Page 36 of Code of Heart
Aurelia read it in stunned silence.
If she agreed, then in a few short days, she could be married.
Assuming she survived the tidal wave of panic crashing toward her.
CHAPTER 17
Levi
Levi leaned over his tablet, swiping the screen while studying the profile of his match. Everything about her was fascinating…her values, interests, and work history. He was searching for the little details; something useful to know if they chose to move forward.
Then he found one: her favorite color was turquoise.
A grin stretched across his lips.
He was thinking about rings, wanting them to be perfect and something she would cherish for hopefully forever. Levi’s exes had all expected large diamonds and hadn’t been shy about sharing their expectations, even early on in their relationship.
He wanted something non-traditional. Especially after reading how she didn’t like fancy or over-the-top jewelry. His smile broadened as he pictured the design in his mind.
But then he paused, eyes catching a neon yellow piece of paper.
A small handwritten note stuck to the file which said:History of past trauma; sensitive to conflict. Avoidant under pressure. Proceed gently.
Levi’s stomach lurched. The trauma must have been significant to warrant a private note like this.
What did that mean for their relationship? Worry crept in, making him wonder if he could handle someone carrying these kinds of invisible scars.
Levi rubbed his eyes, exhaustion settling in. He was no stranger to pain. Betrayal had left him guarded, too. But as he kept reading, her resilience stood out, and her quiet strength. Whatever happened to her, she had endured.
Levi’s eyes flicked back to the note. An odd wave of protectiveness surged through him. He had never felt that before. And not this fiercely.
While unfamiliar, it told him everything he needed to know.
Leaning back in his chair, he grabbed his phone and typed a text to Estrella.
Levi:I'm in. I want to marry her.
When Estrella replied to confirm her agreement, relief overwhelmed him. He hadn’t realized how afraid of rejection he was until that message came through.
Now, marriage was real. Imminent.
And possibly happening in less than a week.
His lawyer, Mitchell Davis, spoke with her legal team that morning, moving quickly to finalize the prenup. Levi appreciated the efficiency wealth afforded him, but a piece of him was on the verge of screaming toslow down.
The only notable change to the agreement was the clear addition of a clause regarding any current and future inheritances, requiring them to stay separate. It piqued Levi’s curiosity, but he didn’t ask them to elaborate.
Everyone had their secrets.
In Mitchell’s office that afternoon, Levi finally reviewed and signed the document before handing it over. “The terms are fair enough…can’t ask for more than that.”
For the rest of the day, his mind continued to wander to the potential wedding and what his soon-to-be wife had in store for him, until Estrella’s text arrived.
Estrella:Your wedding is scheduled for Friday at 3:00 PM at the Joia City Courthouse. Please arrive by 2:30 PM. Further details will follow.
Levi almost pissed in his pants.
There was no turning back now.
