Page 153 of My Ruthless Husband

“I do.”

“But how? How did you manage to buy something so incredible?”

“I didn’t leave the previous owner much of a choice.”

I turn my head to look at him, my mouth falling open in shock. His words send a chill down my spine. Damian meets my startled gaze with an unsettling calm as if he’s simply stating a fact. “Let’s go.”

He steps out of the car, then clasping my hand, he helps me out.

Hal emerges from the passenger side, his demeanor all business. He immediately begins issuing commands to the men who traveled in the cars behind us.

We stand in the middle of nowhere, I last saw a town hours ago and the nearest village is also several miles away yet Hal’s behaving as if we’re in the middle of a warzone.

Damian begins leading me with his hand still clasping mine. Totally fascinated, my head keeps straining in every direction to take in the castle.

As we reach the entrance, an old man dressed in a classic black suit, crisp white shirt, and a bow tie steps forward. He looks impeccably sophisticated with neatly combed silver hair and a well-groomed mustache.

“Welcome back, sir,” he says, his Scottish accent strong.

“This is Archibald, my butler, and Morag, the housekeeper,” Damian introduces.

Beside Archibald stands the housekeeper, Morag in her late fifties with warm hazel eyes and a welcoming smile. Her grayhair is pulled back into a neat bun, and she’s dressed in a modest yet stylish navy dress adorned with an apron. “It’s a pleasure to see ye, sir,” she adds, her tone respectful as her gaze shifts to me. “And this must be Mrs. Montgomery. We’re delighted to welcome ye to the Valewood castle.”

“Thank you.” I manage to say while trying hard not to blush so much. I still can’t believe I’m Mrs. Montgomery.

Behind them, a line of maids and manservants stand in orderly rows. The youngest maid, her cheeks flushed with excitement, glances at me and gives a shy smile. I smile back.

They lead us inside, where the grand hall awaits. The space is breathtaking. The interior had been modernized but not entirely. The high ceilings are adorned with intricate work, while large windows bathe the area in natural light, illuminating the magnificent marble floors. A massive fireplace dominates one wall, framed by stunning tapestries. Antique furnishings are tastefully arranged.

“Get some rest. Morag will take you upstairs,” Damian commands, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Morag steps forward. “If ye would follow me, Mrs. Montgomery. Your room has been prepared, and I trust it will meet yer expectations.”

As she leads me away, I glance back at Damian, hoping for a glimpse of warmth in his expression. But his focus remains distant as he converses quietly with Archibald.

The stairs are a sight to behold—wide and sweeping, made entirely of gleaming white marble that glints under the light from the chandeliers above. The handrails are wrought iron, intricately designed, winding elegantly upward toward the second floor.

Morag guides me down a long passageway, her soft footsteps nearly silent against the thick carpeting. “This way, Mrs. Montgomery,” she says, her voice gentle.

At the end of the hall, we stop in front of a tall, carved door, the intricate patterns etched deep into the frame.

Morag opens it. “Yer room,” she says, stepping aside to allow me to enter.

I step inside, and a rush of awe washes over me. The bedroom is so big and beautiful. The marble theme continues with the floors, smooth and white while the polished mahogany furniture adds a touch of rich warmth to the space. In the center stands a massive four-poster bed, draped in deep, royal blue silk. It looks like something out of a dream.

Morag gestures to a side door. “The bathroom is through there.”

The bathroom is nothing short of a masterpiece. The highlight is the large soaking tub, positioned right by a window that offers a view of the vast grounds below. The shower is sleek and modern, with rainfall features, and the gold fixtures gleam under the soft lighting.

I thank Morag. She informs me about the dinner time before leaving. Then I allow myself to indulge in a long, luxurious bath, letting the warmth ease away the exhaustion of the day.

When I finally step out, wrapped in a towel, I notice my clothes have already been neatly unpacked and hung in the spacious wardrobe. But I had packed light so the full wardrobe takes me by surprise.

I open one of the drawers to find delicate new silk lingerie, which makes me flush. The realization that tonight is our first night together as husband and wife, makes me red all over.

Well, technically our first night was spent on the jet. But tonight, I get to be with him.

I move to the gowns Damian had somehow managed to arrange for me. My hands run over the delicate fabrics, feeling the smoothness of silk, the richness of velvet. I take a moment, fingers lingering on a soft champagne-colored gown. Perfect.

---