Page 86 of Adoration: Isn't What It Seems (Love Isn't What It Seems 2)

He returned the squeeze and leaned over to whisper in my ear. “Everything will be fine. I promise.”

I nodded but I was still on the verge of hyperventilating.

“Take a deep breath,” he whispered softly, his composure completely calm. I focused on my breathing and his calmness as we walked into the courtroom, and strangely enough, it helped.

It was my first time in a courthouse, any courthouse. Alexander explained to me as we climbed the stairs that this was the Family Division of High Court based at the Royal Courts of Justice in London.

It was slightly busy, people rushing left and right. Some of them with briefcases or folders in their hands. I felt like I should be rushing too, it might have helped with this anxiety I currently felt. And I brought absolutely nothing with me.

“This is our floor,” Alexander announced. I glanced at him and there wasn’t an ounce of worry on his face.

“Alexander,” I spoke low so Brandon wouldn’t hear me. “I didn't bring any documents.”

“Don’t worry,” his reply was the one of confidence. “My lawyer took care of everything.”

I nodded although it didn’t help my anxiety.

“Mr. Caldwell,” a man in a sharp black business suit interrupted our exchange.

“Mr. Taylor,” Alexander greeted him back, his demeanor calm. “Right on time. This is my wife, Liberty and this is our little boy, Brandon.” My husband’s eyes turned to me. “Liberty, this is our lawyer. He’ll ensure everything is taken care of.”

His lawyer smiled. “Nice to meet you Mrs. Caldwell and you too, Brandon. Not to worry, we’ll have this done in less than ten minutes and you can enjoy your day.”

I glanced confused between the two men. “Really? Is there anything we should worry about.”

His lawyer chuckled.

Alexander answered in his stead. “My lawyer has been working on all the paperwork and evidence we needed over the past week to ensure this goes smoothly.”

I was still confused.What paperwork? And what evidence?Rather than starting a conversation now in the wrong place, I just murmured a quiet, “Thank you.”

The judge entered the room and with Brandon’s hand in mine, we were urged to our spot in front of the room. Brandon was gripping my hand now.

“Miss Smith,” the judge called out.

“Yes?” My voice was trembling and I knew he barely heard me, although the courtroom was enveloped in silence.

“It’s Mrs. Caldwell,” Mr. Taylor injected. “Mrs. Alexander Caldwell.”

The judge raised his brow and shuffled through some paperwork in front of him.

“I see,” the judge commented, looking back up at us. “Congratulations on the marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Caldwell.”

I remained numb, scared to say anything at this point.

“Thank you, Your Honor,” Alexander answered, his tone was almost superior. I had no idea how he managed to keep his calm at this moment. He squeezed my hand in comfort, as if sensing how close I was to losing my shit. “My wife and I are very eager to start our family, starting with Brandon.”

Brandon and I glanced at each other, and I gave him a shaky smile that I hoped was somewhat reassuring. He looked pale and I was sure that I didn’t look much better. I had no idea where Alexander was going with this. Or how this would go.

“The wedding happened suddenly?” the judge asked.

“My wife and I had started a relationship two months ago when she started working for me.” Alexander’s commanding presence had everyone focused on him, and nobody dared to question his word.

Well, he didn’t say what kind of relationship so technically he’s not lying.

“If two months is sudden, then yes, the wedding happened suddenly,” he concluded.

“I want to make sure you are not making a farce,” the judge commented.

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