sorts of ’what if’ questions hounded her, Autumn wondered if she should go back and look for Pierce. Gosh! It was such a mess. Finally, she closed her eyes and calmed herself. She would wait here for some more time before going back.

Just then, she received a call. Eagerly, she took out her phone. He must be calling her to let her know that he was late. However, it wasn’t Pierce who called but her lawyer..

Apprehensive, she answered the call as the man on the other side told her," Autumn. I have some bad news. He has sued you."

Autumn felt the world go still. " What do you mean he has sued me? Has he filed for custody?"

"Not just that. He is claiming that you’ve kept his daughter from him illegally... That means, he is trying to charge you criminally as well. This is much more complicated than I can handle. You better start looking for a new experienced lawyer as soon as possible. I am sorry."